Question about Cables for AJA Kona LHi card

AJA Video Systems

Question about Cables for AJA Kona LHi card

Posted by Jasper Sharp on March 16, 2016 at 6:36 pm

Dear all:

I have found a used Kona LHi that I want to buy but I am trying to find an alternative to the AJA branded tether that usually comes with the new video card. I have contacted AJA with my concerns but their answer was a bit vague. I figured someone who has bought a used card or has replaced their cables could help me.

My main concern is:
Do I need to buy the AJA branded cable that is specific to the LHi card? If not, can I use standardized cables to connect XLR/HDMI/SDI etc?

I found this tether which I’m assuming would work but I also want to avoid buying the breakout box if I can:

Alan Okey
March 17, 2016 at 8:25 pm

The Kona LHe and LHi were originally sold with a bundled breakout cable. The breakout cable is not a generic cable, it’s specifically made for the card, so there’s no third-party alternative.

You can attach generic SDI and HDMI cables to their respective connectors on the card, but for any of the other inputs and outputs, you need the original breakout cable.

It would be easier if you simply don’t buy the card unless it comes with the breakout cable. Kona LHi cards with the breakout cable pop up on eBay all the time. Alternately, you could buy the card without the breakout cable, and then buy the breakout box with the breakout box connector cable separately.

Jasper Sharp

March 17, 2016 at 8:59 pm

Thanks for your speedy response, Alan.

Right, so my suspicions are confirmed!

For my setup, all I need is the SDI, HDMI and the XLR output but it looks like I will still need to find an LHi cable.

I think you’re right about finding a card that comes with a cable. I’m looking at alternatives right now. This current offer I’m getting for the LHi is still the best deal so far.

Would you advise buying this Aja tether on B&H?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=652048&gclid=CNmd5KzRw8sCFQaUfgodtfMBXQ&is=REG&ap=y&c3api=1876%2C92051678042%2C&Q=&A=details

I’m afraid of running into another technicality with this cable: its an “AJA Tether Cable for KLHi-Box-LH for XENA LSe”… wondering if this cable isn’t actually compatible with the Kona LHi card (w/ no breakout box).

Sorry for being pedantic- Any advice would be much appreciated.