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Gear / Technical Help => Remote Power => Topic started by: hi and lo on October 24, 2011, 10:30:06 AM
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Thinking about picking up a Tekkeon, but they are sold out everywhere! The Tekkeon online store, b&h, etc are all completely out of stock. Anyone know if maybe they are doing away with this product line or other information on why they would be so hard t find?
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I was wondering the same thing a couple of months ago when I was shopping for a 3450. I ended up buying a new one on eBay for a pretty good price, but now I don't see any 3450s or 3300s on eBay.
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I just did a quick search on Amazon, and found 2, both from Impact Battery. Definitely scarce.
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I just sent mine back to Tekkeon for either service or replacement today. It started rapidly dropping from full charge to no charge it was able to provide power for a whole show, but not without worry. It's only a little over a year old and was issued after their charger recall, but it looks like there may be a circuitry problem that affects performance.
Been happy with it until this problem started to surface in June/July. Other tapers have had similar issues outside of warranty and Tekkeon has been good about replacing them so we'll see how this turns out. Probably too soon to tell if anyone has had problems with a replacement battery yet. If a replacement battery develops the same problem after only one year I don't think I'd get another one.
They are available directly from Tekkeon but I'm not sure if I would recommend buying one at this point. Ordering direct is probably the best way to insure not getting a bum battery though. Mine was ordered from Amazon.
http://www.tekkeon.com/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=9
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I've been hearing about varying degrees of longevity with these Tekkeon batteries. Nothing scientific and not on the order of the Tascam DR-680 (!) but enough to give me pause. Not exactly crazy about them using a proprietary cable connector (as opposed to a standard one) on the battery end either. Just my .02
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I've been hearing about varying degrees of longevity with these Tekkeon batteries. Nothing scientific and not on the order of the Tascam DR-680 (!) but enough to give me pause. Not exactly crazy about them using a proprietary cable connector (as opposed to a standard one) on the battery end either. Just my .02
I chalk up the cable as just a cost of adopting the system. I end up having the non-battery end of the cable chopped anyway cause the hirose connector that SoundDevices uses isn't going to come as a tip anyway.
I've had great luck with the industrial models staying alive, but the operating tolerances are better and the voltage selector is manual compared to the other batteries they sell. I don't know if I got a lucky unit or if that plays a factor.
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I just pulled the trigger on one... hope it's gonna work with my DR-680 ...
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I just pulled the trigger on one... hope it's gonna work with my DR-680 ...
Make absolutely sure you set the voltage manually, NOT automatically, when you use it. acidjack and hi and lo have had issues running their DR-680('s) off a Tekkeon battery. Wouldn't hurt to hit them up for details.
Edit to add: Just saw that you've also posted in the "DR-680 and Battery Power" thread so you're aware of this. :)
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I just pulled the trigger on one... hope it's gonna work with my DR-680 ...
Good luck, curious did you order from Tekkeon directly or somewhere else and what model did you get? Keep a copy of the Invoice, it will definitely be needed if service or replacement is required down the line.
fwiw: My model is a myPower ALL plus external laptop battery [MP3450 R2], not the industrial version. Its voltage is only selected manually via the top button, it does not have automatic voltage selection or dip switches. It does automatically default to 5V to help prevent over voltage and locks to the voltage you select once you've connected it to the device you are powering. Apparently there are different versions or some models have automatic voltage selection which some people have and has given them voltage problems.
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I just pulled the trigger on one... hope it's gonna work with my DR-680 ...
Honestly... I would cancel my order if I were only buying one to power a 680. There is just too much risk, imo, in using one of these with a 680. It's your funeral though! ;D
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well,
I got this one
myPower™ ALL Plus MP3450 R2 External Laptop Battery
may be it's a bad decsion... hopefully it will work better than the 9v DVD battery I got with the unit when I acquired it.
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well,
I got this one
myPower™ ALL Plus MP3450 R2 External Laptop Battery
may be it's a bad decsion... hopefully it will work better than the 9v DVD battery I got with the unit when I acquired it.
That is what we fried 2 680s with on "auto". I have run the 680 successfully with it once, set at 10V. Presumably since the deck is rated for 12V that setting would work, too. But as noted, be very careful, and uh, keep the 680's original packaging; you'll probably need it for the many returns you'll be doing.
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well,
I got this one
myPower™ ALL Plus MP3450 R2 External Laptop Battery
may be it's a bad decsion... hopefully it will work better than the 9v DVD battery I got with the unit when I acquired it.
and uh, keep the 680's original packaging; you'll probably need it for the many returns you'll be doing.
That seems to be the consensus :P ;D
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Update to add: Tekkeon came through and replaced my MP3450 R2 out of warranty. The replacement arrived today, hope it lasts longer than the original. All they said was they found a problem with my battery and apologized for the difficulties but didn't elaborate further.
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I am not sure that mine has the AUTO function or not.
But after I power it on plugged into my deck (off) I can easily adjust the power to 12v then power up the deck.
hopefully that will be the trick.
fingers crossed
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I am not sure that mine has the AUTO function or not.
But after I power it on plugged into my deck (off) I can easily adjust the power to 12v then power up the deck.
hopefully that will be the trick.
fingers crossed
Looks like you have the same model as mine MP3450 R2. It doesn't have auto voltage but will lock the selected voltage once you power on the device you are powering with it. According to Tekkeon website the MP3750 is the model with automatic voltage selection...
"MP3750 R2
myPower ALL Plus MP3750 quickly and easily powers and/or charges laptops and other devices that require input power between 10V and 19V. This universal rechargeable battery features automatic voltage detection with an option for manual voltage selection to double the life of your laptop battery and other portable devices. A bonus USB output port enables you to simultaneously charge other small portable devices, like cell phones, iPods and more."
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People have specifically narrowed the problem with the 680 decks to the auto function of the Tekkeon and you're STILL gonna plug a Tekkeon into it ?!? You're crazy!
:instagib:
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potentially
I could Return the tekkeon but I would still be in need for a 12v Li-Ion battery.
I can't imagine why if I am sure it's running at ON:Y 12v it would be an issue?
But what do I know
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potentially
I could Return the tekkeon but I would still be in need for a 12v Li-Ion battery.
I can't imagine why if I am sure it's running at ON:Y 12v it would be an issue?
But what do I know
It's akin to playing with a loaded gun. Just because the safety is on doesn't mean you should point it at someone.
Good luck with the Tekkeon; I just think there are far too many options at an equivalent price point with zero potential of supplying more than 12v.
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potentially
I could Return the tekkeon but I would still be in need for a 12v Li-Ion battery.
I can't imagine why if I am sure it's running at ON:Y 12v it would be an issue?
But what do I know
I use a Tekkeon set at 12V with my DR-680 and haven't had any issues. My Tekkeon doesn't have the auto function. I simply make sure I have it selected to 12V before powering up the DR-680.
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potentially
I could Return the tekkeon but I would still be in need for a 12v Li-Ion battery.
I can't imagine why if I am sure it's running at ON:Y 12v it would be an issue?
But what do I know
It's akin to playing with a loaded gun. Just because the safety is on doesn't mean you should point it at someone.
Good luck with the Tekkeon; I just think there are far too many options at an equivalent price point with zero potential of supplying more than 12v.
This is kinda where I'm at on this. However, if you're careful and diligent, then there's nothing to worry about.
That said, I know how I operate my gear. After some period of time, I get used to everything and maybe after time has passed, somewhat complacent or forgetful about checking battery setting if that's important. I know me (and Murphy's Law is constantly looking to screw me over) and at some point I'd forget to check that the Tekkeon is set to 12V and BAM, now I have an inoperable DR-680. Since that's one of the 'mission critical' pieces of gear and alot more costly than a new battery, I personally know with my habits, that's not a chance I'd be willing to take. Just me though.
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Since that's one of the 'mission critical' pieces of gear ...
For some, this is the biggest factor. Things can be repaired, but when you miss that special show because your recorder is flashing "Sys Rom Error," well...
We were lucky to have an M10 on hand when this happened.
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OK so if I should abandoned my tekkeon 12v then what other options of 12v li-ion batteries are out ther for the DR-680.
I do have a 12 v SLA - but I'm not lugin' around
lead again.
any suggestions?
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NOLAfishwater pointed out this battery in a recent power thread for SD788. The battery looks good; 153 Watt/Hr or 42500 mAh at (4.75A max), voltage outputs are 5V on USB and switchable output port for 12V or 19V.
http://www.bixnet.com/unpowbat.html
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I came across this one recently on eBay but it appears to be much lower capacity than the battery NOLAfishwater found. What's nice is that it has the option of running at several different voltages, including 9v for an R-44, MixPre, etc. > http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Extrernal-Battery-18000mAh-iPhone-3GS-PSP-NDSL-DPF-Portable-DVDs-/220891466379?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item336e284a8b (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Extrernal-Battery-18000mAh-iPhone-3GS-PSP-NDSL-DPF-Portable-DVDs-/220891466379?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item336e284a8b)
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You got to be careful with CHEAP multi-voltage batteries as they will more than likely have a very cheap DC-DC Converter design and will more than likely be noisy.
Not saying it won't work but be careful - these cheap straight from China batteries are not going to be up to the same standards (no chance of UL or CE certified, no or little quality control, etc) as an established US seller such as Tekkeon or Battery Geek battery.
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You got to be careful with CHEAP multi-voltage batteries as they will more than likely have a very cheap DC-DC Converter design and will more than likely be noisy.
Not saying it won't work but be careful - these cheap straight from China batteries are not going to be up to the same standards (no chance of UL or CE certified, no or little quality control, etc) as an established US seller such as Tekkeon or Battery Geek battery.
Exactly... and how is one battery different from another? What I mean is with out "US" field testing them, how do we know if any other multi voltage battery will not the same issues?
Personally I'd like to find a single voltage 12v Li-Ion similar to the 9v dvd batteries. Who knows though what if any issues may arise I did find these for powering 12v led strings...
http://www.elementalled.com/rechargeable-li-ion-battery-pack.html (http://www.elementalled.com/rechargeable-li-ion-battery-pack.html)
http://www.elementalled.com/rechargeable-15-hour-lithium-ion-battery.html (http://www.elementalled.com/rechargeable-15-hour-lithium-ion-battery.html)
however the "15 hour" is still expensive, and how would one know if it would be any better - or - worse then the tekkeon?
input?
--Ian