RED, Please Stop Shipping the Quad Redvolt Module...

[Tony Lorentzen]

I agree. The real problem is that it took so long to get the Quad module ready to ship. We all needed to go somewhere else to get a power solution that worked and now that the quad module is here we don't really need it that much ;-)

 

[Mark Pugh]

No, the real problem is that it's a bad concept.
No AC wants to be constantly swapping out Redvolts all day, even with a hot swap feature.
No one want to more than double the length of the camera just to do it all.
A v-lock attached t the back is far more modular, by being more quickly removed or repositioned.
The single Redvolt in the side handle is an awesome lightweight option, and here it ends for me.

 

[Glen David Miller]

For those of us just beginning to build a system, what is everyone's vote when it comes to powering an Epic? What would you pick if you had to buy your first power source today and why? I'm torn.

-Glen

 

[John Marchant]

As an Epic-M and Scarlet owner who actually wants the quad module, I'd be very happy to relieve one of you guys of the burden of a piece of kit you got for a fraction of its full price

 

[M. Bergeron]

We too have found another solution and won't be using the Quad Batt Module. I remember a few months back Jim said we could pay the difference in price to get the Pro IO versus the basic IO module. I hoped there would something similar with the Quad Batt Module. RedVolts in the side handle makes perfect sense, excellent actually but stacking 4 batts at the back and nearly doubling the camera size is not suited for my shooting style.

 

[Gunleik Groven]

+++1

Edit: BTW Julio, you can use the money for other accessories, I already did.

Please elaborate...

I wouldn't mind to do that, but AFAIK, I'll have to receive it and sell it first...

G

 

[Sven Seynaeve]

Just not having the option to use a quad charger yet is a bit painfull.

isn't there a way to hook up a charger unit directly to the module, would have been great if it could be designed like that.

 

[Sven Seynaeve]

any updates on quadchargers?

 

[D Fuller]

I hear where you are coming from, Julio, putting myself in your shoes.

One other thing to note, our production plan was based on those hard orders as part of stage 2 and 3.... We bought materials to support that set demand.

BC

But RED also did two things that have quashed that demand:

1. Delayed production so that users were forced to invest in alternate power sources. We all have these now, so the Quad Module is redundant.
2. Designed the module with no power taps for accessories. We can't integrate it into a setup that uses a wireless FF or a Teradek. Early on, we were lead to believe that the power module would replicate the functions of the RED One. It does not.

 

[Gunleik Groven]

But RED also did two things that have quashed that demand:

1. Delayed production so that users were forced to invest in alternate power sources. We all have these now, so the Quad Module is redundant.
2. Designed the module with no power taps for accessories. We can't integrate it into a setup that uses a wireless FF or a Teradek. Early on, we were lead to believe that the power module would replicate the functions of the RED One. It does not.

Without intending to sound like a spoiled brat, these are two valid observations.
Also considering the price/performance difference between RedVolts and f. ex. RedBricks, the lack of fast chargers etc and that the pro IO was the intended module (as far as I can remember) when we signed up for the stage 2 program - the issue has at least some reasoning and merit behind it other than being just pure grumpyness.

Of course we realise we have a very good deal. That isn't really the biggest of points...
We ARE thankfull for that.

It's just a slightly different great deal than the one we initially thought we signed up for.
And as the module is arriving kinda slow, we have had to find other solutions, that we by now may find better....


Cheers!

G

 

[Patrick Grossien]

The only bad thing is, that the modules come in so slow. Because the I/O module was said to give us AUX power. I would guess they would have d tap. Or at least lemo... they most definitely should!

I haven't bought into more power yet, since my scarlet is not here yet. But I'm facing the same problems, thinking about what to get and what to invest in. I'll probably just get a belt clip for starters and hope and wait for the I/O.

Maybe RED can help us out with posting at least their plan on aux power for these modules?

PS. It still would have been smart to have an integrated AUX power out on all the battery modules for keeping things small(er). Maybe for the dual? Please, pretty please! And USB out for the redmote!

 

[Randall Brown]

Any stage 2/3 who doesn't want their module that red gave you for 50% off, I will gladly take it for 50% off !!

 

[Mark Toia]

No, the real problem is that it's a bad concept.
No AC wants to be constantly swapping out Redvolts all day, even with a hot swap feature.
No one want to more than double the length of the camera just to do it all.
A v-lock attached t the back is far more modular, by being more quickly removed or repositioned.
The single Redvolt in the side handle is an awesome lightweight option, and here it ends for me.

Agree..

Any stage 2/3 who doesn't want their module that red gave you for 50% off, I will gladly take it for 50% off !!

SOLD!

I have 3 coming... and I doubt I'll use any of them.
What ever the price is online, I'll better it.[/COLOR]

 

[Andrew clemson]

Likewise. Ill take it for 50% off if anyone wants to offload!

 

[D Fuller]

...

Of course we realise we have a very good deal. That isn't really the biggest of points...
We ARE thankfull for that.
...

Please don't misunderstand me, I recognize that the whole Stage 2 package is a very good deal. That is not at issue.

But I'm really struggling to see how this particular piece of the package fits. I want it to work, but I can't see how it does. For situations where I want the camera light, I want it really light. The side handle and one Redvolt is wonderful for that. Hands down the best camera config I've ever seen.

For situations where the camera is set up on a dolly or jib, it's fine for it to grow. But in those situations, I need a way to power a transmitter or a FF motor or both. The Quad Mod can't do that, so it doesn't work for the very situation in which I'd want to use it, and where it's additional size is not a concern. So what's the answer? mount a brick to the back of the Quad to power the FF? How are other people powering accessories? For me, this is the real issue here. I like the Quad module for its travel advantages (I think I'll like the dual better, but that's another discussion) and I like the integration with the camera. And FWIW, I don't see any problem with swapping out RedVolts. Do it all-at-once if you don't like doing it individually. And four Travel Chargers pretty much equal a Quad. No, for me the only issue is that I can't figure out how to power accessories. But that's a big issue.

Here's a suggestion: put a D-tap or a Lemo (or both) on the Module Adapter. That would completely change this picture.

 

[Vance Colvig]

The added size and weight of the quad module (with 4 Redvolts), lack od D-tap or Limo power out, the fact that I needed to buy a DSMC side handle to use the Redvolts that were already shipped (90 day warranty) with no way to use them before warranty expiration because the quad module had not even been shipped to one Stage 2 custome at the time. Add no quad charger yet to the list. Talked to my Bomb Squad rep about swapping the Stage 2 quad module for the dual batt module, and he said that there was no program in place to do this. Hopefully enough Red customers will speak out so as to get the attention of the Red Team on this matter. I am sure some deserving Scarlet customers would love to power up with the quad modules earmarked for the Stage 2 customers who wish another Red power option. The demand for Scarlets and the need to power those cameras will more than likely offset those in Stage 2 who would like to opt for anther power option, and I seems logical that many of the components from the quad will fit the dual module which may be more desirable to some. That should address the issue that Red bought enough raw stock and components to fill projected orders.

Come on Red, you can do it. We know you can. You have already done the impossible.

 

[David Battistella]

This is an interesting thread.

It's a tough spot for everyone.

I agree that, rather than see a bunch of QUAD mods for sale on REDuser there might be a polite way for everyone to be happy and save a lot of shipping, etc.

The strength of RED is that they are big enough to handle this and small enough to listen to some good arguments.

Let's hope they can respond to this thread with yet another innovative, fair idea.


David

 

[Elsie N]

Something similar was discussed when some of us who will use Nikon or Canon glass exclusively asked to swap our Ti PL mount from the package for a Nikon or Canon mount (while not knowing that the Nikon mount was years away from production). That request was denied and thus we had to take delivery, arrange for a different mount, then sell our Ti PL mounts. Anyone who doesn't want their quad battery module should just sell it and consider that as free money, IMO.

 

[Julio Quintana]

Something similar was discussed when some of us who will use Nikon or Canon glass exclusively asked to swap our Ti PL mount from the package for a Nikon or Canon mount (while not knowing that the Nikon mount was years away from production). That request was denied and thus we had to take delivery, arrange for a different mount, then sell our Ti PL mounts.

I do understand the comparison, but there is a difference in my mind. The Stage 2/3 package was designed to help current Red owners get into the DSMC system with a setup that matches the functionality of their RED ONE. The R1 came standard with a PL mount, so the Epic came standard with a PL mount. But the Quad Battery module does not replicate any function of the RED ONE (except maybe in size). The one module that would essentially give the Epic all of the functionality of the original R1 is the Pro I/O Module, which I assume is why it was in the package to begin with.

Don't get me wrong. My Epic brain alone already has a lot of features that my R1 never had. I just don't think the PL mount debate was identical to this one.

 

[Christian Munoz D]

Please elaborate...

I wouldn't mind to do that, but AFAIK, I'll have to receive it and sell it first...

G

Gunleik,

I believe I am not allow to divulge the content of the communications with my Rep.

But it was very simple. I asked to my rep if I can use the money intended for the Quad Redvolt Module in other accessories and he said yes. So, I use it... He never mentioned that I am obligated to buy the Quad, if so I will do it and offer it within my rental package as a free additional item or sell it if I can get the same amount paid for it.

Without intending to sound like a spoiled brat, these are two valid observations.
Also considering the price/performance difference between RedVolts and f. ex. RedBricks, the lack of fast chargers etc and that the pro IO was the intended module (as far as I can remember) when we signed up for the stage 2 program - the issue has at least some reasoning and merit behind it other than being just pure grumpyness.

Of course we realise we have a very good deal. That isn't really the biggest of points...
We ARE thankfull for that.

It's just a slightly different great deal than the one we initially thought we signed up for.
And as the module is arriving kinda slow, we have had to find other solutions, that we by now may find better....


Cheers!

G

I agree, the deal was quite different (see Jarred post below). But it did NOT included the side handle, TI PL mount and the SSD side module....the base I/O module was there with an upgrade choice.

As promised...

Important note, As we are getting closer to beginning Stage 1, As of now any new RED ONE purchase going forward will not be eligable for Stages 1-3.5.


STAGE 2: Keep your RED ONE and get EPIC-X Stage 2 package ( RESERVATIONS CLOSED - Awaiting completion of Stage 1 )

Cameras only eligible if invoiced by RED or having completed the official RED ownership transfer process on or before October 29, 2009.
Keep your RED ONE and serial number is executed. "Executed" means not eligible for any other trade-in offers/credits.
Cameras with voided warranties are not eligible for ANY trade-in offers/credits.
Reservation period over. Payment for Stage 2 deposits due by June 1, 2010. Deposit is $5000 per camera executed for Stage 2.
Cost is $28,000 less $8500 to keep your RED ONE. Net price of $19,500 and comes with: 1x S35 MYSTERIUM-X brain with PL mount, 1x 5" LCD, 1x REDMOTE, 1x Side CF Module, 1x Module Adaptor, 1x Base I/O Module, 1x Pro Battery Module, 2x REDVOLT standard batteries, and 1x travel charger. NOTE: Upgrades available for select monitoring options and modules. i.e 1x Base I/O Module can be upgraded to PRO I/O Module by paying price difference. Details as we get closer.
RED ONE M-X Upgrade price of $4500 (normally $5750).
You must take delivery within 30 days from notification that your order is ready for delivery. Notification order based on R1 Delivery date