Changing batteries without turning off the camera

[D Namir]

wiring diagram

wiring diagram

here's a render of the SWAP-Pack. It's been in production now for two weeks, and we are expecting to ship the first units soon.

Features:

-RED batterie read out works
-Swap without effecting balance (good for use on your ActionCam)
-1 or 2 batterie usage
-light weight

Do you have the wiring diagram to make sure connector is right?

 

[Steve Sherrick]

It takes more like 2 1/2 minutes and that's if it works the first time. I've had to reboot several different camera's 3 or 4 times before it will work again. It always seems like the time you need to change the battery is when talent is standing there waiting. I'm not sure how many big shows you've worked but big name talent usually doesn't like to stand around. It takes about 30 seconds to power down and 2 1/2 minutes to come back up. If anyone's camera does it quicker let me know. I've used 4 or 5 cameras and I've put a stop watch on it and that's how long it took. When a movie is spending $50,000.00 a day that works out to $70.00 a minute on a 12 hour day (and that's a small show) that $700.00 part will pay for itself by the end of the day.

Jon

The camera should not be taking that long to boot. Power down takes 5 seconds or a bit less. Powering up seems to be about 75-80 seconds. Something not quite right happening if it is taking 2 1/2 minutes.

 

[Brian D. Goff]

Do you have the wiring diagram to make sure connector is right?

It works perfectly, the pre-production model has been in use now for over a month with RED and non-RED batteries, keeping the camera running 10h straight! We have gotten the wiring correct and reviled the little secret that the RED batteries have to enable communication with the camera.

 

[Matthew Rogers]

It works perfectly, the pre-production model has been in use now for over a month with RED and non-RED batteries, keeping the camera running 10h straight! We have gotten the wiring correct and reviled the little secret that the RED batteries have to enable communication with the camera.

Two questions. How much does your swap pack weigh? The Switronic one weighs 1 lbs 6oz--which is fairly heavy. Second, since you figured out what RED's secret is on communicating power levels, does that mean yours will support on camera power readout, or is there truely something special in the battery?

Matthew

 

[J.R. Hud]

Even if it takes a minute only, believe me, for the producer, director 1st AD, it looks like eternity, and only for changing battery?
Moreover, the time to change battery should be compatible with the time it takes with other cameras like film and Video and it takes only 10 seconds if you take your time doing that.
So we need our Reds to be at this standard.

This, is very true

Well put.