2012Batteries/Power forum
Powering an Alexa camera from a PRO sled using 12-volt versus 24-volt jumper block configurations
14 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A 12-volt jumper block enables parallel power mode, allowing hot-swapping of batteries during operation.
- A 24-volt configuration requires cold battery swaps and cannot hot-swap while powered.
- The Alexa camera consumes the same total wattage regardless of whether it receives 12 or 24 volts, as it converts internally.
- Arri recommends 24-volt powering for better efficiency in the power delivery system.
- Using a 12-volt jumper block on the PRO sled disables the second battery from supplying the auxiliary power port and converts all upper junction box ports to 12 volts.
- With 12-volt configuration, 24-volt only accessories cannot be powered unless drawing from the camera's own accessory outputs.
- Hot-swapping is possible in 24-volt mode by connecting a battery to the camera's rear battery plate while removing the onboard battery.
- A 12-volt Arri power cable is required for 12-volt parallel mode operation.
Depends on
- The 12-volt jumper block is no longer manufactured by the equipment maker.
- Discussion includes both the PRO sled and Ultimate 2 sled models with different capabilities.
- Efficiency comparisons between 12 and 24-volt modes remain somewhat debated in the thread.