Mainstation MST1
The first high-load, ultra compact power solution for film sets.
As we move on to bigger sensors, brighter lights and more powerful camera movements, the power demand also increases accordingly.
While progress is constant in other departments, power management has fallen behind.
Until now.
There are three questions when it comes to power on set:
Where do I get it from?
Is the power source the right one?
How can I store it?
The Mainstation MST1 comes in to address all of those problems by being three devices in one.
1. Power Source Manager
2. Multi-Rail Power Converter
3. Universal Smart Charger
Five hot-swappable modular inputs.
Six regulated outputs up to 1000W.
And a three bay battery charger.
The Mainstation MST1
Power. Always.
Power Source Manager
First high power device on set to cover all possible input options.
Regardless of mount, voltage and input type.
Safely.
Three Universal Battery Mounts
New location, new battery mount?
No problem. Swap the battery plates. All mounts, all voltages.
Current options are Bebob B-Mount, IDX V-Mount and Gold Mount.
More options to follow.
Need more power?
Up to three battery inputs working in parallel provide unprecedented output capabilities. 10 - 34VDC - up to 20A per channel.
Always-on?
Remote heads, underwater rigs or other scenarios where loss of power will be critical are no longer a concern.
All inputs are hot-swappable.
Safety and damage concerns?
All inputs are independent and digitally controlled.
This is not a serializer. Batteries will not cross-charge.
Voltage and setup concerns?
No setup startup and built-in over and under-voltage protection, as well as overcurrent monitoring, will ensure safe and reliable operation in any scenario.
Why the Universal Battery Plate?
1. Use any type of battery mount - anywhere.
As power requirements evolve, more mechanical mounting types and voltage specs are added causing compatibility problems.
First published at BSC Expo in 2019, the Universal Battery Plate (UBP1) can be swapped by the user in seconds.
Flying to new locations where other standards are used is no longer a concern.
2. Double the runtime or double the voltage.
Use two or more batteries at the same time - safely.
Compared to other devices on the market, batteries will not charge each other.
For example, a 14V battery can be safely paralleled with a 28V one.
Extensive engineering and digital control ensure that the battery loads are balanced regardless of input voltage.
3. Never lose power.
Replace an almost empty battery without losing power.
High loads?
Two batteries will keep the system running while a third one is being replaced.
4. Future-proof
Should a new battery standard be born - the UBP1 is ready.
Two External Inputs
Need to save battery power?
Connect any DC power source between 11 -34VDC and the on-board batteries will be switched to stand-by mode. The two XLR inputs are prioritized over the on-board batteries.
On the move?
Unplug the external inputs and the Mainstation MST1 will seamlessly hot-swap to the on-board power.
Safety concerns?
Just landed in a new location and not sure if the local XLR cables have the standard or reverse polarity pinout?
The Mainstation MST1 will automatically rectify both inputs independently. Just plug it in.
Only have external power?
In case of a serious emergency, like batteries stuck in customs, a battery clamp to XLR cable can be used to tap any local battery. In extreme cases - from a car. The multiple regulated outputs will keep a small unit running.
2. Multi-Rail Power Converter
First device to single-handedly cover all output options needed on set.
In such a small form factor.
With so much power.
Six Regulated Outputs
Always-on
If at least one of the five inputs is valid, the Mainstation MST1 provides six independently regulated outputs.
Two high power XLR outputs
Run cameras, arrays, remote heads, monitors and anything else.
Four accessory outputs
Run video transmitters, small monitors, LBUS devices and charge laptops with full 100W PD3.0 power.
All, at the same time.
High Power XLR Outputs
Power any - or multiple devices - from any input available.
XLR4 Output
User selectable range: 14.8 to 16.8V
300W peak output*
XLR3 Output
User selectable range: 28.8V to 33V
Massive 700W peak output*
Power multiple camera array rigs, powerful remote heads and handle extreme movement transients.
*if input sources permit
Extended Output Ranges
Bigger remote heads? Brighter lights?
Need the never-to-be-found 36V? 48V?
The Mainstation MST1 has an extended range mode, activated by the smart Boost Enable Cables.
The unlocked XLR3 range becomes 34 - 48.8V.
User adjustable.
28V still needed when in XLR3 is in 48V mode?
The XLR4, using the boost enable cable, converts to a 28V output.
All cases covered.
Safe?
As soon as the Boost Enable Cable is removed the output is immediately discharged and restarted with default output settings.
Accessories?
All accessories outputs are independently regulated.
Why always regulated?
Avoid the dreaded remote head drift because of changing input voltage. True stabilization. Never ruin a locked shot again.
Avoid sudden head movements or input compensation when hot-swapping from a lower voltage to a higher voltage (charged batteries).
Boost the voltage for the needed application regardless of input.
For example power a 28V camera with a 14V battery set or power a 36V remote head with two 28V batteries.
Why user settable voltages?
Compensate for voltage loss in long cables when working on cranes, long line rigs or underwater setups.
Never lose power, regardless of transients or cable length.
Accessories Outputs
Small tight setup?
Camera, video TX, second monitor powered from underneath the car seat?
DIT work?
Four independently regulated industry standard outputs have you covered.
2PIN - 12V - 3A
3PIN - 24V - 3A
LBUS - 24V - 5A
USB-C 100W PD3.0
LBUS Data function available via future releases
Last use case when it comes to power? Charging
3. Universal Smart Charger
The complete solution.
Three bay charging - smaller than a dedicated two bay charger.
With multiple charging profiles and data communication - safe.
Three bay charging
Closing the power circle, the Mainstation MST1 includes a built-in smart charging module for each battery bay.
Charging profile:
Automatically set - 16.8V or 33.5V.
Charging current:
Variable based on system load and input source.
Full specs TBA.
Battery float voltage:
Automatically set.
Battery communication:
Yes (if available)
Independent charging profiles
Yes
Charging source:
XLR3 Input
Charging setting:
Automatic or user-enabled.
Universal Battery Plate
The UBP1 is designed as an interface between all mechanical battery mounts currently on the market and the Mainstation MST1.
Power
Designed for 10-34VDC - 20A input.
Battery communication
There are three pins available for battery communication.
Expected protocols are SMBus and 1-Wire.
Future
Please use the form below if you would like to join the battery partner program.
Five Inputs.
Six Outputs.
Smart Charger.
The complete power solution.
Mainstation MST1
Power.Always.
User Interface
Fast overview of inputs and outputs.
Intuitive menu navigation.
Fast dimming of display and led strip.
Mounting
Heavy duty bottom screw mounts
2 x 3/8 - 20 UNC industry standard threads
Smallest form factor possible
Three devices in one.
Every single one of them bigger than the Mainstation MST1.
Five Inputs. Never done before.
Six regulated outputs up to an industry record of 1000W.
And a three bay charger. Smaller than a normal two bay charger.
Inspired by a book - in a backpack.
Built like a book - for a backpack.
Future-proof
Inputs
Five. Modular. All options.
Outputs
Six. Regulated. All options.
Charger
Three. Independent. Smart.
Because of safety regulations it is unlikely we will move to voltages over 50VDC in the foreseeable future.
So with all other variables covered, the Mainstation MST1 is the final power solution you will need.
Use Cases
Block Battery
Regulated outputs enable the use of 14V Batteries for 28V Equipment for example.
Compact setups, that do not allow an on board battery on the camera, can still be hot-swapped.
Additional outputs for accessories like small monitors or video TX/RX.
Smaller and lighter than a block battery.
DIT / VTR
Power the entire DIT/VTR cart from one Mainstation.
Two on-board batteries will provide power when on the move.
For local AC needs a 28V inverter can be used from the 28V XLR socket.
The External Input can be used with a power supply when AC is available.
Remote Heads
Avoid unwanted remote head behaviour when input voltage fluctuates due to batteries state of charge, or when replacing the batteries.
The prioritized external input can be used with an external power supply if AC is available.
The control unit for the remote head and accessories can be powered from the same Mainstation.
Long Line Rigs
Multi-Cam / VFX Rigs
Mainstation MST1
Inspired by the set. Designed for peace of mind.
Power. Always.