Input Manager
Will the MST1 work with AC power?
No - the Mainstation is a purely DC/DC device.
Why no AC Input?
This was an engineering decision made in order to keep the device size as small as possible.
High power certified AC/DC bricks are already available off the shelf, so the user still has the option to use AC if needed – but can also throw the Mainstation into a backpack.
A list of off-the-shelf high power certified power bricks will be provided on the website after testing.
What happens if you combine polarities on the external XLR inputs?
Not a problem. Both inputs are independently rectified.
Can I use different battery mounts at the same time?
Yes - any combinaton.
Can I use batteries with different voltages at the same time?
Yes. All input are independent and a 14V battery can be used at the same time with a 28V one.
They will not cross charge and the currents will be digitally controlled so that both deplete at approximately the same time.
Power Converter
What is the polarity of the outputs?
XLR4: Pin1 GND / Pin4 PWR
XLR3: Pin1 GND / Pin2 PWR
The accessory sockets have the industry standard polarity.
Can I use a single 14V battery to power a 28V camera?
Yes.
The Mainstation MST1 will provide regulated outputs from any input source in rage – so if the current capability of the 14V is enough powering a 28V camera is possible.
Charger
Can I charge different batteries at the same time?
Yes.
Each battery bay has it’s own independent charger module that can set independent charging profiles.
When does the charger work?
As soon as a external input is connected over the XLR3 front sockets, the charger modules are ready to start.
If there is no load, or a small load, connected to the MST1 the charging will start automatically.
In case of a high load scenario, the chargers will be on stand-by or enabled manually via the user interface.
User setup
Do you have to set anything to run?
No.
When you connect one of the five input sources, the Mainstation will start-up with default, industry standard settings.
All six outputs are available if only one of the five inputs is valid.
There is one single exception: the 2pin Lemo 12V output will not be on if the *only* input source is the third battery connected to the back of the Mainstation. That is a case that can be easily avoided by connecting the battery to one of the two side inputs.
Can I turn off the leds and display?
Yes.
The brightness can be adjusted for both and also completely turned off via a simple encoder action.
Safety
What happens if a short is detected?
The corresponding channel will be switched off - the light strip will indicate a fault and the user will need to reset the channel via the encoder or a new power cycle.
What happens if the device overheats?
In case of very high loads or extreme ambient temperatures the Mainstation MST1 might reach a temperature level where the stability can suffer and efficiency starts to degrade. There are multiple temperature sensors that will warn the user via the LED strips and display suggesting corrective action.
Regulatory
Can I fly with the Mainstation MST1 in my carry-on?
Yes. One of the main reasons for the size, form factor and no included power source is to enable worry-free travelling so regardless where you land you will be able to power your gear.
Order details and delivery
How many battery plates are in that standard package?
Three of the same type – a customer choice between a set of B-Mount, V-Mount and Gold Mounts.
Can I purchase additional plates?
Yes – of all types.
Do you plan on supporting other battery types?
Yes – The three current options are prioritized because they cover the widest range of use cases and geographies but the universal battery plate system will be extended with more options.
For other questions please use the form below.
