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Gear / Technical Help => Remote Power => Topic started by: Sean Gallemore on November 07, 2003, 09:52:55 PM

Title: powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Sean Gallemore on November 07, 2003, 09:52:55 PM
user guide only gives directions on using alkaline batteries (1.5V) so I'm wondering if rechargable NiMH batteries (1.2V) would be enough to power it correctly.

also, I'm curious on the mAH of standard 1.5V alkaline batteries

thanx
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: zhianosatch on November 07, 2003, 10:14:06 PM
what's the current draw of them audix micros?
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Brian Skalinder on November 08, 2003, 01:19:15 AM
You can definitely run the MP-2 on rechargables.  Rechargable and alkaline AAs are slightly different sizes and older MP-2s require a tweak to the sled for rechargables to work.  Throw in a couple rechargables and see if they work.  If so, you're all set.  If not, you'll need to have SD tweak the battery sled.

Search the Duracell or Energizer site for capacity of alkaline AAs, I found some capacity numbers for C and D batteries a while ago, but forget exactly where.
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Sean Gallemore on November 08, 2003, 02:23:03 AM
so I had 2 rechargables to mess around with.  I put both in, doesn't work.  I put an alkaline in first, then a NiMH (1800mAH) after the alkaline and it works.  Then I try a NiMH fist then an alkaline and it doesn't work.  what's going on?
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: zhianosatch on November 08, 2003, 02:54:21 AM
googly moogly?
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Brian Skalinder on November 08, 2003, 02:58:07 AM
Huh, go figure.  Not sure what to say about that, Schwil.  But I'd give SD a call about getting the sled tweaked so you don't have to sweat it anymore.
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Sean Gallemore on November 08, 2003, 03:34:13 AM
Huh, go figure.  Not sure what to say about that, Schwil.  But I'd give SD a call about getting the sled tweaked so you don't have to sweat it anymore.

sounds like my sled needs to be tweaked? (maybe my brain too)  The batteries fit, just the first slot doesn't like Rechargables, hopefully SD can fix this problem.
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Lee on November 08, 2003, 02:43:54 PM
Yeah, it needs to be retrofitted with a new spring to allow full contact with the wider body of the rechargeable.  It'll run for days on alkalines, I regularly got 2 full shows outta mine before I tossed the batts.
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Nick Culbreth on November 08, 2003, 06:30:45 PM
give sound devices a call, they'll do the work for free and only charge you for return shipping.  i'm willing to bet money they suggest you get the gain potentiometers replaced while it is there and that will cost you about $10 - $15 if memory serves correct.
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Sean Gallemore on November 08, 2003, 10:44:22 PM
give sound devices a call, they'll do the work for free and only charge you for return shipping.  i'm willing to bet money they suggest you get the gain potentiometers replaced while it is there and that will cost you about $10 - $15 if memory serves correct.

thanx for the info, nick and lee :)
the gain potentiometers are the knobs? Mine are a little loose, might get that fixed as well
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Electric Cowgirl on November 10, 2003, 11:45:12 AM
Schwilly-  Try some lithium AA...go get em at Best Buy or Walmart.  They are 10$ for 4.  Also think about constructing a battery pack for the MP2.  I used an ecocharge battery with my MP2.  I have an extra cable if you would like to jerry rig your own (I did).
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Sean Gallemore on November 10, 2003, 06:10:21 PM
i was looking into rechargable NiMH to save on money.  I won't have room most of the time for an ecocharge i think
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Lee on November 10, 2003, 06:47:08 PM
i was looking into rechargable NiMH to save on money.  I won't have room most of the time for an ecocharge i think

Just take a really cold shower before you head to the show...
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: leegeddy on November 10, 2003, 10:21:53 PM
i was looking into rechargable NiMH to save on money.  I won't have room most of the time for an ecocharge i think

i've been using Lenmar NiMH AA for some time now. Lenmar makes various capacity ratings and i use the 2300mAH one. about $17/4pk.  IMO, they are excellent!!

i purchased mine from Thomas Distributing
http://www.nimhbattery.com/index.htm
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Nick Culbreth on November 11, 2003, 10:23:54 AM
definately go the nimh route you'll save a ton of money over the long run.  i've powered my mp2 for three hours w/ phantom power on using a set of 1800 mAh maha rechargeables.
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: scb on November 11, 2003, 11:26:48 AM
>>I won't have room most of the time for an ecocharge i think<<

you could get a small 3 amp hour SLA for like 12 bucks.  it'd power it for hours...
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Chapper on November 11, 2003, 03:50:38 PM
If you do send it in for the batteries, also ask them to tighten the gain knobs.  I've not seen it done, but saw someone posted about it (possibly here).  Don't think there is any charge for that either.  
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Sean Gallemore on November 12, 2003, 06:58:43 PM
thanx and + to all who posted! I'm getting the mod done for $25 (return shipping included), and I'm adding the rechargable setup to my x-mas wish list
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Sean Gallemore on November 12, 2003, 07:05:45 PM
Schwilly-  Try some lithium AA...go get em at Best Buy or Walmart.  They are 10$ for 4.  Also think about constructing a battery pack for the MP2.  I used an ecocharge battery with my MP2.  I have an extra cable if you would like to jerry rig your own (I did).


I think I will run the lithiums if I think it'll be a long set like metallica or Tool.  They each play about 2 hours straight.  Everything else I tape usually runs 90 minute sets or less, hopefully 2 rechargable 2200 mAh batteries will do the trick.  Do they make rechargable lithium AAs yet? :wink2:
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Nick Culbreth on November 12, 2003, 07:30:44 PM

I think I will run the lithiums if I think it'll be a long set like metallica or Tool.  They each play about 2 hours straight.  Everything else I tape usually runs 90 minute sets or less, hopefully 2 rechargable 2200 mAh batteries will do the trick.  Do they make rechargable lithium AAs yet? :wink2:

play around w/ at home and see how long you can run the mp2 on the rechargeables, i'm willing to bet you'll find out it is more than enough to tape 3+ hours.  definately no need to waste money on the lithiums.
Title: Re:powering mp-2 w/ AAs
Post by: Sean Gallemore on November 12, 2003, 07:38:42 PM
I need something that will plug in and draw 48V of power too