T3D Re: Diodes in joined cable releases

[roberts@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (John W Roberts)]

>Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 19:08:40 -0600
>From: "Dr. George A. Themelis" <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: T3D Diodes in joined cable releases

>I am forwarding this question from Al Sieg:

>>I shoot a lot with two SLR's using a cable realse that has been
>>modified to provide a contact with both cameras.  Once in a while strange
>>things happen when using this method.  I was told that I should put a diode in
>>the circuit to prevent cross talk.  Do you have information about this or can
>>you lead me to the right source?  Thanks for any help you can give.

>Any help will be appreciated!

My setup works fine without diodes. However, if the film is advanced in
the cameras, either camera being turned off will cause the other one to
fire. My usual solution is to disconnect the circuit between the two cameras
when turning them on or off.

If you leave both cameras turned on for long periods of time, and the two
batteries are not well matched, there *might* be a current flow between
the two cameras, which *might* be a problem. I always replace both batteries
together, and avoid storing the cameras connected together and turned on.
Being connected for a day of shooting seems to cause no problem, even without
diodes.

John R


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