2012Video Assist and Video Accessories forum
Decimator 2 downconverter reliability issues and power-related failures on camera rigs
14 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- Multiple users reported Decimator 2 units failing after extended periods of operation, with some experiencing complete power loss within months
- Power failures often began with intermittent connectivity where the unit required unplugging and reconnecting to restore operation before eventually failing completely
- A potential cause identified was voltage spikes exceeding the device's rated maximum of 28 volts when fully charged batteries on certain rigs produced 29-31 volts according to camera power readouts
- Internal fusible links exist in the Decimator 2 that can be replaced through the authorized distributor rather than requiring full unit replacement
- Ground potential differences between the camera power circuits and the monitor power circuit connected via BNC cable shielding may cause damaging current flow during battery swaps
- Pulling breakers before battery swaps was suggested as a preventive measure, though some users experienced failures despite following this practice
- Some operators switched to powering the Decimator from a separate on-camera battery rather than the rig to avoid voltage spike issues
- Users with reliable operation consistently powered the device from the 12-volt output rather than 24-volt outputs on their rigs
- Connector type mismatches between the AC adapter and custom power cables were investigated as a possible cause, with 2.5mm versus 2.1mm outer diameter discrepancies noted
Depends on
- The discussion occurred in 2012 and may not reflect current firmware or hardware revisions
- Not all participants provided complete information about their rig configurations and power sources
- The root cause of failures was never definitively determined, with multiple possible mechanisms discussed including voltage spikes, connector issues, thermal stress on power regulators, and ground loop problems
- Some claims about voltage levels and battery behavior lack independent verification
- The frequency of failures may have varied based on specific rig setups and operating practices that were not fully documented