2004Batteries/Power forum
Powering HD video cameras from an Ultra device using non-standard battery configurations
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A lithium ion battery rated at 14.4 volts nominal (charging to 16.2 volts) can be mounted on the battery bracket of an Ultra device designed for 28 volt batteries
- When using a lower voltage battery on the Ultra, the 28 volt output connector delivers the direct voltage from the installed battery rather than a regulated 28 volts
- A separate converter output still provides 13.2 volts suitable for transmitters and accessories when using the lower voltage battery setup
- Using this configuration with a 14.4 volt battery source allows direct powering of 12 to 16 volt video cameras without separate regulators
- The setup reduces overall system weight by eliminating the need to carry separate camera batteries
- Connecting a standard 28 volt battery to this modified setup risks delivering damaging 28 volt power to video cameras rated for 12 to 16 volts
Depends on
- Configuration is not an officially supported design for the Ultra device
- The danger warning indicates users could damage their camera equipment if they mistakenly use a 28 volt battery with this cable routing
- The setup was tested by one user but broader compatibility is not confirmed
- The thread does not specify which Ultra model or camera model combinations were tested