Globalmediapro RED batteries not communicating % to SCARLET

[Ryan Koo]

I've seen them mentioned a lot here, so I thought I'd stop by to let people know that I just received four of these Globalmediapro batteries, widely regarded as the cheapest powering option out there specifically for RED cameras:

http://www.globalmediapro.com/dc/CA...nt-V-Lock/Batteries-for-Red-Camera/?brandId=1

The whole reason to get these is that they're supposed to communicate with RED cameras, showing the percentage remaining in the RED monitor. On their site they say "GMP R batteries were successfully tested with RED Epic-M," and "Charge information is shown at the RED camera LCD monitor." I don't know if my SCARLET, with firmware 2.0.5, is any different, but they are so far NOT showing % remaining on my SCARLET-X -- just voltage.

I'm using these with the APU-IDX plate from Viewfactor.

Anyone have these up and running with their EPIC/SCARLET and getting correct battery info? I'm charging them up to full and will be experimenting further. Globalmediapro does not seem to have a return policy, so buyer beware... I will reach out and ask them about this.

 

[Nick Pasquariello]

From what I've read, this is how most if not all batteries work with Epic/Scarlet. They show you the voltage, and when you get down around 12v, time to change batteries.

 

[Alexander Waldman]

It's been stated several times in the official VF thread (http://www.reduser.net/forum/showth...harging-cable!&p=849424&viewfull=1#post849424) that the plates do not pass on percentage information, only voltage. Same is true even when using REDbricks. It seems that the percentage circuitry in the Globalmediapro batteries (and REDbricks) is only useful for the R1, unless you're using the RED battery plate with the adapter cable.

 

[Ryan Koo]

Ahhh... I see. Well, glad to clear that up at least! Thanks.

 

[jonathan homer vargas]

Ryan i love your blog NoFilmSchool is wonderful

 

[Ryan Koo]

I'm going to test some other plates that pass on data and see if this is universally the case.

Thanks Jonathan!

 

[sander kamp]

I have these batteries and they show percentage just fine.

 

[Doug Beatty]

I have these batteries and they show percentage just fine.

What plate are you using?

 

[Jarek Zabczynski]

I have these and the VF plate. Will see what happens when I get my Scarlet.

 

[sander kamp]

What plate are you using?

The Red plate and IDX plate with magnet from Red plate.

 

[Mitch Gross]

The new Switronix plate passes the data. It also comes with two P-Tap outputs instead of just one.

http://www.abelcine.com/store/Switronix-GP-S-EPIC-V-mount-Plate-for-RED-Epic-Scarlet/

 

[Jason Diamond]

As far as I know EPIC/Scarlet read voltage not percentage as the older REDOne did. Just swap batteries when voltage gets around 12v.

 

[Ryan Koo]

I've got a Switronix plate on the way and will let you know if I get %.

 

[paulherrin]

http://www.viewfactor.net/index.php/products/cages/contineo-battery-plate-w-cable-1.html

is there any reason why this wouldn't work? it's the cheapest solution out there i've seen.

 

[Joel Arvidsson]

Im interested in this to.

 

[Doug Beatty]

http://www.viewfactor.net/index.php/products/cages/contineo-battery-plate-w-cable-1.html

is there any reason why this wouldn't work? it's the cheapest solution out there i've seen.

You would need the 2b to 1b adapter cable ($190) and then you would need to figure out a way to mount it on rails.

 

[Joel Arvidsson]

Im not following. Is it these batterys that have the problem or the batteryplate?

 

[paulherrin]

You would need the 2b to 1b adapter cable ($190) and then you would need to figure out a way to mount it on rails.

you're right, i wasn't sure about the cables for a second. the cheapest solution i've found is from wooden camera (switronix plate and battery back): http://www.woodencamera.com/qb-switronix-v-mount

 

[Ryan Koo]

Im not following. Is it these batterys that have the problem or the batteryplate?

I just got a Switronix plate in so I will know soon. BUT: to be clear, there isn't so much a "problem" -- even if the batteries don't show % on the RED, they still power the camera and show voltage just fine. I got 3 hours and 6 minutes on the 160W/h brick. So they work fine -- I'm just curious about getting a % readout on screen.

 

[Jason Diamond]

What charger did you get from Global Media Pro? The 2 bay or 4 bay?