Batteries

Rechargeable batteries, the power supply for portable video, also need special attention. Although VCRs and cameras draw relatively little power, usually 15-30 watts, batteries have a way of failing at the least opportune moment. Most professional tube cameras operate optimally at 14 volts while CCD cameras typically require 12 volts. And nearly all portable VCRs operate at 12 volts. If you're not using a camcorder, separate batteries for the camera and recorder are the preferred method.

The Panasonic F-250 camera and dockable S-VHS recorder require approximately 12 volts but will continue to operate down to approximately 10.6 volts. At this level it is important to change over to a fresh battery as soon as practically possible.

NOTE: Most rechargeable batteries are Ni-Cads (Nickel Cadmium). For those of you who are environmentally aware you know that heavy metals are environmentally unfriendly. It is important that Ni-Cad batteries be disposed of properly (most manufacturers have a trade-in policy.) And if you are really want to save the environment, whenever possible use AC power rather than battery power.

Some things to consider:

• Temperature will effect the output of a battery, cold temperature will decrease the output (during cold weather exterior shoots, try to keep batteries warm). However, heat is the number one killer of Ni-Cad batteries. Keep batteries cool while charging and during storage.
• Batteries are not rugged, they do not take shock well...DO NOT DROP!
• Batteries develop memories and other problems if they are not recharged according to proper procedure.

Charge Rates = Fast, Quick and Slow:
Slow = overnight or 14-16 hrs.
Quick = more than 1 hr. but less than 14
Fast = less than 1 hr. (should be used sparingly and only when batteries are near room temperature)

• for batteries without microprocessors, charge on "quick" or "slow" charge rather than "fast" (1 hr.) whenever possible
• do not overcharge a battery
• don't run it completely dead, i.e. replace with fresh battery at first indication of depletion
• charge a depleted battery as soon as possible
• store batteries in a charged condition and if stored, give them a slow, overnight charge to "top-off" the battery preceding use

NOTE: A word about battery life. Often people will come back and complain that a camera battery didn't even last through one 20 min. cassette. What in fact happened is that they powered up the camera, white balanced, checked their lighting, went through several rehearsals, changed the position of the talent, had some donuts and coffee, etc. all before shooting. If you fail to go to Standby when not actually shooting, this is exactly what will happen!

The prudent ENG/EFP battery package would include enough batteries to run all equipment for a normal day without the necessity to recharge during the day. There should be an 8 hour quick charger available for each battery so all batteries can be charged simultaneously overnight (8hrs.) A single fast charger may be included for the unexpected.

Average life expectancy of Ni-Cad batteries for video or film applications is 500 cycles, with gamut ranging from 200 to 800 cycles.

Notes on Anton Bauer Pro Pac 13

Use only Anton Bauer Lifesaver chargers:

1. keep batteries on charger until just prior to being used
2. return batteries to charger as soon as possible after use, preferably within 48 hours
3. if batteries have been off the charger for more than a few days, they should be placed back on the charger for at least 24 hours before they are to be used
4. do not use slow chargers except in emergencies
5. do not overdischarge batteries...if you operate the camcorder beyond the low battery warning light or until the camcorder shuts down, you have subjected the battery to possible irreparable damage

Anton Bauer Pro Pac 13 is rated as follows:

• 13.2 nominal, 11-15 volts depending on state of charge and current load
• 4 AH nominal, 55 WH nominal
• Typical runtimes:
  @12 watts = 4.5 hours
  @16 watts = 3.25 hours
• Charge time: 8 hours with Anton Bauer LSQ4 charger

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