Introduction to the Hikvision DS‑MH1412‑B1 and its key features
Hikvision DS‑MH1412‑B1 6‑Port Body Camera Charging Cradleis a compact, purpose‑built dock designed to charge and network multiple Hikvision body‑worn cameras from a single, easy‑to‑manage unit. The cradle supports six pogo‑pin charging slots and converts the camera pogo‑pin connection to a single RJ45 Gigabit network interface, enabling administrators to both charge devices and connect them to device management or evidence systems.
Key features at a glance:
- Six pogo‑pin charging slots — simultaneously charge up to six body cameras.
- 1 × RJ45 Gigabit port (10/100/1000 Mbps) — provides network connectivity for provisioning, firmware updates and data transfer.
- Per‑slot LEDs — individual charging and network/Internet indicators for quick status checks.
- External 12 V DC power input rated at 5.0 A (maximum 60 W) for reliable multi‑device charging.
- Compact, low‑profile enclosure suitable for bench or rack mounting in control rooms, vehicle lockers or locker rooms.
As body‑worn camera deployments grow, simple, reliable solutions for managing power and connectivity become essential. The DS‑MH1412‑B1 addresses two common operational needs: centralised charging for a fleet of cameras and straightforward network access for device management. That combination reduces handling time, simplifies evidence workflows and helps keep frontline staff equipped and ready.
Below is a breakdown of the DS‑MH1412‑B1’s specifications with an explanation of how each detail translates into practical benefits.
- Model: DS‑MH1412‑B1. Product type: 6‑port charging cradle/dock with pogo‑pin interfaces.
- Benefit: A model engineered specifically for multi‑camera fleets, eliminating the need for individual chargers or DIY setups.
- Network: 1 × RJ45, self‑adaptive 10/100/1000 Mbps. Indicators: Per‑slot charging indicator × 6; per‑slot network/Internet indicator × 6.
- Benefit: Gigabit capability ensures fast, reliable connectivity where supported by infrastructure — useful for high‑speed provisioning, fast evidence offload and remote device health checks. Per‑slot LEDs let operators instantly see which units are charging and which are connected to the network without removing cameras from the cradle.
- Supply voltage: 12 V DC. Current: 5.0 A. Maximum power: 60 W.
- Benefit: The specified power envelope is sized to charge six units concurrently while maintaining safe thermal and electrical margins. Using the manufacturer‑specified power supply helps avoid under‑charging or overheating.
- Dimensions: 350 mm × 109.96 mm × 36 mm. Weight: ≈ 0.5 kg (without mounting).
- Benefit: The low‑profile, lightweight design fits easily on a bench, inside a locker or mounted in a small rack shelf — convenient for control rooms, vehicles or locker systems where space is at a premium.
- Operating temperature: 0 °C to 45 °C. Operating humidity: ≤ 95% non‑condensing.
- Benefit: Suited to typical office, station and vehicle storage conditions. As with all electrical equipment, it should be installed in locations free from excessive moisture and extreme temperatures.
- Compatible cameras (examples): Hikvision DS‑MCW40B, DS‑MCW407(C)/(D). Verify compatibility with your specific camera model before purchase.
- Benefit: Native compatibility with Hikvision body cameras ensures reliable electrical and data coupling via pogo pins and avoids connection issues common with universal docks.
From an operational perspective, the DS‑MH1412‑B1 offers several practical advantages:
- Time savings — technicians and officers spend less time connecting and disconnecting individual chargers; placing a camera in the dock charges the device and, when required, connects it to the management network automatically.
- Reduced handling — fewer manual transfers lowers the risk of wear to charging ports and pogo pins compared with repeated cable insertions.
- Clear status visibility — per‑slot LEDs reduce guesswork and make it easy to see which devices are ready for use.
- Centralised provisioning — the single RJ45 network connection can be used with device management systems to push configurations, update firmware and pull logs as part of routine kit maintenance.
The DS‑MH1412‑B1 is well suited to a variety of mission‑critical and high‑turnover environments:
- Police stations and law enforcement agencies: Dock cameras at shift change to ensure every officer starts with a fully charged, network‑provisioned device. The network interface helps integrate body cameras into evidence management workflows and audit trails.
- Security contractors and event security teams: During short‑term deployments, teams can rotate cameras through the cradle to maintain continuous coverage without long downtime between uses.
- Transport hubs and custodial teams: Centralised charging and networking in secure locker rooms reduce loss and make inventory audits quick to perform.
- Fleet or vehicle installations: The compact footprint and low weight make it viable for mounting in vehicle cabinets or patrol car consoles where space is constrained.
- Evidence‑management workflows: When paired with a networked evidence server or device management platform, docks help automate the movement of recorded data and ensure devices are running up‑to‑date firmware before deployment.
When evaluating a multi‑port dock, organisations typically consider capacity, connectivity, power design, build quality and price. Here’s how the DS‑MH1412‑B1 stacks up against common alternatives:
- Single chargers are inexpensive but labour‑intensive. The DS‑MH1412‑B1 reduces manual handling and consolidates power and networking into one footprint, saving staff time and operational complexity.
- Generic USB charging hubs offer many ports but rarely provide pogo‑pin interfaces or integrated network conversion. The DS‑MH1412‑B1 is purpose‑built for Hikvision body cameras, ensuring secure mechanical and electrical contact and enabling networked workflows not possible with simple USB chargers.
- Some competitor docks focus solely on power, while higher‑end vendor docks include integrated evidence transfer and broader device management features. The DS‑MH1412‑B1 occupies a pragmatic middle ground: it offers multi‑device charging plus a Gigabit RJ45 interface for networked management, at a suggested retail price positioned as a mid‑range accessory (suggested price: 349.0).
- When selecting between vendors, consider ecosystem compatibility: a Hikvision dock is engineered for Hikvision cameras and will typically offer the most seamless experience for those devices. Mixed fleets may still prefer universal solutions, but tradeoffs in reliability and feature access can occur.
While individual reviews will vary, integrators, fleet managers and frontline users commonly report the following themes about multi‑port, networked charging cradles like the DS‑MH1412‑B1:
- Ease of use: Teams appreciate the drop‑in charging and visible LEDs that remove ambiguity about which cameras are ready for duty.
- Reliability: Organisations that standardise on a single manufacturer’s ecosystem (camera + dock) experience fewer connection or incompatibility issues.
- Operational efficiency: Centralised charging and a single network connection simplify evidence handling and reduce the time staff spend managing equipment.
Example feedback (anonymised and representative): "Switching to a 6‑port cradle cut our kit‑prep time in half — we can charge and provision several cameras at once and know exactly which devices are ready." Another typical remark: "The per‑slot network LED is small but important — it tells us at glance when a device is successfully connected to the system."
- Compatibility: Verify your camera model is supported; the cradle is listed as compatible with several Hikvision models but always confirm against the official datasheet.
- Power supply: Use the specified 12 V DC, 5.0 A source to ensure safe and consistent charging. Undersized or non‑compliant power adapters can lead to slow charging or thermal stress.
- Environmental placement: Install in a dry, temperature‑controlled environment within the specified operating range to maximise reliability.
- Warranty and support: Check local supplier or Hikvision documentation for certification (CE/UKCA) and warranty details; the product listing here shows warranty = 0, so confirm service and support terms before purchase.
The Hikvision DS‑MH1412‑B1 6‑Port Body Camera Charging Cradle is a practical, efficient accessory for organisations that operate fleets of Hikvision body‑worn cameras. It combines simultaneous multi‑device charging with a Gigabit RJ45 interface to enable networked management and evidence workflows. The per‑slot LEDs, compact form factor and manufacturer‑specific pogo‑pin connections make it a natural fit for police, security contractors, event teams and any operation that values quick turnarounds, reduced handling and easy status visibility.
For teams already invested in the Hikvision ecosystem, the DS‑MH1412‑B1 offers tight compatibility and straightforward deployment. For mixed fleets, the cradle still offers value for charging, but confirm interoperability first. Overall, this cradle provides a balanced mix of capability, convenience and build‑intent — a solid choice for institutions looking to standardise their body camera charging and network provisioning processes.
