Anton Bauer G Series batteries

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

The new and albeit odd looking G-Series batteries from Anton Bauer were discussed in a couple of threads when first shown at NAB, but I have seen nothing since nor have I ever seen one in person. Design atheistic aside, has anyone used them? Specially on a PRO 3 base (or other sled but please specify)? Can you comment to fit, weight distribution and can you fit four of them on an older style AB charger or are they too big?

 

I currently use Dionic HCs and a few are getting long in the tooth. Trying to asses options (and I don't want to hear about V-lock options since I hate V-locks… nor do I want to hear about Chinese clones right now; I'm specifically asking about the G90 batteries). I'be used Anon Bauer batteries for twenty years on every sled I've owned, but this one is a puzzle piece. I don't mind a little more weight and size (will a PRO 3 recorder mount still work?) if the performance is better but the sled needs to spin flat, etc.

 

I believe Anton Bauer still sells HCs so I'm likely going to just add a few more of these rather than change but I am curious. Paul Dudeck, if you're reading this, you've always done right by me, but if the G series are not a good fit and HCs are discontinued, you'll force me to re-cell the HCs or go in another direction all together.

 

Thanks all!

[Jens Piotrowski SOC]

i believe they are waiting for DOT approval.....

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

Had a long talk with the fine folks at AB including the product manager for the Dionic line at IBC. They understand our concern and are coming up with a solution which sounds like they are going to do a Steadicam specific run of "Old style" Dionics every year. In the mean time they do have stock of "Our" style batteries.

[James Davis]

Optical support impact 130 batteries (ab mount).

 

Best option out there I reckon and flight safe certified.

[James Davis]

By the way, for reference, my impact batteries are the same size as dionics, with around 50% more power.

[Jess Haas SOC]

They are bigger and heavier with basically the same wattage and amperage rating and cost a couple dollars more. Don't see any point in this "upgrade." By the next generation I am hoping cell technology will have improved a little. If you do decide to upgrade ill take those HC cases off your hands for you :-)

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Will likely stick with HC's since most of mine are fine. James, can you send me some photos though since their web site is lacking in this area?

[James Davis]

Not the best website in the world but scroll down and you can see them on this page: http://opticalsupport.co.uk/products/index/sales/21/sales

 

Here's how they look on my cinelive rig:

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153126195893484&l=ca663d905b

[Peter Abraham]

But Alec, are you willing to discuss Chinese knockoffs of V mounts?

 

[pauldudeck]

Mr Jarnigan,

 

You know that I am always available to answer any questions on this forum, or you (or anyone) can call me at any time and we can discuss batteries, the Yankees, cars, but not politics!!

 

The low-down is this; Anton/Bauer was waiting for final agency testing on the batteries before they get released. As you may, or may not know, Panasonic (Sanyo) will be making these batteries for Anton/Bauer in Monterrey, Mexico. We are supplying all the specs and such for the batteries to Panasonic, and they will assemble them, this will allow us to not have to "touch" the batteries in Shelton, keeping the costs down. Panasonic has also "required" Anton/Bauer to include certain "extra" safety features internal to the battery which has caused a slight increase in weight in size. However, Anton/Bauer is still working to have the size made as small and ergonomic as possible.

 

So, since the batteries were originally supposed to be released and be shipping in April/May, Anton/Bauer reduced the price of all their current batteries and chargers to be in line with the new battery and charger pricing. At some point, once the new batteries and chargers start shipping, the current line (HC's, HCX's, QUAD 2702, TM4, etc) pricing will increase again, but not as high as it used to be.

 

There will be at least a 3-4 month overlap of Anton/Bauer shipping the new batteries and keeping the legacy products. Currently, we plan on shipping the 90's (HC's) in December and the 150/190's won't be available until sometime towards the end of Q1. So, to keep it short, we will have current products, such as the HC's and TM4's until at least NAB.

 

And, as Eric mentioned, Anton/Bauer will be manufacturing another version of the 90 (HC) which we are hoping will have a footprint no larger than a current Gold Mount bracket. That means it would probably be slightly smaller than the HC, but may be slightly fatter (from the camera towards the back of the battery), but not by much, maybe a 1/2 inch or less.

 

As far as fitting on chargers, the new DIGITAL series of Gold Mount batteries will fit on all legacy chargers. If you have a TM4 or QUAD 2702, then you can still charge 4 of the new ones. Anton/Bauer will have a new charger called a LP4, which is an updated version of a QUAD 2702 / TM4. it will be a four position simultaneous fast charger with an LCD and have a list price around $1195.00.

 

So, I hope I have answered any questions or doubts that you or anyone may have. If not, then just let me know!

 

Paul

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Thank you Paul! I'll be calling you soon as it pretty much makes sense to augment my current inventory with three more Dionic HCs and keep all my batteries to the same foot print, etc (plus, they are damn good batteries).

[Jens Piotrowski SOC]

Am i they only one thinking it's sad that the new batteries are now being manufactured by Sanyo in Mexico = outsourcing

 

Does that mean A/B is laying off people to save money?

[James Davis]

Jess, cell technology has improved mate, that's why Impact 130 batteries are the same size as Dionics with 50% more power, been using them for a few months now, they have flight certificates so safe to take anywhere and the run time even when powering an Alexa plus a lot of accessories is pretty impressive.

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

James, those batteries look great. Expensive and I'm not really in the mood to swap everything out at this point. BUT, in line with what Jens is saying, part of the reason I have liked sticking with Anton Bauer is that they are in CT, right next store to me in NYC and that makes it very easy to have things looked at and I know they are keeping Americans employed. Now that they are being made in Mexico, that is another reason to consider the Impact batteries.

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

James, do the impact batteries charge on AB chargers?