2026From a Facebook group: The Steadicam Group
Third battery plate wiring on Tiffen Steadicam® M1 and M2: integration methods and voltage mode behavior.
What the thread found
- On the M2, the sled base has a pre-wired connector beneath an access cover for the third battery plate; a switch on the battery paddle determines whether the third battery runs in parallel to the 12 V rail or in series as a 'booster' for 24 V operation.
- On the M1, the third plate must be plugged into one of the front power outputs of the sled, typically the large 2B-LEMO connector; this modification causes the rig's main power switch to stop functioning in 12 V mode.
- A workshop solution involves re-wiring an internal 3-pin LEMO port on the lower sled to accept the third plate connector, avoiding the front output conflict.
- In 24 V mode, only the rear battery paddle draws 24 V while the other plates remain at 12 V; the single 24 V battery depletes noticeably faster as a result.
- For detailed wiring specifics, the manufacturer support team can provide direct guidance.
Depends on
- M1 versus M2 architecture differences require model-specific solutions.
- 24 V mode power distribution and depletion rates depend on the specific battery capacity and operational draw.