Possible New Anton/Bauer High-Current Li Ion Battery?

[Charles Papert]

Paul:

 

As you may know we use up to 3 batteries on Steadicams, in some sleds wired together either in parallel or series depending on the particular camera in use--are the issues you referred to in having too many cells in parallel only relevant to the internal design of the battery or would this apply to paralleling two batteries together also?

[pauldudeck]

Paul:

 

As you may know we use up to 3 batteries on Steadicams, in some sleds wired together either in parallel or series depending on the particular camera in use--are the issues you referred to in having too many cells in parallel only relevant to the internal design of the battery or would this apply to paralleling two batteries together also?

 

 

Charles,

 

Sorry to confuse you, but I am referring to the amount of cells that are in parallel INTERNAL to the battery. Not ganging them externally for higher voltages or current outputs.

 

Regards,

Paul

[Jerry Holway]

Paul and Ron et al-

 

FYI-

 

The PowerCubes? batteries do not parallel extra cell sets internally to achieve a high amp draw capability.

 

They use an entirely different cell (made by Sanyo, BTW) and different monitoring electronics, all proven and tested by IDX for over two years now.

 

They handle 10 amps continuously, have a 24 amp cut-off, and auto-reset if that is ever exceded.

 

Jerry

[SergeiFranklin]

Paul DuDeck

Have you looked into the cells from http://www.a123systems.com

They claim to have a Li Ion cells that can handle very high current and very quick charge times as well as being safer.

Seems like the perfect solution for steadicam batteries.

[pauldudeck]

Paul DuDeck

Have you looked into the cells from http://www.a123systems.com

They claim to have a Li Ion cells that can handle very high current and very quick charge times as well as being safer.

Seems like the perfect solution for steadicam batteries.

 

Sergei,

 

Yes, as I mentioned, we work closely with all cell manufacturers and organizations that are involved in the re-chargeable battery world.

 

When/if there is ever a viable product, Anton/Bauer will be the first to have it available.

 

Please note that while specs seem great on paper, most specs are based on single cell testing at very low charge current and discharge currents. This makes the cells seem like they are very good, while if you put them to use/test in the real world, they won't hold up. The last thing we will do is release a product that does not stand up to our reputation.

 

Once we are done with our testing of any manufacturers cells and have put them thru very long tests, then we decide whether to go further or not.

 

Regards,

Paul Dudeck

[Chris Allen]

Just my thoughts/experience with the dionic 90's......been having some false readings from the lcd displays.....depending on the draw of my setup at the time (frezzi light, lcd 8" prompter, hd monitor,) .....spoke with Mike, a Service Supervisor with A/B......he said the charge cycles aren't so much the issue (we have an average of about 180 cycles for our 8 batteries,) it's the LIFE cycle of this type of chemistry. We chose these batteries for the light weight and decent power (obviously)......the drawback apparently is that these types have a life cycle of about 18 to 24 months, as opposed to the gold brick types and others that can last many years......he's going to evaluate our batteries and give me an opinion on what to do....replace, or whatever......the life cycle he describes is in line with when we purchased ours.

 

My suggestion is to always check the lcd's after you've powered up your gear that's feeding off of them......don't fully trust that the charger says 3 plus hours, full pies....you can't really tell until you put your draw on them....and if they're older batteries, near the end of their life cycle like Mike at A/B suggests, you may not get the time out of them listed on the lcd, and this is the issue that we're having at this point......not so good when your monitor dies while on air.....

 

New member here and I appreciate all the advice I've read.

 

Thanks,

 

Chris

CNBC Steadicam

 

p.s Mike at A/B (in Connecticut) was real nice about taking the time to listening about my battery situation, and seems to be willing to help out in any way he can.

[Sean Jensen]

Hello all!

 

Has anyone done a Genesis show with ProFormers?

 

What I really want to know is, what the hell happened to the ProFormer? This is the only battery I have flown with my PRO sled and they have been great. I still use ProFormers that are 5 years old and work just fine. High speed, cold weather, 435, 535, Movicam, Panavision etc. no problem. Why did AB axe them? Anyone...?

 

Sean

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

Hello all!

 

Has anyone done a Genesis show with ProFormers

 

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

 

 

ProFormers would probably burst into flames with the Genocide. It's a NINE amp camera. Run it in Single piece mode and it's 15+ amps. The Proformer is a 2 amp battery when new.

 

If the camera would boot up you MIGHT get 4 mins from one.

[Sean Jensen]

Hi Eric.

 

Thanks for the reply. I guess I?ll have to send Panavision a big Thank You card for the privilege of blowing a nut and making no dough (Panavision TO probably won?t have all the batts needed so I?ll have to buy some) when I finally get to fly the @&%$.

 

Sean

 

 

 

p.s. could have done without the condescending HAHAHAHAHAHA

[Charles Papert]

I thought the Genesis was more like 11 amps all out...either way a power pig.

 

Sean, I carry 4 Proformers but have barely used them in 2 years--Dionic 90's holding up very well for me. Assistants always amazed at how long they last.