11Jan TP-Link TL MR3040 wireless DSLR monitor demo
I finally got around to filming a video demonstration of the TP-Link TL MR3040 router being used as a wireless monitor. As you can see from the video above, frame rates over wireless N are pretty decent, i’m getting something close to 20fps in the demo. As you can see from the video lag is minimal (less than a 2 frames) making this a useful option for jibs and steadicams.
A number of you have asked about battery life and max distance. I’ve been getting around 2 1/2 to 3 hours off of a single charge, you can also power the unit via a USB battery pack or rechargeable batteries. A decent usb battery pack should get you 6 or 7 hours of use. As for distance, in my testing lag and slower frame rates start to pop up at about 35 to 40 feet line of site. That’s not enough distance for a quadcopter, but should be more than enough to keep track of a steadicam operator or for use as a director’s monitor.
As for mounting this to a cold shoe, i’ve found one option so far. This guy can be had for around $20. It basically glues to the bottom of your TP-Link TL MR3040 router, it’s a bit overpriced, but it is an option if you don’t want to velcro this to your camera. I’m looking into a CNC cut design for the noob store for half the price, if I come up with something I’ll let you know.
Overall the TP-Link TL MR3040 router is a pretty decent option for $30. If you work by yourself and need to speak into the camera this is a great control option and as a monitor/camera controller combo it’s very handy to have around. For the price I’d say the MR3040 router is well worth having in your bag.
January 11th, 2014 at 11:57 am
this is such a cheap way to make wireless remote work, I got it all setup and a friend came by and loved it so much he brought it off me lol
January 11th, 2014 at 12:16 pm
Nice.
January 11th, 2014 at 1:28 pm
Looks nice. What app are you using on the Nexus?
Would this work with an iPad?
January 11th, 2014 at 2:00 pm
DSLR controller is the app. Doesn’t work with ipad as far as I know.
January 11th, 2014 at 4:22 pm
Actually if you go to CamRanger.com (I have no connection to them) I think you will see they are using the exact same wireless router as the one profiled in your video. They have an app that comes for free which works on the ipad, iphone, android devices, itouch, or even mac or windows computers.
Now the CamRanger sells for around $300 HOWEVER since it appears the same router hardware is used for both systems AND since the CamRanger software is free – it wouldn’t be a stretch to think that you can make the CamRanger software work with the TP Link Wireless monitor – someone should try it and report back!
January 11th, 2014 at 4:30 pm
Uhh this thread on another forum seems to prove what I thought is actually true and that people ARE using the CamRanger with the TP-Link router which, as it turns out, IS the exact same model just rebranded. Still another confirmation from DSLR Film Noob would be a bonus!
January 11th, 2014 at 4:52 pm
Already confirmed from direct contact with TP-link, you can find my post in it here. Unfortunately the Camranger app and firmware for the TP-Link are proprietary, so unless you can figure out a way to get a copy of the firmware, this is the only $30 way to go.
January 11th, 2014 at 1:32 pm
Deejay,
So far, nobody who has used this app (wired or wireless) has talked about focusing quality. Can you please talk about weather or not this could be used as an alternative to a real external monitor for focusing using a cropped sensor camera. As you know, the HDMI output down-reses while recording on most Canon DSLR’s, which makes for a rather poor focusing experience. I am not talking about run and gun focusing, but rather interview or slow moving tripod shots. I completely understand there is a slight lag, but does that lag compromise the focusing ability?
I could see getting 2 of the TPLink devices for 2 cameras set up in an interview situation and being able to monitor them both from one tablet.
Thanks.
January 11th, 2014 at 2:12 pm
With the app you can get critical focus by dragging the focus box in DSLR controller to your subject and clicking this will use the cameras focus system and give you a green box when in focus, or you can use the 5x and 10x options in dslr controller if you are using a manual focus lens. These functions work the same as in camera and allow you to blow up a section of the screen for exact focusing. I don’t think it’s possible to log into two wifi networks at the same time via a single tablet, so I don’t think you’ll be about to use a single tablet to monitor two cameras at the same time.
January 12th, 2014 at 11:13 pm
I have a Color Nook that I have rooted with CyanogenMod 7.2.0-encore (Android Version 2.3.7) the CPU is ARMv7 Processor rev 2 (v7l) w/ 77 MB/ 440 MBI have installed DSLR Controller (v 0.96.0) and had it working at one time with my Canon 5D MkII, however when I pulled it out the other day to try it it’s now saying my device isn’t compatible with this version? Before ordering the TP Link was wondering if someone could tell me if it will work with this Color Nook?
George
January 14th, 2014 at 8:57 pm
just ordered one!
January 15th, 2014 at 2:34 pm
This work with the EOS-M? guessing it would, but just checking.
January 15th, 2014 at 3:35 pm
I don’t think so actually. The EOS-M only partly works with eos utility which means it isn’t fully supported by DSLR controller. I’d test it for you but my EOS-M kit bag is out on loan right now.
March 20th, 2014 at 9:23 pm
On another subject, have you noticed any issues with cables for your TP Link?
I bought a flex/coil USB to USB mini cable and it does not work on the TP Link connected to my MK III, but it does work fine when I test it on other USB devices.
As u have said in the past, these flex cables are nice — and this would be perfect getting to/from the TP link and the camera … but the DSLR controller AP on my Samsung tab stops working almost immediately when using this cable….
April 26th, 2016 at 9:44 am
Here’s a firmware solution for all platforms:
If you already have OpenWrt on the MR3040 then for ugprading you always use the sysupgrade image.
The factory image is only used if the router has the original TP-Link firmware.
So you would need the V0.2-13 sysupgrade for the MR3040 V2.
Then you can follow this: http://dslrdashboard.info/tp-link-mr3040-firmware-upgrade/