SteadiHub
2011Video Assist and Video Accessories forum

Powering multiple wireless video accessories stacked on a cinema camera through battery sled power

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

What the thread found

  • Multiple video accessories can be powered through a single sled power connection using an XLR Y-cable to split power between the camera and transmitter components.
  • An Anton Bauer snap-on XLR adapter plate can be mounted on the back of a camera to provide D-Tap power output that feeds back through the battery mounting system.
  • Some camera models including the F900R have a retracting pin inside the 4-pin XLR power socket that cuts off D-Tap power when engaged, which can be worked around by drilling out the corresponding XLR connector plug and marking it as a modified cable.
  • When powering a F900R with RF Central transmitter and other accessories through a sled, using two PowerCubes provided approximately three hours of runtime for the complete stacked setup on a camera rig with arm extension.
  • Wireless focus motor calibration should be performed without the motor control unit connected to ensure proper operation.
  • Higher amperage battery configuration may be needed when powering multiple high-draw components simultaneously from a single sled power source.

Depends on

  • The setup was specifically tested on a F900R model, not the older F900.
  • Power draw from different camera models varies, with the F900 being noted as more power-hungry than some other tested configurations.
  • The AirPaint component's powering method was not clearly resolved in the discussion.
  • Results were from a single production use case with specific equipment configuration.
  • The drilling modification for XLR connectors creates a specialized cable requiring marking and careful handling.

Gear in this thread

BFD

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