Power Question for RED users

[Domenic Barbero]

Ive recently aquired a scarlet package with 6 redvolts. Obviously they will last a while but to RED one users, my question is how often do you use ac power for the camera? seems like a viable option to keep battery life up if you are on sticks and in a place with easy to access power. But ive been on a few RED shoots and have never really seen anyone using AC power? is there a reason? Just curious. Im new to RED, Please be kind lol. Just looking for some advice from all you awesomely experienced shooters.

 

[Jon Carr]

I like to use AC power during pre-light. But on set, I like to keep as much cables from camera as possible.

 

[Mark Phelan]

Use AC every chance I get, and do so often.

 

[Domenic Barbero]

Thanks Jon. Thats usually how I ran with DSLR rigs but if im in a pinch, the AC power will be just fine then? Good to know.

 

[Brian Merlen]

As a follow up I have been wondering if that AC power cord would charge a redvolt if one is in the camera while its plugged in? Its not a big deal but I have been wondering about it and didn't think of it last time I had an Epic M and a knowledgeable DP in front of me...

 

[Domenic Barbero]

I see you are running the epic Mark, thats good to know being they are ultra similar. Thanks.

 

[Mike Yonts]

I always use an uninterruptible power supply, just a regular one from a computer store, between the AC power and my Red. Then if a breaker trips or somebody yanks a power cord out of the wall, I can still shut down the camera properly.

 

[Noah Yuan-Vogel]

I've generally avoided using the AC adapter with R1 in many situations mostly because of the 2min bootup time wait that would often be required if we wanted to move the camera more than a few feet and because of the very loose C13 AC power cable connection and short cable to the adapter, neither of which inspire confidence. It doesn't lend itself to being very portable or easy like batteries do. On the other hand, if camera isn't moving much or you're on a stage on sticks a lot, some tape and a long stinger fixes those issues somewhat and it's a good option if you don't have plenty of batteries. With Scarlet/Epic the bootup time concern is greatly reduced. Anyone know if you have a full redvolt in and plug in an AC adapter, will the camera power from the adapter and failover to the redvolt if it is removed?

 

[TonySegreto]

I use AC whenever I'm on a Fisher or Chapman dolly. Basically you need to be cabled in for monitor/sound anyway, so might as well be hooked in an AC tap as well. Makes life much easier. I've never had an issue with the connection failing.