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Protect SDI port with Tilta Advanced Power Distribution Module

M

Martin Lohse

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It is my understanding that to protect SDI port, Red recommends powering accessories via anything but D tap. So I'm considering buying the Tilta Advanced Power Distribution Module which has two Lemo ports. Does anyone know if these Lemo ports are grounded? Tilta told me over the phone that the casing is some sort of aluminum alloy which sounds promising but I was wondering if anyone had tested it?
 
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I just got written confirmation from Tilta confirming that the Lemo connectors are indeed grounded in their advanced distribution module! So that's great news and I'll be getting my hands on one.
 
We still have to follow the SDI protocol. But for those rare occasions where we forget, it should reduce the chance of frying the SDI port.

I'm building the following setup for my Komodo after reading through SDI related posts on this and other forums:
Some reasoning behind my choices:
  • Len claims that its isolator protects against ground loops(!) whilst not degrading the 12G signal.
  • I'm using Belden because it is a large 100 year old corporation as opposed to a small random LLC.
  • RED/ARRI recommends using SMPTE-conforming SDI cables and shielded power cables.
  • I'm powering camera and accessories from ONE source (the Tilta plate) (to avoid having to create a common ground btw accessories and camera). In other words, I will not be powering e.g. my monitor from a separate battery source.
  • Remember to follow SDI protocol: https://support.red.com/hc/en-us/articles/360057166453-Preventing-Damage-to-SDI-Outputs
Hopefully this saves other newcomers from having to spend hours trawling through all the posts and contacting manufacturers.
 
While, LEMO connectors themself are usually grounded, I still wouldn't trust Tilta on anything power-related. Lots of their products (like RS2 basic/advanced rings, Nucleus M grips, Nano motors and knob) are suffering a lot of power related issues, some of which lead to a dead products that are connected (read Tilta Dji User Group of Facebook or google it - you'll find plenty).
The most common thing is that everything Tilta makes powered - suffers from battery drain issue, which then leads to a dead product. So, while D-Tap isn't grounded, it's still plain simple and by itself doesn't kill anything)
 
Thanks for sharing, Martin. I have the older Tilta plate (which I believe isn’t fully grounded), but recently upgraded to the Mutiny plate.

I guess the next challenge is indeed—as you point out—finding the Lemo cables necessary to power everything. For my SmallHD monitor (which I currently power by d-tap), my options seem to be Teradek or…Tilta.
 
Alex Lubensky said:
While, LEMO connectors themself are usually grounded, I still wouldn't trust Tilta on anything power-related. Lots of their products (like RS2 basic/advanced rings, Nucleus M grips, Nano motors and knob) are suffering a lot of power related issues, some of which lead to a dead products that are connected (read Tilta Dji User Group of Facebook or google it - you'll find plenty).
The most common thing is that everything Tilta makes powered - suffers from battery drain issue, which then leads to a dead product. So, while D-Tap isn't grounded, it's still plain simple and by itself doesn't kill anything)
Click to expand...

Good to know these things about Tilta, Alex. I will definitely keep an eye for this and actually check myself that the Lemo connectors are indeed grounded.
 
M Harvey said:
Thanks for sharing, Martin. I have the older Tilta plate (which I believe isn’t fully grounded), but recently upgraded to the Mutiny plate.

I guess the next challenge is indeed—as you point out—finding the Lemo cables necessary to power everything. For my SmallHD monitor (which I currently power by d-tap), my options seem to be Teradek or…Tilta.
Click to expand...

That's a good idea, Harvey. Hadn't thought about Teradek, but I will check them out.
 
Brian Timmons said:
Camvate also made a special cable that supposedly helps prevent frying SDI ports.
https://www.reduser.net/forum/red-c...r-sdi-anti-current-isolation-cable-for-komodo

Waiting to hear more feedback. Tricky in that this may not be the most straightforward issue to test.

Brian Timmons
BRITIM/MEDIA
Click to expand...

Thanks, Brian. That's a lot cheaper than the $500 Len galvanic isolator that I have bought (and fortunately not unpacked). Just ordered the Camvate isolator that you referenced and should receive it in a week.
Yes, definitely a tricky thing to test if it works. If I figure out a way to test that the Camvate cable actually isolates the two devices, I'll post it here.
 
So I just tested this with the $139 Tilta Komoda plate and sure enough, the shell on the Lemo connectors isn’t grounded, WTF? The whole point of a grounded shield is that it’s y’know grounded. Moreover the chassis plate isnt grounded either, while this isn’t inherently the cause of failure it does zero to prevent issues. Has anyone run a continuity test that shows the “advanced” plate is indeed tied to a common ground?

Good Luck
 
Howie Roll said:
So I just tested this with the $139 Tilta Komoda plate and sure enough, the shell on the Lemo connectors isn’t grounded, WTF? The whole point of a grounded shield is that it’s y’know grounded. Moreover the chassis plate isnt grounded either, while this isn’t inherently the cause of failure it does zero to prevent issues. Has anyone run a continuity test that shows the “advanced” plate is indeed tied to a common ground?

Good Luck
Click to expand...

Tilta’s gonna Tilta.

Par for the course.
 
Howie Roll said:
So I just tested this with the $139 Tilta Komoda plate and sure enough, the shell on the Lemo connectors isn’t grounded, WTF? The whole point of a grounded shield is that it’s y’know grounded. Moreover the chassis plate isnt grounded either, while this isn’t inherently the cause of failure it does zero to prevent issues. Has anyone run a continuity test that shows the “advanced” plate is indeed tied to a common ground?
Click to expand...

I also own the $139 plate (as well as the new Mutiny I/O plate). Just to be clear, the plate Martin is talking about is the new $400 Tilta Advanced Power Distribution Module. So hopefully it comes through on the safety/protection features that the original plate doesn't.
 
I modified first my $139 power module by opening it up and using stranded wire wrapped, twisted and soldered wire between the two threaded areas of the Limo connectors, and soldered the other end of the wire to the - negative power in lead. In addition, I took an additional precaution with the D-Taps and took a #30 drill and removed 3/32 of brass on the + plus side of eack of those female connectors. This way the - ground pin will theoretically make contact prior to the +positive pin in the plug.

I advised Tilta in Burbank by phone about the Komodo 12G board power issue well in advance of the Advanced Power Modules release. Naturally, when I received my new Advanced Power Module the first thing I did was to check to see if the Lemo shields were electrically bonded to the - negative input side. IT WAS NOT! DRAT!!! The second thing I did was to modify my new Advanced Power Module as I did the first one. I did not bond the non-power Limos on the side as they handle signal rather than power.

At this last Cinegear in LA I made it a point to speak to an engineer at their booth about the issue. I understand Red recinded their approval for a while on the Komodo Advanced Power Module. Maybe that had something to do with it. Maybe a V2 is in the future. Maybe not.
 
That’s a bummer, thanks for saving me the $400.

Rather than open up the plate I was thinking about taking a Lemo connector and shorting the -side to the shell making a grounding plug. Might be better (for warranty purposes) to find an approved OEM solution.

Good Luck
 
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