The latest Digital Cinema cameras are sophisticated computers that draw considerable power. Filmmakers then pile on lots of camera accessories that can also pull a hefty load. As standard power solutions were limited, AbelCine created a line of power solutions to answer any need.

Designed and manufactured by AbelCine and introduced at NAB 2011, the UniBob Universal Power Breakout Box is designed to answer both the power draw and distribution needs for Digital Cinema production crews. The UniBob is a compact unit (about the size of a Dionic 90 battery) and can mount directly to a standard 3-peg Anton Bauer-style battery mount or attach directly using an Accessory Mounting Kit.

The UniBob takes in power via a large Lemo-8 connector, which can deliver in excess of 300w each of both 28v and 14.4v power simultaneously. There are three 28v outputs and three 14.4v outputs. In addition to the Anton Bauer 3-peg battery mount (14.4v), the UniBob has two Phantom-standard Fischer-4 ports for 14.4v power, two ARRI-standard Fischer-3 ports for 28v accessory power, and one large Fischer-3 port for 28v power to directly feed a camera or other large-draw device.

There are numerous devices available to send power to the UniBob. AbelCine commissioned Frezzi to build the Universal Juicebox AC Power Supply. The Universal Juicebox can output in excess of 300w of both 13.5v and 28v power simultaneously. In addition to the dual-voltage Lemo-8 port, outputs include 3x XLR-4 (13.5v) and two XLR-3 (28v). All outputs and both voltages are available at all times. The unit has auto-ranging voltage, meaning that it can be used in electrical systems throughout the world. Anton Bauer makes the DT-500 AC Power Supply, which has a Lemo-8 to supply 300w of 14.4v and 200w of 28v simultaneously.

…continue reading AbelCine Digital Cinema Power Solutions

Compact Cine (aka Large Single Sensor) cameras like the AF100, PMW-F3, and the upcoming NXCAM FS100 all share one thing in common – they are small. This is great for tight situations, but many times we find the need to add an external recorder or on-board monitor to the camera. Not only does the camera grow in size when these accessories are added, but also the whole system requires more power. Many of our clients have been adding external battery solutions that power the camera, accessories, and also serve as counterbalance for their rig. Here are a few power solutions and mounting brackets that we’ve found for these cameras. Keep reading to learn more.

…continue reading Powering Your Compact Cine Camera

In the past, wireless reference monitoring from the camera meant a fuzzy standard definition image that was prone to interference. Now with the IDX Wevi CW-5HD Cam-Wave (that’s a mouthful so I’ll just call it the Cam-Wave), uncompressed HD transmission is available in a lightweight, small, camera-mounted solution. Both transmitter and receiver have male & female battery plates so they will fit between a camera (transmitter) and battery or monitor (receiver) and battery. Cam-Wave can also use outboard 12v or AC power. Units lock to one another automatically, and multiple receivers can connect to a single transmitter. The signal is rock-solid and perfect with a 150+ foot range. Oh, and it can handle standard definition SD-SDI as well. Abel rents the Cam-Wave in Anton Bauer mount with optional V-lock adapters or it can be purchased in V-lock (and Anton Bauer adapters are available).

The Cam-Wave is available from Abel to purchase or rent.