Power...I need power

G

ggrantly

Veteran
I have been piecing together a audio bag over the last few months and now want to embrace the issue of bag power. Presently, I have a mixer and a recorder to power (12v). As I understand it, NP1 with a distribution box has been the traditional fav, but there is so much new stuff on the market I want to consider all options. Most of my projects don't have real heavy duration need, usually less than a half day, but I want to get away from AA batts. I have some Bescor bricks for other needs, does anyone use them; the smaller ones would be a consideration to reduce the quantity and or type of chargers I have to carry which already numbers half a dozen for most anything I do. It just seems silly how many different types of batteries and chargers find there way into a video kit.

If you were in my position, what would you purchase?
What other things do you power in your bag besides a mixer and recorder? (future planning)

Thanks in Advance
Grant
 
I'm a bit biased since my Alphamix takes NP1's and has power distro built in. I can say it is totally awesome to see a low battery light come on at the mixer, and bada bing, bada boom, swap out between takes.
 
The standard has been NP batteries with a Battery distribution system, something like the Remote Audio BDS. I've used that setup a ton.
 
NP1 batteries are a standard. There really is no better for in bag use.

One of the most recent companies i have taken a punt with (when replacing np-29z) is SWIT. In the UK i can pick up a 70w SWIT np1 for around £110. They are really great batteries. However im not too sure about their 'legs' as i have only been using them for about 4 months.
 
Dang, another charger.

I am at the point where I am going to put a bag together for nothing but batteries and chargers...argh.

Grant
 
Grant ,
NP-1s are what are commonly used but you're not limited to that form factor at all IMO. If your Bescor batteries have the capacity to give you the run time you're looking for, why not use them? I'd still use the BDS or similiar but it's reaally just a matter of interfacing the battery to the BDS. Personally I use a Lithium Polymer battery that is about the length of an NP-1 but somewhat narrower. Its a shrink wrapped semi custom generic battery that came unterminated. I put my own connector on the battery and its fits nicely in my Petrol bag. I can power my SD 442, plus four Lectro rxs, and two Lectro txs for at least a full day. Two of them plus the charger and connectors was under $300 I think. If you want links I can post them, but don't have them handy tonight. Again the main issue is does the battery have the capacity you need for your gear and will it be a pain to lug around, not what type of battery it is.
Best,
Bernie
 
Thanks Bernie,

I'd like the link for the Li-ions.

I had considered doing something with A-B batteries since in the next year I might need them for camera power, but that is a pricy option if I didn't need them later. It would be great to use the same battery system for multiple pieces of gear.

Grant
 
ggrantly said:
Thanks Bernie,

I'd like the link for the Li-ions.

I had considered doing something with A-B batteries since in the next year I might need them for camera power, but that is a pricy option if I didn't need them later. It would be great to use the same battery system for multiple pieces of gear.

Grant
Click to expand...

Here is a link to the battery pack. I think its the same one, if not its similiar:
http://www.all-battery.com/148volt-5800mahli-polypack-1.aspx
and the charger is this:
http://www.all-battery.com/SuperComboTenergyTB6BalancingChargerSwitchPowerSupply-90203.aspx
The connector I put on the battery is this:
http://traxxas.com/products/parts/accessories/highcurrentconnector
The connector I got from a hobby store but they have them on this site too. Listed under accessories. They were cheaper at the hobby store and I got them after the batteries arrived because I didn't know what I wanted to use until I saw the charger. They're usually used for rc plane battery connections. Its designed so you can't accidently reverse the polarity and are easy to install.
I've been using these parts for over a year now with no issues.
Enjoy,
Bernie
 
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check out batteries for broadcast: http://www.batteries4broadcast.com/np1.htm (shout out to rippie for showing me that site)

2 li-ion np1s and dual charger for like $450.

and sure there are plenty of other options out there but i want a solid reliable battery without leads poking out everywhere and not having to worry about where to find parts and such.
 
Someone pointed me toward TEKKEON power unit. They were doing FX recording like I do so not sure it has enough power to handle all of the stuff you need. And truthfuly I haven't yet used it in the bag, I got it to keep the phone charged etc on my trek across the country (worked great). BTW I found it cheaper ~$100 US.

Actually I just checked it out and the TEKKEON is 50Wh and the NP1040 is 60Wh so not so different.
 
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Noiz2 said:
Someone pointed me toward TEKKEON power unit. They were doing FX recording like I do so not sure it has enough power to handle all of the stuff you need. And truthfuly I haven't yet used it in the bag, I got it to keep the phone charged etc on my trek across the country (worked great). BTW I found it cheaper ~$100 US.

Actually I just checked it out and the TEKKEON is 50Wh and the NP1040 is 60Wh so not so different.
Click to expand...

I was using those before these batteries and own two of them. Problem was, the variable power capability requires a switching power supply which induced a high pitched whine in some of my receivers. I was going to purchase some NP-1s from batteries4broadcast but they didn't have them in stock when I needed something right away. They do look like nice batteries and a good company. My current packs don't have leads poking out just a simple shrink tubed lead from the battery to that Traxxes connector. It all lives in the back of my Petrol bag, and I could fit both in there if I didn't mind the extra weight. To each his own. I've used most of the available options through the years and central powering in any form is certainly the way to go. I'm also using the iPower Lithium Polymer nine volts for my talent transmitters and they work great! Haven't bought any alkalines since I bought those a year ago.
Bernie
 
the simplest solution is to get AA NiMH batteries, such as Eneloop XX. They will last your recorder half a day I am pretty sure. No additional weight, small charger, yay!
 
I use LiPo´s and a special charger like Bernie. They are the best IMO just make sure you never drain them! The size/weight/ah-relationship is the best @ this moment.
 
Sondista,

I want to get away from AA batts of any type since I have a recorder and mixer in the same bag.

Bernie and Timbook2,

I had heard of the Tekkeon, but didn't think of using them for bag power. One thing I would want out of this is very secure plug-cable connections. How are you connecting to your equipment? The output plug shown in the link doesn't inspire confidence. Not sure if this would be much better than a NP-1 system, but it is a interesting option.

This one can be dialed in for voltage.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/618847-REG/Tekkeon_MP3450I_myPower_ALL_Plus_MP3450i.html



Grant
 
ggrantly said:
Sondista,

I want to get away from AA batts of any type since I have a recorder and mixer in the same bag.

Bernie and Timbook2,

I had heard of the Tekkeon, but didn't think of using them for bag power. One thing I would want out of this is very secure plug-cable connections. How are you connecting to your equipment? The output plug shown in the link doesn't inspire confidence. Not sure if this would be much better than a NP-1 system, but it is a interesting option.

This one can be dialed in for voltage.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/618847-REG/Tekkeon_MP3450I_myPower_ALL_Plus_MP3450i.html



Grant
Click to expand...

The BDS power input cable is terminated with a female coaxial plug. I made a male coaxial to that Traxxes connector. I taped the coaxial connection over so it can't come uplugged. The Traxxes connector is very solid. Its very hard to accidently unplug and impossible to reverse the polarity. When I was using the Tekkeon the supplied coiled cord comes out of the battery and terminates in a coaxial plug. I taped over that connection as well and the connector on the battery was pretty secure. I liked the Tekkeon a lot but its switching power supply (which enables it to cover such a broad range of output voltages) caused a high pitched whine in my wireless gear. I used it to power my Marantz PMD 661 for awhile which requires 5 volts. I think the battery got switched to 19 volts inadvertently and fried my recorder.
Either way its as secure or more secure than an NP-1 cup.
Best,
Bernie
 
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