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Gear / Technical Help => Remote Power => Topic started by: Tim on May 22, 2005, 02:37:03 PM
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so I just went and bought some rechargeable NiMH batteries, from what I can gather the 2000maH batts should get me a full 2 set/3hr show out of the sbm1 without much problem, I'm assuming they'll do fine in the m1 as well
does anyone have any experience with 2000mah batts in these devices that could shed some light on runtimes? This is my first foray into NiMH batteries, so I'm still learning as I go... thanks for the help guys....
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mine are 2300, and yes, one set of 4 will run the modsbm1 (line in) for a two set dead/allman/phish show...
2 of them run the d100 for the duration, too... i have never run a m1
i use the powerex batts from maha energy...
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Should be fine, Tim. However, IME sometimes it takes a few full charge / discharge cycles before you get full capacity out of NiMH rechargeables. So...I'd carry a back-up set for both M1 and modSBM-1 at least initially. No, I take it back - carry an extra set every time you tape - never know when you think you have a good charge but it's actually not full.
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thanks guys, much appreciated!
I bought 12, I need 6 to run everything so I should be fine
+T's
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Did you find them locally, Tim? I need to pick some more up myself.
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I got them at Radio Shack per your advice the other night.. I also got a smart charger from radio shack but was planning on asking you about a quality charger I could order online
I did a search about NiMH batteries on this site and saw someone said you could get the batts at Target now
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Should be fine, Tim. However, IME sometimes it takes a few full charge / discharge cycles before you get full capacity out of NiMH rechargeables. So...I'd carry a back-up set for both M1 and modSBM-1 at least initially. No, I take it back - carry an extra set every time you tape - never know when you think you have a good charge but it's actually not full.
Exactly, I'd cycle the batteries at least a couple times before use. If you have an old mag light or something, charge them, put them in them then recharge when they die. It made a very significant gain in capacity after a few cycles.
I've never ran a SBM, but in my M1 I'd say I could get at least 3hrs run time with a fresh set of Powerex 2000 mAh batteries. I noticed sometimes the battery level bar on the M1 dropped to 3 or even 2 bars in 1/2 hour of recording but ran for the rest of the show (on avg. 2 hrs) and always had plenty of juice to rewind. I thought it might be because NiMH batteries put out 1.2v and the M1 might be calibrated for alkaline bats that put out 1.5v, but the unit comes with NiCad batteries that only supply 1.2v so who knows. Basically if your battery level bar drops quickly, you may not be screwed. :P
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+T for the info
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I got them at Radio Shack per your advice the other night.. I also got a smart charger from radio shack but was planning on asking you about a quality charger I could order online
http://shop.mahaenergy.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=400
Best batteries on the market IMO...
http://shop.mahaenergy.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=405
Unique FLEX negative pulse charging algorithm allow the battery to accept a more complete charge
Regardless of the of battery’s capacity, if they cannot be fully charged users would not be able to fully realize the potential of the batteries. The PowerEx MH-C401FS delivers the most complete charge for chargers in its class. The new FLEX negative pulse algorithm also significantly enhances battery life.
FLEX Pulse also makes traditional "battery conditioning & cycling" unnecessary as the pulse eliminates the memory effect just by charging the batteries.
I luvvvv my Powerex bats and maha charger... :)
Tim, do you need a personal shopper? I don't charge as long as it's taping gear or related. ;)
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http://www.nimhbattery.com/maha_2500_rechargeable_batteries.php
(http://www.nimhbattery.com/maha/rechargeable-batteries/MH-2AA250mAh-lg.jpg)
$12.97 per pack (4/pack)
i run the Lenmar 2450mah and they are awesome!
marc
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http://www.nimhbattery.com/maha_2500_rechargeable_batteries.php
(http://www.nimhbattery.com/maha/rechargeable-batteries/MH-2AA250mAh-lg.jpg)
$12.97 per pack (4/pack)
i run the Lenmar 2450mah and they are awesome!
marc
dude, i had one of the lenmar 2450s die on me! it won't take a charge from either of my two smart chargers and it's got no juice, either... damn!
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http://www.nimhbattery.com/maha_2500_rechargeable_batteries.php
(http://www.nimhbattery.com/maha/rechargeable-batteries/MH-2AA250mAh-lg.jpg)
$12.97 per pack (4/pack)
i run the Lenmar 2450mah and they are awesome!
marc
dude, i had one of the lenmar 2450s die on me! it won't take a charge from either of my two smart chargers and it's got no juice, either... damn!
Please don't post a picture of Powerew battery when talking about Lemnars, I find it highly offensive. ;)
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I just bought the 2500 mah Energizers for my new/used sbm-1 unit and when I first charged them up and tested with the sbm-1 I got 3 hours and still 3 bars – then I recharged and went to tape a show Saturday night and the sbm-1 died in 50 min!! My lenmar 2300s in my d8 have been great – I guess I need to cycle the new energizers a few times.
BTW - $10 for 4 of those 2500s Energizers @ Target regular price.
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I just bought the 2500 mah Energizers for my new/used sbm-1 unit and when I first charged them up and tested with the sbm-1 I got 3 hours and still 3 bars – then I recharged and went to tape a show Saturday night and the sbm-1 died in 50 min!! My lenmar 2300s in my d8 have been great – I guess I need to cycle the new energizers a few times.
BTW - $10 for 4 of those 2500s Energizers @ Target regular price.
That's why I suggest the Maha charger. Your batteries aren't worth a damn if the charger sucks.
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i have said it before, i think even in this thread, but...
those powerex batteries i bought, and the charger (car and plug) that is linked above - which is the one i have, too - are terrific. i bought it all online from maha energy, and i will do business with them again, when and if i need any more battery power stuff...
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i have said it before, i think even in this thread, but...
those powerex batteries i bought, and the charger (car and plug) that is linked above - which is the one i have, too - are terrific. i bought it all online from maha energy, and i will do business with them again, when and if i need any more battery power stuff...
Along with the Powerex cells, I also have some Energizer 2000's and 2500's, they seem to keep right up with the performance of the Powerex cells IF I use the Maha charger. When I used the Energizer charger, or the Rat-Shack charger (looks identical, probably the same manufacturer, different color + sticker) they didn't reach their full potential. It seems that the key is having a good charger.
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Thanks for all the good info guys. Just ordered the PoweEx AA 2500 batteries and the PowerEx MH-C401FS charger from Thomas Distributing. Also picked up some some PowerEx AAAs for our baby monitor - that thing really eats batteries!
Brothers
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steve, I don't think that the baby should be eating batteries
;)
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steve, I don't think that the baby should be eating batteries
;)
I hear ya. You should see the dirty diapers after she does.
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so...my question.....when buying the MAHA charger...i can get it with 4 AA Powerex 2300mAh or 4 AA Energizer 2500mAH (for $3 mroe than powerex). which one should i choose? will it make any difference at all really?
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so...my question.....when buying the MAHA charger...i can get it with 4 AA Powerex 2300mAh or 4 AA Energizer 2500mAH (for $3 mroe than powerex). which one should i choose? will it make any difference at all really?
I think the big difference with the Maha gear is in the chargers - I've used Powerex, Energizer, and Radio Shack cells and they all perform reasonably the same when using the Maha charger. But when I've used the RS or Energizer charger... :sick:
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so...my question.....when buying the MAHA charger...i can get it with 4 AA Powerex 2300mAh or 4 AA Energizer 2500mAH (for $3 mroe than powerex). which one should i choose? will it make any difference at all really?
I think the big difference with the Maha gear is in the chargers - I've used Powerex, Energizer, and Radio Shack cells and they all perform reasonably the same when using the Maha charger. But when I've used the RS or Energizer charger... :sick:
pretty much what i thought. so would going from 2300 to 2500mAh make a decent if any difference? it's $3 so whatever i might as well (as long as the energizers are on par w/ the powerexs)
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Good info here folks, thank you!
So, if I get the MAHA recommended charger above, and the 2500 mah batteries, how long should it run a mod SBM-1 for? How long do the batteries truly last, say compared to energizer ultra batteries? I would love to go rechargeable, but would hate to lose a mission critical recording because the SBM dies. Are the batteries VERY reliable? All input appreciated!
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Good info here folks, thank you!
So, if I get the MAHA recommended charger above, and the 2500 mah batteries, how long should it run a mod SBM-1 for? How long do the batteries truly last, say compared to energizer ultra batteries? I would love to go rechargeable, but would hate to lose a mission critical recording because the SBM dies. Are the batteries VERY reliable? All input appreciated!
I bought the MAHA charger based on this thread and with energizer 2500 mah batteries my mod SBM-1 is running 5 hours @ 4 bars. I feel very confident about them not failing but I still carry extras because crap happens.
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got the maha charger and 2300 mah powerex and the things last forever. 4 hours in the mp2 and no problems. hell, even my 2000 mah "digital" brand batteries ($5 for 4 at big lots) are lasting 3 hours+ when i use them with the maha charger
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OK,
So I got the Maha 204W (new model) charger, and some Energizer 2500 mah batteries. Here is what I have found so far:
1. On a full charge I get 2:50 to 3:15 with 4 lights on my Mod SBM-1. I then get at least 2 more hours on 3 lights. I have been seeing around 6 hours until it shuts off.
2. I bought the newer charger, because it was stated in a PCphoto magazine review that it has a better charging/conditioning algorithm. I also bought the energizer batteries, beause another review shows them to be a tiny bit stronger than the Maha cells.
3. The included Lenmar batteries lick butt! The performace sucks compared to the energizers.
Now my questions are:
1. Should I feel VERY comfortable about the reliability of these over the long term? (brining a backup set does not do me well, as I do not want a cut in the middle of a mission critical recording).
2. When you folks use these batteries, how long will they keep a full charge for? (i.e. is it OK to let them sit more than say 72 hours without losing significant power?) Or, should I always charge them the night before a recording?
3. Are these safe to use in ANY device that takes AA batteries? I wonder if the current draw is different than an alkaline battery, where noise might be added if used in my D-8 or PSP-2 preamp.
4. If I am not "reconditioning" the batteries, should I pull them right after the charger lights become green? Or, will I get a bit more juice out of the charge by letting them sit for X amount of time extra?
Thanks again for the help!
:D