Blackmagic Design Camera URSA Mini - Fiber Mount Plate

The Blackmagic Design Camera URSA Mini – Fiber Mount Plate is a specialized mechanical adapter designed to facilitate the secure attachment of the Blackmagic Camera Fiber Converter to the rear of any URSA Mini, URSA Mini Pro, or URSA Broadcast camera body.

It serves as the structural bridge that allows the camera to be integrated into a high-end SMPTE fiber optic broadcast chain.

Core Functionality

The Fiber Mount Plate replaces the standard battery plate (such as a V-Mount or Gold Mount plate) on the back of the camera. Once installed, it provides:

• Mechanical Stability: It features a reinforced rail and screw system that locks the heavy Fiber Converter unit to the camera chassis, ensuring there is no flex or strain on the internal connectors.

• Internal Pass-Through: The plate includes an internal ribbon cable and connector that bridges the camera’s rear 12-pin expansion port to the Fiber Converter. This allows for the transmission of power, talkback, tally, and camera control data without external cabling.

• Safety Alignment: It ensures that the high-density blind-mate connectors between the camera and the converter align perfectly every time the unit is docked.

When to Replace or Install

• Studio Conversion: When transitioning an URSA Mini from a "Cinema" configuration (using SSDs or internal cards) to a "Studio/OB" configuration for live multi-cam production.

• Thread Damage: If the mounting holes on an existing plate have become stripped due to frequent rigging changes, leading to a "wobbly" converter connection.

• Ribbon Damage: If the internal 12-pin connector pins are bent or the ribbon cable has been pinched during a previous installation, causing intermittent loss of camera control or power.

Technical Installation Note

Repair/Install Level: 2 (Simple).

1. Remove Battery Plate: You must first unscrew the existing battery plate and unplug the Molex-style power connector from the camera.

2. Cable Routing: Connect the Fiber Mount Plate’s internal cable to the camera's rear interface port. Ensure the cable is tucked neatly into the designated recessed channel so it isn't pinched when the plate is tightened.

3. Torque: Use the provided long-reach hex screws. Do not over-tighten, but ensure the plate is flush against the magnesium body of the camera to maintain electrical grounding.

Diagnostic: Plate vs. Converter

• It is the Mount Plate if: The Fiber Converter works on other cameras, but on this specific unit, the camera won't power up or the "Tally" light doesn't trigger despite a solid fiber link.

• It is the Fiber Converter if: The camera powers on via the plate, but you are getting "No SFP" errors or optical link failures at the CCU (Camera Control Unit) end.

Pro-Tip: The "Pin Check"

Before sliding the Fiber Converter onto the mount plate, always inspect the 12-pin "Dolphin" connector on the plate. If dust or a stray hair gets into these pins, it can cause the "Iris" or "Focus" remote control to fail while the video feed remains perfect. A quick blast of compressed air during your pre-show check is highly recommended.