URSA Cine 12k LF VLock and SWIT dual voltage Batteries

I have these really nice Swit dual voltage v-mount batteries PB-H290S and the very nice Swit 4port charger.

If I use these and the v-mount adapter. Will the camera work with the 28.8v (assuming I use the nfc tags)?

In other words can I use 24-28v v-mount batteries with the URSA Cine 12k and v-mount plate to get full power out of the camera and its power ports?

[Tim Schumann]

SWIT's VLock high voltage option has a proprietary SWIT VLock plate with a 'magic sticker' in order for the Bi-Voltage battery to go up into high voltage mode. If SWIT have made a VLock plate for URSA Cine then this might work... I'm not sure if they have or not. But it will only work with a SWIT battery and the standard Blackmagic URSA Cine Battery Plate VLock at 12v (14.4v nominal).

The Core Helix VLock or Gold Mount batteries will work at 24v (28.8v nominal) on Blackmagic URSA Cine Battery Plate VLock or Blackmagic URSA Cine Battery Plate Gold.

My understanding is that this battery model can work with any v-mount. To switch the battery into 28v, you need to use the nfc sticker on a normal v-mount. I have used this with lights. But I think you are saying if you connected a 24v v-mount battery to the bmd v-mount that the camera should use the 24v?

SWIT's VLock high voltage [battery] option … will only work with a SWIT battery and the standard Blackmagic URSA Cine Battery Plate VLock at 12v (14.4v nominal).

The Core Helix VLock or Gold Mount batteries will work at 24v (28.8v nominal) on Blackmagic URSA Cine Battery Plate VLock or Blackmagic URSA Cine Battery Plate Gold.

Sounds like Core Helix is the preferred option rather than Swit at this time.

I wish I knew the wiring. I am not sure what would make the Helix any different from the Swit. The issue is that I already have so many of these swits.

Have you contacted Swit to see if they’re offering a battery plate compatible with their dual voltage batteries and the Cine 12K camera? They might consider making a plate. They may be curious and investigate why the 24 volt option isn’t working with the Cine 12K.

@Blackmagic and anyone:

Can you confirm that the Core SWX Helix Max Series will work V-Mount, B-Mount, G-Mount the same with all the mounts on the CINE LF?

https://coreswx.com/product/helix-max-98/

Because V-Mount would be much more convenient in terms of adaptability for other gear.

I have gotten the 12K LF now with V Lock plate (the cine one), using with 28V batteries (Swit 290 + Core 98), it seems to not work, unless I have something wrong. Maxes out at 60p. Even though the batteries swtich to HV mode on their screens. Odd!

Might be stupid questions from me, but what project frame rate are you using? What Off-Speed frame rate are you using and did you activate Off-Speed?

Asking because 60 fps would be your maximum project frame rate unless Off-Speed is set On.

I have gotten the 12K LF now with V Lock plate (the cine one), using with 28V batteries (Swit 290 + Core 98), it seems to not work, unless I have something wrong. Maxes out at 60p. Even though the batteries swtich to HV mode on their screens. Odd!

That's the one that Tim from BMD said above only supports 14V operation, so you're effectively a 14 volt power supply on a camera that needs 28 volts in order to provide the camera's full functionality.

I've chatted to BM on the phone here in UK and they are looking into it. I think the most odd thing is the Cine V Lock plate talks to the batteries, since my Core switches into the 28V mode (HV) on its screen. But the camera isn't getting the 24V~. Very odd.

To update on this.

This plate does work with high voltage batteries fine. My Core V Lock type is the older Helix 9 Mini 14/28V, not the newer Helix 9 Max 14/28V. They give out different amps at 28V mode, with the URSA Cine needing 10amps minimum. The Helix 9 Mini only gives out 6amps at 28V mode.

I just received the 'magic sticker' from Swit which you put on the plate front. This talks to their 28v V Lock batteries with NFC. Those Swit batteries do work and allow for the high frame rates. I have the PB-290S.