Topic: batteries for 702

[noam]

Can someone advice me about best batteries for the 702 or point me to a past thread?

Also, what are the more reliable brands for fast Flash Cards for the 702?

Thanks,

Noam

[H₂O]

A-Data Speedy 16GB or 32GB should be fine.  I ran the 16GB for a year without any issues and it was capable of recording 24/96.

16GB:
http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=A-Data+Compact+flash+speedy+16gb&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=sxWLSdmvLY3BtgfJo8GWBw&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title

32GB:
http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=A-Data+Compact+flash+speedy+32gb&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=WBaLScvhNtWDtwedqLykBw&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title

Don't buy Flash on ebay!

[noam]

A-Data Speedy 16GB or 32GB should be fine.  I ran the 16GB for a year without any issues and it was capable of recording 24/96.

16GB:
http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=A-Data+Compact+flash+speedy+16gb&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=sxWLSdmvLY3BtgfJo8GWBw&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title

32GB:
http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=A-Data+Compact+flash+speedy+32gb&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=WBaLScvhNtWDtwedqLykBw&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title

Don't buy Flash on ebay!

Thanks!

Batteries, anyone?

Noam

[OFOTD]

Also, what are the more reliable brands for fast Flash Cards for the 702?

I posted about this in the Sound Devices forums, i'm using the Transcend 32GB card 24/96 in a 744 with perfect and problem free results.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208389


For batteries alot of folks have been diggin on the Lenmar LIS970P.  Its a 7800mAh battery and would power the 702 all day probably.   Thomas Distributing has a good rep as well.

http://thomasdistributing.com/shop/lenmar-lis970p-72-volt-7800mah-batterybrrechargeable-lithium-ionbr-replaces-sony-npf950-npf960-and-f970b-p-1255.html?SP_id=&osCsid=bd7iaev3892k4tv8lkacmhn7q7

[noam]

Also, what are the more reliable brands for fast Flash Cards for the 702?

I posted about this in the Sound Devices forums, i'm using the Transcend 32GB card 24/96 in a 744 with perfect and problem free results.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208389


For batteries alot of folks have been diggin on the Lenmar LIS970P.  Its a 7800mAh battery and would power the 702 all day probably.   Thomas Distributing has a good rep as well.

http://thomasdistributing.com/shop/lenmar-lis970p-72-volt-7800mah-batterybrrechargeable-lithium-ionbr-replaces-sony-npf950-npf960-and-f970b-p-1255.html?SP_id=&osCsid=bd7iaev3892k4tv8lkacmhn7q7

Thanks. I'm stealthing the whole thing in a pocket or a fanny pack so size and weight are considerations. Sound Devices technical support told me that the supplied 2000mAh does not increase the dimensions of the unit but will last for about 2 hours. I need only 5 hours - which batteries would still not increase the dimensions of the unit and would still give me 5 hours?

Thanks,

Noam

[boojum]

In this app battery size determines battery life.  Bigger = longer. 

[noam]

In this app battery size determines battery life.  Bigger = longer. 

There is no, say, 5000mAh battery that would not increase the dimensions of the unit?

Noam

[OFOTD]

In this app battery size determines battery life.  Bigger = longer. 

There is no, say, 5000mAh battery that would not increase the dimensions of the unit?

Noam

No, if I remember correctly there may have been as 3200mAh battery that would fit but i'm unable to even come close to finding one made anymore.  Is been a couple of years.    There are a good amount of batteries that fit your 5 hour requirement but not that would fit within the dimensions of the 702.  You could buy another stock size battery and change them out if needed or even possible in a stealth situation.

The Sony NP-F970 6600mAh do stick out but by 1/4" or so total.

[noam]

In this app battery size determines battery life.  Bigger = longer. 

There is no, say, 5000mAh battery that would not increase the dimensions of the unit?

Noam

No, if I remember correctly there may have been as 3200mAh battery that would fit but i'm unable to even come close to finding one made anymore.  Is been a couple of years.    There are a good amount of batteries that fit your 5 hour requirement but not that would fit within the dimensions of the 702.  You could buy another stock size battery and change them out if needed or even possible in a stealth situation.

The Sony NP-F970 6600mAh do stick out but by 1/4" or so total.

Thank you so much...the weight and dimensions seem fine: 1-9/16"W x 2-3/8"H x 2-13/16"D
weight: 10.6 ounces

Noam

[noam]

The Sony NP-F970  do stick out but by 1/4" or so total.

Any estimate how long a 6600mAh battery would last me powering 2 schoeps capsules in 96/24, moderate gain, no other independent phantom power supply, not using headphones?

Thanks,

Noam

[H₂O]

I would say 6-10 hours

The 702 does not pull many mA as there is no Hard Drive.

I ran 3 hours off the included 1850mA battery not using Phantom at 24/96.

[noam]

What is this thing about conditioning the batteries? Someone told me I need to "condition" the batteries.

Noam

[boojum]

It is all found under "Search."

[noam]

It is all found under "Search."

I found very little under "advanced search", conditioning batteries, "match all words" - mainly that SONY L batteries can die on you after 2 months, whether you shampoo and condition them or not.

Very scary thought. Are there no entirely reliable batteries out there? With Ni-MH batteries I could at least check them before a performance with a battery tester. There is no way to check an L lithium battery with a battery tester?

Noam

[OFOTD]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_ion_battery#Shelf_life

[Brian Skalinder]

What kind of "battery tester"?  Most I know of simply check the voltage.  FWIW, the 7xx units display the voltage on the front panel.  IME, the 7xx li-ion batteries are just as reliable - or more so - as the other NiMH or li-ion batteries I've used.  FWIW, I think using a quality charger is key to achieving a full charge and longevity.

[noam]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_ion_battery#Shelf_life

So Parker from Sonic Sense is completely and dangerously clueless? She recommended 6 full power cycles (ie - charge fully then drain fully in the 744t 6 times). The link above says not to do that and NEVER to drain them.

They recommend storing the battery 40% charged - how can I know when it's 40% charged?

Does anyone here store their lithium batteries in the fridge?

Noam

[OFOTD]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_ion_battery#Shelf_life

So Parker from Sonic Sense is completely and dangerously clueless? She recommended 6 full power cycles (ie - charge fully then drain fully in the 744t 6 times). The link above says not to do that and NEVER to drain them.

They recommend storing the battery 40% charged - how can I know when it's 40% charged?

Does anyone here store their lithium batteries in the fridge?

Noam

I've got three batteries.  Two of the 6900mah batteries and one of the 7200mah batteries  Two are name brand one is not.  The newest battery I bought I took it out of the package at noon, charged it, used it at 9pm and have now been using it regularly ever since.   

After a show or the next day I will charge that battery fully and put it in a box that I keep other taping accessories and parts in.  My other two batteries are in there as well.   Day of show i'll stick whichever battery I plan on using and one spare on the charger just to top them off.   Rinse and Repeat.

At no time have I ever seen either in performance or by the 744 battery meter a drop in runtime.  That s not to say that one day I won't but after having two of the batteries a year  and one about six months I just haven't seen it.  One of the 6900mah batteries has been drained enough that my 744 shut itself off and it also still hold a complete charge.

So again battery storage for me is in a plastic tub storage box in a closet (70-72 deg/avg in house).  I use a good charger the  Intiial UFC30 and find it charges the 7200mah fully in about 40 minutes.  Its got a pretty good indicator as well.  I usually tape 24/96 two channels digi in and two channels with P48 on.  My 744 records to both the internal HD and a 32GB CF card.


I don't know what Parker has said but I think everybody has some sort of personal theory/opinion on these batteries.  The above is what works for me without problem.

Even if you are not as strict as some may suggest/opinion (i.e. freezer, 40%, six cycles) the fact that many batteries of significant capacity and reliability are selling in the $35 - $55 range which really is dirt cheap right now.  The trend of higher capacity and lower prices just seems to getting greater and greater.   Whether you use a battery over and over until it dies or loses most of its capacity or if you do regular replacements the low price makes it easy to replace them either way.    If you replace one a year then $35 - $55 yearly operating costs are pretty damn good.   

Read through the dozens of 7xx battery threads and you'll see that there are many affordable, high capacity, proven in the field batteries.   

[boojum]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_ion_battery#Shelf_life

So Parker from Sonic Sense is completely and dangerously clueless? She recommended 6 full power cycles (ie - charge fully then drain fully in the 744t 6 times). The link above says not to do that and NEVER to drain them.

They recommend storing the battery 40% charged - how can I know when it's 40% charged?

Does anyone here store their lithium batteries in the fridge?

Noam

I would say this is a fairly accurate appraisal of Parker's technical skills.  She is in sales; she is not an engineer.  Of course, there is always the chance that she knows more than everybody else and she is the first to put that forward as a possibility, but I sure do not subscribe to it.

If you want an answer to an engineering question, why would you ask a salesman???  Hello?  If the sites which are technical in nature refute Parker, whom do you think would be better to believe???

I'll take my answer off the air.     

Disclaimer -  I have had dealings with Parker in the past and found her high-priced, over-rated and under-performing.  As usual, YMMV.

[noam]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_ion_battery#Shelf_life

So Parker from Sonic Sense is completely and dangerously clueless? She recommended 6 full power cycles (ie - charge fully then drain fully in the 744t 6 times). The link above says not to do that and NEVER to drain them.

They recommend storing the battery 40% charged - how can I know when it's 40% charged?

Does anyone here store their lithium batteries in the fridge?

Noam

I would say this is a fairly accurate appraisal of Parker's technical skills. 

If you want an answer to an engineering question, why would you ask a salesman???  Hello?  If the sites which are technical in nature refute Parker, whom do you think would be better to believe???

I did not ask her anything - she was eager to volunteer her knowledge.

Noam

[notlance]

There is a lot of folk wisdom about batteries.  Like all folk wisdom, sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not.

Here is a good source of battery info: http://batteryuniversity.com/  This was written by a company that makes battery chargers mostly for police/fire radios so they know what they are talking about.