DC Connectors - SolidStore

[Dylan Reeve]

On a set today, it was pretty clear that in most cases 4-pin XLR should be sufficient for DC power, there is no shortage for kit supporting this connector.

The other option we were considering was using having a RED Lemo DC connector, but in reality that seems very unnecessary, as there's only like to be one batter plate with that connector on it, and it'll be on the camera.

At the moment, I'm thinking we'll have only a 4-pin XLR connector for DC 11-25v.

Is this going to work everywhere, or is there some other major standard I'm missing elsewhere in the world? Basically if you have to power something on set, would you have a problem finding a 4-pin XLR power source?

[Wes Printz]

Hi Dylan,

The 4 Pin XLR is found just about everywhere, as you noticed. easliy obtained, industry adopted standard for 12VDC.

12V block batteries can be found in any rental house, with 12V cables to boot. Most AC's may also have their own cables. I'd say safe bet.

[Dylan Reeve]

Yeah a couple of the cable I saw yesterday had 'property of Panavision New Zealand' on them... Go figure :)

[Mitch Deoudes]

Sorry if I missed the answer to this in another thread - but are you planning to include an AC power brick with the SolidStore as well? XLR is fairly universal, as noted, but it seems unlikely that you'll be able to borrow batteries on set, except in an emergency... Meaning for everyday use, you're stuck with whatever you're using to power your camera (Red batteries, for most people), and house/generator power.

It also might be worthwhile to do a back-of-the-envelope calculation for battery life. If you can run the SolidStore all day on a single battery, I'd bet people would be more likely to just pick up an extra battery and forget about AC. (Though I'm not sure if this is enough incentive to maintain a second battery system just for the SolidStore, for those using Red batteries for the camera.)

[Dylan Reeve]

Yeah we will provide an AC brick. Not sure what sort at the moment, we may either have one with and XLR connector, or choose a somewhat standard DC connector.

I've been looking at using a laptop power supply for the AC actually, they are fairly easy to replace you lose it, and have reasonable grunt.

We'll also look at putting mounting holes on the case for mounting IDX or similar V-mount holder (or AB holder).