The following is a list that we have compiled to help you, the budding video technician know what to pack for camp this year. It is by no means a complete list, but it’s a good start for the young camper. We’re excited that you chose this path and can’t wait to meet all the campers and have them learn this fun, exciting craft! We’ll do most of our work indoors, but sometimes we’ll be outside so don’t forget the rain gear. Also, as much as we want you campers to be comfortable and have the right stuff, the bus is a little limited on space- so try not to pack too much. Even though we have a strong returning group of people, many of you are new to this camp and are pretty nervous. That’s okay! We’ll help you out and make sure you have a fun, safe trip!
Things To Bring to Camp:
A Good Multi-Tool. There are all kinds out there, but you should bring the one you like. More importantly, bring the one that gets the job done. It should have a carrying case and be attached to you (somehow) at all times, even when you nap (which won’t be often).
A Flashlight. Actually you’ll need a few different light sources. For flashlights, we require you to have a decent, small, handheld (LED or Incandescent). If you go with incandescent, you’ll score points with the lighting folks….A Four Sevens, Streamlight or Surefire will do. You don’t need one that will blind a pilot, just one that you can get to easily and not cause a panic when you turn it on. Keep the heater for emergencies. Also, a headlamp is a good idea. Sometimes you’ll need both hands in the dark and when you’re behind a rack or in a high voltage panel, the last thing you want is spit drool out while you’re holding that million candle-power torch in your mouth. Don’t ever use your phone as a flashlight. Just….don’t.
A Tweaker. Again, something quality. Actually you’ll need a few sets of drivers. Standard, Philips, Torx, and Star. Preferably Wiha Precision, but there are others. Keep the #0 standard and Philips with your multi-tool. You’ll need them all the time.
A VTG (or something that can make accurate video imagery). A Quantum Data 780 would be good, but perhaps that’s a little pricey. You could get by with a laptop and some good test patterns and cables. Either way, you need to see some imagery to get your projection correct. We realize the latest whiz-bang projectors have everything built-in and it only takes 10 minutes to converge automatically (that’s what they told you in school, right?), but you need to get your hands dirty and learn by seeing. And speaking of laptops…..
A Laptop or Pad. We can argue the merits of which OS you like, but it needs to get the job done. In fact, you should be comfortable in ALL the OS’s, not just two. Make sure you have every app from Barco, Christie, DPI, Extron, Blackmagic and anyone else that makes projection/video apps. Know how to use them, too. Maybe your ‘puter could be beefy enough to run as a hot backup for a show. Just a thought. For bonus points, include a secure router/AP when the one the shop sent fails. And thumb drives. The cool kids will have a bootable OS and a troubleshooting drive separate.
A Bag of Adapters. The Shure audio company makes excellent microphone bags that work wonderfully for adapter storage. Ask the audio people for the extras nicely, and you might garner points. Better yet, get a tackle box and keep them organized. You should be able to adapt anything to anything in a pinch. Just remember, because you can adapt doesn’t always mean you should.
Binoculars. Yes, you probably have 20/20 vision. But I’ll bet it’s not as good as mine using Leupold 10×42’s. And if you’re shooting from 150’ in a dark environment, or worse — a hazy arena — you need to see what you’re doing to make focus sharp. And it needs to be sharp. $&#^%@-ing sharp.
A Decent Level. Get one with magnets so you can level anything. You can get close with eyeballs, but bubble physics don’t lie. The angle app on your phone doesn’t count.
A Distometer. Leica makes good ones. Don’t be cheap. “That’s about 120-ish feet” is not going to cut it when they’re waiting on you to put the rig in the air. Again, eyeballs are good, but physics rules all.
A Multi-Meter. This one might actually belong at the top of the list. Your meter should be rugged, 400a minimum (yes, we’ll see stuff that high), and reliable. Fluke makes some great kits that have a clamp meter as well as voltage detection and alligator clips. Your signal is only as clean as your power. The electricians won’t be offended if you meter everything (at least the experienced ones won’t). Too many or too few volts is bad bad bad. And we know you’ll keep the manual handy but memorize it as well.
A Cable Tester. Yes, the shop should send out good cables and yes, you have spares. A cable tester can rapidly narrow a problem down, though.
A Knife. Sometimes you need to cut things — quickly. Leave the Swiss Army knife in your bag and carry something with a little oomph. Spyderco is a good weapon of choice.
A Saw, a Hammer and a C-Wrench. Yes, you’ll need some carpentry skills every once in a while. You don’t need to be able to make a canopy poster bed out of bubinga and teak like Norm Abrams, but you do need to be able to fashion simple things from time to time. The C wrench is a no brainer. And make sure it’s not a 6-inch Director’s wrench or a 10-inch hammer substitute. That leaves the trusty 8-inch.
A Set of Measuring Devices. Long measure tape, and a 35-foot clip on. The disto is great for the longer stuff, but use a tape measure for everything else. Like leveling a pipe. Or a PJ rig. Or a scaffold.
Leashes for All The Tools On You. Not phone cords. Proper leashes. Keep extras. You don’t want that $6,000 QD VTG to take a tumble. And don’t drop crap on people’s heads. It only perpetuates the “video guy” stigma.
A Good Tactical Belt. You know why cops wear them? I know, you probably wear a belt already, but a tactical belt is so much more useful, and it’ll hold your tools without giving you indents. Plus, when you take it off, your pants don’t fall down. The rest of the crew may laugh at first…..until they find out your day rate.
A Soldering Iron. One that works on your toolbench is good. Variable heat if possible. While you’re at it, get a small butane one too. Having to solder at height or under (or ON) an LED wall sucks bad enough, let alone having to drag out the trusty Weller station.
A Climbing Helmet or a Hard Hat. Some places are anal about these so make sure you’re in compliance. The legal team will thank you.
And That’s Just for Starters!
Remember, this is a short list. You probably have a bunch of other things you use, but this’ll start you down the right path. Above all campers, bring your best attitude. Nobody likes an unprepared, surly technician who can’t do the gig, or worse, does “just enough” to be dangerous. Your attitude will hold you through just about anything that goes south, and it’s even better when everything goes right. Which is what we want you to be prepared for. Success.
Happy camping!
Jeff Gooch is a freelance video pro who dabbles in live productions as well as studio work. You can keep up with his escapades through his website at www.projectionfreak.com.