About the Hawk-Woods VL-RM8 V-Mount Power Holder for Slot-Mount Wireless Receiver
The Hawk-Woods VL-RM8 is a specialized power distribution and mounting accessory designed to integrate seamlessly with broadcast and cinema camera systems utilizing the V-Mount battery standard. Its primary function is to serve as a dual-purpose platform: it acts as a V-Mount battery plate to power the camera and simultaneously provides a dedicated, secure slot to mount a specific wireless video receiver, such as the Teradek Bolt series, directly onto the camera rig. This integrated design is engineered to solve a common problem in professional filmmaking—cable management and power distribution for critical accessories—by consolidating components and reducing the need for separate mounts and dangling power cables. The result is a cleaner, more robust, and more reliable camera setup that is crucial for handheld, shoulder-mount, and gimbal-based operation.
Constructed from durable aluminum alloy, the VL-RM8 features the standard V-Lock interface to attach directly to the camera or to a compatible baseplate. It draws primary power from the attached V-Mount battery and redistributes it through multiple regulated output ports. These typically include a high-current D-Tap or P-Tap port, a 5V USB port, and a dedicated 12V output specifically designed to power the slot-mounted receiver without the need for its own separate battery. The integrated receiver slot is precision-machined to securely hold the wireless unit in place, often utilizing the receiver's existing mounting threads, and positions it optimally to maintain clear signal transmission while keeping the overall camera profile compact. This direct physical and electrical integration minimizes points of failure and streamlines the workflow for camera operators and assistants.
In practice, this power holder is an essential tool for digital imaging technicians (DITs), cinematographers, and documentary crews who rely on wireless video transmission for monitoring and recording. By powering the receiver from the camera's main battery, it eliminates the concern of the receiver battery dying independently and ensures both camera and transmitter are powered from a single source, simplifying battery changeovers. The Hawk-Woods VL-RM8 exemplifies the move toward more modular and efficient camera ecosystems in professional video production, where reliability, reduced setup time, and a clean form factor are directly correlated with on-set efficiency and creative focus.