Let's talk batteries for the AF100...

I use the IDX LC-VWP dual simultaneous charger. You can link up another one to it fo make a quad charger./Users/chris_li/Desktop/idx_lc-vwp.pdf
 

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Thank you Bob :-)
By buying through the DVXuser store you support this community, and also get the warranty extended (2 1/2 years total).
P.S. We are getting frequent requests to update the charger to the newer HMC150/AF100 batteries. As the charger design is modular, we can easily do it. Just visit our website (products section) and follow directions to send the charger in. It normally takes 2-3 days, we update the software if needed, and test the charger prior to returning.
 
Awesome, thanks for all your help guys. I went with the IDX LC-VWP. Price was right and read some good reviews. Arrives today, can't wait to use it.
 
Bern Caughey said:
Good to hear. I think I heard this from Abel Cine, but could be wrong as their site doesn't states so.
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It would still be worth investigating considering what batteries cost and how improper charging can damage them. Perhaps it's not recommended for some reason?

From my own experience, I've had no trouble charging the OEM cell that came with our AF100 on the IDX charger we have.

Here's what the most recent list is from IDX:
Compatible with IDX and Panasonic batteries—
IDX 7.4V battery for Panasonic: SSL-VBG50, SL-VBD50
Panasonic 7.4V battery: CGA-D54, VW-VBD55, VW-VBD54, VW-VBG6, and VW-VBG260
(VW-VBG130 battery is not recommended for this charger.)

LC-VWP

I'm not trying to post this prove I'm right, because manufacturers have occasionally been known to release products that are marginally compatible (and so not best-practice) but I've always had good experience with IDX products so have taken their claims at face value in this case regarding compatibility....
 
I have two of the IDX LC-VWP chargers that I have been using with my Panasonic VW-VBG6 and VW-VBG260 batteries for about six months now without incident. Although I kind of doubt it, I suppose there could be something happening to shorten the life of the batteries over the long term, which I wouldn't know about yet, but so far both chargers and batteries are working just fine and delivering the expected capacity.

- Greg
 
I purchased a Switronix Pro-X Adapter XP-DV-VBG for my V-Mount batteries hoping it would help us use our IDX batteries with the AF100. The cable adapter works, but only when holding the plate tightly against the camera body. Let it go and cam goes off. Disappointed. :(

Perhaps its a poor design or I have a faulty cable: I'm not sure. It's clearly advertsied as compatible with the AF100. The fit is terrible. It's going back to B&H immediately.
 
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Has anyone tried the Pearstone - VW-VBG6 replacement batt for the AF 100? It's $100 on B&H. Would go for additional cheapos if I new the Panny charger would work with it and if the cheapos would actually connect properly to the camera.
 
The SWIT S-8BG6 battery is in the same price range has built in LEDs for state of charge info and a DC Power tap jack. Well received by DVXuser members. HTH
 
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I would just like to say that I find it very frustrating that the AF-100 and HPX-170 batteries are not interchangeable. Really. That's some BS right there.
 
True... 7.2V out... not sure where the big internal difference is.

I have a CGA-D54 type adapter for my monitor, and if you remove the front two mounting tabs, it will happily take either D54 or VBG6 types.

Wonder how hard it would be to make a simple dumb electronic adapter to use either battery in either mount type....


All that aside, I'll give another vote for the Swit. I like it even better than the Panasonics.
 
I use the Maximal cheep batteries. I ordered them off Amazon. At $36/each. They're basically disposable. I've had them for a year so far with my original Panasonic battery that came with the camera and can't tell the difference between either. Perhaps, after a few years they might start to loose their charge, but then again, i'll just buy more!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045JXSHO/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details

Only problem I had was I had one DOA when it arrived in the mail. So i sent it back to Amazon. They took it back no questions asked.
 
snp said:
No big deal - no BS. The new batteries are lighter, stronger and last longer.
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And designed to specifically eliminate cheap knock offs. Here is an email I received from the Panasonic Product Manager when I asked why they were not compatible....

"Thanks for your email inquiry. That is a question we often get. I can give you the answer although it does not answer the question completely. The reason for the change was to incorporate some identity technology in the new style Li-Ion batteries to prevent unauthorized manufacture of inferior and potentially dangerous batteries. We encode our batteries with an id chip that the cameras can recognize. If it is not a genuine Panasonic or authorized Panasonic battery manufacturer the battery will not function with the camera. They made the mount slightly difference and there is a square recess on the mount side of the battery to distinguish them from the older HPX style battery. Currently Anton Bauer, IDX and Panasonic batteries are authorized manufacturers. There is also a dual battery charger manufactured by IDX that will charge both styles of battery.I hope that helps a bit with the explanation.

David Craig
Product Manager, Professional Imaging Group"

I would still have liked to use both sets of batteries on both cameras. I don't think that's too unreasonable but I can certainly see their strategy.
 
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