Split cable for power and tethering?
Is it possible to use one of the Y-cables to both power the iPad and tether a camera? Most I see are to power iPhones and use headphones at the same time. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
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Don't have a firm answer for you but my initial thought is, probably not. It's just a finicky interface especially when tethering. I WILL say that tethering the iPad to my Sony mirrorless is fantastic but if I'm shooting tethered/architecture. After about 2 hours of shooting I'm down 50% on the battery, and that's without doing any image manipulation. I turn off all other apps and enable airplane mode and still it sucks battery power.
I have a few full day architectural shoots coming up and I'll have to pony up for the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro @ $300. It's not as convenient as my Logitech keyboard, but with the pass thru USB-C power port, the Magic Keyboard would keep me running as long as I have an external battery.
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Addendum... Maybe someday, apple will add a second 'pass-thru' usb-c port natively to the iPad Pro. I'd buy that in a heartbeat.
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Thanks Chris! Yes the keyboard is an option too, but I use my iPad on a stand that won't take the keyboard. I'll try one of these cheap cables from Amazon and see how it goes.
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Hello Jeffrey: I actually clamp my iPad to my tripod using a Bogen Magic Arm, 2 super clamps and a Ram x-grip tablet mount. The mount is not photo-centric, so it’s quite reasonable in cost (and secure). Have yet to try but I’m virtually certain I will be able to secure the apple keyboard to my Ram mount.
Thanks for the reply
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Hey if you can remember, let us know if the USB-C splitter cable works!
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Hello again: Sorry for my constant disconnected replies! My ADD is rearing its ugly head.
Another suggestion. I mentioned in a previous reply my using the ram mount universal x grip ii tablet holder. If you search and go to the images tab, you’ll see lots of versions of this mount. It is a lot more inexpensive than the photo-centric mounts. If you go to their site https://rammount.com/, you’ll see more options and they have great tech support.
I jury-rigged mine as discussed previously. Am virtually certain that you could rig one to work with your stand, c-stand, light stand etc. Because of the way the x grip functions, It would work with the Apple keyboard as it does with my Logitech keyboard. I’d just plan to place an external power brick into a small pouch and hang it below the iPad/tablet mount setup.
Just a thought.
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Hey, you’re going to fricking love this!!!! And pardon my messy desktop. Did a quick test.
$22 Splitter cable allows pass-thru power to a battery and tethering from C1Pro/iPad to my Sony A7RIII.
Here’s the link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X41Q1ZN?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details and the exact name of this stunning cable. USB C Splitter, ZOOAUX Dual USB C Headphone and Charger Adapter,2-in-1 Type C Audio Dongle Cable.
High quality cable. Braided cords, metal ends, with a protective plastic end cap on the USB-C Male end. THIS IS A GAME CHANGER FOR MY TETHERING NEEDS, WITHOUT THE LIMITED POWER ISSUE!
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Wow, thanks Chris! That was the one I was looking at, so glad to hear it works. I'll grab one!
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I don’t know if there are other cable options out there. I gambled, asked in the Amazon reviews area and one replied saying it did work. I was skeptical because the data connection is supposed to be for audio only. Note the headphone graphic on the end of the data cable. I’m so excited I just purchased a second cable, should this company either go out of business, or sell out of the cables.
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Addendum: I’m still not sure why it works. The tether cable I purchased has some kind of integrated booster module in-line on the cable. When connected to power, a small blue light illuminates, signifying the cable has power. It’s not a tether tools cable (my normal brand), and it‘s not cheap (but very well built). IF your tether cable doesn’t cut it, try this one made by
IQwire
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BR4L15D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Just confirming, Today I took delivery today of a second (backup) dongle from ZooAUX. I tested it with my older and less costly TetherTools USB-C cable and all functioned as expected. No change in performance between the TetherTools and IQwire cable.
Thanks.
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So does this dongle really work for tethering and charging simultaneously?? Did you encounter any hick-ups after a few months of usage? Is there any reason to think it wont work with my gfx 50sII, which connect in USB-C?
Thanks for the info!
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I’ve yet to have any issues. IF your Fuji tether is USB-C, I think it should work. And no I’ve yet to have any data drops. I just started shooting with an A7R5, still no issues. I’m guessing the bandwidth requirements of the Sony full-rez raw file is not much less than your Fuji?
And look at it this way, it’s so cheap if it doesn’t work for you, you didn’t loose lots of $$. Added benefit, the dongle’s build quality is just amazing for the price.
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Addendum; I’ve been up and back on this thread with Jeffrey https://www.jeffreytotaro.com/ and Jeff commented he’s going to/did purchase this dongle. I’m guessing given what he shoots, he might even be medium format? Contact him on his site for additional thoughts.
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Thanks for the info Chris. I'll give it a try!
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Hi All: I did purchase this dongle/splitter and I gave it a test and it works well. I haven't done a full shoot with it yet, but I assume it would be fine. Happy to hear anyone else's experiences too. Thanks!
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Thanks for the info Jeffrey. So no over-heating? and with which camera did you test it, if it is not too much to ask? I work with a GFX, and don't know why, but it is very tricky when it comes to tethering through a hub...
Best.
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Hello: Have my first architectural shoot tomorrow with my recent A7R5 acquisition. Did a test run at home today to make certain all was cool with the iPad & the split power/data dongle we discussed on this thread. Functions well although the Manfrotto Magic Arm is a bit of overkill and adds a lot of weight to the kit.
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Solution for you magic arm over killing it: https://armor-x.com/en-ca/products/pxs-ipad-n3-apple-ipad-10-2-7th-8th-gen-2019-2020-shockproof-case-w-kickstand-hand-strap-x-mount
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Hello Ulysses: Thanks for the product link. I’ll bookmark it for now!
While I experiment with using C1Pro for the IPad, when tethering, I wanted to use what I have on-hand. Lots of Manfrotto accessories (incl. the Magic Arm), Super Clamps and an iPad car mount solution from RamMounts.com. The mount is NOT for photographers; translation… much cheaper and bulletproof! I use a Logitech keyboard case. When tethering, right now I just remove the keyboard and clamp it to the Ram car mount. Takes about 5 seconds.
This lengthy reply will eventually be fodder for a new thread, but I’d like to begin it here.
I am starting to have the opinion that tethering a pro camera using anything other than a laptop (of any size) is ultimately not worth the effort and compromises. This has NOTHING to do with the cost of C1Pro for iPad. I think it’s a great mobile solution.
But, I.e. when I shoot architecture, in the recent past, I’d mount my laptop on a Tether Tools table to my 4-wheeled cart, camera on tripod. On the cart I’d also have my Pelican case, maybe a small Domke shoulder bag, some Gatorade and a snack. From time-to-time, I might also add one small portable strobe on a stand for fill. VERY maneuverable and zero stress on my body, especially arms, elbows and shoulder joints! I attached a variation on how I used to shoot when using my cart. Doesn’t look as elegant; much more efficient.
Now, this portable solution requires I carry the mounted-on-tripod camera/iPad kit, which adds a shit-ton of stress on the human body over a full day of
Right now, when I shoot tethered to iPad, the client can view the images as they did on the laptop, but that’s it. Even though I enjoy using the iPad image-processing solution, it is still no where near as good as C1Pro on a laptop, not even close. I still transfer images to my Mac for processing. IF I shot for a wire service where I needed to process/transfer just a few image very quickly, it’d be very beneficial, but for my use-case, not so much.
Long winded but again, I do appreciate your product suggestion.
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