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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Changing batteries without turning off the camera

J

Joncamop

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I've come up with a way to change batteries without having to turn off the camera. It would go between the camera and battery and is about the size of a battery. It would probably run about $700.00. I was wondering if there is a need out there for this before I start making them. If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask.

Jon Myers
 
swap mount for batteries costs 175 dollars...
dont know, maybe for people who doesnt want to load 2 batteries...
its too expensive imo
 
I've tried to operate with one of those two battery systems. That's why I came up with this. I've been a camera operator for 15 years and when I operate I usually use the mag and not a pan handle. The majority of the other operators I know operate the same way unless I'm on a gear head. So whenever I've operated with the two battery system I always crack or break them off. The way I've come up with is really solid.

Jon Myers
 
Jon,

$700 is a little too expensive for a buffer battery or similar device, IMO. The upcoming swap pack from Action Products is a battery mount with this feature and it can hold one or two camera batteries -- the dual mount with buffer battery and 15mm or 19mm mounts all together is about $550-$600. I know there is at least one other such solution in the works.

There is definitely a market for your product I think. And your $700 figure might be OK depending on what it does. Maybe you should investigate it further and do a product rendering so people can get a better idea of what you're thinking about.
 
I've made a prototype. I need to get in anodized, then I'll take a picture of it on a camera. Jeff thanks for mentioning the Action Products plate. I could make that much cheaper than what I'm making. I could probably make that for $450.00. or so. The other good thing about the way I've designed mine is that it doesn't change the balance of the camera. If they used that on my Steadicam® I'd have to rebalance every time they changed batteries.

Jon Myers
 
another solution if you are using AB batts is to get there small onboard power
supply that has a battery port on back. when its time to change you plug in
change and your set.
 
Moscow said:
hey boys.....
try one of these, i have one and they work great...!
Hot swappable, cheap. what more could you ask for.....
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/359201-REG/Switronix_GP_TS_GPTS_V_Mount_Hot_Swap.html
Click to expand...

I've got one of these now and the only issue I have with it is that it weights 1 lb 6 oz. When you are trying to keep your load light, then that's alot of extra weight. Of course, if you are putting two batteries on it at one time you shouldn't care! The only other problem with it that I've found is that when you put a battery on the left side, you can't check your battery life--as you can't hit the check button. That's why when I go to change batteries I take two and use one as a temp battery while switching out the right battery.

Matthew
 
i think the AB onboard Power supply is to weak to run the RED.
I´m considering Anton Bauer Cine VCLX batt. for tripod and dolly use, it has a capacity of 560wh and will run the RED for 7 hrs continiosly, for handheld and other stuff where i can´t use a cable and have to go with onboard, i´ll use my Hytron 140´s
 
Isn't the powering up after replacing the battery a minute or so ? $700.00 seems pretty pricey for compared to the wait time.
 
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
 
According to my watch and Cameras (Build 15.2.2.5) it's:
Startup: 88 secs
Shutdown: 3 secs

Build 15 does seem to have a startup problem on some bodies, causing it to hang on the pre boot screen.
 
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
 
at NAB the ET guys were talking about a solution like this that would also incorporate a quick plate.
you might want to wait for it or give them a call and see if what youve come up with can accelerate their process.
 
Personally I don't like coiled cords. They always seem to get tangled into something at the worst time. I'd rather manage my excess cord by wraping it and securing with a velcro tie or taping it to a rail.
 
Take your time changing battery

Take your time changing battery

J.R. Hud said:
Isn't the powering up after replacing the battery a minute or so ? $700.00 seems pretty pricey for compared to the wait time.
Click to expand...
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.
 
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