190WH Batteries

[Lee Dashiell]

We just finished shooting a feature using the new 190WH batteries from Broadcast 4 Batteries and I was amazed at the run time. They do not read in the RED Display on the rear of the camera but they last longer than anything I've used. They are not listed on the site but they are selling them. Good group of people there as well. http://www.batteries4broadcast.com/red09.htm

 

[Martin Weiss]

From the shape, wattage and color they look exactly like the ones offered by Global Media Pro.

 

[RivaiC]

Hi Lee, exactly how long ?

 

[Lee Dashiell]

I'll put a clock on them in the next day or so.

 

[RivaiC]

thanks, we can try to compare to switronix 190W, on mine, it's slightly over 2 hours, 10 minutes or so, in some situation it can be longer, especially when the fan is not blowing fast on shooting mode.

 

[Justin Machacek]

All... We're purchasing a camera package with 3 Sony PDW-F800s and a Red camera. I'm building out the Red. We're hoping to use the same batteries for all 4 cameras and just make one large purchase. Any advice/thoughts on quality manufacturers or insight on whether the typical V-mounts will work on the Red is greatly appreciated.

Also, in the instance that we buy third party batteries, in my accessories package I should only need the AC adaptor correct? Thanks for everything... Justin Machacek

 

[Martin Weiss]

Regular V-mount batteries will work on the RED, you just won't get any battery info passed onto the camera.

There were some GMP batteries that didn't work on the R1, but GMP has fixed that (and if you should come across one of those batteries, it is a relatively simple procedure to fix): http://visualnary.com/2008/12/02/di...ro-batteries-to-work-with-red-one-camera.html

 

[Justin Machacek]

Thanks a million... I was worried about that. The Red power options are expensive and we've had a couple poor experiences with the life on the Red batteries.

 

[Martin Weiss]

Glad I could help. Did you notify RED about the problems you've experienced? First time I have heard of such problems.

 

[Gunleik Groven]

Short lived RED batteries have occured for quite a few.

Seems though, that some give up on them a bit early, due to strange charger behaviour. I have had one that I thought was gone, that popped back to life.

They do last shorter after ayear-and a-half, though. But I don't think that's RED specific

 

[Martin Weiss]

Generally it is a good idea to let the batteries run empty once a month before fully recharging them.

When not in use for a long time, they should be occasionally recharged.

 

[Eirik Tyrihjel]

I have had one that I thought was gone, that popped back to life.

Sounds like one of mine, if I discharge it completely it usually refuses to recharge for 4-6 weeks...

Naturally I put a BIG sticker on it, and only offer it as a bonus to renters.

 

[Vinny Duwe]

FYI, Switronix "red" version v-mount batteries DO pass battery % data to the RED1. We offer a one year warranty on the batteries compared to RED's 90 day warranty on RED bricks.

Here to answer any and all questions.

 

[Justin Machacek]

Our issues had to do with very short life span. We were shooting with SteadyCam so the additional drain on power probably played in, but we only got about an hour of shooting/rehearsal before having to switch batteries.

I think we're going with the IDX intelligent V-mount batteries. Does anyone know if these transfer intelligent information to the Red?

 

[Mitch Gross]

The RED One is rated at about 75-80 watts per hour drain. Add a few standard accessories and this can push past 100w. A Switronix 190w brick will run the camera for about two hours and the model for the RED will also communicate battery life to the camera. It will power any v-mount device, but will provide battery % without any special adapter or other steps.

IDX now also has batteries that communicate with the RED One. To get the battery info to pass, one has to push a button on the battery to switch it to "RED mode." This is so the standard IDX communications protocol will function on other systems.

One can buy standard V-mount bricks from these companies or other manufacturers but they will not communicate battery life info with the camera, which means that in the viewfinder it will simply read "DC" instead of a percentage of charge remaining.

Running a RED One until a battery dies, cutting out the power suddenly on the camera before a proper shutdown, is in Jarred's words "a bad thing." It can lead to lost files, hard drive issues and other problems.

 

[Justin Machacek]

Great information... thanks Mitch. I think we're going IDX so I'll double check the batteries can do the Red protocol.

 

[Mitch Gross]

Abel sells Switronix and IDX products, among others. Feel free to contact me offlist or any of our Sales staff for additional information.

 

[Justin Machacek]

Thanks Mitch... I've been talking with Charles Rowe. Looks like we'll be ordering an O'connor head from you guys. Anyone happen to know the models on the IDX batts that will pass the Red information? Thanks again... Justin Machacek

 

[Mitch Gross]

Charles should be able to assist you with this. I'll be in the office tomorrow if you need further information.