NODO MST1 Mainstation and Inertia Wheels Upgrade Introduced

by Jeff LochJune 21^st, 2022

During Cine Gear 2022, NODO Film Systems showed us the Mainstation, a unique power source that can convert the current input of up to three batteries into the precise power output you need to power film equipment. Also, the company unveiled an upcoming Inertia Wheels update with new motors that provide you more torque, resolution, and capacity, so you can achieve more precise moves. Let’s take a closer look at these products!

NODO Film Systems was founded in 2018 by Boyd Hobbs, the engineer behind the Alpha Wheels and co-founder of 1A Tool, and is mainly known for its Inertia Wheels. In a nutshell, the Inertia Wheels 2 or 3-Axis is a wireless digital camera controller compatible with various gimbals, including the Freefly MōVI and DJI Ronin.

The company is back with the NODO Mainstation, a unique power station for professional film equipment, and an Inertia Wheels update that significantly extends its precision and capabilities. But first, let’s watch our interview with Adrian Duxx from NODO Fim Systems.

NODO Mainstation features and power inputs

The NODO Mainstation – codename MST1 – is a future-proof and modular power station. This robust unit is entirely made out of aluminum, with dimensions of 19.3 x 12.8 x 4.6cm.

On both sides of the unit, you can put your choice of V-Mount, Gold-Mount, B-Mount, and even a DJI TB50 battery plate. Also, at the back of the NODO Mainstation, you can put an optional third battery plate if you wish.

At the front, you’ll find two 3-pin XLR inputs at the bottom that accepts a 10-32V input range. So if we do the maths, there is a total of five power inputs that accepts a load of 20A per channel.

Power output

Once the NODO Mainstation is fed with multiple batteries/power inputs at different capacities/loads, you’ll get various power output ports that can be used simultaneously:

• A 3-pin XLR at the front: 24-32V / 48V at 25A, but limited by the connector to 16A.
• A 4-pin XLR output: 14.4V / 28.8V at 12A.

At the top of the unit, you’ll find a status LCD screen, a knob to adjust the power output, which is customizable up to 1000W, and other output ports:

• A USB Type-C port 5V/3A.
• One RS connector with an output of 24V/2.5A.
• And one 2-pin LEMO connector with an output of 12V/2.5A.

You got it; the concept behind the NODO Mainstation is to regulate any power input source into constant, regulated power output.

Inertia Wheels upgrade

Lastly, Adrian introduced us to their upcoming Inertia Wheels upgrade with new circular MAX motors. This kind of motor is way different from traditional brushless motors.

These circular MAX motors are more powerful/precise, which results in three times the torque, six times the current capacity, and four times the resolution of their predecessors.

Price and availability

The NODO Mainstation should be available later this year, starting at $6.000.

The Inertia Wheels upgrade will be available in the following months for existing users, starting at $3.000. If you’re a new customer, the 2-axis set will retail for $9.450, while the 3-axis set is $11.400.

For more information, please visit NODO Film Systems’ website here.

What do you think about these two new NODO Film Systems products? Could the NODO Mainstation be helpful for the type of production you do? Did you already use Inertia Wheels to control a gimbal? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!