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Which AB's to buy?


Brandon Thompson

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Hey I just had my battery mount changed on my flyer from NP-1 to AB. Another Op recomended I make this switch, b/c as I move up in rigs the batt's will move up with me, and if I every need to borrow a AB in a pinch it shouldn't be hard to find someone with AB's. That said I am looking to invest in a charger and batt's. I know that I will probably need some light wieght batts for when I am flying dvx100 or hvx200, but also might need some heavier batts for bigger cameras. Any advice would be great.

 

Thanks,

Brandon

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Hey I just had my battery mount changed on my flyer from NP-1 to AB. Another Op recomended I make this switch, b/c as I move up in rigs the batt's will move up with me, and if I every need to borrow a AB in a pinch it shouldn't be hard to find someone with AB's. That said I am looking to invest in a charger and batt's. I know that I will probably need some light wieght batts for when I am flying dvx100 or hvx200, but also might need some heavier batts for bigger cameras. Any advice would be great.

 

Thanks,

Brandon

---------------------------

Hey Brandon,

AB are AB's try to find the best deal online, I have used Markertek and B&H on sale days, Used usually isn't the way to go with batteries. Maybe some of the other studs on the forum will have some better connections and if so, I will be needing some more by this time next year as well . . . . lol . . . .

 

Congrads on the switchover

 

peace out

Rob

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Hi Brandon

 

I took a flyer workshop with Peter, we put my Aaton XC with Cooke 10.4-52 zoom 400? mag (no film or matte box or follow focus) it weighed just about 15lbs the max you can put on that rig, It was possible to balance the rig with a IDX batt. That being said I would advise you to go with Dionic 90 watt. AB batt with the T2 charger, the Batt will work with any camera to balance and the T2 charger will charge any AB batt with out needing a chip or upgrade.

 

Hope this helps

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Dear Brandon,

 

As Phillip wisely suggested, Dionics are a good way to go. You will be able to power just about anything, except a 435. For the 435, you will need Nicad batteries.

 

The T2 is an excellent charger, but you should also consider having a charger that includes battery diagnostics. I own 6 Dionics, and I have a T2 charger, and a 2702 (4 position) charger with the full diagnostics. This way all 6 of my batteries have a charger home that they live on when not in use. Anton Bauer says this is the best way to insure long life in your batteries.

 

The other nice thing about having 2 chargers is instant backup. If one charger goes down, I can still get through the day on the other one. The T2 is great for on set, because it is the quickest charger to bring 2 batteries up simultaneously. Remember that lithiums require more time to charge, so you need to have enough. With 6, I can have 2 on the rig, 2 standing by, and 2 on the charger. This feels like the minimum to me. I am probably going to buy 3 more.

 

I also have 6 Proformers, so I can rotate those into the mix. In following my own advice, I need to buy at least another 4 position charger so my Proformers have a charger home. Does the spending ever end?

 

Mark Karavite

A Camera / Steadicam Operator

mkaravite@comcast.net

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Does the spending ever end?

 

Mark Karavite

A Camera / Steadicam Operator

mkaravite@comcast.net

 

I heard that Mark. I could probably spend in batteries what I spent on my flyer. And lets not mention my BFD and M-One, oh and I still have to get the Canatrans. Of course this is beans compared to what you guys have in your rigs. I appreciate all the great info guys. There isn't a better feeling then when you pull off a great shot and everyone wants to crowd around the monitor to watch it back!

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Hi Brandon,

 

I am with Rathbone Energy. We do battery assembly, recell and final assembly. We would love help you out with your batteries and chargers. You can find more info at our web site at www.rathboneenergy.com or you can email me directly at lisa.bolden@rathboneenergy.com. I will be happy to help you determine the best batteries to do the job you need. You can also call me at 800.223.1775.

 

Lisa B

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Hey I just had my battery mount changed on my flyer from NP-1 to AB. Another Op recomended I make this switch, b/c as I move up in rigs the batt's will move up with me, and if I every need to borrow a AB in a pinch it shouldn't be hard to find someone with AB's. That said I am looking to invest in a charger and batt's. I know that I will probably need some light wieght batts for when I am flying dvx100 or hvx200, but also might need some heavier batts for bigger cameras. Any advice would be great.

 

Thanks,

Brandon

 

 

Hi Brandon,

 

You will make a wise decision on going with Anton/Bauer, as most of the other guys can attest to. We are always looking to help out the steadicam community, especially you guys who are first starting out. If you would like, give me a call after NAB (April 16-19th) and I am sure that I will have some B-Stock leftover and be able to give you a great deal on it. That goes for anyone else also. Feel free to email me at pdudeck@antonbauer.com if you are looking for some B-Stock.

 

If you are going to NAB, please feel free to come and see us at C#5929.

 

Regards,

Pau Dudeck

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