Run time for MicroTrack?

[jlykos]

I am using the MT for the first time at the Mule show in Asheville this Friday and have a question about run times for it off the internal battery.  I will be using the S/PDIF input only; I am not using any of the mic preamps on it, nor will I be using the phantom power.  How long can I expect it to run if I use it as a "bit bucket."  I am using a 4GB Microdrive in it if that matters.

[dallman]

I always use a small external battery box now, but I seem to remember getting just about 140-150 minutes on the battery with a 5gb microdrive.

[jlykos]

I always use a small external battery box now, but I seem to remember getting just about 140-150 minutes on the battery with a 5gb microdrive.

Is this run time with using the internal preamps and A/D, or do you have equipment running into it?  I would be running M270 > MiniMe > MT.

[guysonic]

I always use a small external battery box now, but I seem to remember getting just about 140-150 minutes on the battery with a 5gb microdrive.

Is this run time with using the internal preamps and A/D, or do you have equipment running into it?  I would be running M270 > MiniMe > MT.

The major drain is from those microdrives, they really suck down the juice.  Otherwise, you'd be getting 4-5 max hours running time with complact flash and top condition MT battery running LINE or SPDIF input.

Maybe consider using flash for this reason, or make up the difference in money saved with cheap Microdrive storage with now getting a robust external power solution like BC-MT good for 20+ hours mentioned in review at www.sonicstudios.com/mt2496rv.htm  Using microdrive would drop run time to about 12+ hours.

I use both flash, and external power sled with MT deck.  I just do NOT trust that internal MT battery to be reliable enough not to have substantial external regulated 5 volt power available.

[dallman]

I always use a small external battery box now, but I seem to remember getting just about 140-150 minutes on the battery with a 5gb microdrive.

Is this run time with using the internal preamps and A/D, or do you have equipment running into it?  I would be running M270 > MiniMe > MT.

This was without running anything into it, The setup was AT 853> SP Battery Box>MT

If I use my UA-5, I always use external power just to be safe. I have a Kingston 2gb CF card, but to be honest I don't think I get much more battery time on it. One time I forgot to turn the external battery power on using the Kingston (I forgot on the first set, and then somehow forgot again on the second set) , and it was showing very low power after the show. Problem is I cannot remember which show or how long, but I haven't been to any shows recently longer than 150 minutes or so.

Like others, I am wary about the internal battery's run times. To me it is my only complaint about the unit, but it seems even in super stealth mode, I can work with the external battery pack, but it is a bit more hassle.

[jlykos]

Well, I decided to set things up and tape my stereo.  I got about 2:20 on the MT until the battery meter got to the lowest level.  I would think that it would go for an extra 10 minutes or so, but I wouldn't want to push things.  I was running M270 > MiniMe > MT and using a 4GB MicroDrive in the MT.

[svenkid]

any links to good external batt packs for the mt, im going to check the remote power thread now 

[dallman]

Well, I decided to set things up and tape my stereo.  I got about 2:20 on the MT until the battery meter got to the lowest level.  I would think that it would go for an extra 10 minutes or so, but I wouldn't want to push things.  I was running M270 > MiniMe > MT and using a 4GB MicroDrive in the MT.

Pretty consistent with my findings. (140-150 minutes) 

[guysonic]

Well, I decided to set things up and tape my stereo.  I got about 2:20 on the MT until the battery meter got to the lowest level.  I would think that it would go for an extra 10 minutes or so, but I wouldn't want to push things.  I was running M270 > MiniMe > MT and using a 4GB MicroDrive in the MT.

MT deck is 'supposed' to record until battery gets so low that it automatically saves what's recorded so far, and then shuts down before battery is too low for doing this.

Using flash instead of microdrive should at least double the run time. 

'Pushin it' is likely the only way to know how much recording time the battery is really good for.  Battery level indicators are not always telling enough and sometimes hang at the lowest level for way longer than you'd think before dropping to the shutdown point. 

Only way to know is to let the deck shut down and look at the file lengths recorded before this occured. 

Full run-down-to-shut down testing will NOT shorten the battery life in significant way, but over charging (numerous topping off cycles with already fully charged battery) should be avoided. 

[bubbybooshay]

thanks for the info guysonic