2006Batteries/Power forum
Modifying the Archer gimbal system to provide 24 volt power output for cameras
20 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Adding a second battery to an Archer gimbal requires careful consideration of dynamic balance, as extra mass at the battery mounting point necessitates counterweight additions elsewhere on the rig.
- Placing a second battery between the lower end of the rig and the battery rods is proposed as a solution that maintains dynamic balance.
- The Archer gimbal has an estimated maximum payload capacity of approximately 17 to 19 kilograms before control becomes difficult.
- Voltage step-up converters from 12V to 24V with ratings of 14-26V output can power some 24V equipment on a 12V platform, though power output limitations and converter efficiency must be considered.
- One user bypassed the hotswap mount fuse and ran dual Anton Bauer Dionic 90 batteries through a converter to achieve approximately 180 watts at 14 volts input.
- Custom 24 volt modifications to the Archer have been implemented by some users, with the second battery installed beneath the sled.
Depends on
- The V-Mount Hot Swap Adapter approach requires significant additional counterweighting to maintain dynamic balance.
- A fixed monitor that does not telescope limits dynamic balancing options to single-battery configurations unless additional front-end weight is added.
- Converter efficiency and battery discharge curves may limit actual power output below rated converter specifications.
- Most video cameras operate on 12 volts, limiting the practical need for factory 24 volt support in professional video applications.
- The discussion predates modern developments and reflects early 2000s equipment capabilities.
- No consensus was reached on the optimal implementation method for 24 volt conversion.