Author Topic: Laptop battery packs (Read 16430 times)

mirth · « **on:** June 04, 2003, 04:45:03 PM »

Anybody ever use this?
http://www.batteryspace.com/product.asp?0=238&1=287&3=172

Its a 4000mAh battery pack w/tips to fit pratically any laptop that takes 10.4-12v DC plus charger for $35.

Seems like a good workaround for having to buy OEM batteries off ebay or the like...

RRobar · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2003, 08:54:23 PM »

No but it looks pretty promising. Only thing it does not come with a tip for my laptop. I have a square plug with 3 female sockets. I could probably mod one though. And at $35 way cheaper than the $100 ones they sell for mine (I already have 2 of them). My laptop is a DeskNote P4 2.4ghz.

sexymexi · « **Reply #2 on:** June 05, 2003, 12:04:01 AM »

looks like a damn good deal my dell batt is 3800mah but the connection is wack, and mine also takes 14.8v, i might get one for my thinkpad though, thanks man.

+t

peace

mterry · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2003, 09:51:53 PM »

"The battery pack can run up to 4 hours, depending on models. "

So, with a taping setup......maybe an hour and half.....at best?

mirth · « **Reply #4 on:** June 05, 2003, 10:35:25 PM »

My guess is 2 for sure, depending on laptop. I save my 3600mAh internal battery for second sets & it lasts a good two hours.

MattD · « **Reply #5 on:** June 05, 2003, 11:44:38 PM »

Screw that for laptop ... I want to use that for my ULN-2! Put two of those suckers in parallel (I think parallel is what I want - gotta check the ol' physics book to be sure) and hook that up to my gear. 2 of those sure beats the hell out of a 10 pound SLA!

mterry · « **Reply #6 on:** June 05, 2003, 11:45:29 PM »

For only 40, I wouldn't mind taking a risk with that battery. But if it does just kinda flop, then that is 40 wasted dollars. Thanks for the site though, I have something to ponder now

DaryanLenz · « **Reply #7 on:** June 09, 2003, 12:05:16 PM »

I took the risk personally. After seeing your post , not only did I buy one of these just to give it a try, but they had a special closeout for 2X4000amh 6v's which I am going to use for the mini-me. What a deal I thought for less than 20 bucks for the 6v's. It has got to be better an way lighter than running the 12v sla's that are starting to pile up here at my apartment. Something else I also learned yesterday, ifs for soldering purposes, 25watt soldering is much more efficient than 15w!

Daryan

rabhan · « **Reply #8 on:** July 15, 2003, 05:56:33 PM »

so, how are you liking it now, what kind of runtimes do you get?

Matt Quinn · « **Reply #9 on:** July 17, 2003, 10:12:55 AM »

Yeah, very curious about that.

mirth · « **Reply #10 on:** July 17, 2003, 10:19:47 AM »

Enquiring minds want to know, D....

cpclark · « **Reply #11 on:** July 17, 2003, 01:52:31 PM »

i need a nice external power supply for my toshiba satellite, im waiting to switch over from my D100 to my UA5 and laptop, i gotta find a good external power supply.

cpclark · « **Reply #12 on:** July 17, 2003, 01:53:08 PM »

id love to hear what this one does, almost too cheap to be true

mirth · « **Reply #13 on:** July 17, 2003, 01:55:20 PM »

At 4000mAh you'd get 2.5-3 hrs from your lappie, depending on load, disk activity, etc.

What kind of satellite?

John Kelly · « **Reply #14 on:** July 18, 2003, 07:58:50 PM »

Ok, I posted in another thread about this, but will these work with iBooks? If so I'm ordering one tonight...

mirth · « **Reply #15 on:** July 18, 2003, 10:31:43 PM »

I'd suggest calling them. They're out in CA, FYI.

John Kelly · « **Reply #16 on:** July 21, 2003, 09:43:18 AM »

Well looking at their universal plugs (see below), it appears that it will not work on any Apple Laptop. Is there any way to modify it or just adapt it to work? This really seems like a much better option than the $200 PowerPad I was looking at...

MattD · « **Reply #17 on:** July 21, 2003, 01:40:34 PM »

I think they do custom jobs, but I don't think you can get that Apple plug from anywhere other than Apple. You might have to buy another power supply and provide them with the plug for this to work.

-Matt

jjjewett · « **Reply #18 on:** July 22, 2003, 03:12:21 AM »

/*

Well looking at their universal plugs (see below), it appears that it will not work on any Apple Laptop. Is there any way to modify it or just adapt it to work? This really seems like a much better option than the $200 PowerPad I was looking at...

*/

You could solder a male female 4-pin or minixlr and then solder an end to the battery pack.

John

John Kelly · « **Reply #19 on:** July 22, 2003, 05:25:19 PM »

That might actually work if I could solder anything.

And I just got off the phone with them, and they wont modify it if you send in a connector for an Apple laptop. Would anyone actually be able to do this? I could pay you...

The Rev. Bigbill · « **Reply #20 on:** July 24, 2003, 02:39:32 AM »

i love my electrovaya powerpad VERY expensive but worth it for size and weight issues as well as run time

rabhan · « **Reply #21 on:** July 24, 2003, 02:45:54 AM »

what about those valence power pads, they any good?

John Kelly · « **Reply #22 on:** July 24, 2003, 08:46:13 AM »

I may end up just getting a PowerPad. I can't find anything easier that's cheaper, too.

DaryanLenz · « **Reply #23 on:** July 24, 2003, 09:40:35 AM »

John,

I can do the solder job for you. I would just, if it were me, attach 4-pins to everything and be done with it!

Daryan

John Kelly · « **Reply #24 on:** July 24, 2003, 09:52:40 AM »

That would be awesome! I wont find out about the extra connector until tomorrow, but I have a feeling that I could find one pretty easily. I'll shoot ya an email tomorrow, thanks! (and +t)

DaryanLenz · « **Reply #25 on:** July 24, 2003, 10:07:23 AM »

Sure thing, just let me know. Also, if you can find some pictures so I know what I will be dealing with ahead of time that would be great!

Daryan

kindms · « **Reply #26 on:** July 27, 2003, 06:03:06 PM »

Quote from: rabhan on July 24, 2003, 02:45:54 AM

what about those valence power pads, they any good?

I currently am running AKG 460's -> UA-5 (digi-MOD)-> Sony Vaio PCG-GRS700k (p4m/1.8/1024) with the Valence N-Charge System. On a full charge I get about 4-41/2 hours (conservative) Record time. I find the battery to be as good as advertised. It generates little or no heat and the push button guage comes in handy. The system uses your laptop power cable for charging so it cuts down on one less cable to carry.

The Laptop when plugged in to Valence sees itself connected to AC so multiple power schemes are available for Valence and internal laptop battery. I would love to have 2 of them, it would make festival taping a breeze. They take about 3 hours to fully charge from being completely drained.

Hope this helps

Simp-Dawg · « **Reply #27 on:** July 28, 2003, 02:09:12 PM »

Quote from: kindms on July 27, 2003, 06:03:06 PM

Quote from: rabhan on July 24, 2003, 02:45:54 AM
what about those valence power pads, they any good?

I currently am running AKG 460's -> UA-5 (digi-MOD)-> Sony Vaio PCG-GRS700k (p4m/1.8/1024) with the Valence N-Charge System. On a full charge I get about 4-41/2 hours (conservative) Record time. I find the battery to be as good as advertised. It generates little or no heat and the push button guage comes in handy. The system uses your laptop power cable for charging so it cuts down on one less cable to carry.

The Laptop when plugged in to Valence sees itself connected to AC so multiple power schemes are available for Valence and internal laptop battery. I would love to have 2 of them, it would make festival taping a breeze. They take about 3 hours to fully charge from being completely drained.

Hope this helps

i get slightly less time out of my valence n-charge, but i do agree that they are a great solution for us laptop tapers. i can usually get a whole show out of mine, sometimes even with an opener...but i've had times where it goes out in the second set and i'm forced to run off the internal batts, which is fine. the n-charge gives me the bulk of the power i need, if not all of it, at shows. i run usbpre 1.5 > pcg-fxa32 (a full-sized notebook w/ 15.1 in screen!)

rabhan · « **Reply #28 on:** July 28, 2003, 11:47:41 PM »

quick question, so the valence runs about 4 hrs and then your lappy toggles to internals? at what point does that happen? is there any affect on the wav file being recorded when you switch from "AC" or valence to internal batts? so you are saying that you could get 4hrs from it and then another 2 from internals? so 6hrs total, that seems great. my new laptop came with 3 batteries but they only last about 2/5-3hrs with the lid open and i am a little concerned about booting up too early b4 a show and then being screwed. so far i have only run the laptop AC at shows. thanks.

mirth · « **Reply #29 on:** July 29, 2003, 12:05:19 AM »

Keep the lid closed and you gain at least 30 minutes... You'd have to test your own setup to see if you get dropped samples once the switch happens but I'd recommend timing the battery & unplugging it from the laptop after 3.5-4 hours to avoid any weirdness introduced by low voltage coming in over the 'ac'

rabhan · « **Reply #30 on:** July 29, 2003, 12:14:55 AM »

cool, thanks! i just wish laptops had a "hold" key. i guess closing the lid is the only answer, would be neat if laptops had a dual lcd like flip cell phones so you could see your levels, heh

thanks for the tips!

RRobar · « **Reply #31 on:** July 29, 2003, 09:28:23 AM »

I'm looking into a power solution for my laptop. It seems that one of my batteries is not giving what it sould. It should be a solid 2 hours like the other is but It's only giving me about 1 hour 15 min. I ran with the lid close at Alpine and still ran out set 2.

mirth · « **Reply #32 on:** July 29, 2003, 02:24:41 PM »

Have you tried reconditioning the battery?

Maybe you blew a cell....

What kinda lappie? Get a replacement battery on ebay?

Simp-Dawg · « **Reply #33 on:** July 29, 2003, 03:29:48 PM »

Quote from: rabhan on July 28, 2003, 11:47:41 PM

quick question, so the valence runs about 4 hrs and then your lappy toggles to internals? at what point does that happen? is there any affect on the wav file being recorded when you switch from "AC" or valence to internal batts? so you are saying that you could get 4hrs from it and then another 2 from internals? so 6hrs total, that seems great. my new laptop came with 3 batteries but they only last about 2/5-3hrs with the lid open and i am a little concerned about booting up too early b4 a show and then being screwed. so far i have only run the laptop AC at shows. thanks.

nothing happens when it switches to the internals...as soon as the n-charge loses power it just goes over and there's no effect at all in the recording. lately the n-charge has been running for the entire show though and i haven't even had to use the internals, i'm guessing the battery has become conditioned or something...
anyhoo, i'm lovin that n-charge, it has removed all possibility of power problems from my rig. now all i have to worry about is starting it on time and keeping it well ventilated so it doesn't overheat.

kindms · « **Reply #34 on:** July 29, 2003, 04:58:54 PM »

They say that they more you use the N-charge the better it gets, I have been try to make a concerted effort to drain it once a week per their instructions.

I also have no effect when switching from N-charge to internal. I set up my power options for the dimest setting on the LCD it helps to get a little more life out of your batteries. I would really like to have two N-Charge I can run 2 internal batteries if i remove my burner so I was thinking 2 internal and 2 N-charge would be more power than i could really ever need

rabhan · « **Reply #35 on:** July 31, 2003, 05:43:31 PM »

anyone know what the footprint is of the valence, i cant seem to find that info online. thanks!

Simp-Dawg · « **Reply #36 on:** July 31, 2003, 06:46:24 PM »

it's smaller than my vaio pcg-fxa32, can't seem to pull up the specs on that right now but it will give you an idea...probably when i get home tonight if i remember i'll measure it for you.

kindms · « **Reply #37 on:** July 31, 2003, 07:23:03 PM »

Quote from: rabhan on July 31, 2003, 05:43:31 PM

anyone know what the footprint is of the valence, i cant seem to find that info online. thanks!

I would guess w x L x H

81/2" X 10" X 1/2"

rabhan · « **Reply #38 on:** August 01, 2003, 06:21:51 PM »

i really need to know exactly, bc my laptop is 11x9 and it is in a custom pluck-picked pelican case and i want the valence to go under it so i can run the laptop out of the pelican like i am doing now. i guess i can always return the damn thing if i get it from bestbuy, they got them for 300$, any better deals out there?

Simp-Dawg · « **Reply #39 on:** August 01, 2003, 06:35:43 PM »

sorry jon i forgot to measure it last night, i will do that this evening...i am pretty sure it will fit just fine in there.
valence used to have a $50 off deal i think, when i got mine...probably not anymore though.

Simp-Dawg · « **Reply #40 on:** August 01, 2003, 10:24:34 PM »

the dimensions are:
11 13/16" x 9 3/4" x 1/2" with the adaptor plug on it (that applies to the 9 3/4" measurement)

kindms · « **Reply #41 on:** August 01, 2003, 11:15:57 PM »

i have the pelican attache' laptop case. it fits in the case no problem

rabhan · « **Reply #42 on:** August 07, 2003, 10:46:57 AM »

cheapest place to find a valance?

mirth · « **Reply #43 on:** August 07, 2003, 10:47:50 AM »

best buy? pricewatch?

rabhan · « **Reply #44 on:** August 07, 2003, 10:49:39 AM »

i have found 289 internet and 299 locally- trying to find cheaper

mirth · « **Reply #45 on:** August 07, 2003, 10:51:08 AM »

I wonder if Dell sells Valences... Sometimes you can get pretty good deals through their website.

rabhan · « **Reply #46 on:** August 07, 2003, 10:52:58 AM »

Manufacturer Showcase

Dell
Adobe
Belkin
Canon Cameras
Canon Printers
Epson
Kensington
Kodak
Linksys
Microsoft
NEC
Nikon
Olympus
Pinnacle
Planar
Sony
Symantec
Veo

NOOP!

mirth · « **Reply #47 on:** August 07, 2003, 10:57:27 AM »

Shitty.

rabhan · « **Reply #48 on:** August 07, 2003, 02:34:14 PM »

just got back from best buy, they only carry the small valence, not the larger one, super DOH!

Simp-Dawg · « **Reply #49 on:** August 07, 2003, 03:28:47 PM »

i think they're too new to really be offered at any special prices right now. buck up and shell out 300 for the big one and you won't be dissapointed! mine keeps getting better and better!!! seriously the runtime seems to get better as you use it more.

bagtagsell · « **Reply #50 on:** November 15, 2003, 09:32:29 PM »

I have a sharp actius gp22w. I think it has a 19v connection (I know nothing about voltage) Does anyone know how I can get a valance to work? Or suggest some other battery options

mirth · « **Reply #51 on:** November 15, 2003, 10:49:22 PM »

Whoo, for 19v your only option is lead I believe.

Electric Cowgirl · « **Reply #52 on:** November 17, 2003, 05:05:49 PM »

quick note on batteries-

I am using a fujitsu lifebook p series (small) here's what I have found.

Valence N-Charge
Run time with lid open: Just under 3 hours.
Cost: 200$ at Best Buy in Iowa City.
Charge time: Less than 3 hours to get a full charge.
Weight: less than 2 lbs.
Size: slightly larger than my laptop.
Bonus: comes with an extra power cable

Electrovaya Power Pad
Run time with lid open: 120A=about 11 hours 160A=about 15 hours
Cost: 170$ on ebay, about 260$ new.
Charge time: overnight
Weight: about 1.5lbs
Size: same size as my laptop
Bonus: Great for festivals!!

Both of these batteries make models that will fit almost any laptop. Both use your laptops ac adaptor as the charger, except the Power Pad 160A which comes with it's own charger.

Willie T. · « **Reply #53 on:** November 17, 2003, 11:06:28 PM »

Quote from: bagtagsell on November 15, 2003, 09:32:29 PM

I have a sharp actius gp22w. I think it has a 19v connection (I know nothing about voltage) Does anyone know how I can get a valance to work? Or suggest some other battery options

For 19 volts i think you could use 16 1.2V batteries (19.2 volts) like the sub-c batteries at the begining of the thread.

Kindguy · « **Reply #54 on:** November 18, 2003, 04:15:08 PM »

Well, I bought the small vallance & I get over/right at 4 hours with it recording. I would think the bigger model would give y'all a lot more runtime. That's with the lid open, screen set to turn off after 1 min. Computer kept on during setbreaks.

I also picked up one of the batteryspace batterys. You can plug it right in the vallance if you want. So you know how much power you have left. re letting the battery charge the vallance. Just testing around the house this seems to give me around 2 extra hours.

warriors1226 · « **Reply #55 on:** November 24, 2003, 11:40:52 AM »

How much did you pay for the small valence? I have a Dell Latitude D600, and I need a pack to keep it up and running, especially for upcoming DM+F shows...any recommendations?

Kindguy · « **Reply #56 on:** November 24, 2003, 09:33:31 PM »

179.00 at best buy. It was on sale reg 199.00

Willie T. · « **Reply #57 on:** November 26, 2003, 02:02:17 AM »

Well i have been sitting and thinking about, if you really need 19V just throw two 9.6V in series and you are set.....Haven't tried it, but give it a whirl if you have the 9s.

BJ · « **Reply #58 on:** February 22, 2004, 12:38:57 AM »

I'm a little confused on the Valence...I noticed it said it can run two seperate peices at once, and the first post said he was running his laptop AND a UA5. Is the ua5 running off the Valence also? So you can get around 4 hrs off the Valence running both the laptop and the UA5? Is this correct?

edited: If you CAN run the UA5 off of the Valence, how to you modify(and which) plug to connect it?
Thanx

Author Topic: Laptop battery packs (Read 16430 times)

DaryanLenz

rabhan

cpclark

cpclark

rabhan

DaryanLenz

DaryanLenz

rabhan

rabhan

rabhan

rabhan

rabhan

rabhan

rabhan

rabhan