MUTINY has posted a nice video explaining how to use its ISO X2 and ISO X2+. The MUTINY ISO X2 and ISO X2+ are both True 12G SDI 1:2 (1x in 2x out) video distribution amplifiers with 12G isolators built in and re-clocked equalized outputs (for cleaner signal, longer runs, and no glitches). The ISO X2+ adds 2x 2pin power outputs (4amp limit) to power monitors or a wireless video transmitter or both.
How to use them
The TRUE 12G Isolator acts similarly to the SDI cable process, but instead of unplugging your cable before setup, battery swaps, and shut-down, you use the isolator switch instead. Even if your battery dies, you can still switch to ISO after the fact (before removing the battery) and still be protected. When first setting up your camera, plug in the isolator to your power source and switch it to ISO mode. Turn on your camera and plug in your SDI cable. Connect the SDI cable to the isolator. Press the isolator button to SIG (signal) mode (LED on button will be lit up RED), and you will see the video feed on your monitor. You are ready to shoot.
When your battery gets low or you are done shooting, press the isolator button to ISO mode (Button not lit), and turn off your camera. Switch your battery (unless you are done filming, of course). With a fresh battery, turn on your camera. Wait for it to fully boot. Once the camera has booted up, press the ISO button to Signal mode (button lights up RED). Now you are ready to shoot again.
NOTE : If your battery accidentally dies before you have had a chance to flip the switch to ISO mode, simply switch to ISO mode before removing your battery or disconnecting the isolator power cable.
The system was co-developed with FreakshowHD (the 12G SDI video DA experts) and features everything the MSX2 series offers and more. This solution not only protects your 12G port on your camera, monitor, or other 12G SDI device, but also doesn’t loose quality and can handle long distance cable runs (extending a DCI 4K signal up to 246′).
Instead of removing the 12G SDI cable from the camera when powering up/down the camera and between battery swaps, you simply switch from the signal (SIG) to isolation (ISO) mode. Once switched to ISO, the red LED turns off, and your signal feed to your monitor/wireless TX is cut while maintaining ground at all times. You then swap your battery with a fresh one. Once everything is on, you switch back to signal (SIG), the red LED turns on and your video feed is now live again.
The isolator does require power via a 2-pin 0B input. Once the isolator is in ISO mode, it retains isolation when power is removed between battery swaps. Unlike other solutions on the market, our 12G isolator features two levels of protection. The first level of protection is an ESD smart circuit that is AC coupled, preventing any DC present on the signal. The second level of protection is a logic switch, which is a button with electronic switching that, when engaged, cuts the signal path to the camera and to the monitor / wireless transmitter electronically, keeping only ground connected at all times. This arrests any power spikes from going back to the camera’s sensitive 12G SDI port via the signal wire, which is the center pin of the SDI cable.
MUTINY also recommends Safetap V4 power cables versus standard D/P-tap cables. Savfetap V4 cables electronically connect ground before positive, making for an even higher level of safety for all your devices.
12G SDI cameras that can be protected with the isolator: BLACKMAGIC (PYXIS, URSA MINI PRO, etc), RED (KOMODO / KOMODO-X / V-RAPTOR S35/VV/XL), Sony (Venice / Venice 2 / FX6 / FX9 / FR7, ARRI (Alexa 35), Canon (C300 MKIII/C500 MKII), and more for up to 4K 1000fps at 23.98-30hz output.
Specifications
- Mounting 1/4-20 captive screw with removable, re-orientable Arri locating pin and includes a 3/8-16 adapter.
- Formats 4K 12G-SDI, Ultra 4K 6G-SDI, 3G-SDI, 1.5G-SDI, 270Mb-SDI. Meets and exceeds SMPTE-424, SMPTE-292, SMPTE-259
- Inputs 1x12G/ 6G/ 3G/ 1.5G/ 270Mb
- Auto-selectable SDI 1xBNC
- Power 5-36v input
- Output equals what is input and has a 4A MAX limit on all outputs
- Outputs (same as above, but with proper number of outputs for each device), equalization and re-clocking
- Cable Re-clocking and Equalization (all with Belden 1694A – divide by half for Belden 1505): 75 meters (246ft) at 12G, 100 meters (328ft) at 6G, 220 meters (722ft) at 3G, 265 meters (870ft) at HD, 530 meters (1740ft) at SD
- Input Return Loss -8dB at 12G, -9dB at 6G, -13dB at 3G, -18dB HD/SD
- Output Return Loss -6dB at 12G, -8.5dB at 6G, -15dB at 3G, -23dB at HD/SDI
