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Powering Epic from D-tap

Steven-Marc C.

Steven-Marc C.

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Is it possible to power the Epic from D-tap (assuming you have the right adapter cable)?
I know the Red One was drawing too much power, but I'm thinking it might possible with the Epic.
 
Because some people have rod mountable V-mount battery distribution boxes with multiple d-tap outlets on it, and this could be an option to power both the epic and other d-tap accessories from the single battery distribution box. Hawk-woods make one.
 
Chater Camera in berkeley has been running dtap to epic for months.
 
It is right near the top of a D-Tap's rated output.

Clarification: Not to make it sound like this is a problem in any way. D-Tap will power EPIC. It is within D-Tap spec.
 
Last edited:
tomspark said:
Because some people have rod mountable V-mount battery distribution boxes with multiple d-tap outlets on it, and this could be an option to power both the epic and other d-tap accessories from the single battery distribution box. Hawk-woods make one.
Click to expand...

I think the better solution would be to have a brick supply power directly to Epic via Lemo, + provide dtap distro to all the devices. All of our Epics work like this, we have a power distro box that supplies d-tap, 3 and 11 pin Fischer, 4 pin xlr, etc all from small box behind battery. I don't like the idea of a small dtap connector providing primary power, especially considering I have seen too many of these inserted backwards. Your cameras power should come from a source that is idiot proof.
 
Greg M said:
I think the better solution would be to have a brick supply power directly to Epic via Lemo, + provide dtap distro to all the devices. All of our Epics work like this, we have a power distro box that supplies d-tap, 3 and 11 pin Fischer, 4 pin xlr, etc all from small box behind battery. I don't like the idea of a small dtap connector providing primary power, especially considering I have seen too many of these inserted backwards. Your cameras power should come from a source that is idiot proof.
Click to expand...

Is this your own custom distro box?

I'm hoping that VF / Brook have one of these coming out next week.
 
AbelCine has a universal power distribution system, the UniBob. It spits out plenty of 12v (14.4v) and 24v (28v) power from multiple ports for all your camera and accessory needs. AC power supply and battery options also available. It will work for RED as well as any other camera system out there. With 600w available (300w for each voltage) you'd really have to go nuts to find a way to max out the system. Great for 3D rigs.

http://blog.abelcine.com/2011/05/20/abelcine-digital-cinema-power-solutions/
 
Mitch Gross said:
It is right near the top of a D-Tap's rated output.
Click to expand...

So I would read this to mean that if you're sharing the D-Tap output between Epic and other devices, you may run into trouble.

And I second Greg's point: D-Tap connectors are neither locking nor foolproof. Seems like more of a last resort than a convenient solution.
 
Powering camera from d-tap is a really bad idea than can result in a dead red. This is how we configured our Epics.
 

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tomspark said:
Because some people have rod mountable V-mount battery distribution boxes with multiple d-tap outlets on it, and this could be an option to power both the epic and other d-tap accessories from the single battery distribution box. Hawk-woods make one.
Click to expand...

Bear in mind that one version of the Hawk-Woods distro box provides a 12V regulated output - if you try and power your Epic from that, you won't get an accurate voltage readout which the camera uses to illustrate how much battery life is left and decide when to self-shutdown to avoid losing power altogether.
 
Greg M said:
Powering camera from d-tap is a really bad idea than can result in a dead red. This is how we configured our Epics.
Click to expand...

WHere can I get that part!! Love that box on the back. It would get the ac's to stop bashing my camera...hehhehe NO really where can I get one? Is that a red product?

thanks!

j
 
Greg M said:
Powering camera from d-tap is a really bad idea than can result in a dead red. This is how we configured our Epics.
Click to expand...

Hi Greg,

Nice setup! Who makes the breakout box? Can you provide a link?

M
 
Greg M said:
This is something we modified, we are working on a newer version.
Click to expand...

I agree with Greg, in the past AC have reversed the P-tap backwards somehow which caused reverse polarity and blew out the power supply. That was a $1,500 fix on the R1. I'm sure it would be more expensivenif this happened to the Epic. Greg has a nice invention their which solves all the problems when powering accessories as well as camera. P-Tap is an un regulated source for powering 12v due to amount of current drawn by the camera or accessories attached.
 
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