Fostex FR2 modification

[Siôn Roberts]

Hi Rob,

I’m thinking of doing the same thing to my FR-2. Did you go ahead with the modification?

Thanks,
Sion

[Rob Dunford]

Hi Sion, It’s at the shop now. I was going to do it myself, but I found my soldering skills and eyesight not up to the job.

So basically, I bought some Hirose plugs and socket (same ones they use on Sound Devices kit for power). They are very secure plugs/socket.
Removed the timecode panel and drilled a hole in there for the new panel socket.

The repair shop is soldering in a couple of wires from the old 12v socket terminals to my new Hirose socket.
The rest I have to do here. I bought a new PSU that had a simple twin wire supply from the PSU (the Fostex version uses a single core surrounded by a braid and not really suitable for wiring to small contacts in the Hirose). I also have NiMh battery packs for RC use. I’ll make up a connector for this as well.

I’m confident this will be a good modification and provide a more secure connection when I’m on location.

[Paul Mccann]

hello Rob i have a fostex FR2 which i hardly use as i wanted to resolve the battery consumption issue with some sort of external battery that i have heard about and people have just been using velcro to attach onto the recorder inside the bag. Anyway my fostec fr2 has a timecode card and i wanted you advice after reading you post regards what to do in order to have more recording time in the field without the batteries going quickly. Also i would like advice as to what mixer to buy to supplement the fr2. would really appreciated some advice on this thanks Paul

[Rob Dunford]

Hi Paul, I’d like to help you where I can.

I recently bought a SoundDevices 552 mixer/recorder to replace my FR2/SD302 combo, I’d recommend the 552 but I realise it may be out of your reach.

I loved my old combo, the 302 is the top mixer for small productions. The FR 2 is also a very useful recorder but as you say the battery life sucks. If you have the time code card fitted, I’d recommend unscrewing the cable holder just above the 12v input and drilling that out to take a Hirose connector, using same as that SD recommends as that is an excellent connector for this purpose. I’ve seen it done this way before.

I used a company called Component-shop.co.uk for the battery. The battery is terminated in a Tamiya connector, this interfaces with the charger as well. Then I had made up a Tamiya to Hirose cable for the final connection. Also put a short blow fuse inline, the battery can put out 35amps if shorted, so you must have protection for the fostex.

I actually had a case made up for the Fostex and 302, with a outside pocket to take the battery. This worked very well for me and I got about 7/8 hours out of a 4500mah battery, battery cost about £25.

All in all and compared to the bespoke RC battery setup you can buy online, I am very happy with it. You could even have a more powerful battery and run the 302 of that as well……or use another smaller battery for the 302.

If you live in UK, I have the 302 up for sale in the not to distant future……

[Paul Mccann]

hello i am based in the UK in the northwest but would be interested in the 302. The drilling out and fitting of the connector seems a bit too involved for me as i am as confident as yourself. do you have contact details and have you any advice of where i can view this set up which has been done before seen as i have got a sound card? sorry but i appreciate your patients as my field isnt specifically audio but i want to start using the FR2 which i have had for some time now but got disheartened by the consumption of battery power. look forward to hearing from you regards Paul

[Rob Dunford]

I saw the mod at a hire company called Bettersound in London. It’s definitely not a mod for the average DIY’er, but find a local PC shop that does repairs and I’m sure they can sort out the FR2….that’s what I did for mine. It’s not that difficult, you take the positive and ground connections off the 12v input up to the Hirose. You can PM me and I’ll send you my details. Don’t especially want to put my email here.

[Rob Dunford]

looks like PM isn’t available. 01761 471 355

[Paul Mccann]

hello Rob I can not find the part number for the item which is suitable for the Fostex FR2 on the sounddevice website can you please help as i am desperate to get my fostex sorted
once again thanks Paul

[Rob Dunford]

https://uk.farnell.com/hrs-hirose/hr10-7p-4p-73/circular-connector-plug-4-way-cable/dp/1077702

On the same page is a panel socket to mate with the plug. Does that help?

[Paul Mccann]

Thanks Rob for your help and patients 🙂 i am about to look for a place to get the fostex modified in with the hirose pin and socket which i have emailed farnel about today so i got my fingers crossed. is there any chance you could post me a photo of your modification? i know this might sound odd but just so i myself have a clear idea and can show the prospective audio shop. also i am looking to purchase a 302 mixer so i am not sure if you have any advice of the best place to look for one and also can you send the link for the place that makes the bags. Very much appreciated in advance for all your assistance it is very much appreciated!!