SteadiHub
2011Batteries/Power forum

Battery upgrade options and power solutions for PRO I aerial camera rig

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

What the thread found

  • A newly acquired PRO I rig with recently recelled batteries can be used effectively without immediate upgrades while gaining operational experience.
  • Additional Anton Bauer batteries can be mounted externally to a PRO I rig using various configurations including a gold mount on the recording bracket with external cabling to the camera.
  • A sliding base plate with quick release mounted to the bottom of a PRO I can accommodate an Anton Bauer battery mount, allowing external power delivery via cable without modifying internal rig wiring.
  • The PRO I base has been praised for its handling characteristics and rigidity even after newer models became available.
  • LCD monitors on updated rigs require different positioning and mass balancing compared to legacy green screen monitors, but can achieve comparable operating feel through adjusted configuration.
  • Using onboard camera batteries for power-hungry cameras like RED eliminates the need for additional external battery solutions in those specific scenarios.
  • Existing Anton Bauer batteries can be repurposed to power accessories like monitors, receivers, and tuners via custom battery plates with XLR connectors rather than solely for camera power.

Depends on

  • The discussion involves personal preferences about rig handling that may not apply universally.
  • Specific mounting solutions mentioned were custom-fabricated and may require machine shop access.
  • The viability of used market value for modified PRO I Gyro systems was raised but not resolved.
  • Recommendations about Hugo Langer battery bases and hot swap configurations were mentioned as ideas rather than field-tested solutions in this specific thread.
  • LCD monitor viewing quality in daylight conditions was mentioned as inferior to legacy monitors, but image quality debate was explicitly avoided.

Parts

Base Plate

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