Blackmagic Design URSA VLock Battery Plate

Blackmagic Design URSA VLock Battery Plate

The Blackmagic Design URSA VLock Battery Plate is a high-performance power adapter designed to mount third-party V-Mount batteries directly onto the chassis of URSA, URSA Mini, and URSA Mini Pro cameras. It serves as the primary mobile power solution for these cameras, replacing the need for an external AC power supply during handheld or location-based shoots.

Core Power Features

The plate is engineered to provide a seamless electrical connection between high-capacity batteries and the camera's internal power bus.

• Direct Integration: The plate bolts directly to the rear of the camera and connects via an internal molex-style connector, ensuring there are no exposed cables between the battery and the camera body.

• D-Tap Port: Includes a built-in D-Tap (P-Tap) port on the side of the plate. This allows you to draw 12V power for additional accessories like wireless follow-focus motors, monitors, or transmitters simultaneously while powering the camera.

• Metadata Communication: Supports the transmission of battery percentage or voltage information to the camera’s UI, allowing the operator to monitor remaining runtime directly on the LCD or through the viewfinder.

Design and Durability

Built to match the rugged magnesium alloy construction of the URSA lineup.

• V-Lock Standard: Utilizes the industry-standard V-Mount mechanical interface, making it compatible with a vast range of batteries from manufacturers like Core SWX, IDX, Bebob, and Anton Bauer.

• Secure Mechanical Union: Features a heavy-duty release lever that ensures the battery remains locked in place even during aggressive camera movements or when mounted on a vibrating vehicle rig.

• Low Profile: Designed to be thin enough that it doesn't significantly change the camera's center of gravity or interfere with shoulder-mount ergonomics.

Compatibility

This specific plate is designed for the broad URSA ecosystem:

• URSA Mini & Mini Pro: Compatible with the 4K, 4.6K, G1, G2, and 12K models.

• URSA Broadcast: Essential for ENG (Electronic News Gathering) workflows where long runtimes are required.

• Note on URSA Cine: While the standard URSA VLock plate fits the Mini series, the URSA Cine utilizes a newer, high-voltage battery plate (sometimes referred to as the Cine VLock) which is designed to handle 24V workflows.

Operational Insight

For URSA users, moving from the standard AC "brick" to a V-Lock system is the most significant upgrade for location work. Because the URSA Mini Pro 12K and 4.6K G2 are power-hungry sensors, it is recommended to use batteries with a capacity of 98Wh or higher. The internal connection is much safer than using the 4-pin XLR power input for mobile work, as it eliminates the risk of a cable being snagged or pulled out mid-shot.

Installation Quick-Steps

1. Remove the Rear Cover: Use a small hex key to remove the four screws on the back of the URSA.

2. Plug in the Molex: Connect the small white plastic connector from the plate into the camera's internal power port.

3. Secure the Plate: Align the plate with the screw holes and use the included screws to secure it to the camera body.

4. Test: Attach a V-Mount battery; the camera's side status screen should light up or show voltage immediately.