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Side Handle Issue - Battery not locking in properly

Ivan Kovax

Ivan Kovax

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Hey Friends,

I just recently got my side handle (despite having had my Epic for a while... late bloomer... heh) and I have ONE issue with it... perhaps somebody who has suffered a similar problem can help me out.

The redvolts simply do not want to properly lock in place. That little red plastic bit that holds the battery in wont lock down properly. I have tried teasing that red lock the other way to bend the metal and give it more tension, but am hesitant to regularly do this and risk damaging it.

Has anybody suffered a similar problem, and what was the solution? Of course I have emailed RED about this, but am wondering what you guys on the ground have gotten up to in regards to this.

Cheers from 日本!

Ivan
 
Ive experienced a similar problem, I can eventually get them locked in but its not easy. I have used other side handles that have worked quick and easy. I don't currently have a solution, hoping it just needs to be broken in with use.
 
I think you should turn to RED, this problem is not unknown to them.
 
It is very common, but very frustrating, too. To send the camera back just for this is not easy. We have struggled with the batteries not locking in since we got the Epic. At least now we have the battery module. Those work perfectly.

Kevin
 
I have the same problem. The plastic mechanism is just weak and unfortunately seems poorly designed. I saw another red user put a piece of foam or something up there to increase the tension above the tab so that it would help push a little. I did the same and it seems to work. Hopefully they update it at some point.
 
This just became an issue for me today! Very annoying and sadly needs a bit more thought on design. I will have to resort to DIY to make it stick but not what you'd expect to have to do : (
 
Yep. For what it costs it should work better, perfectly in fact. It feels wrong, like you're breaking something when you keep trying to push it in and get it to lock. I'd expect better given the time for design and backlog in production.
 
I had almost the same issue at first, side handle and 4 redvolts...
Only one of the batteries would lock in place.
The other three had to be tricked to stay in there.
But I think I found out how to make them stay.
Tried it a dozen times on each redvolt and it never fails (on my side handle)
Once you place the redvolt inside the side handle, before locking it into place, give it a push on the top side (where the "R" is at) and that somehow gets the battery locked in place.
Hasn't failed me since!
Though I'd like a sturdier design, maybe a locking mechanism, something to slide and wedge where others put the foam?
 
Gregory Karydis said:
I had almost the same issue at first, side handle and 4 redvolts...
Only one of the batteries would lock in place.
The other three had to be tricked to stay in there.
But I think I found out how to make them stay.
Tried it a dozen times on each redvolt and it never fails (on my side handle)
Once you place the redvolt inside the side handle, before locking it into place, give it a push on the top side (where the "R" is at) and that somehow gets the battery locked in place.
Hasn't failed me since!
Though I'd like a sturdier design, maybe a locking mechanism, something to slide and wedge where others put the foam?
Click to expand...

Hope that technique works for others, but I just tried it a dozen times and it didn't hold once. The workaround I am using is to reach around the left side of the brain under the lens and push the battery on the lower left corner. Lets the door shut without my finger getting in the way.
Has anyone ever posted that RED fixed their sidehandle?
 
For what it is worth, I was having the problem of the red battery latch not latching but no longer am. I realized that I was, when not in use, often leaving the battery in the compartment but not locked in place with the battery door open (trying to avoid the LED from draining the battery? I'm not sure just why I was doing that). It seems the battery was putting upward pressure on the red latch to the point that the material's memory held it just enough up that the latch no longer worked well. Since I stopped that behavior and learned just the right snappy battery insertion touch, I've had no further problems.

This was simply my situation. I'm not at all sure it would apply to anyone else having this problem but I thought to pass it along in the event it might help someone.
 
Just happened to me last night. Could not get it to latch on my last charged battery. No it doesn't hold any battery. I guess I'll try the foam, but I'll send the thing back if they ask.
 
I am working around the same problem. A factory recall seems to be in order.
 
Maybe something as simple as a Confined-Space Conical Compression Spring would work? The 1/4" variety.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#compression-springs/=hb3jnw

Just placed an order with McMaster and Carr for part number 1692K14

I'll let you know if it works out in a couple of days when it arrives.
 
Yes, same issue. It does not lock into place easily. You have to try coaxing it in with various inducements and threats. Definitely a design flaw.
 
I'm a heavy Redvolt user- its my only source of powering the camera- and have come up with this issue, but sincerely, at least for me, its not that much of an issue and I've made it work without much hassle- its just a question of pressing the right place when inserting the battery.

Have you guys tried this? Try pressure the Redvolt in by pressing your fingers in the TOP HALF PART of the battery, making sure the red hook, well, hooks the battery. if it doesn't gently push the hook down with your fingers still pressuring the top half of the redvolt. It should then close. If the hook doesn't hold the battery, simply keep your fingers again in the top half of the redvolt battery and start closing the battery door until you cannot keep your fingers holding anymore. it should close like this safely. I regularly do this when in a hurry. The side handle door when closed secures the battery.

Hope this helps!
 
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