Topic: Want to make sure this battery & connection will work with my DR-680

[glennjr]

Hello Everyone,
This is my first of hopefully many posts here. I'm new to recording outside of the studio; but hardly a newbie. I consider myself relatively competent, but when electrical matters are concerned I always check and double check before trying it out.

I've been reading the forums here looking for a battery solution for my DR-680. Considering the prices of things where I live, I've decided to try using a 10Ah 12v sealed lead acid rechargeable battery, which was recommended by someone in another post. Apparently the ones I'm finding here are meant for electrical scooters, bicycles and the like. Perhaps a bit heavy, but my current setup is quite sparse - I'll live with it.

Something like this:




The only thing I want to make sure about is how to correctly connect the battery to the DR-680. Here are my solutions. Will they work?

A) Simply make my own connection with a wire soldered to the correct size plug

B) Use something like this:



C) Use this connected to a wire, which goes to the battery terminals:




I don't see why any of these three options wouldn't work; it seems pretty straightforward. However, would there be any problem or easier way to get it done? As much time and cash I spent getting a Busman DR-680 to Taiwan, I don't want to fry it.

Thanks for your wisdom. Looking forward to your replies!

Glenn

[chinariderstl]

You might want to check out this thread.  A couple of folks picked one of these up for the DR-680.  I'm grabbing one as well.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=157799.msg200160

[glennjr]

Yeah, that battery does look promising. They don't ship to Taiwan, but I've found a few comparable models here. Unfortunately they start at $100.

[DigiGal]

I certainly wouldn't want to be lugging around a sealed lead acid battery or connect to it using alligator clamps.  There must be better solutions for you in Taiwan.

[glennjr]

Well, you changed my mind. Looks like I'll be getting a universal-type battery.

I've been searching for them locally and came across this apparent gem.



It's 36000 mAh/133W and sells here for about $170 USD.  What do you think? For the price and features (those I can guess from Google translate that is...) it seems pretty good to me. At least comparing it to what I'm finding locally. Other batteries are around $120 ~ 150 for 18000mah, with seemingly less features. For example, you can piggyback another battery onto this one.

It looks like a small operation by the horrid website, but maybe that's not a bad thing. Anyhow, here's the website. It's all in Chinese, but I think you can get an idea by the numbers alone. They do have an English page, but it's for an earlier version than this one.

http://www.hdb-tech.com/V5.htm

Just copy and paste to google translate (Chinese Traditional). It's rough, but should give you an idea.

Thanks for any opinions.

Glenn

(Ok, I realize with my low post count I may look like a shill here.  I have nearly the same moniker on Gearslutz (glenn_jr) in case you're worried.  Anyhow, I don't have a bunch of cash to throw away on something that won't work; and Taiwan is notorious for "NO RETURNS ON ANYTHING" so hope ya get my situation...) Thanks

[LikeASong]

People with more experience can surely chime in and correct me, but it definitely sounds like a good deal IF those specs are real.

The box reads 24.000 mAh though, not 36.000...

PS. I wouldn't worry about having a low post count dude People here will help you without looking at that!

[glennjr]

Ah, thanks for noticing that. I must have grabbed the wrong pic. They do have a 24000mah at a lower price.

And good point about the specs. Probably no way to tell until you take the plunge. The guy only sells on a couple ebay-like auction sites; so far looks like no complaints. But most likely most people are using them for laptops and such.

Well, if anyone with experience can take a look, please do. If some info isn't easy to find, let me know and I'll get it properly translated (wife will do it)

And yeah, guess I've been reading gearslutz for too long. Some are quick over there to call someone out for being a troll, shill, etc. 

[Myco]

No lithium options for you in Taiwan? I'd be surprised. A 12V lithium would be ideal, but the 9V DVD batteries work fine also. The only issues with the Tekkeon lithiums was with the variable voltage option where the circuit chooses the voltage. I've used a Tekkeon with the manual locking voltage with no problems. I'd go with the lead if you wanted something to last all weekend for a festi or something, but everyday single show recording, Nah, too much needless weight to lug around. Unless of course you're looking for the workout. 

[glennjr]

After talking with the guy making the above battery, I decided to go with it (the NB-3C). What sold me was his eagerness and willingness to make me a custom sized battery to piggyback on this one should I need the extra power in the future. Now ASSuming this one works well with my Tascam, I think I'll be in good shape.  It will arrive Friday. 

If it turns out to work well, I'll be sure to post a separate review on it. While searching for more info on this battery, I found some references on Alibaba. So there's a chance someone may be selling a re-branded version of it in your neck of the woods.

[glennjr]

Some preliminary comments on the NB-3C...

I tried it with various electronics around the house with no issues, so went ahead and plugged in the Tascam. I connected a 416 and AT825 with phantom power on. So 3 channels total. I gave them a nice healthy level and plugged in headphones; volume about 2 o'clock. Tascam display on the entire time. (although maybe it's always like that when on DC power? It normally shut off when using batteries)

The battery has 4 lights at the top indicating the charge level. It took about 14 hours to eliminate two of the lights. So I could assume it was at 50%. I probably should have let it go all the way to see if they metered correctly, but I figured that was really enough juice for my needs. Had I known it would go that long, I would have added three more mics.

The plugs themselves aren't super tight, but tight enough. I'll need to find an "L" shaped plug to fit into the Tascam, as the current plug that comes with the battery sticks out way too much. And not sure if heat is ever an issue for these kinds of batteries, but this one has nearly none that I can tell. The plastic case is coated with a rubber-like material; maybe this has something to do with it.

Anyhow, I'm pretty happy with it so far. After using it a month or so I'll post back. (if anyone cares!) 

[bryonsos]

Some preliminary comments on the NB-3C...

I tried it with various electronics around the house with no issues, so went ahead and plugged in the Tascam. I connected a 416 and AT825 with phantom power on. So 3 channels total. I gave them a nice healthy level and plugged in headphones; volume about 2 o'clock. Tascam display on the entire time. (although maybe it's always like that when on DC power? It normally shut off when using batteries)

The battery has 4 lights at the top indicating the charge level. It took about 14 hours to eliminate two of the lights. So I could assume it was at 50%. I probably should have let it go all the way to see if they metered correctly, but I figured that was really enough juice for my needs. Had I known it would go that long, I would have added three more mics.

The plugs themselves aren't super tight, but tight enough. I'll need to find an "L" shaped plug to fit into the Tascam, as the current plug that comes with the battery sticks out way too much. And not sure if heat is ever an issue for these kinds of batteries, but this one has nearly none that I can tell. The plastic case is coated with a rubber-like material; maybe this has something to do with it.

Anyhow, I'm pretty happy with it so far. After using it a month or so I'll post back. (if anyone cares!) 

Here on TS, we're always interested to hear about new powering options! Thanks for the info, and post all the updates you have. Cheers!

[Chimney Top]

Energizer Lithium AA batteries?  rechargable AA batteries?  not sure why you would need a golf cart battery... NB-3C probably works too.