What can I do with BP-95dx batteries?

[Bryan Fowler]

I have a couple of new BP-95dx batteries, (they are a few years old, but still in plastic) and not sure if I can even use them as a steadicam op. since they don't have any mounting points, and just a little pigtail for power, nothing popped out at me.

 

I took basic electronics in school, but that was 10 years ago, and i don't want to mess up anything, but i'm handy with a soldering iron.

 

Any ideas?

 

-Bryan

[Bryan Fowler]

*cough*

 

No ideas huh?

 

I'll wait a few more days and if nobody can think of anything, I'll post them for sale.

 

Bryan

 

Oh, I should clarify...good ideas. =)

[RobVanGelder]

Bryan, I have no idea what it looks like, so a picture could tell thousand words.....

 

Then, we can brainstorm!

[Chip Monk]

Velcro them to a Video Receiver.

 

Or to a bartech.(Just Kidding)

 

Put a longer wire on it with a 4 pin xlr or power tap for a sun gun battery For DV Stuff. Throw the BP-90 in a backpack.

 

If they are in good condition, start cycling them to keep them alive. With a 4 pin XLR they just may come in handy one day.

[Bryan Fowler]

Ah yes, a photo might help.

 

Here is a link to Adorama's page on them.

 

And a photo courtesy of the above mentioned page. =)

 

 

I guess I didn't know what they were used for, so I didn't know where to start thinking. There are no mounting plates like Bricks, no external connectors like NP1s. They just have that pigtail. I've quickly tried IDXs page, and they do'nt have info on them.

 

There is a plug on my Anton Bauer charger that looks like it will fit, but i'm nervous to plugger in there. I guess the charger won't charge it if it doesn't want to.

 

[[uPDATE]] I plugged it in to the Lifesaver Dual, and it didn't start a charge cycle, (flashing red-green-red-green... which means it's either too low of voltage, or won't charge it because it's all uppity and aloof. =) [[/uPDATE]]

 

If I snip off the tip of the pigtail to put a 4pin on, how would I charge it?

 

Thanks for the help Rob and Chip.

 

Bryan

[paul magee]

Hey Bryan,

 

It's been years since I've seen these. They are deck batteries for a Sony 35 and 50 beta deck

I'm sure they also powered the old 3/4 inch video 150 decks back in the day. You should be able

to plug them into your AB charger that's how I charged mine years ago.

 

I've used them in the past in the manner that Chip mentioned up above. I was working with an older style

jib arm that and need to power a follow focus receiver, amp and motor. With a little velcro an an adapter to

a 4 pin canon cable I was up an running.

 

You could use them to power things on your video cart - monitor, receiver, latte machine and they can always come in handy with the right adapter plug in the event of battery failure with a video camera or a S16 camera like the Aaton and older arri's. They also make good ballast if your looking to even out the weight in your cases. If they're paid for ride them into the ground and then drop them off at a recycle spot.

 

Paul Magee

[Bryan Fowler]

Thanks guys for the suggestions.

 

I put them on my Lifesaver Dual charger, but it wouldn't charge them. I figured it was because of the low voltage, and the charger didn't think they were worth charging. I charged them with a friends IDX charger, it rejuvinated them, and now they charge fine on the Anton at home.

 

I have some 4pin XLR power cables, but not sure where I can find some female versions of what are on the end of the BP-95. I guess Radio shack is one option. Are they special?

 

Also, would I be able to just add a 4 pin onto the existing pigtail? just use some wire nuts, and basically make a Y. 4pin for powering the latte machine, and orginal plug for charging?

 

Bryan

 

Oh, or are they worth selling, and getting some bricks that I can use on the rig.