Power solutions for the Tascam DR-60D

O

OldCorpse

Rockin the Boat
So I bought the Tascam DR-60D when it was on sale for $150. I have read repeatedly that it goes through AA batteries like tic-tacs. So my thought was if there is some kind of power supply one could rig? I'm thinking of two things:

1) Some kind of AC-DC adapter one could plug in and power off of regular AC with a cable

2) A battery pack of some kind that could be hooked up to the DR-60D that would give one a bit better time, say, a full day (10 hours) on a charge so that one is not constantly swapping AA's.

The problem is not even the AA cost issue (one could get high quality rechargeables), but the fact that you would be constantly swapping out the AAs, because you don't want to have the power go off in the middle of a take. That's very disruptive and a huge hassle.

Any ideas here? Thanks in advance!
 
You can use the Tascam optional battery pack which is pretty cheap and lightweight. It even mounts to the 60D. You just have to replace the tripod screw they use with a longer one. It more than doubles run time. I haven't had to replace batteries during a job yet since I bought mine. You won't get 10 hours, though. There are plenty of other USB powered solutions.
 
Thanks DNN, are you talking about the Tascam BP-6AA? When I look at the BP-6AA on the Tascam page, I don't see the DR-60D listed as supported, but when I go to the DR-60D page, at the bottom they show the BP6AA as one of the optional accessories along with an AC adapter PS-P515U. If the BP6AA and the PS-P515U are both in fact supported on the DR-60D, then I'd definitely like to use them.
 
Yes, it's compatible since it charges via USB. What doesn't work is the short tripod screw. It's too short to fully screw into the 60D. Just buy a longer screw on Amazon for $5 and replace it. Easy fix. I don't know why Tascam doesn't just include it with the 60D or at least offer it as an option.

By the way. The reason that Tascam doesn't include the 60D in the support list is because of the tripod screw issue. I'd actually emailed them before I purchased it and they mentioned it.
 
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DNN said:
Yes, it's compatible since it charges via USB. What doesn't work is the short tripod screw. It's too short to fully screw into the 60D. Just buy a longer screw on Amazon for $5 and replace it. Easy fix. I don't know why Tascam doesn't just include it with the 60D or at least offer it as an option.

By the way. The reason that Tascam doesn't include the 60D in the support list is because of the tripod screw issue. I'd actually emailed them before I purchased it and they mentioned it.
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Fantastic info, thank you very much DNN, that sounds like just the ticket!
 
I've seen relatively low cost batteries on eBay (around $30usd) that has a 12V coax jack as well as a USB power out. I recall the 12V output was rated @ 5400mAh. I have a 12V 6800 mAh battery which is very similar to power my Lectro receivers remotely and as a back up for my bag NP1s. It seems to be pretty reliable.. it takes about 14 hrs to fully charge though.
 
The plus with the Tascam battery pack aside from price is that it has a mounting solution that allows you to quickly slide it into the holder on top or below the 60D. You can probably rig it onto your tripod leg if you needed to. It's plastic so flimsy but has held up for me so far. I generally only use it for stationary tripod work for my b-cam. It also works with other Tascam recorders and it uses AAs that fit into my workflow. I've got a lot of AA charger capacity.
 
Does anyone know if the Tascam battery pack provides continues recording if the batteries in the DR-60D are exhausted?
 
In a discussion of this topic here, I found someone recommending the RAVPower 14000, which apparently has 14000mAh, which would indicate a pretty lengthy time. Can't vouch for it myself, but I'm intrigued.
 
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