Topic: V3 & 7AH SLA run-time test

[John R]

you're right, my bad.  used a 6v eco for 5 hrs, same rig.  low batt was lit.

jr

[DaryanLenz]

One thing you should remember is that Bean and I may have had about an hour variance on actual time and mental time.  I would trust your more  controlled ( ) tests a lot more than ours.  

Daryan

[JAH]

So I'm thinking about getting some new batteries here pretty soon. I have been running 6v 7.2Ah
With the next batts.......
Is bigger better? 6v 14Ah? (not sure of exact Ah size on the larger batt)
Or is it better to have two different 6v 7.2Ah, and just change to fresh power when necessary?
I kind of like the idea of having two batts and leaving one charging while using the other. Or having one as a backup for the occasional long session.

Also.......
Anyone know if a 6vdc@750mA battery charger will charge up the larger capacity 6v battery?
http://batterytender.com/product_info.php?products_id=5&osCsid=882fb5a42bc268d15b2e316a72e84fdb
With 4 pin xlr termination

Thanks guys!

Is bigger bettter....heh, heh, heh   she thinks so
Seriously...how much do you want to carry?  I find the 10AH batts easier to carry than 2 x 7ah for a 3 hr show.  but for festival time it's what you can lug cause you're going to need 'em all.
I'd say figure you average time spent recording/run time...i.e. I do many 3 hr shows and neded to power 2 items. So 10 AH (mine is actually a 12AH) is better than 2x7ah (providing you don't have a major power pig ...gotta check your I draws..)
Then for festivals you may need an additional battery or two (AH dependent).  Now keep in mine, you will need to recharge them too...I have 2 chargers (1AH each) to get it done simutaneously.
You don't want to run the batts till they cut off/deck/pre /adc/???dies cause deep drains kill SLAs fast (that's why the have marine batts for deep cycles). Which is why the total run time is derated by ~20%.

hope it helps
jah

[John R]

gotta roll with jah on this.  it all depends on what you do most of the time.  most of my work is at festivals, so i go big.  my inventory:

2 ea 12v, 7.2A/h, 2 chargers
3 ea 6v, 7.2A/h, 2 chargers(i can only find one since my move though)

a lot of weight to move around, but i always have access to close AC, so it makes charging/rotation pretty easy.  ymmv.

jr

[Marc Nutter]

you're right, my bad.  used a 6v eco for 5 hrs, same rig.  low batt was lit.

jr

Hi John and All,

It should be noted that the longer run times John is getting are the result of the regulated output of the EC-90 (the Eco-Charge with dual output).  If you were to run the 12v output to a V3, you should expect the same operation times as those being posted regarding the 6v batteries.  When a 12v is used to power a 6 or 12v V2/V3, the units will run hotter as they are dissipating the extra voltage as heat whereas the regulator in the EC-90 is not wasting the power.  

This is true with all devices under 12v that are used with the EC-90.

John, please correct me if this is not the case for what you are doing.

Happy Recording,

Marc

[rabhan]

marc, so you are saying that the v3 runtimes shouldnt change whether you use a 12v or 6v?

[Marc Nutter]

marc, so you are saying that the v3 runtimes shouldnt change whether you use a 12v or 6v?

Yes, as long as they are normal 6 or 12 v batteries.
The Eco-Charge EC-90 is a unique animal.  The regulator they have used does not waste power through heat dissipation like the V3/V2, or MiniMe would.

All of these devices draw the same amount of current regardless of whether it is from a 6 or 12v source.

Happy Recording,

Marc

[John R]

you're right, my bad.  used a 6v eco for 5 hrs, same rig.  low batt was lit.

jr

Hi John and All,

It should be noted that the longer run times John is getting are the result of the regulated output of the EC-90 (the Eco-Charge with dual output).  If you were to run the 12v output to a V3, you should expect the same operation times as those being posted regarding the 6v batteries.  When a 12v is used to power a 6 or 12v V2/V3, the units will run hotter as they are dissipating the extra voltage as heat whereas the regulator in the EC-90 is not wasting the power.  

This is true with all devices under 12v that are used with the EC-90.

John, please correct me if this is not the case for what you are doing.

Happy Recording,

Marc

yes, running the v3 with the ec-90 form the 6v port.  me luv it long time.

jr

[Wes]

Marc,
What eco-charges secret to getting the dual output voltage?  is it as simple as a step down transformer which steps the output voltage on the 6v side from 12V down to 6V or am completely off?

[Brian Skalinder]

Marc - great stuff!  Thanks for posting, we seemed to be struggling a bit with this one before you chimed in.  Much appreciated.

In general, for my money and the minimal added weight, I'm happy to carry 2 6v 7AH SLAs vs. an Ecocharge EC-90.

2 x 6v/7AH SLAs + XLRs = $45 and 6.2 lbs

1 x 12v/6v/7AH EC-90 = $190 and 5.5 lbs

Granted, the EC-90 gives you the option of 12v and/or 6v - a great value to some folks - but that's not a feature I need.

At any rate, it's good to know why John's times were much longer so everyone can make their own decisions about buying or making their own, etc.  An informed decision is always a better decision.  

[rabhan]

i like the 6v/12ah option for cheaper and lighter, but you gotta make it yourself.

[F.O.Bean]

One thing you should remember is that Bean and I may have had about an hour variance on actual time and mental time.  I would trust your more  controlled ( ) tests a lot more than ours.  

Daryan

according to dat tape timings, wsp was about 3hrs. on the dot, biscuits first set was about 1hr and 30 mins....and their second was the same..we switched before encore and did all of those 2 shows.... ...now account for level checkings and whatnot, thats at least 6 hrs. right off the bat...... ;)i am gonna check and see the mg200 current draw,......

bean

[Lee]

One thing you should remember is that Bean and I may have had about an hour variance on actual time and mental time.  I would trust your more  controlled ( ) tests a lot more than ours.  

Daryan

according to dat tape timings, wsp was about 3hrs. on the dot, biscuits first set was about 1hr and 30 mins....and their second was the same..we switched before encore and did all of those 2 shows.... ...now account for level checkings and whatnot, thats at least 6 hrs. right off the bat...... ;)i am gonna check and see the mg200 current draw,......

bean

3mA according to their website...

[F.O.Bean]

One thing you should remember is that Bean and I may have had about an hour variance on actual time and mental time.  I would trust your more  controlled ( ) tests a lot more than ours.  

Daryan

according to dat tape timings, wsp was about 3hrs. on the dot, biscuits first set was about 1hr and 30 mins....and their second was the same..we switched before encore and did all of those 2 shows.... ...now account for level checkings and whatnot, thats at least 6 hrs. right off the bat...... ;)i am gonna check and see the mg200 current draw,......

bean

3mA according to their website...

thanks lee, my comps slow....now what about schemps.....

[Brian Skalinder]

thanks lee, my comps slow....now what about schemps.....

According to the archival section with Doug Oade's info, the Shoeps draw 4mA.