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Ikelite Announces Support for External Monitors/Recorders via New Ball Arm System
By Ian Bongso-Seldrup, August 25, 2021 @ 03:00 AM (EST)

Ikelite’s recent announcement of its new housing for the Sony a7C revealed you have the option of custom-ordering the housing with a large-bore M24 port, allowing you to attach an Atomos Ninja V/V+ monitor/recorder via HDMI 2.0. Now Ikelite has announced it is offering M24 port modifications for its 200DL housing series as well as a new ball arm system that allows users to mount an external monitor/recorder in a variety of positions to maximize convenience and ease-of-use.

According to Ikelite, a “reticulating ball arm system is the best way to mount an external monitor” because it allows the monitor (in its housing) to be positioned wherever desired “quickly and easily.” For instance, the ball arm system allows the monitor to be placed above the housing or directly behind it (see images below). The ball arm system costs $350 and comprises three 5-inch Ball Arms (# 4081.05), three Standard Ball Clamps (# 4801.2), and one Sliding Ball Mount (# 4081.72). Users need to purchase additional components depending on how they want to mount the ball arm to their housing.

Ikelite uses the example of mounting a Nauticam housing for the Atomos Ninja monitor/recorder. First, you’ll need to either custom-order a new 200DL housing with an M24 port ($200) or upgrade your existing 200DL housing by returning it to Ikelite for the installation of the larger-bore port ($300). (You can also opt to have your housing serviced at the same time as installing the port, for $400.) Once your housing has the new M24 port, you’ll need a Nauticam M24 Adapter along with a suitable HDMI 2.0 cable. There’s a list of supported 200DL housings in Ikelite’s article on M24 port modifications.
 



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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Ball Arm for HDMI Monitors

A reticulating ball arm system is the best way to mount an external monitor. This allows the monitor housing to be moved in all directions—up, down, left, right, and rotationally—quickly and easily. The ball clamps can be loosened slightly underwater to allow one-handed repositioning of the monitor when changing shooting positions or to provide access to the rear housing controls. 

For example, the monitor can sit above the housing when shooting a subject below you or directly behind the housing when framing macro. This avoids the awkwardness of re-learning how to aim your lens because your image is no longer in line with it.

The sliding ball mount allows for approximately 2.25" (5.7cm) left-to-right movement to offset the monitor for even easier access to rear controls. 

A 3-point ball arm is the most ergonomic and versatile way to mount an HDMI monitor to your housing. The ball clamps can be loosened slightly underwater to allow one-handed repositioning of the whole monitor set-up when changing shooting positions or to provide uninhibited access to the rear housing controls. A top Cable Grip # 4080.09 is essential for carrying any system around on the surface in-between dives. 


Attachment

This ball arm is mounted to an Ikelite 200DL underwater housing using:

These items are sold separately. 

The external monitor housing must come with a top-mounted 1" (2.5cm) ball mount. We do not offer ball mount adapters for external monitor housings at this time. 

*  Housings below serial # 73600 require Trigger Extension # 4077.93.
 


Buoyancy & Trim

Some external monitor housings are positively buoyant and may benefit from the addition of the Trim Weight System # 47140 to the bottom of the tray and handles for improved balance and handling.


In the Box

  • (3) 5" Ball Arm # 4081.05
  • (3) Standard Ball Clamp # 4801.2
  • Sliding Ball Mount # 4081.72

Product # 4081.12
$ 350.00

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