Frequently Asked Questions
Watch the Walkthrough + Setup video for more info!
Q: What V-Mount batteries are compatible with the UPC?
A: All makes and models of V-mount batteries are technically “compatible” with the UPC. However, during testing we observed a range of physical build quality leading to us recommending against some batteries. All V-mount batteries we are aware of can provide the required current for charging the UPC (10A continuous).
Q: How long does the UPC last on a fresh set of batteries?
A: During moderate use, ULTRA consumes about 100Wh per hour. So while using 4x 98Wh (flight-safe) batteries, you can expect roughly 4 hours of run time. If using larger, high capacity batteries, like ~250Wh units from Blueshape, Anton Bauer, or Cinegears, you can expect almost 10 hours of run time. To figure out exact estimated run time, take your total Wh of all 4 batteries, and divide by 100. If using 147Wh batteries it would look like this:
(147 x 4)/100 = 5.88 hours
*Please note that all 4 batteries used at once must be of the same capacity, ratings, and charge level.
**100Wh per hour is an estimate based on “moderate” operation. Frequency and magnitude of arm movement will affect run time drastically.
Q: Can I use the 12VA without the UPC?
A: No, the 12VA must be used with the UPC. Without the UPC, the 12V battery and alternator of the car would be responsible for delivering over 200 amps during aggressive arm use. This amount of sustained current would likely cause damage to most vehicles. Because the UPC acts as an intermediate power stage between the vehicles battery/alternator and ULTRA, the car battery and alternator components never deliver more than 30 amps- a much more suitable amount for sustained, healthy use.
Q: Is the firmware update required for using the UPC?
A: Yes. While the UPC may deliver power to the PSU without the update, the MotoCrane Controller will not be able to monitor UPC status. In order to monitor the UPC and V-Mount battery levels, the firmware update to the MotoCrane Controller is required. Learn more about the update on the ULTRA Programming Kit page.
If, for some reason, you are unable to update your MotoCrane Controller, please contact us before use.
Q: Does the UPC come in Gold/AB Mount?
A: Yes. By request, the UPC can be outfitted with Gold/AB Mount battery sleds instead of V-Mount. Additional lead time may be incurred.
Q: Are there any performance drawbacks to using the UPC and 12VA?
A: No, the UPC is designed to deliver enough energy for 2 complete, continuous Swings of the arm at over 70mph. This number is derived from the duty required to heat the swing motor to the High-temp warning threshold.
Q: Can I travel on an airplane with the UPC and 12VA?
A: Absolutely, yes! Because the UPC stores energy in ultracapacitors instead of batteries, there are no regulations preventing travel. The 12VA is a low power voltage converter, and also contains no batteries, chemistry, or hazardous materials.
Q: Can I use the UPC and 12VA with any vehicle?
A: Yes. Because the 12VA draws less than 32 amps during peak charging, and much less during normal use, all 12V lead-acid car batteries are suitable.
Q: Can I use the UPC and 12VA to power other equipment?
A: No. The UPC and 12VA is designed and sized to supply the intermittent power requirements of ULTRA- rapidly discharging and charging. If used to power other equipment with continuous draw like monitors or cameras, the UPC will be quickly discharged, leaving no power available for ULTRA.
Q: Does the UPC or 12VA replace my Power Supply Unit (PSU)?
A: No. The PSU is still required for use. The UPC modules connects to the MAIN PWR INPUT of the PSU. The 12VA connects to the 48V Charge Input of the UPC.
Q: Does the UPC charge my V-Mount batteries?
A: No. The UPC only draws from the V-Mount batteries. It is not a charger.
Q: Will performance be affected if I use “High Discharge” batteries?
A: No. The UPC uses a current limiter at the Charge Input which protects against drawing too much power from input sources while charging the Power Core. Despite High Discharge batteries being able to provide more current (Amps) than standard batteries, the UPC is current protected, and therefore will not “take advantage” of the extra amps.
Q: How is the UPC, 12VA, and PSU all connected together?
A: Please use the chart below for a better understanding of the 12VA/UPC/PSU chain
