Camera Cable Support

[zelonisv_bob]

Last winter, during very cold weather cables stiffened, and when slewing or when a wind blew, I had intermittent disconnects between my camera and its tiny USB plug.  To prevent this from happening, I rigged a simple-to-make clamp that attaches to the bottom of the camera and uses a clothespin to hold the camera cable.  The linked photo shows that the clamp consists of a thin piece of wood cut from a common paint stirring stick and a clothespin with one of its legs glued to the stick.  A one-quarter inch hole is drilled through the stick so that a 1/4-20 machine screw of any style can hold the rig to the bottom of the camera.  https://www.dropbox.com/s/l55jfp8k8a3q9v3/Camera%20Cable%20Support.JPG?dl=0

 

Bob Z.

[zelonisv_bob]

Thanks for bringing that web site to my attention.  I believe that my solution is more rigid.

[dts350z]

I'm sure it is.

 

Another thing I have found is that bending (proceed at your own risk!) the shield on the bottom of the cable camera usb end out a little helps it make a more reliable mechanical and therefore electrical connection.

[s3igell]

Here's another option to Protect your DSLR's USB I/O Port:

550D Astro Camera by s3ig3ll, on Flickr

 

Invest in a 6in "Right-Angle USB2 Extension Cable".  This "Pigtail" can be securely strapped to the Camera Strap Hook just above the I/O Ports Panel, for No-Stress on the delicate USB2-Mini Port.  Or to your Wooden Tripod Base Extension.

 

Amazon (et al) have them available in whichever set of Ends is best for your Configuration - $3-5.

 

I choose a Male-A USB2 for the Connector-End, as I can then attach to my 10ft USB2 Cables OR to my USB2 30ft Active Extension Cable (depending on whether I'm Imaging In-the-Field or from my Backyard Pier).

 

Do ensure that you choose the proper "Left-Hand" or "Right-Hand" Right-Angle Elbow for your Camera (my 550D - pictured here - takes the opposite of my 60D).

[s3igell]

And yes, that's a Red Screen for the Camera LCD (even Lowest Menu Setting is Too Bright).

And you've probably noticed the "Black-out" for the Viewfinder (one less potential Light Leak).

[admin]

Cool

[dts350z]

Awesome.

 

FYI there is a commercial solution as well, and they also have a solution for the laptop end of the camera:

 

https://www.tethertools.com/product/jerkstopper-tethering-kit/

 

poke around the web site for other stuff (cables and other "jerk stop" solutions). 

[zelonisv_bob]

s3igell (Gary?), I like both of your ideas, particularly the red filter over the LCD screen and the "blackout curtain" over the viewfinder.  I'll implement those soon.

 

Bob Z.