SteadiHub
2015Follow Focus forum

Preston follow focus system compatibility with digital motors and 24V booster functionality

What the thread found

  • Preston follow focus systems can work with digital motors from different manufacturers including Heden and Scorpio, not only Preston-branded motors.
  • The 24V booster supplies constant 24 volts to motors to maintain consistent rotation speed regardless of whether the main system is powered by less than 24 volts.
  • MDR-1 follow focus units can operate on 12V power without a booster, but motors will run at reduced speed and power output.
  • With a 24V booster connected, motors operate at approximately twice the speed compared to 12V operation.
  • Some older 900MHz MDR-1 models had external 12-24V converter boxes, while microwave versions incorporated the voltage converter into the upper tray assembly.
  • MDR-2 and microwave MDR-1 versions share the same power connector pinout.

Depends on

  • The discussion does not specify whether all MDR models universally benefit from 24V boosters or only certain versions.
  • Motor speed difference between 12V and 24V operation is described qualitatively as roughly doubled, but exact specifications are not provided.
  • The age and specific hardware variant of an MDR-1 unit affects its compatibility with external boosters versus built-in converters.
  • No information about whether non-Preston digital motors require additional configuration or adapters for Preston systems.

Gear in this thread

MDR

Parts

Follow Focus

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