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Blocktek

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    Novato, CA
  • About

    I've worked in the San Francisco Bay Area as a freelance Video/Audio Technician since 1991, and have traveled extensively around the globe, providing audio and video technical support for thousands of broadcast, corporate, commercial, sports, music, documentary, and travel productions. I've worked as Digital Imaging Technician (D.I.T.) on many high definition television productions, for clients ranging from Google, Microsoft and Cisco Systems to NBC, PBS, and American Zoetrope.

    I'm very knowledgeable about and confident working with all makes and models of broadcast-quality and prosumer high definition television equipment, and am skilled in multiple camera shading and engineering. In addition, I am experienced in documentary style and field production audio mixing, and own a complete location audio package. I'm an all around “left-brainer,” comfortable with supporting, troubleshooting, and repairing equipment in the field.
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  1. Denecke did make a brief venture into the world of app-connected remote-synced slates with the TS-TCB. I have one that I bought in 2016. It was a joint venture with Timecode Systems, and syncs with their UltraSync One sync boxes (now made by Atomos). I loved the promise of the workflow - I had hoped to be able to set the Scene/Take info on my Sound Devices mixer, and have that mirror on the slate. At best, I was able to change the display from my iPhone or iPad using MovieSlate, but it was always too time consuming and kludgey. It would also all stop working every time Apple upgraded their OS, and I would have to spend way too much time troubleshooting. 99% of my work is done in Time of Day freerun mode, so jamming usually makes more sense than dealing with syncing all of the devices via RF. I ultimately had Tap Plastics make me a piece of acrylic to cover the extra display on the slate that I can write the missing info on. I recently bought a used TS-3, and haven't pulled out the TS-TCB since.
  2. Tim, Do you know the trick of sending TC to the SYNC output? When you do that you have the ability to boost the output level (O/P). I’ve used that in a few situations where certain cameras or recorders wouldn’t lock to code. I wonder if that might help you? Louis
  3. Hey Phil! I have a couple of the "UltraSync One" boxes that were made by Timecode Systems before they were acquired by Atomos. The design doesn't seem to have changed at all. I've always found them easy to use and reliable. Although I rarely use the functionality, they'll talk to each other via RF, as well as with my (now discontinued) Denecke TS-TCB slate. I almost always simply jam them and go, though. I really like their OLED displays and the ability to send sync as well as TC. My only complaint is that there is virtually no way to attach them via velcro without also purchasing their silicon sleeves. And even then, the velcro plates have started to pull away over time. I've recently started supplementing them with Deity TC-1s. As I said, I very rarely use the RF sync capability, and I find the Deity's build quality just a little nicer (and the velcro mount works much better also). Also, I've had to replace the mini DIN adapter cables several times, and they're never easy to find in a pinch. The Deity TC-1's use a more standard locking 3.5mm mini connector. Best not talk to about Deity's customer support, though I haven't needed to try to contact Atomos for these legacy products either. I haven't used any of the Atomos Bluetooth enabled UltraSyncs. Louis
  4. Evidently, these are no longer being produced. The machinist that they were using has retired. I recently purchased a used TS-3, and would love to put a handle on it. I've had one on order at Trew for a couple of months now, but I suspect they won't be able to rustle one up. Do any of you have a spare, or know of someone that still has stock? Thanks! Louis
  5. I’ve only ever gotten replacement of my mics and adapters, never repair. It does seem that Deity, as a company, is not actually located in the US, which may have something to do with their inability to respond quickly. Their US offices may only handle sales and distribution. This is all only conjecture.
  6. Unfortunately, this has been my experience with Deity support in the US up to this point. Every interaction I've had with them has taken months to resolve. Hopefully their service will improve. I own 6 of their lavalier mics and associated microdot connectors, and 3 TC-1's. I'll stick with my Denecke slates until I know I can get reliable service.
  7. It's been a month now since I first emailed Deity for a source of replacement windscreens. I received one response on October 4 asking for my contact info "...before we get you over to our Small Parts and Replacement Department", but silence ever since. Deity’s slow customer support response is the main reason I still hesitate to replace my gear with their equipment. The windscreens supplied with the mics are pretty simple foam-only "pellets." That's why they're so easily lost. I can't imagine paying more than a few dollars apiece for them. The COS11 windscreens I've been able to find (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/350622-REG/Sanken_FW_11BK_Foam_Windscreen_for_Sanken.html) seem much too expensive at $75 for 10.
  8. Can anyone here point me to a source for replacement foam windscreens for Deity's w.lav Pro and w.lav Micro? I keep losing the damn things, and attempts to find replacements online have resulted in a lot of oversized windscreens. Deity send me a few the last time I asked, but have so far been unresponsive to my emails and support requests. Thanks! Louis
  9. I decided to test the Eneloop Pros based on an anecdotal recommendation from Gerald Weesner at Lectrosonics. After a weeklong studio gig, my cart was littered with spent Energizer Lithium batteries at $3.00 each. On this job, I was able to pass that cost on to the client, but that isn’t always the case. For studio/stage gigs, the Eneloops will suffice. I’ll have to default to the disposable lithiums for any kind of live or documentary work. I’m still surprised by the lack of battery innovation in the prosumer market, consider the recent advances in car and energy grid solutions. Also, that I have to resort to a “best guess” estimate for transmitter life on set, rather than having a truly accurate meter representation. Even the lithium batteries “lie” on the SRc battery life display; one minute they show 50%, the next they’re at 100%. Louis
  10. Yes. I recorded tone with record run TC and checked the file for when the tone stops. On the NiMH, that was confirmed by the timer on the SRc. And I just tested a second Eneloop Pro fresh off the charger and got the same time, within a minute. Louis
  11. A little late to the party, but I just tested 1x Energizer Lithium vs Eneloop Pro AA in my SMWB. Results: Eneloop Pro: 03:42:30 Energizer Lithium: 05:39:00
  12. Use the DA5 adapter for older Lectro 400 (non servo). Use the DA5S adapter for either either older or newer mics.
  13. Thanks, Vincent. I received word this morning that a new unit will be shipped to me from China. Like I said, Deity Support always eventually makes good, but I wish the process were quicker/smoother. I'm interested to hear what experiences are like with the TC-SL1.
  14. Well, looks like I was just approved. As of this morning, though, it was still pending. I’ve bought 3 w.lav micro lavaliers directly from Deity, aside from my first, which I ordered from B&H (after Deity lost my order). The mics are covered by a 1.5 year warranty, so of course, I’m looking to them for support.
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