Sony FX6 handle – Electronics and sound input
However, I then realized that I had not made sure I connected the ribbon cables correctly (picture above). Going back and tracing how the cables were sitting in the handle I found the correct way of connecting them and gave it another go. And this time it was successful, the camera booted up and also accepted sound from the XLR inputs!
Which means that the camera actually protected itself from damage when it sensed the incorrect ribbon placement, a safety feature that probably saved me from a fried camera mainboard. Phew!
[/tatsu_inline_text][/tatsu_inner_column] [/tatsu_inner_row]The parts
By using the information provided below, you acknowledge and agree that any actions you take based on this information are at your own risk. I am not responsible for any outcomes related to the use of this information, including but not limited to, any damage to your camera or other equipment.
This is what most people will be here for. Since the interest in creating a sound input to the FX6 without the handle is large, here are my findings with full details and part numbers.
In order for the camera to accept sound it needs 2 boards, 2 ribbon cables and one connector. A total of 5 parts.
The parts required for sound import into the Sony FX6 are the following:
1. The connector

This is the part that connects to the camera body. It is a proprietary Sony connector with the code number HC1002 Board Connector In Handle. A quick Google search currently shows that part available both on eBay and AliExpress at a cost of $54US.
2. The data cable

This is another proprietary Sony part with the model name FP-2470 Flex Cable. It connects the HC1002 Board connector on one side and the HN-1054 driver board on the other. It is available on eBay at a cost of $37US.
3. Top handle PCB

This is the main board where all the data gets encoded and passed on to the camera body. Alongside the main sound, this board is also responsible for the top handle controller encoding and the internal handle mic sound. It’s Sony part number is HN-1054 and is currently available on eBay for $126US.
4. Sound connection flexi cable

The Sumitomo AWM 20861 105C 60V VW-1 -F- is a 30pin generic ribbon cable. It connects the main board to the sound board. It is a generic ribbon cable and can be found in a lot of lengths. The one in the camera is 90mm long. Prices range from $5.00US upward.
5. Sound PCB

This is the part responsible for all the analogue sound of the camera apart from the handle mic. The spare part model number is AXM-1002 and it is available currently on Aliexpress for $99US. This spare part does not come with the XLR connectors, which are the Neutrik B series female chassis and must be purchased separately.
Correct cable connection
Please don’t do the mistake I did as you might not be as lucky and you might fry the camera main board. The correct cable connection on my handle is as illustrated in the following photo. The sharpie lines are not on the parts, I just used them to know what the right way is.

Regarding the sizes of the PCBs these are as per the following diagram


Full audio circuit assembly
And those are all my findings for now.
I am keen to see if someone uses this information to build an external audio input box, so please feel free to drop me an email with your finished product.
Good luck!