Custom sled base upgrade with multi-battery support and dynamic balancing capability

Gear

ZephyrCan I fly my Alexa or RED on a Zephyr?389

Master SeriesIs a used Master Series rig worth buying as a first big rig?191

BFDHow do I power my BFD receiver from my camera or sled?186

VoltCan I retrofit a Volt onto my existing sled or gimbal?168

ArtemisHow do I power my camera and accessories from an Artemis sled?166

MDRWhere can I mount my Preston MDR on my rig?143

ModulusIs there a Modulus option for HD wireless video?141

G-70Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?126

FI+ZCan I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?60

HU3Where can I get my HU3 repaired, refurbished or repainted?60

CineLiveHow do I pack and case my CineLive rig for transport?54

G-70XHow does the G-70X compare to Pro Titan, Xarm and other arms?46

Trinity 2Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?46

Ultra VestWhich vest should I choose for my body size, comfort and operator type?39

2007Sled forum

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

A sled base can be designed to support three batteries that run in parallel for traditional configurations or in series for high-power accessories, with the third battery optionally powering monitors independently from camera and accessory power.
Batteries mounted on sliding rods allow dynamic balancing by adjusting their fore-and-aft position to match camera weight.
Rear battery mounts can be designed to swivel 180 degrees while maintaining rigidity when locked in place.
A custom sled base can integrate multiple power outputs including XLR, Hirose, LEMO, and BNC connectors along with video distribution capabilities within a compact footprint.
Adding weight above the camera (12-15 pounds of steel) improves balance and flight characteristics when using lightweight cameras that would otherwise drop too quickly.
Custom sled bases require significant design and machining work but can be adapted to fit different post sizes and electrical specifications based on user requirements.
A fully equipped custom sled base with multiple power connectors, video distribution, and independent battery placement required approximately one week to design and install.

The upgrade cost approximately 5000 Canadian dollars and may vary based on specific connector choices and features selected.
The density of connectors and electronics in the base makes internal space extremely tight, limiting further additions.
Quick-release collar systems for the post may present cabling limitations depending on post size and configuration.
The weight and rigidity of the three-battery system was tested with the stated camera and setup but generalization to other configurations is unclear.
One user reported problems balancing a lightweight HVX camera even with red springs on an EFP, requiring additional ballast.