Topic: L-ion or other lighwight V2 solution

[Stagger]

Like most folks I have been powering my 6v V2 with Eco-Charge 6v bricks. My issue is that the batteries are several years old and run for just about 3-3.5 hours each. Due to this, I am forced to carry 2 packs with me for most shows as the last thing I want is to have my battery die in the middle of the 2nd encore. My question for all you remote power experts is: is there a L-ion or other lightweight solution like a gel-cell that I can run the V2 off of that will shave some lbs off of my bag? I have searched the forum and I haven't found any answers or discussion of lightweight batteries for a V2.

[hammerhorror]

The WalMart Li-ion 9V batteries work great. You just need someone to build you a cable to take the output of the battery to the DC power input of your V2. You should be able to pick up a 9V Li-ion for around $30.00 in the yard sale or on Ebay.

This is how I ran my V2 when I owned one. I had Ed at Kindkables.com build my power cable for me.

Worked Great!

[Stagger]

So no issues powering a 6v V2 with a 9v L-ion?

[hammerhorror]

No problems whatsoever.

Power Consumption for the V2 is: 500mA DC 6-12V

[Stagger]

One more question. How long do you figgure you would get out of each battery? I'm assuming I would have to get 2 of them (which is still lighter than my lead) but will I ever run into issues on a long second set or a 3 set show?
Do those Wally World bats come with chargers? It's hard to tell from the photo and description at the website.

[OFOTD]

One more question. How long do you figgure you would get out of each battery? I'm assuming I would have to get 2 of them (which is still lighter than my lead) but will I ever run into issues on a long second set or a 3 set show?
Do those Wally World bats come with chargers? It's hard to tell from the photo and description at the website.

One Wallybatt powers my V3 for well over 6 hours.  Most come with a wall and car charger.

[Stagger]

Cool Is this the one you use?

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2350787

[kskreider]

Cool Is this the one you use?
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2350787

Yah, but don't buy it from Wal-Mart for $50.  I got one brand new from eBay for $20ish. 

edit: the only thing that you will notice is that if it is calibrated for 6V it will do two things: 1)it will run a little warmer than you are used to, but not HOT-HOT, and 2)your low battery indicator light won't function properly.  (which is OK too b/c the wally world batteries have indicator lights on them.)

[Stagger]

Did a bit of poking around and it looks like the Lenmar DVD-U9 is the way to go as it is a 6600ma for a bit more. Do y'all get 5+ hours on a V2 with phantom on? If so my old Ecocharges must be really shot. They are supposed to be 7000mah and I can barely get 2.5 hours with phantom on. Good thing they came with the mics and V2  .

[stevetoney]

Did a bit of poking around and it looks like the Lenmar DVD-U9 is the way to go as it is a 6600ma for a bit more. Do y'all get 5+ hours on a V2 with phantom on? If so my old Ecocharges must be really shot. They are supposed to be 7000mah and I can barely get 2.5 hours with phantom on. Good thing they came with the mics and V2  .

FWIW, I'm 99% sure I read in another thread that the Lenmars are actually 5400ma even though they're advertised as 6600.

EDIT...yup...here's the thread...

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,77146.msg1038583.html#msg1038583

[Stagger]

Yea noticed that after.... strange that everyone that sells them has em at 6600. I looked at about about 8 retailers before I found the proper specs too. 

[F.O.Bean]

I use 7.2v NIMH rc packs and couldnt be happier. theyre more reliable than lion IMO and can be easily charged quickly and are realtively cheap. just not as light as lion.....

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

Hey Bean.  You have a link to these Rc batteries you use?

[F.O.Bean]

Hey Bean.  You have a link to these Rc batteries you use?

I usually get them on ebay and get 4 batts at a time. they usuially sell (3) 7.2v NIMH rc batts for around 50 shipped. I was looking on ebay a few months ago and noticed that 1-2 companmies are now selling (4) at a time instead of 3

Theyre just your average cheapie 7.2v NIMH rc batts

When I got them all in summer 2005 tho, I did notice somethinga nd am just forewarning you. It took AT LEAST 6-7 cycles to get my NIMH rc batts to reach their maximum capacity tho FWIW. not a huge deal but I thought I got (12) BUNK batts. after 6 or so cycles I realized they were fine and with NIMH, no memory effect even tho I do cycle them completely about once a year even tho there is no memory effect. I feel better and safer cycling them at least once a year so I know thjey are at 100% capacity

Mark, search ebay for 7.2 volt NIMH batteries and if that doesnt work try switching up your search terms, becuase it takes a few times of getting your search words just right for the NIMG rc batts to pop up so........

[Stagger]

I use 7.2v NIMH rc packs and couldnt be happier. theyre more reliable than lion IMO and can be easily charged quickly and are realtively cheap. just not as light as lion.....

Reliable-shmiable... I want to be walking upright when I'm 50. 

Anything beats my old rig for NYE or other long shows. 3 12v lead bricks.... ugggg....