Power Distribution Box DB-9 (Blackmagic PYXIS, V-Mount)

Installation and Setup

Install Camera Mount Bracket: Attach the camera mount bracket to the rear of the camera using the two 1/4-20 mounting points. Use a 4mm or 5/32 allen wrench for installation.[Diagram: Camera mount bracket installation on rear of Blackmagic PYXIS camera.]

Remote Start / Stop Functionality: For remote start/stop (R/S) control, connect a USB-C cable to the DB-9 REMOTE port.[Diagram: USB-C cable connected to DB-9 REMOTE port.]

Camera Connection: Attach the DB-9 unit to the camera using a 15mm clamp and tighten the friction thumbscrew. Connect the USB-C cable to the camera's USB port and a 2-pin connector to the camera's DC IN port.[Diagram: DB-9 unit attached to camera via 15mm clamp, showing USB-C to camera USB and 2-pin to camera DC IN.]

Battery Plate Adjustment: When using wide batteries, adjust the battery plate position to ensure clear access to the power outputs.[Diagram: DB-9 unit with adjustable battery plate for accessing power outputs.]

Power Specifications

Operating Voltage:

• On-board batteries (BATT): 12.5 - 17V
• DC input (DC-IN): 11-17V (Note: Blackmagic PYXIS may shut down below 11.8V)

Power Source Selection:

When both BATT and DC-IN sources are valid and the DC input voltage is above 12V, the DC input will be selected. If the measured DC input voltage under load drops below 12V, and an on-board battery is present, the DB-9 will automatically switch to the BATT source.

Note: Due to block battery performance characteristics, the DC input voltage must be above 14V at initial insertion to be considered valid.

LED Indicators:

LEDs on the side of the DB-9 indicate active sources. A GREEN LED signifies a valid and active source. A RED LED indicates an invalid source (voltage above 17V or below specified thresholds).

Displayed Voltage:

The PYXIS camera's 2-pin DC input does not provide battery data. The DB-9 unit measures and displays the active source voltage on the camera.

Battery Capability and Smart Fuse

To ensure intelligent power monitoring and prevent brownouts, the DB-9's slide switch setting must match or be lower than the maximum sustained current rating of the power source. This rating is typically found on the battery or power supply label or the manufacturer's website (e.g., 10A, 12A, 20A).[Diagram: Graphic labeled "BATTERY CAPABILITY" with adjustable levels for 10A, 12A, and 20A.]

The DB-9 features a "Smart Fuse" system instead of a traditional fuse. It monitors current to the camera and calculates the remaining current budget for accessories. For instance, if the PYXIS camera draws 1.5A and the BATTERY CAPABILITY is set to 10A, 8.5A is available for accessories. If accessory draw exceeds this limit, the DB-9 will cut accessory power while keeping the camera operational. The RESET button can be pressed after removing excess current-drawing accessories to re-enable power.

Example Calculation with a 12V Battery:

Power Outputs

Remote Start / Stop

When a USB-C cable is connected to the PYXIS USB-C Port, the ARRI standard run/stop function is available through the 3-pin Fischer connectors.

Swapping Battery Plates

To switch from a V-Mount battery plate to a Gold Mount plate, remove three (3) M3x10mm socket cap screws using a 2.5mm allen wrench. Disconnect power and data connections before proceeding. Reverse the process for installation. Exercise caution to avoid pinching wires or damaging components during assembly.

Tilta Warning

When using a Tilta Nucleus lens control system, only one 3-pin Fischer cable is required for power. Do not use an additional power cable. A known design error in the Tilta Nucleus system can cause a short circuit between 24V and 12V, leading to accessory power loss. If this occurs, disconnect the second power cable and press the DB-9 reset button.