Taperssection.com

Gear / Technical Help => Battery Boxes, Preamps, Mixers, ADCs, and Processors => Topic started by: beatkilla on November 26, 2014, 12:23:13 PM

Title: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: beatkilla on November 26, 2014, 12:23:13 PM
I would ask jon directly but want to hear other users feedback who are running this as well.

1)I charged the PIPsqueak up until light turned green(is green full charge or should i continue to charge for undetermined extra amount of time?)

2)So assuming PIP was fully charged now i ran it a show and after 90mins the light turned from green to orange,this was quite a concern as i could only assume that this was the low battery light.Inbetween sets i unplugged the PIPsqueaks output cable to power down unit.Plugging output cable back in for main set the light turned green again for about 5mins than went to orange again and i ran it for 90 more mins.During this last 90mins the orange light proceeded to get more yellow and dimmer as time elapsed.I was sure my recording was screwed but all seems well on initial playback and checking waveforms.

3)Assuming the PIPsqueak was now fully drained after this 3hr run i charged it and the light tuned green after only 30mins---->>continue back to question 1.

Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on November 27, 2014, 11:19:01 AM
Probably not a lot of help, but that's not my experience in the field - I've used PIPsqueak around 5 or six times, typically for 2-3 hours at a time, and it's stayed green throughout.

Recharge time does seem pretty quick, sometimes as little as half an hour till it goes green.

I've had the light flickering during recording once, but that was because I had the switch set to medium for a loud rock gig, and I believe it nearly overloaded the signal. Recording was OK though.
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: beatkilla on November 27, 2014, 11:25:04 AM
I'll run some more testing later on today.Also it seems that on the recording from the time when the orange yellow light came on there is a hum throughout the rest of the recording too.
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on November 28, 2014, 11:39:31 AM
Mains hum from a cable (or siting the recorder too close to the SBD)? Running too close to a PC? Those are the times I've had it.
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: beatkilla on November 28, 2014, 09:51:06 PM
I ran a test set up in living room and after 6 hours power light was still green,than charging took only 20 minutes.That seems kind of a fast charge so im letting continue to charge anyways not sure what the problem was the other night.And to clarify about Hum im not sure if that was thru the PA or not although it doesnt seem to of been.
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: F.O.Bean on November 30, 2014, 05:27:47 PM
I ran a test set up in living room and after 6 hours power light was still green,than charging took only 20 minutes.That seems kind of a fast charge so im letting continue to charge anyways not sure what the problem was the other night.And to clarify about Hum im not sure if that was thru the PA or not although it doesnt seem to of been.

Do a runtime test from an indicated full charge to low battery, that should take about a day.

Bingo!!! The ONLY sure way to test your battery, is to keep running battery runtimes to see where your battery dies. I run for DAYS when I get a new piece of gear, like the vms02ib I'm running/testing now lol ;) But that way I know exactly how long I can push it at festies and long shows 8)
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: beatkilla on January 08, 2015, 05:20:02 PM
I have another question.I remember reading somewhere in the original pipsquak thread about the unit not actually powering off when cable from output is unplugged and switching the gain switch from high to low after unplugging the output?Is the standard procedure because i have done that before but last time i know i didnt. Which was about 2 weeks ago and today plugged in charger and must be drained because it usually takes 30 minutes to turn green but this has been charging for 4 hours and still orange.
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: willndmb on January 08, 2015, 10:31:11 PM
I have another question.I remember reading somewhere in the original pipsquak thread about the unit not actually powering off when cable from output is unplugged and switching the gain switch from high to low after unplugging the output?Is the standard procedure because i have done that before but last time i know i didnt. Which was about 2 weeks ago and today plugged in charger and must be drained because it usually takes 30 minutes to turn green but this has been charging for 4 hours and still orange.
there was something about the first ones and power
I didn't pay much attn because it didn't effect me
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: beatkilla on January 09, 2015, 08:43:57 AM
I sent jon an email.mine seems dead let it charge for 17 hours,still orange and when i plug in mics no light at all.
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: 2manyrocks on January 09, 2015, 06:31:36 PM
Gotta say pipsqueak was a brilliantly named product.  Is there a charge to update the first units?  I think mine is one of the first seven.
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: rastasean on January 27, 2015, 10:43:54 AM
What's it mean when I plug in PIP mics and I hear a high pitched tone through the recorder? I thought it was feedback but the tone is present even when headphone are not connected to the recorder. Do I need to adjust the gain?

Mics were countryman b3s and I think chris church's ca14 omnis.
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on October 26, 2016, 04:26:40 PM
Could someone please tell me how to remove the battery from a PIPsqueak?

I've removed the bottom cover, but can only get the battery to protrude from the bottom.

Leads on replacement batteries (particularly in Europe) would be most welcome. In desperate need.

They seem to be four 1.2V 1/3 AA size NiMH, total 4.8V, 280mAh, sealed together.

Can take a picture if necessary.

Cheers,

Humbug
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on October 26, 2016, 05:03:11 PM
Here are my PIPsqueaks:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/Humbug66/Taping%20stuff/PIPsqueak%202_zpsogz6punp.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Humbug66/media/Taping%20stuff/PIPsqueak%202_zpsogz6punp.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/Humbug66/Taping%20stuff/PIPsqueak%201_zpsr25raiei.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Humbug66/media/Taping%20stuff/PIPsqueak%201_zpsr25raiei.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/Humbug66/Taping%20stuff/PIPsqueak%203_zpsp1k1osja.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Humbug66/media/Taping%20stuff/PIPsqueak%203_zpsp1k1osja.jpg.html)

Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on October 26, 2016, 05:06:06 PM
This is link to the OEM:

http://www.batteryspace.com/nimh-battery-pack-4-8v-280mah-square-4x1-3aa-rechargeable-battery.aspx

Fairly obviously, if I want the batteries to last longer than two years (particularly as I will then need to find an electronics engineer to solder on new connectors), I will want something different.

Please help!
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Massive Dynamic on October 27, 2016, 03:00:36 PM
Gotta say pipsqueak was a brilliantly named product.  Is there a charge to update the first units?  I think mine is one of the first seven.
All the Naiant threads in the retail section have been purged, so I can't prove that I came up with the name, but I did. The initial price on the PIPsqueaks was higher than Jon's estimate, so I never picked one up.  :-[
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Cheesecadet on October 27, 2016, 11:24:21 PM
I take the front panel off as the circuit board is attached to the inputs as well as the battery pack for swapping.
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on October 28, 2016, 03:41:18 AM
All the Naiant threads in the retail section have been purged, so I can't prove that I came up with the name, but I did. The initial price on the PIPsqueaks was higher than Jon's estimate, so I never picked one up.  :-[

I believe you!

The number of PIPsqueaks out there is very small - I believe Jon made a smidge over 50 units. Shame as they are amazingly tiny and very useful.

Just annoying that my batteries both died at once!

On the case of a UK supplier. In the case that there is a MOQ, is there any interest in a couple of extra batteries, with connectors fitted?

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/Humbug66/Taping%20stuff/PIPsqueak%204_zpsnqsshjlh.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Humbug66/media/Taping%20stuff/PIPsqueak%204_zpsnqsshjlh.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/Humbug66/Taping%20stuff/PIPsqueak%202_zps0w2mmx0e.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Humbug66/media/Taping%20stuff/PIPsqueak%202_zps0w2mmx0e.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/Humbug66/Taping%20stuff/PIPsqueak%201_zpscboutqxd.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Humbug66/media/Taping%20stuff/PIPsqueak%201_zpscboutqxd.jpg.html)

Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on October 28, 2016, 08:57:17 AM
1/3AA Square Battery packs are available in the UK from:

http://www.componentshop.co.uk/

I have ordered four pieces, two will go into service, and one will be my spare, so may have one spare if anyone is desperate.

Capacity is 320mAh.

Delivery is a week, so I will confirm fit next week.

Humbug
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Cheesecadet on October 28, 2016, 12:56:21 PM
Interested if the higher capacity battery fits, so looking forward to what you find out.  Do they come with the correct connectors already attached?
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on October 28, 2016, 02:22:56 PM
Interested if the higher capacity battery fits, so looking forward to what you find out.  Do they come with the correct connectors already attached?

That's what I've been told! Will find out Saturday (week) morning, which is way tight for the gig in the evening.
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on November 03, 2016, 05:58:58 PM
The package arrived two days early from componentshop:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/Humbug66/Taping%20stuff/IMG_1644_zpsh6qr9zkq.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Humbug66/media/Taping%20stuff/IMG_1644_zpsh6qr9zkq.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/Humbug66/Taping%20stuff/IMG_1645_zpsbddnsiay.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Humbug66/media/Taping%20stuff/IMG_1645_zpsbddnsiay.jpg.html)

Fitted perfectly, even though the cable was a little shorter:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/Humbug66/Taping%20stuff/IMG_1646_zps0pfcx3mg.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Humbug66/media/Taping%20stuff/IMG_1646_zps0pfcx3mg.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/Humbug66/Taping%20stuff/IMG_1647_zpsayy5wsl8.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Humbug66/media/Taping%20stuff/IMG_1647_zpsayy5wsl8.jpg.html)

One hour later, both PIPsqueaks are charged and glowing green again. Anyone need me to check anything else?
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Jofa on November 05, 2016, 02:21:59 AM
Thanks for all your advice here, helps a lot! I think the battery in my PIPsqueak is dead as well. Can you please post a link to the battery you bough? I can't find it on the Componentshop site.
Thanks!
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on November 05, 2016, 05:07:33 AM
Thanks for all your advice here, helps a lot! I think the battery in my PIPsqueak is dead as well. Can you please post a link to the battery you bough? I can't find it on the Componentshop site.
Thanks!

It's not on the website, but is listed in their catalogue, p5:

http://www.componentshop.co.uk/pdf/New-2016-Catalogue.pdf

Order is:
Custom, 4.8V 320mAh 1/3AA square pack mini T

If you order a few packs, maybe ask them to make the cable 1cm longer than they did for me!
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Jofa on November 05, 2016, 05:11:22 AM
Thanks a lot, much appreciated!!
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on November 05, 2016, 05:13:45 AM
I'm testing a PIPsqueak tonight under fairly lengthy conditions (5 hours plus), so will see how they perform.
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Jofa on November 05, 2016, 05:16:20 AM
Oh, how long do you recommend the cable to be?
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Jofa on November 05, 2016, 05:18:28 AM
Oh, how long do you recommend the cable to be?

That sounds good! Mine turned red just after 2,5 hours last week when recording a gig.
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on November 05, 2016, 06:43:02 AM
Oh, how long do you recommend the cable to be?

The free part of the cable is about 1.5cm (which can be persuaded to fit, with patience), but maybe 2.5cm would be better.
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Cheesecadet on November 05, 2016, 11:58:38 AM
So on page 5 of catalog the battery reference is listed under flat pack side-by-side packaging, did you just ask them to assemble them in a square pack?

Also, is the 4.75 price per battery or for a 4-pack of batteries?  It says 4 x 1/3AA.

Thanks for you info.  Have you been able to determine a max run time for these packs?
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on November 05, 2016, 08:57:18 PM
Yes - I sent them the link from the US manufacturer, and asked them to make something similar.

Runtime? Not sure, but tonights outing (plugged in for five hours) went without a hitch.

Price is around £5 plus VAT and delivery.

Spare battery is accounted for.

Humbug 
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Cheesecadet on November 06, 2016, 07:55:39 PM
Who is the US manufacturer...did I miss that?
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on November 07, 2016, 07:43:57 AM
Who is the US manufacturer...did I miss that?

Yes!

http://www.batteryspace.com/nimh-battery-pack-4-8v-280mah-square-4x1-3aa-rechargeable-battery.aspx

Second night out taping last night (Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown / The Cadillac Three, both excellent), mics and output cables plugged in for 5 hours, still glowing green. Think I can trust the UK batteries.
Title: Re: PIPsqueak questions
Post by: Humbug on September 17, 2017, 05:01:21 PM
Just a quick update - batteries from the UK supplier (http://www.componentshop.co.uk/) don't last as long as the originals, maybe 5-6 months before they give up the ghost.

Ordered another couple of batteries direct from Jon as he tests them.