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Gear / Technical Help => Remote Power => Topic started by: two2the8 on June 22, 2017, 03:41:33 PM

Title: Portable solution for F8: RAVPower 23000 mah vs. NP1 vs ??
Post by: two2the8 on June 22, 2017, 03:41:33 PM
Hi all,

I'm gearing up to do some remote field recording again this fall, and I'm looking for some quick advice on battery solutions. I'm looking for a decent balance between of cost/size-weight/battery life, but most of all I'd like a solution that's reliable. I've been looking at these: https://www.ravpower.com/ravpower-23000mah-portable-charger-external-battery-charger.html, and considering that I'd run AAs internal as a backup. Any advice about this solution or other contenders out there?

I sometimes end up recording 4 mics at 48v for 8 hours at a go, so it's good to have something with a decent capacity. I've looked at NP-1 solutions, but they seem bulky what with chargers etc., and they're SO expensive. I'm intrigued by these, too, but they're not easy to find around here: http://www.tracerpower.com/tracer-lithium-polymer-battery-packs.html (recommended here: http://www.theatreofnoise.com/2016/08/zoom-f8-comparing-power-methods.html).

I'm thankful for any help & advice!

Title: Re: Portable solution for F8: RAVPower 23000 mah vs. NP1 vs ??
Post by: pohaku on June 23, 2017, 01:49:27 PM
I use that RAVPower unit for my F8 and it works well.  I often run 2 pairs of P48 mics (and a board feed) with no problem, but I have never run them for that length of time - just a typical 3-4 hour show.  I know others on this board use the same RAVPower unit.  Perhaps their experience is closer to what you are looking for.
Title: Re: Portable solution for F8: RAVPower 23000 mah vs. NP1 vs ??
Post by: two2the8 on June 23, 2017, 05:14:28 PM
Thanks! That's really helpful. I think I'll lay in for two of them, which I think should be more than enough & which will give me a backup if one fails.
Title: Re: Portable solution for F8: RAVPower 23000 mah vs. NP1 vs ??
Post by: pohaku on June 23, 2017, 05:17:35 PM
BTW, you can get nice hirose connector power cables from our resident cable makers.
Title: Re: Portable solution for F8: RAVPower 23000 mah vs. NP1 vs ??
Post by: two2the8 on June 24, 2017, 02:01:24 AM
Ha, I just finished putting in an order for one earlier today! Thanks for the tip ;)
Title: Re: Portable solution for F8: RAVPower 23000 mah vs. NP1 vs ??
Post by: two2the8 on June 29, 2017, 11:56:11 AM
FYI, it looks like the RAVPower has been discontinued. I opted to go for the Omnicharge instead: https://www.omnicharge.co/.
Title: Re: Portable solution for F8: RAVPower 23000 mah vs. NP1 vs ??
Post by: two2the8 on July 07, 2017, 04:45:52 PM
FYI, it looks like the RAVPower has been discontinued. I opted to go for the Omnicharge instead: https://www.omnicharge.co/.

And BTW, all, it turns out that the omnicharge *needs* a custom power cable—the adapters included in the pro bundle are not long enough to fit into the recessed hole on the F8.Only a minor bummer for me since I ordered a custom cable already, but probably good for folks to know!
Title: Re: Portable solution for F8: RAVPower 23000 mah vs. NP1 vs ??
Post by: pohaku on July 07, 2017, 10:47:41 PM
The RAVpower unit is back for sale again.
Title: Re: Portable solution for F8: RAVPower 23000 mah vs. NP1 vs ??
Post by: Benderman11 on July 07, 2017, 11:21:38 PM
tekkeon batteries still work well for me.