PAGlink Battery system review

[Michael Lindsay]

Mods should have put ignore option on users
FYI just asked my local PAG dealer for the price of Pag L95e they said 250€+ VAT.it looks cheaper than £ price for me.Do you guys know how many hours this battery will last on Scarlet?

With the latest firmware AND a battery plate that works with red Batteries you get percentages...

 

[Curt Pair]

Thank Curt i contacted with my local dealer and they gave me special price
and do you know these PAG batts supports % Data on Red Epic/Scarlet?

Good for you... I'm hoping if we get a BIG number, like 100 or 200 or something like that.... they'll be blown away and offer an unheard of price... beating even both of ours "special price!" (I got that too as an early adopter! WAY cheaper than posted pricing... I'm glad I did too! )

Yes, if you have a V lock mount on the camera... it can give the %Data on the camera. Unfortunately, with a mixture of AB and PAGs, I run through a Gold Mount and thus it eliminates this data due to the mounting plate... But I've seen it work on others who tested with a straight V mount plate!

 

[Curt Pair]

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

I actually have the PowerHub and it's AWESOME! D-Tap and USB right now... Hirose and Lemo "ports" coming soon! This thing is cool! The only thing I don't like is that it MUST be mounted on the outside of the first battery... It can go "in between" batteries too... I wish this were mounted to the camera like AB's stuff... but that is the only complaint!

 

[Kemalettin Sert]

With the latest firmware AND a battery plate that works with red Batteries you get percentages...

Thanks Michael !!!

@Curt Pair
wish i was in states but living in some third world country makes everything worse if you order something from foreign country.You gotta pay so much money to take your stuff out of customs.In the end it costs you double.

 

[Josef Gatti]

Curt, thanks for your responses, what a great read haha. Yes I actually did a bit of looking into it, seems like they'll be fine. And great news about the AB back with adaptor, it's the solution I was looking for.

As for a group buy, put me down for sure

 

[brett ogden]

I'm putting a group buy together... interested?

Group Buy Thread http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?87417-Setting-up-GROUP-BUY-for-batteries!

 

[Ketch Rossi]

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

He he, alright buddy... I trust you, we'll give them a try then.

 

[Curt Pair]

He he, alright buddy... I trust you, we'll give them a try then.

Bro, I'm just sayin... we have similar tastes! Epic, (check), Master Primes (Check), Strummer, (check), GearNex (Check)... I use them with our LEDs all the time, and they ROCK it! I would NEVER intentionally steer you wrong! I don't think you'll be disappointed!

 

[Curt Pair]

Curt, thanks for your responses, what a great read haha. Yes I actually did a bit of looking into it, seems like they'll be fine. And great news about the AB back with adaptor, it's the solution I was looking for.

As for a group buy, put me down for sure

Josef,

I actually USE the Anton Bauer to V mount adpater (made by IDX) route for myself! I have 4 Dionic 160s, 2 Dionic 90s, and four (working) Hytron 140s! I also have 6 PAGLinks. The Pag's are lighter. I love that I only have to take a single charge on the road, and I'm good to go. I LOVE that they are "flight" ready and acceptable. I have not had a single issue. I am VERY happy that no matter what... I can use either "mounting" system battery on any piece of gear I own! It's really the best of both worlds!

It also works FLAWLESSLY! I use it on monitors, scopes, LED lights, all sorts of stuff! The PAGlinks work terrific! Can't love them any more! Couldn't be happier with my decision!

 

[Curt Pair]

Just for some clarification...

I just got OFFICIAL word from PAG... here is what they've told me regarding questions from others; I hope this helps answer some of your questions. I own and use these batteries. I have had NO problems with them. I think some folks on this posting may be a bit confused by some of the data they've read or have been told... I think this should clarify those points, and it's straight from the manufacturer:

This is from David Hardy, PAG Quality & Technical Director

1. I see nothing on the Manios website that says you cannot run a Red camera from one PL96e (or a PL95e). It only suggests that NO MORE than 3 are linked for use on a camera (for ergonomic reasons). Of course you’re correct. We’ve all run Epics and Scarlets from a single battery – the consumption is quite moderate, and a single battery can run for nearly two hours.
2. Paglink batteries will not void the Red warranty. We know Red UK very well and they have been very helpful to us with loan equipment etc. The Red guys from USA have also been very supportive – no problems there.
3. The software has now been developed to give percentage state of charge in the viewfinder on Epic and Scarlet models (this was a battery issue). The software is currently being proven by one of our local customers – Michael Lindsay – who has been most helpful. We’ll confirm the full release shortly.
4. Anton-Bauer chargers are not able to charge PAG or any other V-Mount battery no matter what adaptor is used.

I hope this helps many of you out there.

Thanks for checking out my review. If you try these batteries... you'll love them! Be fore warned!

 

[Mike Smith]

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

Paul, I think you are confusing volts with amps. The Epic requires (not draws) 14.8V. The PAGLink is a 14.8V battery. The only '12' I see on the image you show mentions the ability to supply up to 12A (amps). That's far more than the current the Epic draws, as is the 8 amp capability of a single PAG battery.

 

[AndreasOberg]

Sounds like the most interesting batteries out there. I'm a bit confused about what mount I should buy for the Epic.
Any pointers to what mount would be the best?

Thanks!
/Andreas

 

[AndreasOberg]

Curt,
I'm wondering. What are the main benefits with the PagLink compared to the Red Bricks. As I see the Red Bricks have 50% more power and cost the same. Do you like the Paglinks for all the other reasons like linking and for other devices?
Can you travel with the Red Bricks or are they not safe?

Thanks!

 

[Curt Pair]

Curt,
I'm wondering. What are the main benefits with the PagLink compared to the Red Bricks. As I see the Red Bricks have 50% more power and cost the same. Do you like the Paglinks for all the other reasons like linking and for other devices?
Can you travel with the Red Bricks or are they not safe?

Thanks!

Andreas,

You may be right... Red Bricks are nearly the same in terms of cost... however... two PagLinks are more in terms of power. The PagLinks can help out in smaller scenarios too, like car mounts, in corners, etc. They're also fairly light weight too!

The PagLinks can charge on ANY charger, and while linked. I don't have to fly with 5 chargers any more... I'm going with a CUBE (for the 4 "fast charge" (3 hours for all of them to get to 80%) and a PL16 to charge more overnight.

From what I've been told... and many Red Brick owners will agree... the RB's don't last all that long in terms of total number of charges/discharges. The reason is that the chargers are charging the batteries too fast. I've been told this by a major battery manufacturer who has tested MANY systems. This literally "cooks" the batteries and therefore they don't last as long as they should! These lithium Ion batteries have specific needs in the charging process... this is why Anton, IDX and Pag batteries last LONGER than they "guarantee"... because the entire system works and works properly. (From what I've been told, Red has outsourced their battery manufacturing. These aren't made in house, like all the cameras are...)

For me, as a traveling DP, taking light weight, long lasting batteries on a plane is very important!

I own batteries from AB, IDX, & SWIT as well. They're all great. I just think particular batteries stand a bit above them. This is my opinion. There's no "data" to say one battery in this line up is better than another... I just feel the feature set of these batteries and entire system bring to the table are superior to the others.

By the way... if you order directly from Pag in the UK... you'll SAVE MONEY! They're cheaper in Europe than in the states... I'm sure the same is true for the reverse for US made batteries... they're more expensive in Europe.

The "mount" is the same... so that's equal...

I think if you're happy with what you have, stick with it. I was just in the market to purchase new batteries as replacements for some of my failing batteries. I stumbled into these by accident... I NEVER thought I'd consider switch from AB to something else... but they are that good! I just felt I was missing out and hindering myself if I didn't do it.

Curt

 

[AndreasOberg]

Hi Curt!
Thanks for the reply.
I haven't used Red Bricks since I haven't recieved my Epic yet so I'm just reading. The PagLink sounds like the best I have found so far, just trying to understand them more. Your homepage is very informative, talk about great explanations!
I guess one of the bigger benefits with the Pag links is that you can connect them to all kinds of things and that they are safe to travel with.
Do you recommend the Red Mount for the batteries, it's a bit on the expensive side or are there any cheaper ones I can get that still transmit the PagLink information to the screen.

Thanks a lot for the help Curt!
/Andreas

 

[Curt Pair]

Hi Curt!
Thanks for the reply.
I haven't used Red Bricks since I haven't recieved my Epic yet so I'm just reading. The PagLink sounds like the best I have found so far, just trying to understand them more. Your homepage is very informative, talk about great explanations!
I guess one of the bigger benefits with the Pag links is that you can connect them to all kinds of things and that they are safe to travel with.
Do you recommend the Red Mount for the batteries, it's a bit on the expensive side or are there any cheaper ones I can get that still transmit the PagLink information to the screen.

Thanks a lot for the help Curt!
/Andreas

Honestly, I have to say that the Red stuff is always superior quality and build... and you KNOW it will work correctly. I don't think one could EVER go wrong with purchasing Red accessories and equipment.

There are some alternatives out there. I know that Wooden has a mount with the SWIT plate on it, and it DOES transmit all the data... I have a View Factor AB mount, then bought IDX Gold Mount to V mount adapters... the VF does NOT transmit all of the data, but I don't feel I'm losing out.

Thanks for the kind words on my website... It's my way of trying to give back to the community.

I hope you find a solution you like! Let us know what you decide!

 

[David W Jones]

I have used these Batteries with Curt on a couple of jobs I did not want to like them. I have used them on a HD XDCAM, a Steadicam, LED lights and on the RED Epic. They work and well. I have had 100's of "big boy batteries" These are the only ones I would switch too. A few less chargers would be nice and less weight even with two on my Camera or Steadicam. I will add some of these to the collection thanks for going to bat for us and getting a good price.