Topic: Zoom F3 abd batteries

[macntem]

Hey...just getting back into taping, after a decade off.
Bought the F3, and run the CMC6 and want to use an external power bank. Any recommendations on a power bank and a quality USB-C cable would be appreciated.

[grawk]

Hey...just getting back into taping, after a decade off.
Bought the F3, and run the CMC6 and want to use an external power bank. Any recommendations on a power bank and a quality USB-C cable would be appreciated.

I had good luck with anker power banks of all varieties with usb-c.  I used a short right angle usb-c cable, but any reasonable cable should work

[breakonthru]

Hey...just getting back into taping, after a decade off.
Bought the F3, and run the CMC6 and want to use an external power bank. Any recommendations on a power bank and a quality USB-C cable would be appreciated.

the cable doesn’t need to be uber reliable just throw a second in your bag.

The beauty of the F3/F6 is that they go for hours on the internal batteries. If you’re only half paying attention and the usb connection fails you should still go home with a good recording

The most popular batteries for the F3 are the 5000 and 7000 mA batteries which have a similar footprint to the recorder itself. A 10000 could easily do a festival day

[macntem]

Thanks I appreciate that. I ordered an Anker power bank 10000 mAh and a couple of their small cables. Now gotta to get out there. Thanks again

[SMsound]

The beauty of the F3/F6 is that they go for hours on the internal batteries. If you’re only half paying attention and the usb connection fails you should still go home with a good recording

Does the F3 automatically switch to AA batteries if the powerbank unplugs from USB-C (or dies)?  My MixPre's do this, but haven't ever tried with my Zoom recorders.

[Rairun]

The beauty of the F3/F6 is that they go for hours on the internal batteries. If you’re only half paying attention and the usb connection fails you should still go home with a good recording

Does the F3 automatically switch to AA batteries if the powerbank unplugs from USB-C (or dies)?  My MixPre's do this, but haven't ever tried with my Zoom recorders.

It does, yes.

[mrfender]

Resurrecting this thread for a question on power banks:

The F3 calls for input power of 5v/1 A.  My wife has a pile of cheap-o power banks that are 5v output but some are 1A and some are 2.1A.

Is it ok to use the 2.1A banks to run the deck or should I stick to only 1A ones?  I know everyone uses them for their phones and other stuff but I'm not sure if recording equipment would be more sensitive to the increased amps (especially over the long term)?

[grawk]

Yes it’s always ok to exceed the amp requirements.

[mrfender]

Yes it’s always ok to exceed the amp requirements.

Cool, thanks!

I've been testing out some of these 22000 2200 mAh batteries to see if they're any good and getting just about 2 hours out of them running a pair of CM4s.  Kind of in line with what the regular 2 AAs would provide, not too bad for something they give away at trade shows and such.

[jefflester]

I've been testing out some of these 22000 mAh batteries to see if they're any good and getting just about 2 hours out of them running a pair of CM4s.

Must be 2200 mAh, 22000 would last till till the cows come home.

I put up a photo in the main F3 thread, not remembering there was a battery specific thread. I discovered I had an older Maxoax (5200 mAh) that fits perfectly underneath.

[mrfender]

Yes, 2200. 

I saw your post and that was what got me wondering.  Can't find one that size (as you mention it's no longer available) so I thought I'd give these little ones a try.  I've gotten anywhere from 2 - 2.5 hours running 48v phantom power plus they're small so less space taken up in the bag.  The AAs plus one of these will be plenty for my recordings.

[adrianf74]

I'm running lithium Energizer batteries when I use the F3. Get 7-8 hours on a pair so two shows.