"Unapproved Battery" error message, even with DC Adapter

[Steven L]

Has anyone else experienced the issue I have?

Komodo purchased in Dec. 2021, so out of warranty unfortunately.
Runtime: 96 hours
Production batch/ serial: 0149XX

$600+ bill to replace the Power Board.

Never mishandled the use of the SDI.
Never dropped my "crash" cam.

This happens whether I have one, or two, 6,300mAh REDVOLT batteries attached (these are made by CORE SWX), or one battery in one or the other battery slot on the Komodo.
I also get this problem with no battery attached when using my DC adapter.
The message comes up when turning the camera ON, and I am able to tap OK to dismiss it.
The camera won't charge batteries from either plate, whether I have one, the other or both REDVOLT BP batteries installed.
The camera seems to work normally otherwise.

Writing here after ruling out a problem with the batteries themselves (my initial thought), and after contacting RED Support.

Any insight you may be able to share with me is appreciated.


Edit:
Update to close the loop on this.
I ended up having to ship my camera to RED Cinema (no other choice) and they changed the Power Board.
Absolutely hated having to do that: shipping risk was entirely on me, even with FedEx insured etc.
I shipped it in its original box and when it was returned to me, the camera was not even placed in the correct orientation in there by whoever handled my stuff.
They would not let me drop it off at the repair facility either.
Absolutely absolutely hated (borderline rage) this process so much that I considered selling my KOMODO over this stupid (and costly) failure.
The RED staff was nice over the phone, but I just cannot forget how unreliable a preciously cared-for body turned out to be.

 

[Steven L]

I was hoping someone might offer some insight or their opinion.

 

[Felix_S_Hoffmann]

Having the same issues since day 1. Bought last year...Waiting for RED to reply if warranty still works. In Germany 24 months are given by law.
I am using a bebob plate + bebob v mounts. Always thought that is normal.

 

[Alex Zeder]

Having the same issues since day 1. Bought last year...Waiting for RED to reply if warranty still works. In Germany 24 months are given by law.
I am using a bebob plate + bebob v mounts. Always thought that is normal.

This sounds like a different setup than Steven's with the REDVOLT batteries. If you're using a V-mount battery with adapter on the Komodo, the adapter must transmit the battery data to the camera, otherwise you'll get the battery warning. I'm using the Core SWX CXV-KOMU adapter with bebob batteries and the battery status is properly shown on the camera, with no warning after turning it on. From the pictures I found, it doesn't look like the bebob adapter has the contacts for battery data transmission but that's hard to determine from the photo. Also, make sure the bebobs are switched to RED mode.

 

[Felix_S_Hoffmann]

I'm responding to this thread to share my experience with the hope that it might help other Komodo owners facing a similar issue who come across this through a Google search.

An unfortunate update on my situation: I submitted the log files, and RED informed me that the power board is damaged, likely since day one. I had initially dismissed the warnings, assuming it was a typical issue that would be resolved with software updates, especially since Bebobs are not "RED approved."
For those curious, my Bebobs are in RED mode.
Despite having photo evidence of the fault in 2022, RED is not covering the repair costs.

Similar to others, my Komodo has never been dropped, and I've consistently used properly shielded 12G SDI cables while adhering to the recommended procedures for connecting and disconnecting SDI. I'm genuinely surprised and disappointed by the customer service and apparent quality control issues with the Komodo. It feels like a camera designed for disposability. Who wonders - not having any SDI problems ;-)


I share this not only to vent my frustration but also to contribute to a collective awareness of potential issues. If you're experiencing problems, document everything and persist in your communication with the manufacturer. It's disheartening when equipment that should be reliable turns out to have such fundamental problems.

I encourage others to share their experiences, and if you have any insights or advice, please feel free to contribute.
I am sure RED knows about theses manufacture issues but they budgeted the whole komodo line up at the bare minimum.
ps: Having the problem even with the original RED DC Plug-in.

 

[Alexander B]

I use two Jupio BP-975 batteries. After 1 1/2 years or so the one with the label "RED Approved" suddenly shows an UNAPPROVED BATTERY message now and then. I did not update the camera firmware in between.
I took a warranty replacement for this battery. The new Jupio BP975 shows this error over and over again. The battery powers the cam, but when its empty, the cam did not swap to the 2nd attached battery and "shuts" down instead.
I run the other Jupio and a Blueshape battery without any problems.
Any thoughts on that topic?

 

[Felix_S_Hoffmann]

Your powerboard is probably trash too. I will get it replaced at Xinegear but it will cost me 700€.
I think a) your powerboard was trash from the beginning or b) (which is more likely) your powerboard got some damage during swaps / usage.
I also believe it is a cheap manufacture problem as the Komodo was never intended to be an A-Cam or even B-Cam.

 

[Felix_S_Hoffmann]

Your powerboard is probably trash too. I will get it replaced at Xinegear but it will cost me 700€.
I think a) your powerboard was trash from the beginning or b) (which is more likely) your powerboard got some damage during swaps / usage.
I also believe it is a cheap manufacture problem as the Komodo was never intended to be an A-Cam or even B-Cam.

You can send your logfile to RED and they can tell you more...

 

[Alexander B]

Your powerboard is probably trash too. I will get it replaced at Xinegear but it will cost me 700€.
I think a) your powerboard was trash from the beginning or b) (which is more likely) your powerboard got some damage during swaps / usage.
I also believe it is a cheap manufacture problem as the Komodo was never intended to be an A-Cam or even B-Cam.

any info from Xinegear about how long that takes?

 

[Alexander B]

RED checked the Log file. No red flags. Its a Jupio battery problem

 

[George Lenis]

Just in case this is helpful for anyone, I had two RED approved Canon batteries that were suddenly showing up unapproved on my Komodo (they sat too long on a shelf and drained). I tried unmounting and mounting the battery with the camera already plugged into DC power. No orange light to indicate charging. Got the error message. Did this repeatedly as I've heard it works. Nothing.

Tried again but this time with power turned off, I removed the DC plug, slid one battery in the left slot, then plugged in DC power. Voila! Got the orange light and let it charge all the way. Did this with both and am no longer getting the dreaded "unapproved battery" error.

In short:
1) Turn camera off
2) Unplug DC power
3) Place one battery in the left slot (probably doesn't matter which side but this is what I did)
4) Plug in DC power (you should see the orange light static until the battery is fully charged, then it will show green)