I’ve seen fairly a number of posts on boards lately about SDI failures. It is very important know why they occur and what you are able to do to keep away from them. I’ve beforehand written posts about this, however the extra details about this situation that’s on the market, the higher.
SDI enter and output failures can occur to all sorts of video gear, cameras, recorders, and displays. Some failures are brought on by ESD (electrostatic discharge). This may occur when energy and SDI cables are connected within the mistaken order, or when connecting lengthy cables (better than 10 meters / 30 toes).
Below sure circumstances, the SDI outputs of cameras might be broken via an influence surge. So how do you keep away from this from taking place? Nicely, one of the best observe is to attach the ability and BNC cables in a selected order and to additionally use shielded energy cables and high-quality undamaged BNC cables. Should you actually don’t wish to be that one who is screaming as a result of their SDI port simply acquired fried, then watch out what SDI cables you purchase. Shopping for a generic model on Amazon would possibly prevent a couple of bucks, however if you’re utilizing costly digital cinema cameras or different gear is it actually well worth the danger?
SDI outputs on cameras can get broken when an adjunct is related to the SDI output and is powered via an unshielded cable. All cameras, and different SDI gadgets, regardless of who makes them, might be affected by this. This downside is much more prevalent with cameras that function SDI connections able to SDI 6G or greater. It doesn’t matter even in case you solely ever use them at decrease bit charges like SDI 1.5G.
So why does the harm happen? Harm to an SDI connection can happen when connecting an unshielded energy cable to an adjunct that’s already related to the SDI output of the digital camera. If the plus pin is contacted earlier than the detrimental pin, the BNC cable will shut the present circuit leading to deadly harm to the included SDI driver chip as a result of it isn’t designed to deal with such excessive currents. Conversely, this downside may happen when disconnecting an unshielded energy cable of an adjunct that’s nonetheless related to the SDI output of the digital camera. Once more, and I can’t stress this sufficient, don’t use broken or low-quality BNC cables since you are enjoying with hearth.
The very best behavior to get into is to observe the next:
- When you’re establishing your gear ALWAYS join the ability cable to your accent first after which the SDI cable earlier than powering on the digital camera
- After getting completed utilizing your gear, ALWAYS take away the SDI cable first after which the ability cable
If you wish to go a step additional with safety you may also purchase an SDI Isolator Cable, nevertheless, the caveat with any SDI isolator is that it will possibly cut back sign high quality in addition to prohibit the utmost size of the cable you should use.
One of many different objects to be very cautious of is D-Faucet/P-Faucet connectors. As a result of these are made out of plastic they don’t have any shielding. If you’re going to use a D-Faucet/P-Faucet it is best to observe the identical practices which are talked about above.
If you’re going to use D-tap connectors I extremely suggest putting in Lentequip SafeTap Connectors. What Lentequip has executed is incorporate gear safety with patented expertise right into a P-tap connector. What this does is present built-in intelligence displays that search for reverse polarity, over/beneath voltage, and brief circuits, in addition to stopping battery deep discharge.
What about when utilizing lengthy SDI cables?
Convergent Design additionally issued some good recommendation lately if you’re going to be utilizing SDI cables which have a better size than 10 meters / 30 toes. This was in direct response to some customers having SDI points with their Odyssey monitor/recorders. The best choice is to most likely join a 75 Ohm terminator to the top of the SDI cable the place different gear is connected (this is able to additionally require a female-to-female BNC coupler). You’ll be able to then join the far finish of the SDI cable to the digital camera. The ultimate step could be to take away the 75-ohm terminator and coupler and plug the SDI cable into the connected accent or gadget. The 75-ohm terminator will successfully discharge static electrical energy built-up throughout the SDI cable.
It’s good to see corporations resembling Convergent Design nonetheless providing recommendation and repair for merchandise which have been discontinued for a few years.
