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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 :)

PAGlink Battery system review

Based on the nominal Power consumption of a scarlet (60W) I'd guess about 1.5 hours based on the sheets posted above. But I don't have any experience with this system.
 
I own four Paglinks. They work very well with a Scarlet take a load of 8 amps with a single battery and 12 amps when linked.

A single battery can easily power Scarlet and a Pix 240, for example.

I also have the PL16 charger which is a two channel charger that can charge up to 8 batteries per channel sequentially.

I am not sure if the "deep sleep" feature works properly and the linked batteries seem to slowly lose power. I am not sure if it's faster than normal self-discharge, but I have started to take them off the charger and store them unlinked when they are fully recharged.

The "time left" display is very handy and it also works very accurately with the numeric LCD model as well.

I notice that they also have a new 4*12V power distribution module that can be inserted between two linked batteries or on the rear battery. It also has an USB output and exchangable connectors (hirose or d-tap)

https://www.paguk.com/landing/PowerHub
 
An EPIC draws 60 watts = 4 amps x 14.8 volts

A single PAG PL96 battery can supply 6.5 amps nominally, with a maximum of 8 amps.

1 x PAGs can supply 14.8V x 6.5 Amps = 96 Watts (ie it can easy supply the power & current requirements for an EPIC).

2 x PAG batteries supply twice as much energy / 96 watt hours x 2.
I believe the 'sweet spot' mentioned had nothing to do with the 'power requirements' and everything to do with how long you can run the camera.
Two PAGs will run the Epic for = 2 * 96 / 60 = over 3 hours.

There was discussion about prices. The PAG L95 is that previous design. The PAG PL96 is their most recent - with the 'PL' prefix denoting the Linkable feature.

Ordering from PAG directly was fabulous in the UK - with computerized test messages send telling me exactly what day, then the exact hour the items was delivered.
Ordering from Prokit was great - and their prices were the lowest in the UK last time I checked / very helpful support desk.

The PowerHub is not out yet - but you can join the pre-order list.

Other thoughts: PAG batteries' current delivery, charging and protection circuits are the most sophisticated of any maker that I researched on the net.

AJ
 
Curt Pair said:
I'm like so many out there... always looking for a good deal on some GREAT equipment. I comb the halls at trade shows, trying to find those nuggets...

When I do, and I purchase them, I like to share my experiences with others. RedUser has been such a GREAT forum for folks like me to find out about gear before I spend that precious dollar. So many have shared their enlightenment and experiences. This is my homage to those folks... the Tonaci Trans, the Ketch Rossi's, the Mark Toia's... I thank you humbly for your efforts and for sharing your knowledge. Allow me to do the same.

I have used Gold Mount batteries for nearly 20 years. Many times other manufacturers have tried the hard sell to get me to switch... I just wouldn't and couldn't budge... I have WAY TO MUCH money invested in chargers to do that... (I own 2 "quad-speed" chargers, 2-four position chargers and 2-two position chargers!) To replace all of those would simply be ridiculous. However, I travel a ton for work... basically our "office" is anywhere a plane can land or a car can drive to... It's also a challenge to decide how many chargers I need to take with me. My favorite batteries are the 160+ watt hour batteries... why wouldn't they be? They are light weight and last nearly half the day! (Depending on how much they are powering!) Who wouldn't want that? But it's quite a pain to travel with them, and in certain cases... you can't!

Stumbling upon the PAGlink Battery system was a blessing... I absolutely love them. We're integrating them into our current power strategy. I think you might too... check out the reasons why... (Click here for the video review!)
Click to expand...


Thanks Curt, and yes it does makes this community great when we all share, in all honesty, our likes and findings on gear, even if some of us have extremely expensive taste, even when they can't afford to... ;)

Fact is, that if we all share our findings on gear we use, chances are that we are then giving an opportunity to some on else that didn't use the gear or didn't know its existence will find out about it, and then read on and make abetter informed decision before buying.

I have looked at them as well, but not yet tested them, and I look forward to do just that, as I will need a load of them, since now all our EPIC cameras to come will have the Meizier relying only on V-Lock power, and also most of my lighting is LED V-Lock Battery powered, hence the need for lots of the Best V-Lock batteries I can get.
 
GROUP BUY!

GROUP BUY!

KETCH ROSSi said:
Thanks Curt, and yes it does makes this community great when we all share, in all honesty, our likes and findings on gear, even if some of us have extremely expensive taste, even when they can't afford to... ;)

Fact is, that if we all share our findings on gear we use, chances are that we are then giving an opportunity to some on else that didn't use the gear or didn't know its existence will find out about it, and then read on and make abetter informed decision before buying.

I have looked at them as well, but not yet tested them, and I look forward to do just that, as I will need a load of them, since now all our EPIC cameras to come will have the Meizier relying only on V-Lock power, and also most of my lighting is LED V-Lock Battery powered, hence the need for lots of the Best V-Lock batteries I can get.
Click to expand...

Ketch,

Hey, if the BT MB is any consideration for you... YOU'LL LOVE the PAGlinks! I would NEVER steer you wrong, my friend! That's why I'm doing this! I like HELPING folks! Yes, I have expensive tastes to!

I'm in the process of putting a GROUP buy together so that we can all save even more money! I dig them that much! I need more power! (Just call me Captain Curt! I need more power!)

Curt
 
i ll start with 2 batteries first (PL96e) then upgrade to 3-4 later for my scarlet.Curt charging one Pag battery takes at least 1 hour? Because i dont wanna wait for other one while on-camera battery is dead
 
Josef Gatti said:
Hi Curt,

In the video, which battery mount is that on the epic (it looks like VF, but from other shots I've seen VF V-mount plates sit much higher)? All V-Mounts I've come accross seem to sit much higher on the back of Red cameras, I'm after a system that can fit V-Mounts nearly flush to the back of my Scarlet - which it seems you've achieved that in the video. PAGlink batteries seem great for my needs (size and runtime) - I'm just confused about the battery plate
Click to expand...

Josef,

GREAT EYE my man! Yes, I have the VF battery plate. It's an ANTON BAUER plate too! I have a mixture of AB's and now PAGlinks. Therefore, I just bought an IDX adapter to be able to use the V mounts ON the AB plate. I have the best of both worlds... I bought about 6 of those suckers! I have one for my monitor, DRACAST LED lights, all sorts of things. Works just like I had a V mount on the actual product. View Factor make terrific products. I've been happy with everything I have from them... even the Full Metal Jacket!
 
Paul Ellington said:
Heads up on the PAGLINK batteries guys... You are allowed to bring up to three RED Bricks on an Airplane, nothing against Paglink but for performance. http://www.maniosdigital.com/PAGlink_Batteries_Cube_L95e_Paglight.pdfIf you look here the will only output close to 12 point something. I believe Epic draws 14.8 no??? In any event yes, these batteries are cheap but you need at least two, probably 3 in order for Epic to run smoothly. I bet someone will get a "Voltage Error" message and if you own an Epic or Scarlet then you should get some professional batteries. These may run smaller cameras but for big-boy field use, I would go RED Brick or the higher ends batteries out there. Just a heads up so nobody gets hurt. Best. - E
Click to expand...

Paul,

That is VERY interesting... I wonder if that is "old" data.... I run the Epic with a single Paglink all the time. No issues. I'm checking into this directly with PAG... I'll get back to you on this!
 
Josef Gatti said:
Interesting. I was very close to getting these due to the small form factor/small charger. Not great news, but better I found out this way. Will look into it myself
Click to expand...

Josef,

I don't think that info is correct. It maybe old data... or it was incorrectly typed (as in a "typo)... I use a single battery on the Epic all the time! I've NOT had a problem The voltage meter in the Epic always tells me 15 Volts (ok... 14.8 EXACTLY!) when they are fully charged. I appreciate the effort out there, but I think the "printed material" is inaccurate.

Let's not scare folks with inaccurate info until we know for sure!
 
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Clint Lealos said:
I'm not sure this is correct. I'd call Paglink batteries "professional" for sure, and they certainly are not cheap. I'd also be willing to bet that one battery will power the Epic or Scarlet just fine. To be honest, I'm not sure what you are saying... amps? volts? watts? Maybe I'm wrong, but I'd like to hear more from Paglink owners/users before I write them off. Staying tuned.
Click to expand...

Thanks Clint!

I have them. I use a single battery at a time. All works terrific. I've written my contact at PAG for clarification on this... I hope to have a response early next week!
 
Jean Bernard said:
I am sorry Paul but where are you getting your information from?

One PAG PL96T alone is £329 where did you find 4 of them and a charger for £240?

PAG has been in the professional batterie business, like Anton Bauer, for a longtime. Although the brand is somewhat unfamiliar in US, it is well respected and used all over Europe.

PAG PL96T Spec: 14.8V, 96 Wh, 6.5Ah, 8A(12A when linked)
RedBrick Spec: 14.8V, 140Wh, 9.5Ah, 9A(No linking)
RedVolt Spec: 14.8V, 37Wh, 2.5Ah, ?A

And why the scare tactics... There are people who's been using AB Hytron, Dionics, Switronics and even others brand batteries without any issues. What AB plate did you have when your Hytron was drawing too much?

Sadly, Red's position on 3rd party isn't quiet transparent and seem people jeopardized their warranty standings conveniently and now we are bullied into Red Bricks.

Here is an interesting chart of some of the other batteries I found with with my steadicam power cubes:

ry%3D480


Am in the same boat as Clint... lets hear back from people who actually have had experiences with these new Pag batteries before eRE"a"Dicate them.
Click to expand...

I can't thank you enough here ! You are absolutely correct! These batteries work fine. Yes, even in the words of a PAG employee (I've been dealing with...) "Anton Bauer is quite simply the largest battery manufacturer in the world! You'd be surprised HOW MANY products they make batteries for that you don't even know about! The "camera division" is very small, compared to what they make for drills, power tools, lights, that kind of thing... And all the knock off brands? Chances are... they get the cells from AB anyway! We are globally positioned as the #2 or #3 battery manufacturer for the motion picture business, depending on who you talk too... Although we aren't as big in the States, we are a common name just about everywhere else..."

These are professional batteries. You're right... they are NOT cheap. I don't know of ANYWHERE you can get them for price mentioned here, let alone FOUR OF THEM! Generally, Clint is right... they are about $450 and up, depending on the dealer (which is why I'm working so hard to put a group buy together!).

I create these videos to help my fellow camera owner and operators out there! I work hard for my money. I have to spend that hard earned money on gear. I want good stuff, that will LAST! I hate when I buy something for lower dollars only to have it not last as long as it should... (About 18 months ago... I took 18 Anton Bauer batteries to Batteries Plus for recycling... they talked me into "recelling" those batteries for half the purchase price. I did it. The batteries only lasted about 15-18 months! NOT REALLY A VALUE ! I vowed never again.) I fly a TON for work... taking batteries is ALWAYS an issue... So when I found these I thought I'd share! I've taken ALL of them on board in my carry on baggage with NO issues what so ever, as long as you bring that blessed sheet!

Hey, if someone doesn't like them... they don't like them! That's fine. Others may LOVE them! I've been an AB guy for 20+ years. I don't have ANY issues with ABs on the Epic or a Scarlet! That is a crazy problem, and I think more is going on there than meets the eye... could be the mount, camera, or battery for sure!

I like the fact that these are lightweight, small, and when they get low, (and If I'm still rolling) I just link another onto the stack. I would NEVER run around with 8 linked together... that's just idiodic! I did that for "effect" in my video. I've never personally run with more than 3... but YOU COULD, if you wanted to!

I say check them out for yourself... and make up your own mind! These are safe for Epics, Scarlets, Sony's, Panasonics, Alexas, you name it! These guys have been around a while and aren't going anywhere!
 
Kemalettin Sert said:
i ll start with 2 batteries first (PL96e) then upgrade to 3-4 later for my scarlet.Curt charging one Pag battery takes at least 1 hour? Because i dont wanna wait for other one while on-camera battery is dead
Click to expand...

I need to look into this further and get back to you... I KNOW it can charge up to 16 batteries in 8 hours. I'm not sure how long for a single battery. I didn't do that test. I never asked the guys at PAG that question. I will now...

I told them that I have an AB charger that charges FOUR batteries in 3 hours! They enlightened me... "Actually, you have FOUR smaller chargers in one larger housing..." (All companies buy competitors gear and reverse engineer it.... even the camera companies!) "...that's how you can charge batteries that quickly... however, what you probably don't know is that Lithium Ions can charge up to 80% in 3 hours and then a few hours more to "trickle" to the top, or a full charge... The charger tells you that 80% is full, because in most cases that will work just fine for most people... but due to Lithium Ion technology... this is the way it works for all cells, no matter who is selling them!"

So my guess is 3 hours? I'll double check on Monday and get back with you....
 
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