Firewire static issues

[Tenderman]

I have a firewire static issue. We just got a Datavideo SE800 4 input DV video switcher. I have been having static issues with the cameras and/or the switcher. Whenever the cameras get a static shock they black out for a second or so, then come back on...not the preview on the camera, and not the Y/C or composite port; just the firewire port. Sometimes it will knock out one or both other cameras attached to the switcher. They have even glitched out when someone walked by in a business suit and dress shoes. You can hear a static 'Pop' over the intercom each time it happens. I have done extensive testing, and have had some success by grounding the camera bodies to the equipment rack. I can touch any part of the camera, tripod or switcher rack and if I have a static charge I hear the pop and if the camera isn't grounded it glitches. If it is but another one isn't, the ungrounded camera glitches. I have tried grounding the ground terminal on the switcher. It seemss most effective to ground everything to a common large ground plane. The cameras are Canon XL2s, but it does the same with GL2, XL1 and Sony DSR250. We have also had three Sony TRV 900s that had the firewire port knocked out--presumably from static...got one repaired for $600+ I have some frame by frame JPGs of the glitch, and a small (2 second) WMV file of a real-time glitch. It appears to be related to the frame buffer in the switcher, maybe. ANY IDEAS?

Thanks!

[redwudz]

That sounds like you should have a electrician check your wiring to make sure it has proper grounds. I have static issues where I live when the humidity is very low. A humidifier might be worth looking into if your area is not large. There are also anti-static treatments for carpets that may help. Removing some types of static producing carpets is a better idea. Bare feet works for me, but not a good idea in a business environment.

Firewire or most other low level inputs can be damaged by static discharge. Unless you can train yourself and others to discharge the static before connecting, you may still have problems.

And welcome to our forums.