Removing Power Box From Red Weapon Camera Safely

The D-Box is a power distribution box that can be added to RED DSMC2 cameras, including the Weapon, to provide power distribution, standardised remote start/stop, and hot swap capabilities. The D-Box is easy to install, as it does not require any tools and utilises a cable-less interface that attaches directly to the back of the camera body. While the D-Box is typically used to enhance the capabilities of RED DSMC2 cameras, it is possible that removal may be necessary for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. To remove the power distribution box from a RED Weapon camera, one would typically need to refer to the official product instructions provided by the manufacturer, which are not publicly available.

D-Box (Weapon) Demonstration

The D-Box (Weapon) Demonstration outlines the steps for installing and utilising the D-Box power distribution system for RED DSMC2 cameras, including the Weapon, Epic Weapon, and Scarlet Weapon models. Here is a detailed overview of the process:

The D-Box is designed to provide power distribution, standardised remote start/stop functionality, and hot-swapping capabilities for RED DSMC2 camera systems. It is a tool-less installation process, meaning no additional tools are required for setup. The D-Box utilises a Cable-less interface, which attaches directly to the back of the camera body, along with the Base Expander Module, RED® Volt Expander Module, and Teradek O-Mods.

The connectors on the D-Box are strategically designed to match the Expander Modules, ensuring that all cables can be installed without any collisions or obstructions. This includes connectors such as 2x 2pin (12V), 2x 3pin Fischer (24V with R/S), 4x D-Tap (12V), and 1x USB. The module seamlessly communicates with the camera, enabling the use of any ARRI standard start/stop trigger with the 3pin Fischer port.

The D-Box also features a DC input that matches the camera's connector. This allows for an AC power supply or external power plate to be connected, ensuring uninterrupted power during a battery change. When both battery and DC input are in use, the D-Box prioritises the DC input and keeps the onboard battery fully charged. The LED indicators on the D-Box provide clear visual feedback on the power status: green for voltage above 12.5V, red for voltage below 12V, and orange for voltage between those values.

The D-Box offers enhanced safety features, such as replacing physical fuses with a processor-controlled amp limit. This amp limit can be adjusted using the slide switch on the operator's side, providing flexibility based on user preferences. In the event that the set current is exceeded, only the accessory outputs are disabled, ensuring that the camera continues to operate normally. To restore accessory power, simply reduce the current load by removing accessories or adjusting the configuration, then press the reset button.

Additionally, it is important to consider the power capabilities of the batteries used with the D-Box. A RED® Brick battery, for example, can supply up to 10A, while the camera typically consumes 4-6A in standard configuration. To achieve optimal results, it is recommended to limit the power draw to 4A or less. Exceeding the battery's power capacity can cause it to shut down, resulting in the loss of camera and accessory power.

D-Box installation

The D-Box is a power distribution box that can be added to RED DSMC2 cameras, including the Weapon, to provide power distribution, standardised remote start/stop, and hot swap capabilities. The D-Box is easy to install and does not require any tools. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install the D-Box:

• Ensure you have the correct D-Box for your camera. The D-Box (Weapon, Power Distribution Portion Only) is compatible with the cable-less V-Mount, Blueshape, or Gold Mount.
• Prepare your camera by removing any existing power solution if necessary.
• Locate the Cable-less interface on the back of your camera body.
• Attach the D-Box directly to the Cable-less interface. It should slot in securely without the need for any tools.
• Connect the relevant cables to the D-Box connectors. The D-Box includes 2x 2pin (12V), 2x 3pin Fischer (24V with R/S), 4x D-Tap (12V), and 1x USB.
• Ensure the cables are routed neatly and securely, avoiding any collisions or obstructions.
• Test the D-Box to ensure it is functioning correctly. Connect an ARRI standard start/stop trigger to the 3pin Fischer port and check that the camera responds as expected.
• Check the LED indicator on the D-Box. If the DC input or battery voltage is above 12.5V, the LED will be green. If the voltage is below 12V, the LED will be red, and if it is between those values, the LED will be orange.
• Adjust the amp limit using the slide switch on the operator's side of the D-Box if needed. The amp limit can be set to 3.8, 5.8, or 9 amps.
• If you are using a Cable-less and D-Box battery module, ensure you know the power capacity of your batteries. A RED® Brick battery can supply up to 10A, but it is recommended to limit the power draw to 4A or less for optimal performance.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install the D-Box power distribution box on your Weapon RED camera, adding power distribution and remote start/stop capabilities to your camera setup.

D-Box connectors

The D-Box (RED® DSMC2™, V-Mount) is a custom version of the standard D-Box that adds power distribution, standardised remote start/stop, and hot-swapping capabilities for RED® DSMC2™ Brains (Monstro, Helium, Gemini), Weapon, Epic Weapon (Epic-W), Scarlet Weapon (Scarlet-W), Raven, and other DSMC2™ cameras. The D-Box is completely tool-less for installation and utilises a cable-less interface that attaches directly to the back of the camera body, Base Expander Module, RED®Volt Expander Module, and the Teradek O-Mods.

The D-Box features the following connectors: 2x 2-pin (12V), 2x 3-pin Fischer (24V with R/S), 4x D-Tap (12V) (one of which is partly obscured by the housing), and 1x USB. The outputs are contoured to match the Expander Module, allowing for all cables to be installed with no collisions. The module communicates with the camera and allows any ARRI standard start/stop trigger to be used with the 3-pin Fischer port.

The D-Box's DC input is the same as the camera's connector, allowing for an AC power supply or external power plate to be connected to power accessories during a battery change. When both battery and DC input are used, the D-Box defaults to the DC input, leaving the onboard battery fully charged. The LED will be green if the DC input or battery voltage is above 12.5V, red if the battery voltage is below 12V, and orange if the battery voltage is between 12V and 12.5V.

Physical fuses have been replaced by a processor-controlled amp limit that can be set to 3.8, 5.8, or 9 amps using a slide switch on the operator's side. If the user exceeds the set current for accessories, only the accessory outputs are disabled, leaving the camera running normally. Once the current load has been reduced, the reset button can be pressed to enable accessory power again.

D-Box fuses

The D-Box (RED® DSMC2) is a customisable power distribution box for RED cameras, including the Weapon, Epic Weapon (Epic-W), and Scarlet Weapon (Scarlet-W). It provides power distribution, remote start/stop functions, and hot-swapping capabilities. The D-Box is designed to attach directly to the back of the camera body, with no tools required for installation.

The D-Box features a range of connectors, including 2x 2pin (12V), 2x 3pin Fischer (24V with R/S), 4x D-Tap (12V), and 1x USB. These connectors are designed to match the Expander Module, allowing for easy cable installation without collisions. The D-Box also includes a secondary fuse for the D-tap ports of the attached battery plate. This fuse is located within a fuse holder in the plate, and replacements can be purchased directly from Wooden Camera.

The D-Box's physical fuses have been replaced by a processor-controlled amp limit, which can be set to 3.8, 5.8, or 9 amps using a slide switch. This amp limit helps to protect the camera and accessories by disabling only the accessory outputs if the user exceeds the set current. The D-Box also features LED indicators to display the voltage status: green for above 12.5V, orange for between 12V and 12.5V, and red for below 12V.

It is important to note that when using the D-Box with battery modules, users should be aware of the power capabilities of their batteries. A RED® Brick battery, for example, can supply up to 10A, while the camera typically consumes 4-6A. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended to limit the power draw to 4A or less. Exceeding the battery's power capacity can cause the battery to shut down, resulting in a loss of camera and accessory power.

D-Box battery modules

The D-Box battery modules are an essential component of the power distribution system for Weapon Red cameras. These modules provide power distribution, standardised remote start/stop functions, and hot swap capabilities. They are compatible with RED® DSMC2™ Brains, including Monstro, Helium, Gemini, Weapon, Epic Weapon (Epic-W), Scarlet Weapon (Scarlet-W), and Raven.

The D-Box battery modules connect directly to the back of the camera body or the Base Expander Module, utilising a cable-less interface. This design ensures that all cables can be installed without any collisions. Additionally, the module communicates with the camera, allowing the use of any ARRI standard start/stop trigger with the 3-pin Fischer port.

One notable feature of the D-Box battery modules is their ability to accommodate both battery and DC input. When both power sources are utilised, the D-Box defaults to the DC input, ensuring that the onboard battery remains fully charged. This dual-power capability is particularly useful during battery changes, as it allows accessories and the camera to remain powered.

The D-Box battery modules also offer visual indicators for battery voltage levels. If the voltage is above 12.5V, the LED will be green; if it drops below 12V, the LED will turn red; and if the voltage is between these values, the LED will display orange. This colour-coded system provides users with a quick and easy way to monitor their power levels.

Furthermore, the D-Box battery modules have a processor-controlled amp limit that can be set to 3.8, 5.8, or 9 amps using a slide switch. If the set current is exceeded, only the accessory outputs will be disabled, ensuring that the camera continues to operate normally. In such cases, users can reduce the current load by removing accessories or reconfiguring their setup before pressing the reset button to restore accessory power.

Frequently asked questions