More Power for Camera Accessories

Bob Pank#

Author: Bob Pank#

Published 1st July 2012


Reliable, durable and plentiful battery power is essential for broadcast acquisition. The power demands of modern high-definition camera set-ups are now greater than ever. As the number of camera accessories increases so do the demands for battery power.
In addition to power-hungry cameras, there is also a greater number of camera accessories available, to be powered simultaneously. The cameras alone are likely to have a power consumption of 40W to 50W, and the accessories can increase the total power consumption to around 100W.
The increased demand for power is compounded by the fact that broadcast cameras have limited provision for DC power output sockets. There is usually a 2-pin style D-Tap output, positioned for powering an on-board camera light, and depending on the system, an output on the battery mount. Some battery manufacturers have incorporated a D-Tap output in their battery, but connections are limited.
In addition to the camera and its accessories, every camera operator carries electronic devices, essential to the job, that also require power. A smartphone is one example of a commonly used piece of kit that has not been factored into the power requirement equation.
The battery industry has attempted to meet the power demand by providing larger, higher-capacity batteries that may provide extended run-time and allow greater currents to be drawn. Batteries that have capacities of 190 or even 225 watt-hours are available, but because traditional Li-Ion cell technology is intolerant of high currents, these batteries are often unable to provide more than 8A or 9A. A further drawback is that, having capacities greater than 160 watt-hours, they cannot legally be transported by passenger aircraft. Invest in large, high-capacity Li-Ion packs and you could be literally powerless as you fly to the next location, your batteries having been confiscated. This has prompted certain manufacturers to find ways of splitting their high-capacity Li-Ion packs into more flight-friendly units, for crews that do travel by air.
A smart way to avoid any issues at the airport check-in, and increase the amount of current that can be drawn, is to combine the capacities of separate Li-Ion batteries. Spreading the load across multiple battery packs ensures that their working life is maximised, and means that you won’t be separated from them at the airport.
Different manufacturers have combined capacities in a number of ways, either by using an additional dual battery mount or by piggy-backing batteries via a built-in battery linking feature. Some manufacturers have used a linking system in combination with high-load Li-Ion cells, designed to provide greater currents. While lower in capacity, and higher in cost, these cells increase the power capability.
Each approach has failed to address the requirement for a greater number of power outputs. However, there is now a battery system that successfully addresses both problems in a way that goes further than any other battery manufacturer has attempted.
PAG, the London based camera power specialist, and one of the industry’s longest established battery manufacturers, introduced the PAGlink battery system at IBC 2012. PAGlink is the first Li-Ion camera battery system that allows more than two batteries to be linked for charge or discharge, regardless of their state of charge. Three 96 watt-hour PAGlink batteries provide 288 watt-hours of power, and are legally transportable by passenger aircraft (they are UN tested and IATA approved). Up to 8 PAGlink batteries can be linked to create a super high capacity power source, or for simultaneous charging, using a PAGlink charger or any reputable manufacturer’s V-Mount Li-Ion charger.
Unlike other combining systems, PAGlink batteries employ high-current pin contacts and are designed for high-load applications, allowing currents of up to 12A to be drawn (8A for a single battery). The linked batteries form an intelligent network, which manages charge and discharge. The system decides which batteries to bring online to share the load. This makes PAGlink the first truly digital battery system. For the first time, power is also available from the rear battery contacts for audio, lighting, monitoring and transmission accessories, via the PAGlink PowerHub.
The PowerHub is a configurable, multi-connector, accessory power unit that enables you to power multiple accessories from individual or linked PAGlink batteries. The compact, lightweight PowerHub connects to the rear battery of the stack, via the PAGlink connector, where its outputs are easily accessible. It provides up to four 12V DC outputs via connectors of your choice: D-Tap, PP90 or Hirose. The plug-in connector units allow you to reposition the power output to the left or right side of the camera and to swap connector types. You can customise the PowerHub to your individual requirement. An optional USB output is also offered for charging your smartphone. Output from the PowerHub is managed by the PAGlink batteries. The PowerHub also features four threaded bushes that allow a holding bracket for accessories to be mounted to its face.
PAG has upgraded its non-linking batteries to include many features of the new PAGlink system, such as an 8A output, automatic compatibility with multiple viewfinder data systems, a run-time indicator for every model, and improved low-temperature performance.
In addition to the PowerHub, PAG has designed an ultra-compact, single position Micro Charger, for simultaneously charging linked batteries, or a single PAG V-Mount Li-Ion pack. Both products are scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2012. The PAGlink PL16 Charger, introduced in January 2012, is capable of charging up to 16 linked batteries simultaneously, 8 on each position.
UK Patent Application Numbers 1115200.6 & 1115203.0
www.paguk.com

Related Listings

Related Articles

Related News

Related Videos

© KitPlus (tv-bay limited). All trademarks recognised. Reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited without written consent.