Using IDX batteries with the AF100

CraftyClown

CraftyClown

Active member
Hi guys. I'm new to working with external power supplies, so forgive me if the following questions are stupid.

I've purchased Olof's fantastic shoulder rig with IDX plate and I've just ordered a couple of batteries and a charger. I have a minor concern though. If I am running the camera from the plate and the battery runs out whilst I am recording to SD card. Will the camera immediately switch off, losing the clip that had been recording? If so, is there a way of monitoring how much juice is left, to prevent accidents?

I was also hoping to run my Litepanels micro pro top light from the battery plate. Would some kind of generic D-tap cable be suitable for such a task? Litepanels don't seem to sell such a thing and I haven't a clue where I should be looking. Ideas?

While on the subject of the micro pro, I recall discussion sometime ago about it not being good to use the dimmer switch with the Af100. Can anyone tell me why that is?

Thanks Rich
 
CraftyClown said:
Hi guys. I'm new to working with external power supplies, so forgive me if the following questions are stupid.

I've purchased Olof's fantastic shoulder rig with IDX plate and I've just ordered a couple of batteries and a charger. I have a minor concern though. If I am running the camera from the plate and the battery runs out whilst I am recording to SD card. Will the camera immediately switch off, losing the clip that had been recording? If so, is there a way of monitoring how much juice is left, to prevent accidents?

I was also hoping to run my Litepanels micro pro top light from the battery plate. Would some kind of generic D-tap cable be suitable for such a task? Litepanels don't seem to sell such a thing and I haven't a clue where I should be looking. Ideas?

While on the subject of the micro pro, I recall discussion sometime ago about it not being good to use the dimmer switch with the Af100. Can anyone tell me why that is?

Thanks Rich
Click to expand...

All my IDX batteries have quite accurate LED's that show you the amount of power left, when you are down to 1 light replace the battery. I have used other third party batteries that have drained all the way all of a sudden, but it has never caused a problem, the camera warns you and then stops recording and shuts down w/o any corruption of files. I have never had an IDX battery drain all the way. I will try it to see what happens when I get a chance, I assume (you know what they say) that the AF100 would behave the same with any battery, it senses voltage dropping and goes through a safe shutdown procedure with a warning.

I have the Litepanels Sola ENG and it comes with a D-tap plug. It works very well and using the dimmer has never been a problem as a matter of fact the Sola is so powerful that I hardly ever use it on full power.

It is easy to make a D-tap to any other plug, either yourself or I will make it for you, as long as 11.5 - 16.8 volts is OK with your light, this is the power from a D-tap on an IDX or AB plate.
 
Ah I see, so the camera can detect when the voltage suddenly drops and has enough time to save the clip and shutdown? I did not realise it would do this. That is very reassuring.

The back of my Micropro light says 5-16 V DC would that be ok to run off an IDX d-tap? If you could make me one Olof, that would be fantastic. How's your ankle now, by the way?

I wish I could remember where I'd read something about not using the dimmer switch on the light with the AF100. I seem to remember Barry having something to say about it.
 
Tvdie23 said:
hey olof,
where can i get that p tap cable for AF-100? only see it selling with a package. I m using sony v mount.
http://www.westsideavstore.com/images/products/secondary/150.jpg

From buyer reviews, the switronix P table cable is useless.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._DV_VBG_XP_DV_VGB_DV_HDV_Camcorder_Cable.html

Thanks
Click to expand...

You need to buy the package with the IDX or AB plate, because the AF100 needs lower voltage (and it is very specific) than the full size batteries supply, so these special AB and IDX plates have dual voltage they work very well and also have D-taps with the 12-16.8v standard power.

I have heard of problems with the Switronix voltage converter cables as well.

You can call me and I can explain in detail.
603.383.9283
 
CraftyClown said:
Ah I see, so the camera can detect when the voltage suddenly drops and has enough time to save the clip and shutdown? I did not realise it would do this. That is very reassuring.

The back of my Micropro light says 5-16 V DC would that be ok to run off an IDX d-tap? If you could make me one Olof, that would be fantastic. How's your ankle now, by the way?

I wish I could remember where I'd read something about not using the dimmer switch on the light with the AF100. I seem to remember Barry having something to say about it.
Click to expand...

That should work fine. Contact me and we will get you set up with the correct cable.

I would not recommend tearing your Achilles tendon to anyone, I had surgery a week a go and I have another week until I can start to put weight on my right foot.
 
CraftyClown said:
I wish I could remember where I'd read something about not using the dimmer switch on the light with the AF100. I seem to remember Barry having something to say about it.
Click to expand...

We recently had a problem with a 24x24" Rosco LitePad. Dimming it too far induced scrolling bands, much like filming a 60 Hz camera in 50 Hz country.

Best,
Bern
 
Bern Caughey said:
We recently had a problem with a 24x24" Rosco LitePad. Dimming it too far induced scrolling bands, much like filming a 60 Hz camera in 50 Hz country.

Best,
Bern
Click to expand...

Thanks Bern. I can confirm the same having played around with it. There are indeed horrible scrolling bands when the light is dimmed low. Do you know what is causing it? and more importantly, is there a way around it?
 
The anomaly could have been caused by crossed cables, as there were many, but I believe it was the dimmer. If we turned the LitePad back up the anomaly would disappear, so the best bet was to use ND, diffusion, or netting.

I'm hoping to get over to Rosco to further test

Best,
Bern
 
If you have concerns, IDX makes a stackable battery in the Endura line. E-10 is the model but there may be more. I have been contemplating on the same thing but since I have three batteries, once there is a small break between a shot, I will just swap it and if I am locked down then I always use AC instead.
 
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