Blackmagic Forum

Hey guys,

Wanting to know if anyone used or has in possession a D-Tap/PowerTap cable to power Blackmagics 17" Smartview monitor and there SDI to HDMI battery converters. I want to use these in the field with Vlock Batteries.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Kind Regards,

Matt Jenkins

+1 !

I talked with Vinny at Switronix about just this and he was really helpful. The Blackmagic SDI to HDMI Mini Converter requires a specific voltage. I believe it's 7.2v. It does not work from the standard Anton Bauer D-tap output (11-17v). It requires a voltage regulated cord which they sell for $150. Either that or you can buy their Jet Pack battery plate for BMCC. In addition to three unregulated 11-17v supplies it comes with three regulated supplies that are built into the plate:

USB Output: 5V, 1a**
LEMO 2-pin(0B): 5v, 2.5a
LEMO 3-pin(0B): 7.2v, 2.5a
LEMO 4-pin(0B): 12v, 2.5a

This is just Switronix solution, I think there might be more out there. I know one of the Lanparte plates has a bunch of outputs and some are regulated, I just don't know the exact details of the outputs. Movcam has a nice one as well.

I'm not sure about the power power requirements of the monitor.

I wish that Blackmagic would make it clear in their technical information what you'll need to power the gear, particularly differentiating the power from AC versus what you'd need from a standard type of battery like a v-block. It's a little like going to the lemonade stand only to find right around the block where you can't see it, the anecdote stand that keeps you alive. I'm really not trying to be critical of Blackmagic, just appreciate getting to the solution quickly for a cost you are not surprised by. On the other hand they have done a great deal as far as getting us a long long way for a more than reasonable cost, that's for sure.

Hope this helps....

Marshall Harrington wrote:.... I'm not sure about the power power requirements of the monitor. I wish that Blackmagic would make it clear in their technical information what you'll need to power the gear, particularly differentiating the power from AC versus what you'd need from a standard type of battery like a v-block. ...

Reportedly BMD uses the same DC plug size for all their gear, so if true for example a d-tap cable that works with the BMCC camera should also work with the 17" SmartView monitor.

As for the monitor's power requirements, on the tech specs page on BMD's webiste it says:

"Power Consumption: < 20 Watts, Operational Voltage Range: 12V - 15V"

This is close to the same power draw as a BMCC camera (reportedly about 18 watts).

So, will work with most LION or Ni-MH camera batteries.

-

it's the same size as some laptop/hard drive power plugs

Just checked Blackmagic site mini converters take 12 volts or 12-31 VDC. I use a regulated 12VDC power tap cable with my mini converter, have not had any issues with it. Anton Bauer and Sony V mount batteries are 14VDC on power tap, dropping to about 12.5VDC as they discharge. All BM gear has "tech specs" which shows operational voltage requirements. My mini converter, one of the earlier models specified 12VDC only, hence the 12VDC regulated power tap cable, the newer ones now list a higher voltage range, as does the hyperdeck. Regulated power tap cables can be found on eBay, got mine for $50. Denny