FS7: 3rd party batteries

I have a few V-Mounts here and I wanted to use them even if the XDCA-FS7 isn´t available yet. So I did a simple but very effective solution. I used the power cable from the charger and brazed it to a D-Tap connector. It works great. Now I can supply the FS7 and the other gear with just one V-Mount. If anyone is interested I can post some pictures.
 
sirspencer said:
I have a few V-Mounts here and I wanted to use them even if the XDCA-FS7 isn´t available yet. So I did a simple but very effective solution. I used the power cable from the charger and brazed it to a D-Tap connector. It works great. Now I can supply the FS7 and the other gear with just one V-Mount. If anyone is interested I can post some pictures.
Click to expand...

I refrained from hacking the expensive AC adapter/charger that came with the camera... RadioShack sells the FS7 plug in their "Adaptaplug" universal power section. It's called "Plug D": http://www.radioshack.com/enercell-adaptaplug-d/2730337.html#.VHIYUoeNjBc The picture on this listing is wrong, but trust me. I've bought multiple of them. It's Plug D. 5.5mm OD 3.3mm ID with a .9mm Pin.

They also sell the female Adaptaplug wires. So for under $15 from RadioShack you've got the wire+plug for the FS7. Then you can solder that to a D-Tap plug or, in my case, to a 5.5mm OD 2.5mm ID plug (called Plug N from RadioShack) that goes into my Tilta plate's 12v out.

I was in a pinch last week when I traveled and lost the power cable for my Tilta/FS7. Luckily there was a RadioShack and after some quick online checking I realized I could get Plug D, Plug N, and this cable. No soldering, no electrical tape and heat shrink... I got a multimeter just as cheap insurance to check the polarity before I connected them but if you pay attention to where they tell you to connect the plugs, you'll be fine. I'll probably make some D-tap cables to have around too.
 
I purchased the Watson battery which was listed on the B&H website as an FS7 compatible battery. It was not.
 
Any word from Swit as to when they will chip the battery? I'm about 3 1/2 weeks out from getting the FS7, so hopefully by then.
 
They want, not sure if they will...

You better get some Sony BP-Us or other 3rd party batteries
with D-Tap out on the back of the battery.

Swit S-8U62, Powerlok BP-U or Beillen BL-U.
 
Hi Alex,

Do you think it's possible to chip the Swit batteries? Seems pretty complex. Would be nice though just because of the D-Tap out and the cheaper price on the Swit.
 
Hey Rat Lab,

Are the BPU-60s not lasting long enough? How many BPU-60s do you need per day, along with the BPU-30 that comes with the camera?

I'm thinking BPU-90s as well. Olof at Westside AV is coming up with a BP to V-Mount adapter for the Back Unit. I'm thinking that a BPU-90 has close specs to a smaller V-Mount battery, so on the back unit it should be somewhat close in terms of battery life.
 
I haven't had any long shoots yet. Battery life isn't a huge issue yet but I'm just looking down the road. I have 2xBPU-60s and have yet to use them both. Of course its just been camera tests and walking around trying to establish some muscle memory to the buttons.

I was thinking of adding a 3rd BPU-60 which should meet any day requirements but for the same money one of those bigger off brand batteries.
 
gene_can_sing said:
Hi Alex,

Do you think it's possible to chip the Swit batteries? Seems pretty complex. Would be nice though just because of the D-Tap out and the cheaper price on the Swit.
Click to expand...

I am not sure I understand your question Gene. Btw we have exactly 1 S-8U62 Swit battery left. Last one
 
In case anyone's curious about real-life battery usage with the BP-U60's, I covered a 1.5 hour live event the other day, recording UHD 24p 100% of the time, rolling from card to card, and I'm pretty sure the battery didn't drop below 50%. I certainly didn't have to change battery and it was in no danger of running out. I was also using a Metabones Speedbooster, but no IS on the lens.

If your total WH is somewhere around 200 or above, I don't think you'd be struggling for power even on a full day of shooting.
 
Paul Cronin said:
Has anyone tried these batteries?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/834971-REG/Ikan_IBS_U95_IBS_U95_BP_U_Ultra_High_Capacity.html

I am still deciding if I need to buy the extension to use V-Lock batteries. But I am really trying to keep it light with all my travel.
Click to expand...

Paul- I used the SWiT 8U62s on a shoot yesterday and powered one Lectro 411 receiver off of the Dtap. I shot continuously for about 3.5 hrs on a single battery that wasn't fully exhausted even at the end of my shoot. I think these are quite viable in lieu of V-locks.
 
truelife said:
Paul- I used the SWiT 8U62s on a shoot yesterday and powered one Lectro 411 receiver off of the Dtap. I shot continuously for about 3.5 hrs on a single battery that wasn't fully exhausted even at the end of my shoot. I think these are quite viable in lieu of V-locks.
Click to expand...

Truelife,
Thanks for the response, very helpful since I am days from needing batteries.

You were using them on a FS7? B&H says it does not work on the FS7. And Swit has discontinued the 8U62 and they say the 8U63 does not work on the FS7. At the price and size I would be happy to have three in the bag if they worked.

Edit:
OK, lots of mixed messages in this thread after going through the whole thread. So the Swit 8U62 work just fine and you can access the D-Tap?
And Swit has discontinued the 8U62 and now has a NEW 8U63 that also works fine?
Can someone clear this up for me?
 
Last edited:
Hi Paul, long time.
All the Swit and Switronixs old 14.8v batteries work fine with the FS7, but you have to use the external wire. If you have the ones w/o the wire then they do not work.

Swit is working on a new battery with a chip that will work with the FS7.

Call me if you need more info. I am working on a kit for the FS7 right now. I also have a kit for the A7s in the works including a wood handle.

The FS7 and A7s are my new A/B cams instead of FS700/C100. Anyway lets get together soon, I get to the Cape often now even in the winter.
 
Hey Olof,

Nice to hear from you it has been too long. I am finally not on the road filming every week and home through mid Jan, Ah.

My FS7 is on the way. Thanks for letting me know the old 14.8 work and that you have to use the power cord. At least it keeps from buy the extension and V-Locks which add a bit when I travel.

Do you have a timeframe for the new Swit?

We will be on the Cape for Christmas if you are around be nice to catch up.
 
To repeat one last time:

3rd party batteries only work via D-Tap /DCin of the FS7!
Only the Sony BP-Us work via battery contacts on the FS7.

The old Swit 8U62, Ikan IBS-U65, Powerlok BP-U or Beillen BL-U
work as the old Switronix should do...

The new Swit 8U63 do not work!
 
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