Field Audio Power at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > All Things Audio

All Things Audio
Everything Audio, from acquisition to postproduction.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old June 4th, 2014, 09:19 AM   #1
Major Player
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 245
Field Audio Power

I recently did a shoot where I had two boom ops, one with a Sennheiser ME-66, the other with a Sennheiser ME-67 (shorter). These ran via log XLR cables to an old but relatively reliable SignVideo ENG44 mixer. The mixer output to a Tascam DR-60D digital recorder. The ENG44 took 6 AA batteries and the Tascam took 4 AA's to power. I supplied phantom power to the booms from the mixer. All batteries were standard Duracell Alkaline batteries.
The Tascam ran down in about 40 minutes and had to be changed. The ENG44 ran down as well, but it took about 90 minutes. This was an all day shoot. I ran through 30 AA batteries, plus a final set of 10, about $40.00 worth. I thought.... there HAS TO BE A BETTER WAY!
I came across a couple of videos where this gent was powering his Canon T2i with an Anker battery intended to recharge iPads and cellphones. This battery had an auxiliary port capable of 12V or 9V output as well as 3 USB ports. (This is it here: Amazon.com: Ankerฎ 2nd Gen Astro Pro2 20000mAh 4-Port Aluminum Portable External Battery Charger with 9V/12V Multi-Voltage Port and PowerIQTM Technology for iPad Air mini, iPhone 5s 5c 5; Galaxy S5 S4, Tab 2, Note, Nexus, MOTO X, G, LG Optimus, HTC O). So I bought one.
I charged the Anker to 100% and set up my test. I set the Aux port to 9V. (The ENG44 could take external power from 9V-18V) The Tascam can take external power via its mini-USB port. I connected the 9V to the ENG44 and the Tascam via USB. I connected the two boom mics with supplied phantom power from the mixer as before, turned everything on, pressed record and walked away.
It's a long-a** test so I went to watch a movie. (Two actually... Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and its sequel with my grandson!)
About 4.5 hours later, everything was still running and recording fine! The battery has an LCD readout that stated it was at 75% of full charge. If I could extrapolate a bit, then I could get a full 8 hours of continuous non-stop recording with this setup and only use about 50% of the battery's capacity!
The battery itself weighs about 1 lb., is thin and about the size of a 7" tablet. It easily slides into the mixer bag without adding much bulk at all. It cost me $79.99, so it should pay for itself by the third shoot day! It's a nontraditional way of doing things, but it works and works well for me.

My next issue will be to figure out the best way to power my wireless lavs!
Bob Krieger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old June 4th, 2014, 10:24 AM   #2
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New York
Posts: 2,039
Re: Field Audio Power

I use a Remote Audio distro box with NP1's to power my mixer, recorder, 3 Lectro receivers and a IFB transmitter. My Sennheiser G2/3s run for at least 10 hours on rechargeable AA's so external pwr. really isn't needed for them.. (and the G series external power adapter is rather expensive). When I use the Lectros in a stand alone configuration, I use the eBay 12V 6.8Ah LiPo which will run them all day.
Rick Reineke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old June 4th, 2014, 11:17 AM   #3
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
Posts: 2,337
Re: Field Audio Power

All good info, but………………….

Be aware that in certain situations, the power supply section of one piece of gear will feed noise back down the DC distribution and into other devices that are also connected to the common DC source.

Regards,

Ty Ford
Ty Ford is offline   Reply With Quote
Old June 4th, 2014, 11:39 AM   #4
Major Player
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Milwaukee WI
Posts: 691
Re: Field Audio Power

Hi Bob,

I've done similar, bought a Monoprice 5000mAh battery pack for phones and use it to power my GoPro for long periods. No bigger than an Android phone and cost $29.00, has two USB outputs.

Thanks
__________________
Jeff Pulera
Safe Harbor Computers
Jeff Pulera is offline   Reply With Quote
Old June 4th, 2014, 11:43 AM   #5
Major Player
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 245
Re: Field Audio Power

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick Reineke View Post
I use a Remote Audio distro box with NP1's to power my mixer, recorder, 3 Lectro receivers and a IFB transmitter. My Sennheiser G2/3s run for at least 10 hours on rechargeable AA's so external pwr. really isn't needed for them.. (and the G series external power adapter is rather expensive). When I use the Lectros in a stand alone configuration, I use the eBay 12V 6.8Ah LiPo which will run them all day.
Rick, how long does the NP1 last when powering your setup? I do like the fact that you can just swap out one battery when needed rather than a series of bateries.
Bob Krieger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old June 4th, 2014, 11:47 AM   #6
Major Player
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 245
Re: Field Audio Power

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ty Ford View Post
All good info, but………………….

Be aware that in certain situations, the power supply section of one piece of gear will feed noise back down the DC distribution and into other devices that are also connected to the common DC source.

Regards,

Ty Ford
Thanks, Ty. I'll keep that in mind and look for that.
Bob Krieger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old June 6th, 2014, 09:47 AM   #7
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New York
Posts: 2,039
Re: Field Audio Power

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Krieger View Post
Rick, how long does the NP1 last when powering your setup? I do like the fact that you can just swap out one battery when needed rather than a series of batteries.
A lot of variables Bob, so YMMV. I have two 70Wh Swit NP1 Li-on batteries and swap them at lunch time. They will usually run the gear all day (12-16 hours) 302/744, two 211s & one 411. I do film shoots so the recorder is not constantly running and I shut down receivers that are not being used in a scene. I have coax to Hirose adapters so I can power the rig with the cheap 12V LiPo batt.s if need be.
Rick Reineke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 29th, 2015, 01:23 PM   #8
Trustee
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Burlington
Posts: 1,976
Re: Field Audio Power

Since many of my new devices can run or charge from USB power, I've been keeping my eye on USB battery packs.

I finally found one of a size and low enough price to buy for testing.

It's a Polaroid-branded device rated at 6000mAh for $15 at a local Big Lots. The packages had actual distribution-type Big Lots price stickers rather than just ones applied at the store by employees, so it may be more widely available than some items at this chain. The packaging had 2014 copyright dates, but I didn't see any actual date code on the product.

It comes with an 8-inch Micro-USB charging cable. It's about 3"x3"x.75". It has 4 internal charge level indicator lights and two USB charging jacks. One jack is rated 1A and the other at 2A. You can use both output jacks simultaneously. It also has 2x5mm white LED lights as a crude flashlight. The On/Off switch is a small flush-mount button on the side.

Mine had 75% power left when I bought it and I'm charging it up now using a 1A USB charger. The Polaroid device is rated to charge up at only 800mA, so I imagine it could be slow going if it gets run down too low.

I had to sort through neon pink, bright green and brilliant purple to find a professional BLACK one, but I imagine having different colors could be useful for keeping mulitiple units separated or as an anti-theft protection due to the crazy colors.

I'll report back on how this one works or if I'm able to detect any noise sneaking in from using the power supply while running audio devices.
Jay Massengill is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > All Things Audio

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:57 PM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network