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Home: Video University Forums: Canon All Camcorders:
LANC Problem :RESOLVED!

Kenzilla
Novice

Sep 11, 2005, 1:01 PM

Post #1 of 9 (1443 views)
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LANC Problem :RESOLVED!	Can't Post

Hi all,

I recently obtained a Varizoom VZ-Pro-L controller off eBay and when I plug it in to the LANC connection on my XL1s, it doesn't work.

This seems to be pretty straight forward, no switches, no menu programming, no batteries.

I contacted the seller and he's will to work with me and if in fact the device is not working he will give me a refund.

But I'd like to have this device. I need to test it on another camera so I may go to Best Buy or Circuit City and see if they have a model that has a LANC connection just to see if the problem is with the VZ-Pro-L.

Everything else works on this camera, it was in mint condition when I got it.

Any thoughts, ideas about what might be the problem?

Ken

(This post was edited by Kenzilla on Sep 20, 2005, 2:27 PM)

Waldemar
Enthusiast

Sep 12, 2005, 6:32 PM

Post #2 of 9 (1419 views)
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Re: [Kenzilla] LANC Problem? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Is is possible the Vari-Zoom you received was made for a control protocol different than LANC? Was it made for a Panasonic camera, for example? I believe they use a different control protocol.
G5 1.8. Final Cut/QT Pro/iMovie/Still Life. GL1. XL1-s

Kenzilla
Novice

Sep 12, 2005, 8:32 PM

Post #3 of 9 (1418 views)
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Re: [Waldemar] LANC Problem? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I will check with the seller but it was my impression that LANC was a standard therefor it would work the same on any camera with a LANC port but I will check it out.

Thanks for your response,

Kne

vidguyz
User

Sep 15, 2005, 11:14 PM

Post #4 of 9 (1397 views)
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Re: [Kenzilla] LANC Problem? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I purchased one for my GL2 and it seems to work fine, but as Waldemar said and as I recall hearing from one of their reps ... there are some issues with cross-camera workability. Call the manufacturer and find out.

Also, check another LANC device to see if it works on your XL .. maybe you have a LANC issue.

Kenzilla
Novice

Sep 16, 2005, 12:08 AM

Post #5 of 9 (1396 views)
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Re: [vidguyz] LANC Problem? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I know the seller had an XL1 so it should work on an XL1s.

I contacted Varizoom and here's the reply;

"
I'm assuming you tried several times to plug it in, turned the camera on and off, etc.
If you get no LED and nothing happens, either the control board is dead (in which case it can't be fixed), or the connector cable needs to be replaced. It's possible the unit is under warranty (2 years), so the original buyer may want to contact us about that."

Going to contact the seller and see how long he had it.

Also, going to try to find another camera with a LANC port.

Ken

vidguyz
User

Sep 16, 2005, 12:30 AM

Post #6 of 9 (1387 views)
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Re: [Kenzilla] LANC Problem? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Tough call on what you want to do first ... just turn it back to the original owner and get your refund or try to isolate the problem yourself.

Know any good electronics techs that can check the boards inputs and outputs ? That might be a quick solution.

Myself - I'd probably take advantage of the refund offer before it goes away .. but that's me.

Good luck either way - retain this thread and let us other camera users know how it all worked out.

Vidguyz

Kenzilla
Novice

Sep 16, 2005, 1:00 PM

Post #7 of 9 (1370 views)
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Re: [vidguyz] LANC Problem? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yeah, I think I'm just going to send it back. I tried calling around to Circuit City etc., to see if they have any cameras with LANC ports and I bet you can guess what kind of info I got over the phone...."A what???". And I'm not going to drive all over town just to try and find one. So back it goes, shame really it was a good price..

Ken

vidguyz
User

Sep 16, 2005, 4:26 PM

Post #8 of 9 (1358 views)
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Re: [Kenzilla] LANC Problem? [In reply to]	Can't Post

".....shame, it was a really good price".

Yea, almost too good to be true, eh ?

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt until I washed it one time (LOL).

Hope you find a good one at a good price soon enough, good luck.

Kenzilla
Novice

Sep 20, 2005, 2:30 PM

Post #9 of 9 (1322 views)
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Re: [vidguyz] LANC Problem? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Update: The seller was willing to take the device back and refund my money but before I did that I want to be sure just what the problem was so I took the device to Best Buy and found three cameras with LANC ports, tried the device with all three and it worked fine! So the problem is with my camera.

I was really impressed with the way the device worked, variable speed zoom, focus etc.

So, that one is solved, now I just have to get up the nerve to send my camera in for service....

Ken