Voltage output from V-lock lithium batteries in multi-brick power systems and compatibility with cinema cameras and accessories

2005Batteries/Power forum

Voltage output from V-lock lithium batteries in multi-brick power systems and compatibility with cinema cameras and accessories

21 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

Note (as of October 2026)Curt O. Schaller, the developer of Artemis and Trinity, has no longer been with ARRI since the end of 2025. To our knowledge, ARRI currently has no dedicated team and no official contact persons for its stabilizer systems. In our view, the future of this line is uncertain. If you are buying new, get written confirmation from ARRI beforehand on how long service and spare parts are guaranteed. Have used rigs checked by the manufacturer before you buy.

What the thread found

Fully charged 14.4V V-lock lithium batteries can output up to 16-17V before any load is applied, resulting in 31-32V when two bricks are combined in series.
The initial high voltage from freshly charged batteries drops significantly once accessories are powered on, typically falling to 29-30V under load.
Arri 24V cameras generally tolerate high voltages well when freshly charged, while older 12V cameras and some models like Moviecam require careful attention to prevent damage.
Accessory ports on the Artemis power distribution box supply 12V regardless of whether the system is configured for 12V or 24V mode.
Most cinema accessories including follow focus and wireless video systems operate on 12V or within a 12-30V range, making them compatible with both voltage configurations.
Using four batteries in a two-plus-two series configuration provides sufficient power and weight distribution for operating a 35mm camera at high frame rates while allowing daily battery rotation.

Depends on

The voltage regulation issue may vary depending on the specific battery manufacturer and charger used.
The reported video tap problem with the 435 camera was not reproduced by other users, suggesting it may be specific to certain equipment configurations or setups.
Experience is limited to specific battery models and camera models mentioned in the discussion.
The multi-battery modification described requires custom machining work to implement properly.