Topic: Powering a V3 what do you guys recommend?

[nedstruzz]

I've been using the old Eco SLA's but want to get down to soemthing a bit more modern. 

Any recomendations?

[OFOTD]

I've been using the old Eco SLA's but want to get down to soemthing a bit more modern. 

Any recomendations?

The WallyWorld Lion batteries that are popular around here.  Run the V3 from 7-9 hours per battery.

[nedstruzz]

Do those come in 7.2 volts and how about getting the right kind of cable?  Do I need one custom made?

[NOLAfishwater]

DeadheadEd makes a killer V3 cable apparently.

http://kindkables.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=29&osCsid=22bc8dc7fec0b530bc365568fb1d8c5e

[NOLAfishwater]

I've been using the old Eco SLA's but want to get down to soemthing a bit more modern. 

Any recomendations?

The WallyWorld Lion batteries that are popular around here.  Run the V3 from 7-9 hours per battery.

No shit David. You get 7-9 hours? I am using a standard 9V battery and don't think mine has ever lasted that long. Maybe b/c my batteries are used.

[busterr]

I've been using the old Eco SLA's but want to get down to soemthing a bit more modern. 

Any recomendations?

The WallyWorld Lion batteries that are popular around here.  Run the V3 from 7-9 hours per battery.

No shit David. You get 7-9 hours? I am using a standard 9V battery and don't think mine has ever lasted that long. Maybe b/c my batteries are used.

Yeah, I only get ~4hrs at best, depends on the mics though, w/ my ck1's it's just under 3hrs before it's done. I usually switch them out at set breaks nowadays.
But of course YMMV.

[j5brock]

I use the Tekkeon 3450 and have the extra 3400.. with the 3450 - I get 6-7 hours on my V3 not running the AD.. and with both - I have run it all day at festies.. only takes a few hours to recharge.

JEff

[taperhead]

This might be TMI too late but I run my V3 for 9-10 hours on one battery charge wich really helps at festivals like Bonnarroo.

I use a 6V - 12 Ah WKA6-12F Batt. (from Batteries Plus).   I have at least two and keep one on the Werker WK6V1000 charger.  I'm attching a data plot showing the Batt. on an actual unit.  The dip in the data at hour 11 is where the V3 auto shut-off kicked in.  Time will vary with temp. and batt. conditions.

Hope this helps someone.  Now if I could just find a way to power the Korg MR1000 without going trhough so many AA Batt.   

- Dany

[Krispy D]

I've been using the old Eco SLA's but want to get down to soemthing a bit more modern. 

Any recomendations?

I would go with a stationary bike with a dyno hub or maybe a bucket of electric eels.

Oh, sorry, this is not what you are looking for is it Ned?

[taperhead]

Yeah... I see your point. I'm having a bad day okay!!

-Dany

[Kevin Straker]

Do yourself a favor and ditch the lead! I use Ed's rt angle cable and a lenmar DVD batter from ebay. No soldering or monkeying around. Just plug the cable in and go.

[anhisr]

Your shoulders will thank you for the lack of weight in the bag.

[Tim]

Your shoulders will thank you for the lack of weight in the bag.

I can't believe I used to lug 2 12vs around just for my ad500e

[nedstruzz]

How about this sucker for a v2/v3?

BG 9-12-130 Super X-Treme Run Time Portable DVD Player Battery

http://www.batterygeek.net/BG_9_12_130_Portable_DVD_Player_Battery_p/9-12-130_batterygeek.htm

Anyone given it a shot??  Is there anything negative about feeding a 6V device 9volts??

[OFOTD]

How about this sucker for a v2/v3?

BG 9-12-130 Super X-Treme Run Time Portable DVD Player Battery

http://www.batterygeek.net/BG_9_12_130_Portable_DVD_Player_Battery_p/9-12-130_batterygeek.htm

That battery looks good but its $250 bucks.  You can get the DVD batteries (WallyWorlds) for like $50 new.  They'll last 6-8 hours per charge for a V2/V3. 

Anyone given it a shot??  Is there anything negative about feeding a 6V device 9volts??

Only problem you'll have is the battery meter will be off.   They are built to run from 12v - 6v.  The two different versions Grace sells (6v and 12v) only have the battery meter adjustments otherwise they are one and the same.

[kskreider]

I have a Tekkeon MyPower (variable voltage), a Initial DVD battery (9v), and a DigitalConcepts PP-99 (Variable) that will all power the V3.  The DVD battery is what I primarily use.  Just keep in mind that if you have it set to run at 6v it will run off of 9v just fine.  It will just run a little hot.

[nedstruzz]

They have a smaller version for $119 as well.  I actually recently bought a Tekkeon but may be sending it back. 

Where can one find a "WallyWorld"  DVD Battery?? 

[Crumbo]

They have a smaller version for $119 as well.  I actually recently bought a Tekkeon but may be sending it back. 

Where can one find a "WallyWorld"  DVD Battery?? 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/375503-REG/Initial_RB270_RB_270_Universal_Rechargeable_Battery.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480307-REG/Impact_BPD8000_BPD_8000_Universal_Portable_Li_Ion.html

or ebay

[nedstruzz]

Wow 9volts/8000mah for $50.  I'll take two!! 

Man I love taperssection!!!

Thanks again guys!!!

[CTDave]

They have a smaller version for $119 as well.  I actually recently bought a Tekkeon but may be sending it back. 

Where can one find a "WallyWorld"  DVD Battery?? 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/375503-REG/Initial_RB270_RB_270_Universal_Rechargeable_Battery.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480307-REG/Impact_BPD8000_BPD_8000_Universal_Portable_Li_Ion.html

or ebay

Those are the puppies I use too...I have 4 of them, and they each carry a solid 4 to 5 hours of power for the V3. Never let me down.

[ToddL]

They have a smaller version for $119 as well.  I actually recently bought a Tekkeon but may be sending it back. 

Where can one find a "WallyWorld"  DVD Battery?? 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/375503-REG/Initial_RB270_RB_270_Universal_Rechargeable_Battery.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480307-REG/Impact_BPD8000_BPD_8000_Universal_Portable_Li_Ion.html

or ebay

Those are the puppies I use too...I have 4 of them, and they each carry a solid 4 to 5 hours of power for the V3. Never let me down.

So, if I were to get this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480307-REG/Impact_BPD8000_BPD_8000_Universal_Portable_Li_Ion.html

What cable do I need to go from this to the V3?  Is this the best option for the price?  Are there any that have an out for USB power as well?

Thanks!

[kskreider]

I was using a 9v DVD battery to power my V3 but recently swapped that over to my R-44 which takes 9v-12v DC.  I now have a pair (second is a backup j.i.c.) of PP-99's that I have set to 6v that work great.

[Jhurlbs81]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140252338503&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RCRX_Pr2_PcY_BID_IT&refitem=140242311243&itemcount=2&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&usedrule1=CrossSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&_trksid=p284.m183&_trkparms=algo%3DCRX%26its%3DS%252BI%26itu%3DUCI%252BSI%26otn%3D2

Check this out.  3x wallyworld DVD batts & chargers for $24.00

[audBall]

steep shipping, but a deal nonetheless!

[DSatz]

I recently bought the Tekeon 3300 that Grace sells for the 6-Volt version of the V3, which comes with the proper cable. This little battery is small and lightweight.

http://www.gracedesign.com/merch/merch.htm ; part C902, $150 plus $9 shipping.

I'm currently testing it, with 48 Volt phantom powering driving two Schoeps test plugs that draw the same current as a pair of their microphones. It's been driving the V3 for 6-1/2 hours so far, and the low power LED on the preamp still hasn't come on. I'll update this message when I see the LED come on, but this is already MUCH better than the heavy Gel Cell battery that I've been using for the past few years, with its bulky charger.

--best regards

P.S.: OK, that was a bit unexpected: It's now been about 6-3/4 hours since the test began, and some time in the past 15-20 minutes, the preamp switched itself off completely. Whether there were a few minutes in which the "LOW BATT" LED came on or not, I don't know.

[shaggy]

P.S.: OK, that was a bit unexpected: It's now been about 6-3/4 hours since the test began, and some time in the past 15-20 minutes, the preamp switched itself off completely. Whether there were a few minutes in which the "LOW BATT" LED came on or not, I don't know.

Was the Tekkon set at 6v?  Did it get hot (batt)?  Did you check out to see if you got noise?  Fivefish studio guy said the Tekkon gave some lo level noise when running some of his first workings of the preamp he is designing for ts.com.

[DSatz]

Not 6 Volts--the battery was set for 7.5 Volts.

Of course given that it's a higher-voltage battery internally, and is being dropped down to 7.5 or whatever the user sets, that explains why there wasn't a prolonged "LOW BATT" indication from the V3.

--best regards

[shaggy]

Did the battery get hot?  Howabout the noise?

I ask as I have a Power Runner My Power 2300 (similar to the Tekkon which outputs multiple voltages, I think a 4AH Li-poly cell).  The regulator can sometimes cause noise in devices that provide high gain. 

I also need to run mine at 7.2V.  At 6V fully charged, the low-batt light seems to come on at 15 minutes but doesn't cut out immediately, tho I haven't tested it past more than a half hour after the light comes on.  At 7.2V it seems to be fine for a few hours (again, I have not tested it for more than 3 hours).

[DSatz]

No, I didn't check for noise. But since the Tekeon battery puts out what is apparently a flat, steady voltage almost until it collapses, I'd rather make that test with a Gel-Cell battery whose output declines steadily.

Next weekend, if I have time I'll try that and let you know what I find. I have seen (actually, heard) that happen with the Denecke AD-20, so I agree that it's worth checking out.

--best regards

[Myco]

Any update on the noise issues with the Tekkeon batteries?

[KenH]

I uses a Power Runner Model II PR-23XX universal laptop battery.  Cost aroung $50 or $60, runs the V3 for several hours. Never had an issue w/ it after 2 years.  Weighs < 1lb.

/Ken

[Myco]

I'm curious because I just bought a Tekkeon 3300, but you need a special adapter to have it fit the V3. I bought mine from Newegg because I saw the price was cheaper than the GD site, but then when I got it I found out that it doesn't have an adapter that fits the V3 in the eight different tips they give you in the stock kit. I go on the GD site and sure enough I didn't read the fine print, "custom power cord" on the their site. I'm in between returning it or possibly getting the needed adapter. If this thing is noisy I'll just return it and get a couple Wally World bats and a cable from kindkables.

[kskreider]

It is the V3 itself that requires the special connector.  (Screw-on Switchcraft)  So you will have to make a custom cable no matter what.

Some people are using these for 9v now.  8000mah and is the size of a wally world. (1 pound)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480307-REG/Impact_BPD8000_BPD_8000_Universal_Portable_Li_Ion.html

[deadheaded]

I'm curious because I just bought a Tekkeon 3300, but you need a special adapter to have it fit the V3. I bought mine from Newegg because I saw the price was cheaper than the GD site, but then when I got it I found out that it doesn't have an adapter that fits the V3 in the eight different tips they give you in the stock kit. I go on the GD site and sure enough I didn't read the fine print, "custom power cord" on the their site. I'm in between returning it or possibly getting the needed adapter. If this thing is noisy I'll just return it and get a couple Wally World bats and a cable from kindkables.

you can send me your tekkeon cable and i can put a v-3 connector on it for you.

ed

[Myco]

Thanks Ed!

Does anyone have any update on the noise issue?

This would help me to decide whether to return the Tekkeon in favor of the Walmart batteries.

Either way i'm going to have to buy a cable off of Ed, whether it's having him mod the tekkeon cable, or buying one of his cables that fits the walmart batteries.

I just want to choose the one that has the least noise.

Thanks everyone for this discussion also.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Fwiw, you don't absolutely need the matching switchcraft part for the v3.  You can just use the regular size connector.  The funny thing is, using a regular ratshack right angle plug (held in with gaffer tape) worked Great for me.   And then I built a cable with the "proper" switchcraft part.... I was excited to finally have the right connector.. and it prompty made me lose a really important show.

The pin in the switchcraft v3 socket is too small. But it isn't a problem with a 'loose' connector because the pin tends to keep contact due to the sideforce/slop.  When I tightened the switchcraft collar snug, it perfectly centered the pin and sometimes prevented it from making contact.  Ironically, it was more reliable with the collar not so snug.  The solution is to wedge in a small piece of rubber to spread the pin wider... That works but it is all just so halfass....

As far as measuring power supply noise.. I'm not sure if anyone on TS has the proper gear for that.  But Winter is coming and it seems like a great project

[KenH]

 I definitely like the standard Switchcraft screw-on connector. On mine, the other end is a molex plug which I can connect different power sources to, like the Power Runner 23xx LIon battery, or a NiMH pack, etc.

[manitouman]

Thanks for the great info! 

[tgakidis]

Just got a V3 (12vDC Model).  When i hooked it up to a fully charged 9v DVD battery, I get the "low Batt" blinking on the V3?  Any help???

[TNJazz]

Just got a V3 (12vDC Model).  When i hooked it up to a fully charged 9v DVD battery, I get the "low Batt" blinking on the V3?  Any help???

open it up and set the jumpers for 6v operation.

[anhisr]

Because the battery only supplies up to 9 volt.  When the V3 is set at 12 volt the V3 will think you are low on power.  You should call Grace and see about how to fix this.

DC SUPPLY VOLTAGE JUMPERS Jumpers J26 and J27 select the operation Voltage to be 6 or 12 Volts DC. These jumpers should be moved ONLY by a qualified technician. Consult the factory for voltage change information

Online manual link.
http://www.gracedesign.com/support/v3_manual_RevE_online.pdf

[tgakidis]

Because the battery only supplies up to 9 volt.  When the V3 is set at 12 volt the V3 will think you are low on power.  You should call Grace and see about how to fix this.

DC SUPPLY VOLTAGE JUMPERS Jumpers J26 and J27 select the operation Voltage to be 6 or 12 Volts DC. These jumpers should be moved ONLY by a qualified technician. Consult the factory for voltage change information

Online manual link.
http://www.gracedesign.com/support/v3_manual_RevE_online.pdf

Yup, thats what I saw also.  I like opening up my gear and poking around, but not sure if that make ma a "Qualified technician".

[anhisr]

Call them and see ask why not. 

[tgakidis]

Because the battery only supplies up to 9 volt.  When the V3 is set at 12 volt the V3 will think you are low on power.  You should call Grace and see about how to fix this.

DC SUPPLY VOLTAGE JUMPERS Jumpers J26 and J27 select the operation Voltage to be 6 or 12 Volts DC. These jumpers should be moved ONLY by a qualified technician. Consult the factory for voltage change information

Online manual link.
http://www.gracedesign.com/support/v3_manual_RevE_online.pdf

Yup, thats what I saw also.  I like opening up my gear and poking around, but not sure if that make ma a "Qualified technician".

Ok, I am now a "Qualified technician".  That was Easy!

[anhisr]

congratulations on your new certification. 

[SmokinJoe]

I think what they are fussy about is the idea that you will fine tune when the light comes on, and they have some elaborate procedure for calibrating when that light comes on... When you have a 6V SLA that light is your "gas guage".  On a DVD player battery they have their own fuel gage, so it doesn't matter.

To whomever complained about having problems with the proper switchcraft connector and preferred the ratshack connector.... there are multiple Switchcraft numbers, like 765 and S765, one is .100 ID and the other is .080 ID... the one with the .100 ID doesn't work well, I've got one of those too.

[tgakidis]

I have a couple S760K contectors comming in this week and we will see how those work.

[guysonic]

Got a call from a film field production mixer up in Canada having both V2/V3 models for project work, but needed at least 15+ hours continuous running time, way more than provided by the 40 watt lithium packs he and many now use. 

So I'm fixing him up with a ruggedized 6 cell D alkaline 140+ watt supply for both his units. 

Should run the V3 with full Phantom powering for ~17 hours, and likely the V2 for at least 30 hours in the field.  If these do run down, they can be 'recharged' with fresh D cells in a few short minutes anywhere/anytime. 

These type external power supplies are shown on this page for those maybe wanting to make their own, or maybe get one already built:
www.sonicstudios.com/batsys98.htm

[KenH]

According to Grace, there's more to it than just moving the internal jumpers of the V3 to switch from 6V to 12V or vice versa.  I asked them about it a couple of years ago when I was thinking of changing it to 12V (I had some 12V power supplies). They said I should send it in because of a calibration for when the light comes on, and for the light to work properly.  At least that's sort of what I remember about it.  Ended up not making that change.

[Brian Skalinder]

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,76479.msg1019259.html#msg1019259

[tgakidis]

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,76479.msg1019259.html#msg1019259

Thanks Brian!!  Picked up a Multimeter at Rat shack and did the calibration.

[SmokinJoe]

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,76479.msg1019259.html#msg1019259

Thanks Brian!!  Picked up a Multimeter at Rat shack and did the calibration.

What did you use for an adjustable power supply?  I've been meaning to check mine, but haven't gotten around to taking it to work where they have the proper lab grade power supply.

[tgakidis]

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,76479.msg1019259.html#msg1019259

Thanks Brian!!  Picked up a Multimeter at Rat shack and did the calibration.

What did you use for an adjustable power supply?  I've been meaning to check mine, but haven't gotten around to taking it to work where they have the proper lab grade power supply.

I have a wal-wart with adjustable voltage.  I was only able to calibrate the voltage and not the low battery threshold.  I would need a 5.75v DC power supply for that.  I was actually gonna hit you up for that....guess NOT.

[SmokinJoe]

I have a wal-wart with adjustable voltage.  I was only able to calibrate the voltage and not the low battery threshold.  I would need a 5.75v DC power supply for that.  I was actually gonna hit you up for that....guess NOT.

I had an adjustable power supply when I was in college, but that was many years ago, and I guess I not only lost the power supply, but I lost the brain cell that was supposed to tell me where it was!  I hate it when that happens.

I'm sure we have a nice lab grade power supply at work.  I should be able to get these squared away.

[tgakidis]

I have a couple S760K contectors comming in this week and we will see how those work.

Ok, I got the connector.  Anyone know which prong is postive?  I assume it's the large prong on the left in the attached photo.

[deadheaded]

the small terminal with the hole, on the right of the photo is positive.

[tgakidis]

the small terminal with the hole, on the right of the photo is positive.

Thank you sir!

[guysonic]

This is a followup of my previous post. I've just completed a customer's order for two extended runtime V2/V3 +140 watt power sleds.

The descriptive photo below shows the model BD-6V3 which is the V3 powering sled, and the V2 has all the same features looking exactly the same except for having an XLR-4F output connector.

[Myco]

Geez, now guysonic is spamming us with his ripoff bullsh*t over here?
Why can this guy stay over in the retail space where he belongs?
I question whether he even belongs over there.

What next guy, gonna start selling Extenze over here for $30 a pill? 

[stevetoney]

^ I know there's a precedent with guys products, but I don't see any sins being committed with his post.  He's simply providing an alternative to the V2/V3 powering question.  His product might be attractive to some people and if it is, they'll figure out where they can go to buy it.  IOW, he didn't even provide a link, so the statement that he's peddling is debatable.

[Brian Skalinder]

Geez, now guysonic is spamming us with his ripoff bullsh*t over here?
Why can this guy stay over in the retail space where he belongs?
I question whether he even belongs over there.

What next guy, gonna start selling Extenze over here for $30 a pill? 

A vendor answering a specific question by referencing the vendor's product isn't spamming.  It's on-topic.  If someone asks where they can by Extenze, and a vendor chimed in to say "here", again -- it's not spam.

On the other hand, if vendors promote their products in threads unrelated to their wares -- for example an Extenze vendor plying their wares in a thread focused on V3 power sources -- then, yes, it's spam.  But that's not what's happening here.  Lighten up, Francis.

[shaggy]

Geez, now guysonic is spamming us with his ripoff bullsh*t over here?

Myco, Guy does make pretty decent battery sleds.  Serious attention to detail even though the glue work and the plastic cutouts look a bit sloppy sometimes.  It is pretty much bomb-proof.  I am always amazed at his custom plug work...hand crafted 'amber' and super lo-pro.  My only complaint is that he probably would better off making a universal connector at the sled and thus give options for powering/cable>plug combos, thus lowering the production cost and making a much more flexible powering system.  That said, the cost for some of those sleds is pretty jaw-dropping and occasionally I get the same feeling as you regarding his shameless-self-promotions.

[manitouman]

They have a smaller version for $119 as well.  I actually recently bought a Tekkeon but may be sending it back. 

Where can one find a "WallyWorld"  DVD Battery?? 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/375503-REG/Initial_RB270_RB_270_Universal_Rechargeable_Battery.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480307-REG/Impact_BPD8000_BPD_8000_Universal_Portable_Li_Ion.html

or ebay

These are both discontinued. What gives? Any other options.....around $50 with charger?

[barrettphisher]

Amaro,
Check the e-bay thread sales...There is a guy selling them for like $15.00.  So far, everyone has had good experiences with him as well. 
Barrett

[edtyre]

Amaro,
Check the e-bay thread sales...There is a guy selling them for like $15.00.  So far, everyone has had good experiences with him as well. 
Barrett

http://cgi.ebay.com/Initial-Universal-Portable-DVD-battery-Brand-New-Inpack_W0QQitemZ250413276938QQcategoryZ79845QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m183QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%252BS%252BIA%26itu%3DIT%252BUA%252BPSS%252BUCC%252BCRS%252BIA%252BUCI%252BSI%252BUS-BWR%26otn%3D2%26ps%3D33

[manitouman]

Amaro,
Check the e-bay thread sales...There is a guy selling them for like $15.00.  So far, everyone has had good experiences with him as well. 
Barrett

http://cgi.ebay.com/Initial-Universal-Portable-DVD-battery-Brand-New-Inpack_W0QQitemZ250413276938QQcategoryZ79845QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m183QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%252BS%252BIA%26itu%3DIT%252BUA%252BPSS%252BUCC%252BCRS%252BIA%252BUCI%252BSI%252BUS-BWR%26otn%3D2%26ps%3D33

Thanks guys, for the price with charger, I picked one of these up. I needed it kind of quick so this will do for now and get me by. Will be keeping an eye out for larger capacity though. 

[it-goes-to-eleven]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Initial-Universal-Portable-DVD-battery-Brand-New-Inpack_W0QQitemZ250413276938QQcategoryZ79845QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m183QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%252BS%252BIA%26itu%3DIT%252BUA%252BPSS%252BUCC%252BCRS%252BIA%252BUCI%252BSI%252BUS-BWR%26otn%3D2%26ps%3D33

Thanks Ed!

I ordered a pair of those.  About $30 total.  The dude wants $12 for priority mail, so I went with media mail. I was a bit concerned about whether I'd get them but they arrived today.  Got one on the charger now.  Tough to say how old they are but I'll try and report after a quick test.

[Rob D.]

I have two of the Impact batts I use to power my V3 and if fully charged recent to when it will be used, it's great. However, I've noticed if one of them sites for a month or so it will lose it's charge completely. Is this normal?

[edtyre]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Initial-Universal-Portable-DVD-battery-Brand-New-Inpack_W0QQitemZ250413276938QQcategoryZ79845QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m183QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%252BS%252BIA%26itu%3DIT%252BUA%252BPSS%252BUCC%252BCRS%252BIA%252BUCI%252BSI%252BUS-BWR%26otn%3D2%26ps%3D33

Thanks Ed!

I ordered a pair of those.  About $30 total.  The dude wants $12 for priority mail, so I went with media mail. I was a bit concerned about whether I'd get them but they arrived today.  Got one on the charger now.  Tough to say how old they are but I'll try and report after a quick test.

You are welcome!
Got my three in 5 days from Cali to Philly via media mail. Ran two of them for a show and got over
5 hours for the V3 and used only one light for the R-44 for the same time.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

I have two of the Impact batts I use to power my V3 and if fully charged recent to when it will be used, it's great. However, I've noticed if one of them sites for a month or so it will lose it's charge completely. Is this normal?

It sounds like your battery is getting old/worn.   Two things happen with age:  the batteries won't take as much of a charge, and the self-discharge rate increases (battery goes dead more quickly).