Thoughts on: Komodo + Tilta's Advanced PDM + GDU Mini V-Lock

[Petar Smilajkov]

I'm looking forward to potentially getting this combo:

- Tilta's Advanced Power Distribution Module (https://tilta.com/2020/07/red-komodo-kit-configurations/) $329
- GDU 98WH Mini V-Lock in Red of course (https://global-dynamics-united.myshopify.com/products/v-lock) $220

I assume this combo would work, but I just cannot judge how back-heavy would this actually be...
- GDU Mini V-Lock's look "small" but does anyone have a picture of it next to a BP-955?

Then add mini derringer handles and small lens in front and you can be gone for a day

But then, may be better just to stick w/ 2 x BP-955's with one extra in the bag

 

[Jeremy Torrie]

I’ve got the Tilta unit. It’s small -about half the width of the Komodo itself. I have a Core Mini on it and ran longer than two 955’s.

Depending on the lens you have on front will determine where the balance on the camera is...definitely back heavy, yes.

 

[Petar Smilajkov]

Thank you Jeremy... I do believe 2 x 955's may be better for "smaller" run and gun scenario I envision, but with a heavier lens in front - what you have would probably be really useful ... Hmmm.

 

[Jeremy Torrie]

I would also say I really like the 15mm rod support system beneath the camera. With a dovetail attached it helps balance everything out. Whatever alloy they’re using it’s very light for these products including their cage.

 

[Petar Smilajkov]

Yea, from all announced accessories, all of Tilta's look really amazing... It's very good to hear they are light. Can't wait for when I can order some

 

[Cliff Mello]

Cant Wait for that Dual Bp to V mount. Sexy!

 

[Mark K.]

I’ve got the Tilta unit. It’s small -about half the width of the Komodo itself. I have a Core Mini on it and ran longer than two 955’s.

Depending on the lens you have on front will determine where the balance on the camera is...definitely back heavy, yes.

Hey Jeremy, do you have the regular Tilta V-mount or the "Advanced" one? And is it possible to adjust the orientation of the battery plate itself? (I saw some photos that suggested you could mount it either sideways or vertically).

 

[Thomas B.]

Mark,

According to their announcement / preorder page, it rather looks like you'll be able to choose different battery plates to use with the advanced Power Distribution Module, depending if you are using small or big Gold- or V-Mount batteries. I can't tell you if the hole pattern and connector (which then should be cross pattern?) of each battery plate allows for your desired change regarding mounting direction. If I had to guess, I'd say they rather sell more battery plates, but since their prices are comparable low, it's not a real issue...
Since their Komodo accessories are not officially released in their store yet, the hole pattern can still change in the future to make it more versatile? Let us know about Tilta's reply regarding this subject.
Thanks :smile5:

 

[Cliff Mello]

Couldn't one in theory Power the Komodo with any V mount Plate with a DC-out port and connect to the DC-in port?

 

[Mark K.]

Couldn't one in theory Power the Komodo with any V mount Plate with a DC-out port and connect to the DC-in port?

Yep. If you don't mind having a battery plate hanging off rails out the back, that's the easiest (and likely cheapest) solution. I just LOATHE having the additional point of failure of a power cable on any camera (HATE it with the Alexa Mini)

 

[Cliff Mello]

Yep. If you don't mind having a battery plate hanging off rails out the back, that's the easiest (and likely cheapest) solution. I just LOATHE having the additional point of failure of a power cable on any camera (HATE it with the Alexa Mini)

LOL..True. Very True.

 

[Brandon W]

How do I sign up for a group buy if the storm trooper tilta cage?

 

[Zachary A Clark]

Has anyone heard any updates on the Tilta Advanced Power Distribution Module, since the photo was taken down, etc.? Looked like an intriguing, all-in-one solution to connectivity and power for Komodo.

 

[S_James]

Are any of the Tilta battery solutions Red approved? Their form factor is appealing but I feel like that is secondary to keeping the camera happy.

 

[Paul Leeming]

I'm really liking the Tilta V-mount to BP plate with my Hawk-Woods Mini V-Lok batteries. It's small, proportioned perfectly and provides plenty of power outputs. The only downside is that every time you boot Komodo, it pops up a message saying unapproved battery and you have to tap OK. Would be great to have an option to set to stop that message constantly appearing, because the system is great and no doubt Red have played with it and know it too. Maybe one day?

HTH!

Cheers,

Paul

 

[Dana Neibert]

I'm starting to not dig the dual battery setup in the back because there is no power out which means you now have another battery(probably just as big as a 975) hanging off the monitor and if you put a remote FIZ on there you need power for that too. I have the Tilta V-Mount adapter and I'm going to try the GDU batteries with it because the Tilta adapter has several Lemo and P-Tap power ports so I can go back to one battery for the whole rig like DSMC2. Even if the Tilta plus a GDU battery is a little bigger than 2 975s, the rig as whole will be more compact and lighter than putting the monitor and FIZ battery on there. Maybe just use dual 955s on aerial and gimbal work.

 

[S_James]

Instead of turning off the “unapproved battery” warning in some future software update, I’d prefer that Red indicate whether they have any intention to approve any Tilta battery plate for Komodo in the near future. And if not:

1. why not?
2. does selecting “Ok” in the case described above void ones warranty in the instance of a battery-related system issue?

These seem like fair questions to ask given the level of interest in Tilta battery plate solutions expressed on this board. So far I prefer the WC solutions for Komodo, but I have never had an issue with any Tilta products in the past.

 

[Dana Neibert]

Instead of turning off the “unapproved battery” warning in some future software update, I’d prefer that Red indicate whether they have any intention to approve any Tilta battery plate for Komodo in the near future. And if not:

1. why not?
2. does selecting “Ok” in the case described above void ones warranty in the instance of a battery-related system issue?

These seem like fair questions to ask given the level of interest in Tilta battery plate solutions expressed on this board. So far I prefer the WC solutions for Komodo, but I have never had an issue with any Tilta products in the past.

I believe the unapproved battery warning is because the attached battery is not communicating it's power level. It has nothing to do with what brand of battery is attached. Also, I believe the new Tilta battery module will be able to communicate battery level as long as the attached battery passes that info along (like GDU batteries and some Core batteries).

I don't think it voids the warranty but could put you in a situation where the camera loses power and you would probably lose whatever clip you were recording since the camera didn't know the battery was going to die it would have not been able to save your clip and do a safe shutdown. Also, killing power on a sophisticated device with no warning could possibly lead you to a dead device that needs to be serviced.

 

[S_James]

so you are saying the error Paul described above is due to the battery itself and not the Vmount plate? because afaik none of the tilta plates are red approved and it seemed as though the system he was referring to above had more to do with the plate. I may be misunderstanding, just attempting to clarify...

 

[Dana Neibert]

so you are saying the error Paul described above is due to the battery itself and not the Vmount plate? because afaik none of the tilta plates are red approved and it seemed as though the system he was referring to above had more to do with the plate. I may be misunderstanding, just attempting to clarify...

Currently a little of both. The current Tilta module does not pass along battery info. So, even with a "smart" battery on there, the camera will say unapproved battery. The new Tilta module will pass on battery info with a smart battery.