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1,008 threads in the archive

Monitor power

Based on 61 threads · 38 cited

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

Check the voltage before you plug anything into your Steadicam® sled, because a 12V-only monitor can be damaged by 24V 22. Use the 12V output or an inline regulator for fussy gear, like a SmallHD DP1x that needs 12V regulated 127. On an EFP sled, the 6-pin Hirose labeled Monitor carries both 12V power and video 1819.

The questions 10

How do I power an SDI/HDMI converter or downconverter from my battery?7 threads · latest 2016

In short

Match the converter's voltage rating to the output you tap, and use a 12V output or an inline regulator for fussy units 12. Then pick the connector your sled or camera offers 3.

How the pros do it

  1. Check the converter's input rating first, because original Blackmagic HDMI-to-SDI mini-converters max out at 12V and shut down above 12.5V 1. The Heavy Duty and Battery Converter versions take 12V to 31V 1.
  2. On a V-mount sled, plug an inline voltage regulator cable (P-tap or LEMO) between the sled and a sensitive converter, since the sled output is unregulated and can exceed 12V on a full battery 1.
  3. For a Decimator 2, the rated maximum is 28V 2. Operators with reliable units powered it from the rig's 12V output, not the 24V outputs 2.
  4. Carry both a 4-pin Hirose cable and a P-Tap cable for the Decimator 2 or AJA HA5 3. That covers the sled Hirose, the camera P-Tap, or the Hirose on compatible Sony and Panasonic broadcast cameras 3.
  5. Give the converter its own supply and don't split it with a monitor, because a Decimator failed to power up after sharing a single splitter with a TV Logic monitor 4.
  6. For a cheap HDMI box on a DSLR rig, use a custom DC barrel to USB adapter cable and run it off camera battery power 5. Some adapters pull power straight from the HDMI port on cameras like the GH4 5.
Caution

Unregulated sled power can exceed 12V on a fully charged battery and damage converters with strict voltage limits 1. Decimator 2 failures were linked to 29-31V against a 28V rating, though the root cause was never settled 2.

Opinions differ here

Older Blackmagic units shut down above 12.5V, and some could not tolerate more than 14V 1. A budget SDI-to-HDMI converter rated 5-12V ran at 16.8V from a full V-lock battery without damage 6.

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How do I power a SmallHD or Marshall monitor from my battery plate?7 threads · latest 2015

In short

For a SmallHD DP1x, run a DC voltage regulator between your gold mount plate and the monitor, because it needs 12V regulated 7. A Marshall V-LCD70XHB-3GSDI has V-mount screw holes, so an NP-970 plate may not bolt on directly 8.

How the pros do it

  1. Check the monitor's input first, because the DP1x needs 12V regulated and draws about 1A, or 12W 7.
  2. Put a DC voltage regulator between the gold mount plate and the monitor 7. One custom regulator box took 3V to 32V in, gave adjustable output and had an LCD readout, but it was still in development 7.
  3. For a SmallHD 502, use a battery or battery adapter, because it has no dedicated power connector 9. A P-tap battery adapter worked for one user 9.
  4. On a DP7 OLED, use only cables made for SmallHD, because its Hirose connector wiring differs from standard 10. Manage the cable at the tiny Hirose connector so excess cable doesn't get pinched 10.
  5. On a Marshall V-LCD70XHB-3GSDI, check the hole pattern before you buy a plate, because it has V-mount screw holes and not the threaded holes an NP-970 plate needs 8. Workarounds are dead weight, velcro or a custom steel plate cut to the monitor's hole pattern 8.
  6. Budget your runtime, because a Teradek receiver draws about 10W and a SmallHD High Bright draws about 35W at full brightness 11. That is roughly 45W combined, so a 90Wh Dionic battery gives you about 2 hours 11.
Caution

A pinched or grounded power cable between the plate and the monitor connector can short the battery 10. Damaged insulation anywhere along the cable can do the same 10.

What changed

Earlier, in 2009, a Camos ran straight off a gold mount plate on an Anton Bauer battery 12, today, in 2014, a SmallHD DP1x wants a regulator between plate and monitor to hold 12V 7.

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How do I power a wireless HD transmitter from my sled battery?7 threads · latest 2014

In short

Feed it by cable from the sled's power, split with an XLR Y-cable if the camera shares the same output 13. In a 24V setup, don't piggyback a 12V transmitter off a battery while video cables are connected 14.

How the pros do it

  1. Split sled power with an XLR Y-cable so one connection feeds both the camera and the transmitter 13.
  2. Check the transmitter's voltage range first, because early Boxx AV Transmitters without V-Loc plates can't take 24 volts 15. Newer Boxx Meridian units accept 6.5 to 32 volts 15.
  3. In a 24V series setup, power the transmitter by cable from an external supply, from the monitor battery only, or through an inline power supply 14. With three batteries, the dedicated 12V accessory battery is a safe place for it 14.
  4. On a Steadicam® Pilot, a P-Tap to 2.1mm adapter built with the 5V converter from the Paralinx system powers a Paralinx Arrow from the rig's 2.1mm output 16.
  5. With camcorder-style cameras, powering the transmitter only through 4-pin XLR may leave the camera unpowered, so use battery plates or a split power cable 17. Some cameras, like the F900R, have a retracting pin in the 4-pin XLR socket that cuts D-Tap power 13.
  6. Plan for the load, since a stacked F900R setup with an RF Central transmitter ran about three hours on two PowerCubes 13. Several high-draw accessories on one sled output may need a higher amperage battery configuration 13.
Caution

Piggybacking a 12V transmitter on a 24V series battery setup with BNC video cables connected can trip the battery breaker 14. It can also overvolt connected devices 14.

Opinions differ here

Operators agree on the fixes for the 24V shutdown problem, but some disagreed on whether the BNC carries power, voltage, or just acts as ground 14. The cause was never confirmed by testing 14.

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What are the pinouts and connectors on my sled monitor ports?5 threads · latest 2022

In short

On an EFP sled, the 6-pin Hirose labeled Monitor carries both 12V power and video 1819. Pin 1 is video ground, pin 2 is video in, pin 5 is +12V and pin 6 is power ground 19.

How the pros do it

  1. Find the 6-pin Hirose labeled Monitor on the sled, which carries 12V power and the video signal together 1819.
  2. Wire pin 1 as video ground and pin 2 as video signal input 19. Pin 5 is +12V DC and pin 6 is power ground 19.
  3. Don't assume that pinout fits every monitor, because the 6-pin Hirose on a Master Greenscreen CRT differs from Transvideo or Modulus monitors 20.
  4. That Greenscreen accepts 12V or 24V, but only on its specific power pins 20.
  5. For small monitors with a 2.1mm DC barrel input, use a cable adapted from the video/power junction box output 21. You can get one from a specialized vendor or solder it yourself 21.
Caution

Voltage on the video pin instead of the power pins may damage the monitor's internal circuitry 20. Check the pinout for that exact monitor before you plug in 20.

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Can I run my 12V monitor or gear on a 24V sled?6 threads · latest 2014

In short

Not safely on the wrong plate, because a 12V-only device like the WEVI Cam Wave gets damaged by 24V 22. Mount it on the plate that is safe in 24V mode or power it from an external supply 2314.

How the pros do it

  1. Check each device's rated input first, because the WEVI Cam Wave is built for 12V only and gets damaged on 24V 22.
  2. On a dual-plate rig, the safe plate is the one that powers the rig when a single battery sits on it in 24V mode 23.
  3. On Tiffen Steadicam® models, that plate faces rear when the rig is collapsed and rear-lower when it is deployed 23.
  4. Put a meter on it to check polarity instead of guessing 23.
  5. With video cables connected, don't piggyback a 12V transmitter off a battery in 24V mode 14. Power it by cable from an external supply, run it from the monitor battery only, or use an inline supply 14.
  6. If you need 24V tolerance, look at gear built for it, like the Transvideo Titan HD that supports both 12V and 24V 22. Newer Boxx Meridian transmitters take 6.5 to 32 volts 15.
Caution

24V on a 12V-only device can damage it 22. A transmitter on the wrong battery plate in 24V mode can damage the camera, transmitter, or rig 23.

Opinions differ here

Operators don't agree on the mechanism behind the 24V video-ground problem, since some participants disagreed on whether the BNC carries power, voltage, or acts as ground 14. The underlying mechanism was also not confirmed through testing 14.

What changed

Earlier, in 2009, the WEVI Cam Wave was 12V only and the Transvideo Titan HD was the alternative that handled 24V 22, today, in 2014, newer Boxx Meridian transmitters accept 6.5 to 32 volts 15.

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How long do batteries last powering my recorder or monitor?4 threads · latest 2025

In short

It depends on the gear: ten AAs ran a Pilot's 5.8-inch monitor about 2 hours 20 minutes 24, a Hyperdeck Shuttle's internal battery lasts about two hours 25, and a Samurai got through a full day on its included 7.4V batteries 26. In extreme cold, plan on roughly a third of normal capacity 27.

How the pros do it

  1. Check the draw first, because the Pilot's 5.8-inch monitor pulls 9 watts 24. Ten AA batteries ran it for about 2 hours 20 minutes 24.
  2. For longer days on that monitor, IDX E-7S batteries at 71 watt-hours should run it about 7 to 8 hours in theory 24. That figure is extrapolated from a different Steadicam® model with a 7-inch screen and covers only the monitor, not the whole rig 24.
  3. On a Hyperdeck Shuttle, expect about two hours of recording from the internal battery before you need external power 25.
  4. On an Atomos Samurai, one operator got a full day from the included 7.4V batteries with capacity to spare 26. Screen lock in firmware past 2.8 keeps it recording with the display off to save power 26.
  5. In extreme cold, battery capacity drops to about one-third of normal below -24 °C, even when the batteries are kept warm 27. Heat them with thermal boxes or neoprene covers for extended operation 27.
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Can I power my Archos recorder directly from my sled?4 threads · latest 2009

In short

Yes, but not straight off the sled plug, because the sled puts out 12V and the Archos wants 5V, so you need a 12V-to-5V converter cable 2829. You can also feed it from the monitor battery circuit 30.

How the pros do it

  1. Build or buy a cable with a voltage converter that steps the sled's 12V down to 5V 2829.
  2. If you modify an ARCHOS 400 base station, the original plug has to be desoldered from the cradle 28. A commercial version of that cable ran about 110 USD plus connectors, and a used unit could cost about the same 28.
  3. To spare the main sled batteries, power the Archos from the monitor battery circuit 30. Its internal battery then charges while the monitor is on, and the unit stays ready for playback without menu navigation each time the monitor powers up 30.
  4. If you feed it from an adjustable DC jack on the base unit, the Archos powers up automatically when the sled powers on 30.
  5. On a 605 with external 5V, check the playback/record toggle if you get a black screen on the video out 31. It can end up in record mode when power is connected 31.
  6. Set the power-off timing and backlight behavior in the Archos settings 30. On the 604 wifi, a software update adds control over backlight and auto-shutdown 29.
Caution

Modifying the base station takes soldering skill to avoid damaging the device 28. It also permanently disables the base station and its remote control 28.

Opinions differ here

Operators disagree on whether the Archos backfeeds onto the power lines 30. One reported it created a dirty signal 30. Another reported it cleaned up the signal in their setup 30.

What changed

Earlier, in 2006, you desoldered the ARCHOS 400 base plug and added a converter to the cable 28, while by 2008 a custom 12V-to-5V cable plus the DVR travel adaptor ran the 604 wifi 29.

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Why does my transmitter or Modulus get so hot?3 threads · latest 2014

In short

The Teradek Bolt runs hot by design, because its metal chassis is the heat sink that pulls heat off the boards 32. The Modulus 2000 also reaches very high temperatures in normal use 33.

How the pros do it

  1. Expect a hot Bolt chassis in normal use 32. The metal body draws heat away from the internal circuit boards 32.
  2. In hot weather or direct sun, the Bolt chassis alone may not cool enough 32. One suggestion is adhesive-mounted copper heat sinks on the outside 32.
  3. Treat that copper heat sink idea as untested 32. It came from someone who did not own the unit at the time 32.
  4. On a Modulus 2000, heat sinks can help during continuous operation 33. Whether they work on the 2000 itself was not verified, since heat sink changes showed up in later models 33.
  5. Some operators run a Modulus 2000 for years in hot environments without switching it off between takes 33.
Caution

The Modulus 2000 can get hot enough to cause burns if touched and to damage velcro fasteners 33.

Opinions differ here

Operators did not agree on how to handle Modulus heat 33. One view is that running continuously beats frequent power cycling, because repeated heating and cooling can cause expansion and contraction damage 33. The thread reached no consensus on which is better for longevity, and the evidence was individual unit histories, such as one unit running since 1994 33.

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Why does my monitor get dimmer when I add video devices?3 threads · latest 2011

In short

With no distribution amplifier, every extra device on a single video output pulls the image down a bit more 34. On a Clipper 2 sled, hooking a recorder or field monitor to the BNC output dimmed the picture by 30-40% 35.

How the pros do it

  1. Find out whether your sled has a distribution amplifier (DA) at all 34. Newer Clipper sleds don't have one, because the DA is in the monitor and only feeds the frameline output 35.
  2. On a Clipper 2, record from the separate RCA video output instead of looping off the BNC monitor output 35. That may clear the dimming 35.
  3. Check your 75-ohm termination, because the dimming can come from missing termination or from accidentally loading the output 35. If your monitor has no termination switch, put a 75 ohm terminator on its BNC output 34.
  4. Add a DA if you run several monitors or recorders 34. In a PRO II it can go inside near the rear, or in a separate enclosure under the D-box if space is tight 34.
  5. On a Clipper, an internal connector inside the electronics housing takes an external DA module 35.
  6. If the screen is dark but the power light is on and you can faintly see the image, that may be backlight failure, not signal loading 36. Test the monitor with a different camera source to find out where the fault is 36.

Opinions differ here

Operators don't agree on how necessary a DA is: one thread leaves open whether it is essential or just beneficial, depending on your tolerance for signal loss 34. People in the Clipper 2 thread also disagreed on whether the BNC auto-switching exists, and the manual and photos don't match the connectors 35.

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What's the difference between PRO 1 and PRO 2 monitor power supplies?3 threads · latest 2004

In short

The PRO 2 uses a more modern high voltage power supply than the PRO 1 37. The PRO 1 has an external fuse, while the PRO 2 has an internal thermal fuse 37.

How the pros do it

  1. Look for a fuse receptacle on the left rail near the monitor plug, because the PRO 1 has one and the PRO 2 has no external fuse 37.
  2. Check the side rails, because the PRO 1 rails are smooth and the PRO 2 rails have ripples 37.
  3. Check the heat sink, because the PRO 1 has 10 ribs and the PRO 2 has two sets of 5 ribs plus a box structure 37.
  4. Count the faceplate screws, because the PRO 1 uses 3 and the PRO 2 uses 2 even though the sticker marks 3 holes 37.
  5. Match the monitor to your level equipment, because a PRO 1 monitor works only with PRO 1 level equipment while a PRO 2 monitor works with both 3738.
  6. Confirm the spec level by serial number, because internal components can be mixed between the two models during repair or upgrade 37.
Ask a follow-up

Sources 38

  1. 1Power supply compatibility and voltage sensitivity of Blackmagic HDMI-to-SDI mini-convertersVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2011Disputed
  2. 2Decimator 2 downconverter reliability issues and power-related failures on camera rigsVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2012Disputed
  3. 3Powering video downconverters on camera support sleds and choosing between downconverter modelsVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2013
  4. 4Troubleshooting Decimator downconverter power failure and finding repair servicesVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2013
  5. 5Powering an HDMI converter box on a Steadicam® rig for handheld documentary workGeneral Discussion forum · 2016
  6. 6Budget SDI to HDMI converter performance and reliability assessmentVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2016
  7. 7Powering SmallHD DP1x monitor from gold mount battery platesMonitors forum · 2014
  8. 8Battery plate compatibility and mounting options for Marshall V-LCD70XHB-3GSDI monitorMonitors forum · 2014
All 38 sources
  1. 9Power supply options for Small HD 502 monitorMonitors forum · 2015
  2. 10SmallHD DP7 OLED monitor causing battery shorts during operationMonitors forum · 2015
  3. 11Power consumption comparison between SmallHD 7" Pro High Bright monitor and other cinema equipment when used with wireless receiverMonitors forum · 2015
  4. 12Power supply options for Camos video monitors using different battery plate typesVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2009
  5. 13Powering multiple wireless video accessories stacked on a cinema camera through battery sled powerVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2011
  6. 14Boxx transmitter causing battery shutdowns when piggybacked in 24V configuration with video signal connectionsVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2012Disputed
  7. 15Power supply compatibility for Boxx AV Transmitter modelsVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2014
  8. 16Powering Paralinx Arrow transmitter from Steadicam® Pilot rig's existing 2.1mm outputVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2012
  9. 17IDX Camwave HD wireless video transmitter modifications, mounting, power delivery, and reliability issuesVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2010
  10. 18EFP rig monitor connector specificationsMonitors forum · 2004
  11. 19Pin assignments for 6-pin Hirose monitor output connector on EFP sledMonitors forum · 2004
  12. 20Power connector pinout for Master Greenscreen CRT monitor with 6-pin Hirose connectorMonitors forum · 2022
  13. 21Powering small analog broadcast monitors with 2.1mm DC barrel connectorsMonitors forum · 2016
  14. 22WEVI Cam Wave wireless device failure when used with 24V Steadicam® Master Series setupVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2009Disputed
  15. 23Safety considerations when mounting V-Mount transmitters on Steadicam® rigs with dual battery platesVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2009
  16. 24Battery options and runtime for Steadicam® Pilot with Sony PMW-EX1Steadi-Newbies forum · 2007
  17. 25Battery life and practical operation of the Blackmagic Hyperdeck Shuttle recorderVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2011
  18. 26HD recorders for camera use in 2012Video Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2012
  19. 27Operating ARRI Trinity 2 and Transvideo Starlite monitor in extreme cold (below -20 °C).SteadiHub · 2025
  20. 28Modifying ARCHOS video recorder base station to power professional camera sledsVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2006
  21. 29Using Archos 604 and 605 wifi devices as video recorders with power and connectivity solutionsVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2008
  22. 30Power management and signal effects of Archos recorders integrated into cinema camera sledsVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2007Disputed
  23. 31Archos 605 video output issues when powered externally and video mode switchingVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2009
  24. 32Teradek Bolt transmitter running hot during operationVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2014
  25. 33Heat management for Modulus 2000 video assist units during extended operationVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2008Disputed
  26. 34Video signal degradation when multiple devices share a single video output on camera sledsMonitors forum · 2007
  27. 35Video signal dimming when connecting external devices to Clipper 2 sledVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2006Disputed
  28. 36Flyer Monitor display backlight failure after use with Canon 5D cameraMonitors forum · 2011
  29. 37Distinguishing features and component differences between PRO 1 and PRO 2 monitorsMonitors forum · 2004
  30. 38Compatibility of PRO 1 electronic level with PRO 2 film camera sled and alternative solutions for level and frameline generatorsMonitors forum · 2004

What operators found

Still argued about

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  2. 2026Monitor brightness and heat performance in direct sunlight: SmallHD 703 UB versus alternatives.FacebookThe Steadicam Group
  3. 2026Low-mode monitor selection for Volt Brain rig: latency performance of Transvideo Starlite versus current alternatives.FacebookThe Steadicam Group

Often in the same threads

Low Mode48, Monitor Bracket40, Zephyr32, Top Stage28, Artemis21, Volt12, CineLive8, CineMonitorHD813, Modulus91, Follow Focus15, Master Series15, BFD12

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  5. 2026Finding a bright (1500–2000 nits) low-mode monitor with recording and SDI I/O to replace a defective Transvideo Starlite.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
  6. 2026Monitor brightness and heat performance in direct sunlight: SmallHD 703 UB versus alternatives.DisputedFacebookThe Steadicam Group
  7. 2026Low-mode monitor selection for Volt Brain rig: latency performance of Transvideo Starlite versus current alternatives.DisputedFacebookThe Steadicam Group
  8. 2026Low mode and flipping the image: what to check on the camera before the dayOperator practice
  9. 2026Powering everything from the sled: voltage, current, and why the two get confusedOperator practice
  10. 2026Choosing and troubleshooting the monitor on a stabilizer rigDisputedOperator practice
  11. 2026Transvideo has ceased trading: what owners of their monitors need to knowOperator practice
  12. 2025Integrating a Betz Wave monitor into a Steadicam® PRO sled via fixed bayonet connectors: balance geometry and operational gains.FacebookThe Steadicam Group
  13. 2025Gimbal upgrade path for GPI PRO CineLive: Volt 2 now versus Volt 3 or alternative horizon stabilizers (Wave, MK-V Level), and adapter compatibility.DisputedFacebookThe Steadicam Group
  14. 2025Mounting a budget Shimbol monitor to a Steadicam® sled with integrated power and video cabling.FacebookThe Steadicam Group
  15. 2025Mounting a monitor at the battery rack on ARRI Trinity 2 in AR/X-mode: holder options and balance considerations.FacebookArri Artemis Trinity
  16. 2025Brightness requirements for low-mode monitoring: Blackmagic Video Assist 5-inch 3G at 300 nits versus alternatives for outdoor use.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
  17. 2025SmallHD Ultra 7 as a sled monitor: image quality versus off-center mounting and weight distribution concernsDisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
  18. 2025Bright 5- to 6-inch low-mode monitors with integrated level display: comparison of options and level accuracy concerns.DisputedFacebookThe Steadicam Group
  19. 2025Monitor bracket compatibility between Artemis generations: yoke rod width changes and retrofit kit availabilitySteadiHub
  20. 2025Monitor selection for Steadicam®: brightness, size, weight, and thermal performance with small HD Ultra 5, Port Keys BMS IV, Feelworld 6Luts, Transvideo Starlite HD+, and Blackmagic Video Assist 5 inch.SteadiHub
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