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Gear / Technical Help => Remote Power => Topic started by: jibooer on April 05, 2010, 01:24:23 AM
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I maybe in the market for a FR2-LE so I am searching for power options. I am familiar w/ the RC batts, but would rather have a Li-Ion alternative such as the Tekkeon 3450. The questions I have are:
1) at what voltage would I select from the Tekkeon - 7.2V or 12V? (I am confused as the Tamiya RC's needed are 7.2V, but the DC in calls for 12V (hence the noob content))
2) will one of the adapter tips that are included work with the FR2-LE?
I understand that the RC route is the most inexpensive and more widely used, but I am hoping someone out there has some field experience with other sources of remote power.
Thanks in advance.
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if you are going in via the 12v then you want to set it at 12v
i also recall reading that the setting doesn't really mean much other then it helps keep a more accurate "remaining life" of the battery on the screen
i am not sure if thats true but i saw it somewhere
the rc option is really great though you should check it out before having extra external items imo
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thx will, i appreciate your reply.
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Some time ago found posting pertaining to this subject about powering FR2-LE with Alkaline D cells on Fostex site. Converted to PDF file and just uploaded to my site.
Download target file: www.sonicstudios.com/Fostex Forums D-Cell Battery Pack.pdf (http://www.sonicstudios.com/Fostex Forums D-Cell Battery Pack.pdf)
My own external deck powering solutions (maybe use this for DIY reference if for nothing else): www.sonicstudios.com/batsys98.htm (http://www.sonicstudios.com/batsys98.htm)
My retail section external powering solution (open for comments) at: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=83618.0
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I don't see any reason you couldn't use that battery. It's pricey, but it looks really good for long festivals where there are a lot of acts you want to record and there is no way to recharge batteries.
Running it 12V into the DC port on the FR2LE would work fine.
I don't have any experience with the FR2LE powered externally, but I've powered many other devices with similar batteries without issue.
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Here are my battery powering tests for the FR-2le, http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,98557.msg1389778.html#msg1389778 Note particularly the results with the 8xD-cell pack.
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From your test data:
"-External, 8xD alkaline, wired in series for 12v output, with 0-15v panel volt meter; deck ran until voltage dropped to ~5.75v, though I didn't start with a fresh pack. I'd estimate ~15 hours run-time with new batts**, but the shutdown voltage reading was the key piece of information in this test.
[Edit: **After some real-world field use, I have some updated results. I was able to record 32+ hours on a new set of Duracell D batteries, and the battery level meter still showed about 60% (~10 volts). Yeah. Figure in another 20-25% additional time the unit was in standby mode for sound checks, and the capacity of this simple and inexpensive pack is phenomenal. I could use these same batteries next year and they could record another whole festival. No expensive RC batts and chargers for me, thanks.]"
This illustrates the advantages of using regular D alkaline cells. Namely light weight extremely powerful external powering of recording gear. I do have an equivalent very ruggedized 8 D cell battery sled made from no longer (available from stock) high reliability plastic materials.
Sonic Studios BD-8 model(s) can be fitted with appropriate power plug fitting the FR2-LE and other decks accepting 12 volts and working to ~5.75 volts end-of-batterypack-service voltage. BD-8 has option of disconnect from output cord connector so a different output power plug patch cord fitting other deck models is possible, and this makes the BGD-8, which is costly-to-make, a better investment as it typically lasts over 10 years of regular use without reliability issues.
(http://www.sonicstudios.com/bd8asmb1.jpg)
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to each is own but if i was going to buy a $225 tray to use D batts why wouldn't i just buy the rc packs??
i see it posted as no expensive rc packs or chargers - but you can get over 6hrs on a rc pack and 2 packs with charger cost around $60
i just don't see how it would be worth it to carry and external pack compared to the benefits
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Has anyone tried the standard "Walmart" dvd packs?
I realize these only output 9v (and will turn off if too much current is drawn), but the FR2-LE has an internal regulator, so I'm wondering if it would still work.
Richard
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I haven't tried the WallyWorld DVD battery but I have run it on a 9.6v 3000mAh RC battery with unit set for whatever the setting is for a 7.2v rc batt (it's been so long since I've used the LE I forget exact what the setting is). Unit ran fine. Don't see why there would be a problem with everyone's favorite DVD battery.
I already had the 9.6v RC batts with Tamiya connectors so I decided to try them before buying a 7.2v. The 9.6 is too long to fit in the battery compartment but other than that it worked well.
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I guess the question is what circuitry is inside. Is that external jack connected to the same place as the tayima connector? I don't have the energy to take my unit apart (again!), but perhaps someone like Busman would know. I'm sure he's traced the circuit on this thing.
Richard
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^ I would be interested in the answer too...