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Trinity 2

46 threads in the archive

Trinity 2 in the catalogSpecs and owners
Note (as of October 2026)Curt O. Schaller, the developer of Artemis and Trinity, has no longer been with ARRI since the end of 2025. To our knowledge, ARRI currently has no dedicated team and no official contact persons for its stabilizer systems. In our view, the future of this line is uncertain. If you are buying new, get written confirmation from ARRI beforehand on how long service and spare parts are guaranteed. Have used rigs checked by the manufacturer before you buy.

Based on 46 threads · 23 cited

AI draft, not reviewedDraft, written by AI from the archive, every statement linked to its source — not yet reviewed.

Trinity 2 is a capable rig, but you need to know where it bites: ARRI recommended in 2024 not to install SUP 3.0.10, and head software 3.0 was withdrawn in July 2025 over serious pan axis and pan module defects 12. Power is the next trap, so feed the EXT-IN port on the head base with 24 V through ARRI's dedicated cable, part K2.0048481 1415. When you balance, go lower assembly, then head, then camera in the head, and know that you can fly without the pendulum if you hold neutral balance 21.

The questions 6

Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?6 threads · latest 2025

In short

Buggy. ARRI recommended in 2024 not to install SUP 3.0.10 1, and head software 3.0 was officially withdrawn in July 2025 over serious pan axis and pan module defects 2.

How the pros do it

  1. If you're on SUP 1.5 (November 2023), stay there 1. Operators who rolled back to 1.5 ran stable through multiple later jobs 1.
  2. Check whether you need the pan axis before you decide, because pan axis operation requires SUP 3.0 or later 1. Remote control wheels and OCU-1 already work with 1.5 1.
  3. On 3.0.10, expect motors that take about 15 seconds to engage and often need repeated power cycles 3. Expect tilt vibration at motor initialization and when returning to home 3.
  4. Rolling back to 1.5 resolved most issues for operators 1. One operator still needed a reflash of the head to 1.5 at the manufacturer, and some problems persist after a downgrade 1.
  5. Don't treat SUP 4.0 as the fix, because overcurrent protection is missing in SUP 4.0 4. A later software test after the 3.0 withdrawal showed only minimal improvement 2.
  6. With an ALEXA 35 on V-mount or Gold Mount batteries, SUP 3.0 can cut power from a minor touch or docking 4. B-mount systems are unaffected, and ARRI recalled this in July 4.
Caution

Firmware 3.0 can throw an e-stop error that shuts down the Trinity 2 completely, with vibration and uncontrolled spinning of the head 5. SUP 4.0 lacks overcurrent protection, so finger crush force continues after initial contact, and unstable pan module startup can damage main cables 4.

Opinions differ here

Some operators report good overall experiences despite critical bugs, noting the T1 also took about two years to reach reliability 2. Others reverted to SUP 1.5 after production incidents, including removal from jobs because of SUP 3.0 instability 4. Several operators have simply stayed on earlier firmware rather than upgrade to 3.0 5.

What changed

Earlier, in November 2023, SUP 1.5 was the stable baseline operators rolled back to 1, today in 2025 head software 3.0 has been officially withdrawn by the manufacturer 2.

Ask a follow-up
Why does my Trinity 2 cut power to my ALEXA 35?4 threads · latest 2026

In short

Most likely the sled can't deliver the current its motors spike to, and two Gold Mount batteries consistently shut down 6. Radio transmitters near the sled can also kill the whole system 7.

How the pros do it

  1. Check your battery setup first: three 12 V batteries or BeBob 24 V batteries (20 A per unit) gave enough current, while two Gold Mount batteries caused intermittent shutdowns regardless of brand, age or charge 6.
  2. Add a B-Mount battery as a second supply, which is what operators are doing to fix the dropout 6. The problem does not show up on 26 V B-Mount batteries 6.
  3. Look at the power consumption on the battery hanger display, because older or cheaper batteries may not carry a demanding setup 7. Going to a three-battery configuration can resolve those shutdowns 7.
  4. Keep wireless mic transmitters away from the sled, since close radio transmitters caused total shutdowns of headbox, camera and powerbox 7.
  5. Watch for current spikes from the motors at mechanical stops, when the head is pushed to the limit, or from light cable contact at the outer ring 6.
  6. Don't trust the 24 V reading as a charge indicator, since it often sits near 27.7 V regardless of battery state 8. Use the 14 V display on the RCP instead, as shutdown happens at 12.5 V 8. A firmware update (SUP 4.0) is in development for the head cutting power to the A35 on touch 9.

Opinions differ here

Operators disagree on the size of the load: one calculation gives roughly 6.25 A at 24 V 6, while observed spikes went into the high teens of amperes 6. They also differ on the cause, since one operator first blamed batteries and power, then found radio interference was the real culprit 7, while others point to motor current spikes with two Gold Mount batteries 6.

Ask a follow-up
Why does my Trinity 2 drift in pan or roll?4 threads · latest 2026

In short

Pan drift on a docked Trinity 2 is linked to low-friction gimbal bearings settling under load, and to a geometry that magnifies pan errors compared to Steadicam® 1011. Roll drift during combined tilt and roll moves has been reported across firmware versions including SUP 4, and Follow Mode partly eases it 12.

How the pros do it

  1. Check the dock connection and move the gimbal as close as possible to the center of the stud post, then see if the drift speed changes 11.
  2. Clean and inspect all gimbal bearings, not only the pan axis, before you call it a defect 11.
  3. Set the sled up like a Steadicam®: lower the camera on the rods, dial in drop time, lock the gimbal tilt and fly classical High or Low mode 10.
  4. Add a gyro: one operator reports a 2×2 gyro at the nodal point below the post beats a single KS4, and a KS4 at about 70% of rated speed also helps 10.
  5. Use Trinity arm swings to start booms so the guide hand does not add pan impulses, and watch the bubble level instead of the monitor on linear shots 10.
  6. For roll drift, turn on Follow Mode 12. If drift appears the moment an MGT-2 is connected to a Remote Head Unity 2 via LBUS, it clears when you unplug the cable 12.
Caution

One operator had an uncontrolled high-speed endless pan on a Trinity 2 remote head that could not be stopped via RCP and needed physical intervention to halt the head 13.

Opinions differ here

Operators don't agree on whether pan drift is normal or a defect 11. Several Trinity 2 users see pan drift and put it down to bearing clearances under load and the low-friction design 11. Others with older Trinity 1 gimbals, and some Trinity 2 users, report no drift from the factory or after service, which suggests it is gimbal-specific 11.

What changed

Earlier, in 2025, operators were waiting for a production-stable firmware after ARRI pulled SUP 3.0, while today, in 2026, SUP 4 is out and one operator still reports roll drift with it 1312.

Ask a follow-up
What cables and power source do I need for Trinity 2 accessories?4 threads · latest 2025

In short

Feed the EXT-IN port on the Trinity 2 head base with a 24 V source 14. Use ARRI's dedicated external power cable, part K2.0048481 15.

How the pros do it

  1. Give the EXT-IN port on the head base 24 V, because it powers the head and everything mounted above it 14. Ports marked 12 V keep putting out 12 V on their own 14.
  2. Use ARRI's dedicated BHM-2 to TRH-2 cable for external power 14. ARRI explicitly does not recommend unregulated power sources or D-Tap connectors for this 14.
  3. If you order the external power cable, the part code is K2.0048481 15. It connects to the battery hanger module or takes 2×XLR for external input 15. It vanished from ARRI's Trinity 2 cables page, but third-party suppliers stock it 15.
  4. Match plates and camera cables to your cameras before the job 16. Cables come as 12/24 V XLR, 24 V Mini-Power and RED connectors 16. For an ALEXA 35, the correct plate is the SAM-6 16.
  5. For batteries, ARRI recommends PAG, and bebob B-Mount is mentioned as an alternative 16. Several operators fly Core SWX Nano 150 or Helix Max 150 and get nearly a full shooting day without a swap 16.
  6. With the RCP-3 and wireless wheels, the RCP-3 needs external power on its 2-pin Lemo, and it then feeds the wheels and the ERM-TX 17. The ERM-RX on the Trinity 2 gets its power over the FS-CAN cable from the Trinity, so it needs no separate power cable 17. A BMS-3 V-Mount plate can supply the D-tap for the RCP-3, but that uses up a D-tap you might need elsewhere 17.
Ask a follow-up
Which cameras, plates and cables work on Trinity 2?4 threads · latest 2025

In short

Only ARRI and Sony Venice 1/2 are officially listed for Trinity 2, and other bodies need a practical test 18. Plates are SAM-2, SAM-4 and SAM-6, and cables are 12/24 V XLR, 24 V Mini-Power and RED 16.

How the pros do it

  1. Start with ARRI or Sony Venice 1/2, since those are the officially listed cameras 18. For anything else, test it, ideally at a rental house with several bodies 18.
  2. Operators have mounted ALEXA Mini, Mini LF, XT/XT Plus, Amira, ARRI 235 and 416, RED DSMC2, V-Raptor, Komodo, Blackmagic G1/G2/12K, Z-Cam, Panasonic and other box cameras on Trinity, with counterweights adjusted per lens 18.
  3. Pick the plate to match the camera: SAM-2, SAM-4 and SAM-6 are available, and SAM-6 is the right one for ALEXA 35 16. An Apex plate with SAM-0 on an ALEXA 35 adds about 1/4 inch of height and risks clearance problems with focus scale markings and side rod brackets 16.
  4. Pick the cable to match the camera: 12/24 V XLR, 24 V Mini-Power or RED 16.
  5. RED bodies need a specialized bracket to attach the ARRI mounting plate, and that bracket also works for other cameras 18. A Venice 2 has been flown on a SAM-0 plate with a single 150 g top weight 19.
  6. The Trinity 2 ring diameter matches Trinity 1, but the clamp plate sits slightly higher, so a camera that fits tightly in T1 may not fit in T2 18. Don't expect nodal alignment with SAM-2 or SAM-6 on Mini LF or ALEXA 35 on the Steadicam® T2 head 20.
Caution

Sony Venice with Master Anamorphic or large anamorphic lenses plus counterweight approaches the Trinity 2 arm capacity limit, because T2 has less arm capacity than Trinity 1 18.

Ask a follow-up
How do I balance my Trinity 2, and do I need the pendulum?4 threads · latest 2025

In short

Balance the lower assembly, then the head, then the camera in the head, and you can fly without the pendulum if you hold neutral balance 21. Keep it for precise booms and quick pan-roll compensation in Omega mode 21.

How the pros do it

  1. Balance the lower assembly with a Mickey or Skater, without the head 21.
  2. Balance the head without the camera, then put the camera in and make it neutral in all head positions 21. The 16-point test alone is not enough, because true balance only shows with the camera in the head 21.
  3. The head is not factory-perfect: Trinity 2 is better than Trinity 1, but the tilt-lock side is heavier 21. Add head weight if it fights you, for example about 100 g at the rear right, to cut wobble and motor load 21.
  4. Neutralize the gimbal with about 30 g opposite the post clamp 21. Watch the cable sag in the internal cable or main head cable, because it pulls the head sideways 21.
  5. Set up the pendulum last: with two 50 g weights, one operator found it completely neutral locked and minimally tail-heavy unlocked 21. Balanced this way, you can remove or attach the pendulum without losing balance 21.
  6. Keep the DUB 3 centered and leave it alone in normal operation 22. If the side-to-side adjustment resists, it may be locked, and wiggling the DUB 3 freed it for one operator 22.

Opinions differ here

Some operators say the pendulum aids precise booms and quick pan-roll compensation in Omega mode, and that fully neutral balance is hard to hold during high booms 21. Others have flown for years without it, and only brought it back for Superpost shots and very low moves with whip-pans 21. Without it, off-axis pans are easy to hold but vertical boom moves are harder to do smoothly 23.

What changed

Earlier, in 2023, the pendulum was described as the thing that creates drop time on the pan axis 23, while today, in 2024, several operators report flying for years without it in full neutral balance 21.

Ask a follow-up

Sources 23

  1. 1ARRI TRINITY 2 SUP 3.0.10 firmware issues and downgrade recommendation, September 2024.SteadiHub · 2025
  2. 2ARRI Trinity 2 software issues in 2025: head firmware problems, update caution, alternatives, and operator tuning requests.Facebook · Arri Artemis Trinity · 2025Disputed
  3. 3ARRI Trinity 2 SUP 3.0.10 firmware issues: motor startup delay, tilt axis vibration, and overcurrent shutdowns during operation.SteadiHub · 2025
  4. 4TRINITY 2 software regression from SUP 1.5 to SUP 3.0/4.0: motor behavior, control modes, and stability issues with workarounds and downgrade recommendation.SteadiHub · 2025
  5. 5ARRI Trinity overcurrent and e-stop errors after Firmware 3.0 update, and production-readiness concerns.SteadiHub · 2025Disputed
  6. 6Power loss on Trinity 2 / Artemis 2 with large cameras (A35, Venice): causes and battery solutions.Facebook · Arri Artemis Trinity · 2026Disputed
  7. 7Random power-offs on the ARRI Trinity 2 caused by radio frequency interference from wireless microphone transmitters near the sledSteadiHub · 2025
  8. 8Voltage display discrepancies between camera and RCP on ARRI Artemis Trinity 2: 24 V rail showing 23.4 V at RCP versus 28 V at camera.Facebook · Arri Artemis Trinity · 2026Disputed
All 23 sources
  1. 9ARRI Trinity 2 head unexpectedly cutting power to ALEXA 35 camera on contact, addressed in upcoming firmware.SteadiHub · 2025
  2. 10Minimizing pan drift on straight architectural shots with ARRI Trinity 2: gyro solutions, sled configuration, and operator technique.Facebook · Arri Artemis Trinity · 2025
  3. 11Pan drift on ARRI Trinity 2 gimbal when docked and balanced—normal bearing play or defect?Facebook · Arri Artemis Trinity · 2025Disputed
  4. 12Trinity 2 tilt and roll drift in standard operation, and MGT-2 remote control connection causing pan and roll instability via LBUS.SteadiHub · 2026
  5. 13ARRI Trinity 2 remote head firmware instability, pan axis control issues, and calibration procedure to prevent malfunction.SteadiHub · 2025
  6. 14EXT-IN port on ARRI Trinity 2 head base: power distribution to head, accessories, and cameraFacebook · Arri Artemis Trinity · 2023
  7. 15Sourcing the external power cable for ARRI Trinity 2 head (part K2.0048481) and supply availability.SteadiHub · 2025
  8. 16Initial equipment specification for ARRI Trinity 2: camera plates, power cables, and battery selection.Facebook · Arri Artemis Trinity · 2023Disputed
  9. 17Powering and configuring ARRI DRW-1 wireless wheels and ERM-2400 transceiver with Trinity 2 and RCP-3 controllerSteadiHub · 2025
  10. 18Camera compatibility with ARRI Trinity 2: mounting options and weight limits.Facebook · Arri Artemis Trinity · 2023
  11. 19Mounting Sony Venice 2 on ARRI Trinity with SAM-0 plate: build configuration and balancing strategies.Facebook · Arri Artemis Trinity · 2024
  12. 20Nodal point alignment of the Steadicam® T2 head with SAM plates and large-format cameras.SteadiHub · 2025
  13. 21Achieving neutral balance on ARRI Trinity 2 without the pendulum in all positions, and balancing the asymmetrical head.Facebook · Arri Artemis Trinity · 2024Disputed
  14. 22Side-to-side adjustment resistance on ARRI Trinity 2 and DUB 3 positioning during balancing.SteadiHub · 2025
  15. 23ARRI Trinity pendulum: function, weight configuration, and operation without it in low mode.Facebook · Arri Artemis Trinity · 2023

What operators found

Still argued about

  1. 2026Trinity vs. 360-degree roll head: practical job prospects and system flexibility for operator investment decisions.FacebookSteadicam operators group
  2. 2026Power loss on Trinity 2 / Artemis 2 with large cameras (A35, Venice): causes and battery solutions.FacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  3. 2026Voltage display discrepancies between camera and RCP on ARRI Artemis Trinity 2: 24 V rail showing 23.4 V at RCP versus 28 V at camera.FacebookArri Artemis Trinity

Often in the same threads

Trinity 116, Artemis10, ALEXA 357, Volt6, Low Mode3, OS 3603, MDR2, Top Stage3, DRW-12, Gimbal Bearing2, KS-42, KS-62

All threads

  1. 2026Trinity vs. 360-degree roll head: practical job prospects and system flexibility for operator investment decisions.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
  2. 2026Mounting a Mo-Sys LED-wall tracking sensor on ARRI Trinity 2 with the sensor oriented upward for virtual production.FacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  3. 2026Power loss on Trinity 2 / Artemis 2 with large cameras (A35, Venice): causes and battery solutions.DisputedFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  4. 2026Voltage display discrepancies between camera and RCP on ARRI Artemis Trinity 2: 24 V rail showing 23.4 V at RCP versus 28 V at camera.DisputedFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  5. 2026Low-mode monitor selection for Volt Brain rig: latency performance of Transvideo Starlite versus current alternatives.DisputedFacebookThe Steadicam Group
  6. 2026Buying strategy for a 25,000 USD entry-level rig: used Artemis-1 with Flowcine X-Arm versus Rever-Evo Sled, and the case for learning on budget equipment firstDisputedFacebookThe Steadicam Group
  7. 2026Trinity 2 tilt and roll drift in standard operation, and MGT-2 remote control connection causing pan and roll instability via LBUS.SteadiHub
  8. 2025ARRI Trinity 2 software issues in 2025: head firmware problems, update caution, alternatives, and operator tuning requests.DisputedFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  9. 2025Pan drift on ARRI Trinity 2 gimbal when docked and balanced—normal bearing play or defect?DisputedFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  10. 2025Mounting a monitor at the battery rack on ARRI Trinity 2 in AR/X-mode: holder options and balance considerations.FacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  11. 2025Minimizing pan drift on straight architectural shots with ARRI Trinity 2: gyro solutions, sled configuration, and operator technique.FacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  12. 2025Market saturation of ARRI Trinity systems in 2025: demand collapse, rental rates, and ROI viability across regions.DisputedFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  13. 2025ALEXA 35 receives no power from Trinity 1 with 24 V upgrade despite correct voltage outputFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  14. 2025TRINITY 2 software regression from SUP 1.5 to SUP 3.0/4.0: motor behavior, control modes, and stability issues with workarounds and downgrade recommendation.SteadiHub
  15. 2025ARRI Trinity 2 head unexpectedly cutting power to ALEXA 35 camera on contact, addressed in upcoming firmware.SteadiHub
  16. 2025CSS EVO SUP 4.0 firmware update for TRINITY 2: automatic controller recognition and update via remote control panelSteadiHub
  17. 2025ARRI Trinity 2 remote head firmware instability, pan axis control issues, and calibration procedure to prevent malfunction.SteadiHub
  18. 2025ARRI TRINITY 2 SUP 3.0.10 firmware issues and downgrade recommendation, September 2024.SteadiHub
  19. 2025ARRI Trinity 2 SUP 3.0.10 firmware issues: motor startup delay, tilt axis vibration, and overcurrent shutdowns during operation.SteadiHub
  20. 2025ARRI Trinity overcurrent and e-stop errors after Firmware 3.0 update, and production-readiness concerns.DisputedSteadiHub
  21. 2025Remote control setup for ARRI Trinity 2: RF modules, joystick controller, and L-Bus power configuration.SteadiHub
  22. 2025ARTEMIS gimbal friction and bearing service: manufacturer claims versus operator experience across multiple gimbal types.DisputedSteadiHub
  23. 2025Random power-offs on the ARRI Trinity 2 caused by radio frequency interference from wireless microphone transmitters near the sledSteadiHub
  24. 2025Side-to-side adjustment resistance on ARRI Trinity 2 and DUB 3 positioning during balancing.SteadiHub
  25. 2025Powering and configuring ARRI DRW-1 wireless wheels and ERM-2400 transceiver with Trinity 2 and RCP-3 controllerSteadiHub
  26. 2025Sourcing the external power cable for ARRI Trinity 2 head (part K2.0048481) and supply availability.SteadiHub
  27. 2025Transport cases for Steadicam® Trinity 2 Super Post: Storm and SKB case models with custom foam options.SteadiHub
  28. 2025Zoom control malfunction with Cforce Plus motor and MGT-2 on Trinity 2: joystick returns to zero instead of holding position.SteadiHub
  29. 2025Operating ARRI Trinity 2 and Transvideo Starlite monitor in extreme cold (below -20 °C).SteadiHub
  30. 2025Nodal point alignment of the Steadicam® T2 head with SAM plates and large-format cameras.SteadiHub
  31. 2025ARRI Artemis 2 sled with Volt post, gimbal options, and comparison with Artemis 1, Trinity 2, and third-party stabilizers.DisputedSteadiHub
  32. 2024Achieving neutral balance on ARRI Trinity 2 without the pendulum in all positions, and balancing the asymmetrical head.DisputedFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  33. 2024Mounting Sony Venice 2 on ARRI Trinity with SAM-0 plate: build configuration and balancing strategies.FacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  34. 2024Controlling zoom on a servo lens via MasterGrip MGT-2 over LBUS alongside AC's WCU-4/Hi-5 on ARRI Trinity 2 with RED Komodo XDisputedFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  35. 2024Using two top stages from Trinity 2 stabilizer as conversion option for Artemis 2General Discussion
  36. 2024Compatibility and setup considerations when using Volt gimbal systems with Artemis 2 and M2 sledsGeneral Discussion
  37. 2023Initial equipment specification for ARRI Trinity 2: camera plates, power cables, and battery selection.DisputedFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  38. 2023EXT-IN port on ARRI Trinity 2 head base: power distribution to head, accessories, and cameraFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  39. 2023Flying the ARRI Trinity in X-Mode (Omega-style, camera lateral to body) for table-top passes using tilt control via post rotation.DisputedFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  40. 2023ARRI Trinity pendulum: function, weight configuration, and operation without it in low mode.FacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  41. 2023Camera compatibility with ARRI Trinity 2: mounting options and weight limits.FacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  42. 2023ARRI Trinity 2: handling preference between Yoke and MasterGrip for non-tilt shots, and monitor holder edge interferenceDisputedFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  43. 2023Low-frequency vibration in ARRI Trinity 2 during pan with tilt down ~45° and post nearly horizontal: design issue or setup.DisputedFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  44. 2022Practice cage for ARRI Trinity 2: weight burden versus lightweight camera setup alternatives.FacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  45. 2022Snaking (lateral drift and parallax) in ARRI Trinity Javelin mode: causes, post-correction limits, and mitigation techniques.DisputedFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  46. 2022ARTEMIS 1 versus ARTEMIS 2: what changed and what carried overManufacturer documentation
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