RadoStefanov Posted April 30, 2011 Report Share Posted April 30, 2011 I just started a 30 day reality shoot and have been amazed how well the Zaxcom wireless hop performs. "I am very happy with smqv Tx and the absolute convenience of using SR" But back on the point... Running along side 28 smqvs lectros, the Zaxcom is really impressive. The only complaint I have is the battery life of the RX900. Using energizer lithiums I got about 1:30minutes today. That can not be right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomboom Posted April 30, 2011 Report Share Posted April 30, 2011 I think the RX900 performs better with NiMH batts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Mega Posted April 30, 2011 Report Share Posted April 30, 2011 I've been forced to use my RX900S with dinky cams a few times and using energizer lithium AA, I have had between 4 - 5 hours no problems. I changed the batts after that just because I started to worry. Is your unit in power save mode? You should get more than 1.5hrs. Cheers Peter Mega Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProSound Posted April 30, 2011 Report Share Posted April 30, 2011 I've been forced to use my RX900S with dinky cams a few times and using energizer lithium AA, I have had between 4 - 5 hours no problems. If it is cool outside under 80 degrees I get close to 5 hours if it hot I get 4:15-4:30 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RadoStefanov Posted April 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2011 Then it must be something wrong with the unit I am using. I have 4 more receivers and will try a different one. Also I have not checked if the unit is in power safe mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason porter Posted April 30, 2011 Report Share Posted April 30, 2011 Same for me Rado, easily 4-6 hours on AA Powerex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tapio Posted April 30, 2011 Report Share Posted April 30, 2011 The only complaint I have is the battery life of the RX900.Using energizer lithiums I got about 1:30minutes today. That can not be right. Why don't you use the 12 V DC power out (usually a small hirose connector, 0.5A) in the back of the camera? IDX (and others) also manufactures a v-lock plate that can be placed between battery and camera and it gives an extra D-TAP power connector. Our sound mixers (using either Lectro or Zaxcom receivers for cam hop) always connect the receiver to the cam power out and don't have to worry about battery life ever again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RadoStefanov Posted April 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2011 Does EX3 have one? Why don't you use the 12 V DC power out (usually a small hirose connector, 0.5A) in the back of the camera? IDX (and others) also manufactures a v-lock plate that can be placed between battery and camera and it gives an extra D-TAP power connector. Our sound mixers (using either Lectro or Zaxcom receivers for cam hop) always connect the receiver to the cam power out and don't have to worry about battery life ever again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProSound Posted April 30, 2011 Report Share Posted April 30, 2011 Does EX3 have one? No it doesn't other option Rado is to get a Np1 cup for each zaxcom and put it in a Fanny pack with the Zaxcom then you could run all day without worrying I have done this before with great success These are the lightest Np1 as well 0.86lbs. It all fits nicely in a small pack http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/389033-REG/IDX_NP_L7_NP_L7_NP_1_Style_Lithium_Ion.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnpaul215 Posted April 30, 2011 Report Share Posted April 30, 2011 EX-3 has no external power plug, and often no good way to mount a RX. The jobs I have done with them are ones where the camera op wears a pouch holding the RX. I got a little Li-po rechargeable battery pack that I can velcro to the RX900 and almost get a whole day. My power estimates were a little off, but a pack lasts at least 10 hours. It's a lot smaller than a NP-1 and fits in the PortaBrace RX pouch I hand the camera op. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audio Daddyo Posted April 30, 2011 Report Share Posted April 30, 2011 I got a little Li-po rechargeable battery pack that I can velcro to the RX900 and almost get a whole day. My power estimates were a little off, but a pack lasts at least 10 hours. It's a lot smaller than a NP-1 and fits in the PortaBrace RX pouch I hand the camera op. Johnpaul For cameras with out a DC out I use a modified eagle creek pouch that I sowed a belt to. It carries my RX 900 and a NP1. I keep thinking about getting a smaller battery pack so I am interested in what battery pack you are using. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimPitot Posted April 30, 2011 Report Share Posted April 30, 2011 "cue oleg" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnpaul215 Posted May 1, 2011 Report Share Posted May 1, 2011 I'm using a PortaBrace RM185 pouch http://www.portabrace.com/productB-RM-185 It has a belt loop, and the extra pouch is big enough to easily hold the battery. I'm pretty sure this is the battery: Tenergy Li-Ion 18650 14.8V 2600mAh PCB Protected Rechargeable Battery Pack w/ 22AWG Bare Leads http://www.all-battery.com/li-ion18650148v2600mahrechargeablebatterypackpcbprotectionwith22awgbareleads.aspx I have to double check when I'm back at work, but I think that's the battery. I wish it was slightly higher capacity. If I remember right, I get about 10 hours with my RX900S. I have two, so I can change them at lunch and be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomboom Posted May 1, 2011 Report Share Posted May 1, 2011 Makes me realize now that being able to use the IFB100 to remotely power the RX900 down would be great. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonathan chiles Posted May 1, 2011 Report Share Posted May 1, 2011 Hey John Paul I have been thinking about using LiPo packs as they are cheap and I have a bunch lying around for model aeroplanes anyways. How many cells and what MAh are you using to power the Zax Rx? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audio Daddyo Posted May 1, 2011 Report Share Posted May 1, 2011 I'm using a PortaBrace RM185 pouch http://www.portabrace.com/productB-RM-185 It has a belt loop, and the extra pouch is big enough to easily hold the battery. In my previous post I said that the bag that I used for my RX900 and NP1 is an eagle creek bag but it's actually a Campinn Bag. http://www.campinn.com/mesh-pocket.html I chose this bag because it was the only bag I could find that had a mesh breathable side. The RX900 will eventually overheat and shut off if you put them in an unventilated bag on a hot day. That is why I went to the extra trouble to buy a meshed bag and have a belt sown on. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ao Posted May 1, 2011 Report Share Posted May 1, 2011 EX-3 has no external power plug, and often no good way to mount a RX. The jobs I have done with them are ones where the camera op wears a pouch holding the RX. I got a little Li-po rechargeable battery pack that I can velcro to the RX900 and almost get a whole day. My power estimates were a little off, but a pack lasts at least 10 hours. It's a lot smaller than a NP-1 and fits in the PortaBrace RX pouch I hand the camera op. I have used this gizmo or another one similar to this one to power receivers. it has a dtap and hirose on it. If the camera operator is using the ex3 with a serious lens on it, they will welcome the counter balance. That's how I have sold it in the past. https://www.vfgadgets.com/mobile/home.asp?#page-19 A compromise would be the swit battery with the dtap on it. http://www.armatosvideo.com/swits-8u62pmw-ex1pmw-ex3.aspx ao Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MatthewFreedAudio Posted May 2, 2011 Report Share Posted May 2, 2011 The 900S definitely chews through any alkaline, rechargeable, even lithium batteries. I power mine off a NP1 with a cup. It lasts all day long without ever needing a new battery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audio Daddyo Posted May 2, 2011 Report Share Posted May 2, 2011 The 900S definitely chews through any alkaline, rechargeable, even lithium batteries. I power mine off a NP1 with a cup. It lasts all day long without ever needing a new battery. I also usually use a NP1 and can easily get a days use out of it and often two days. When I do power internally I have gotten 4-5 hours with lithium and around 3 hours with rechargeables. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RadoStefanov Posted May 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 2, 2011 Since I am on an elimination show "3 girls gone already" I switched to 2 smqv going to SR "all 5 cameras have an SR receiver". I have to say the simplicity, the L M type power, the weight and the hot shoe mounting option on the SRs are very convenient. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundslikejustin Posted May 2, 2011 Report Share Posted May 2, 2011 Hey John Paul I have been thinking about using LiPo packs as they are cheap and I have a bunch lying around for model aeroplanes anyways. How many cells and what MAh are you using to power the Zax Rx? I am using a 4S 5200mah Turnigy LiPo to power my whole bag. It's smaller and lighter than an np-1, and lasts me nearly 2 days without needing a recharge. A little OT but kind of not. You could use a 3S LiPo to power the QRX or RS900. Nominal voltage is 11.1V, range is from 12.6 to 9.0 (you cannot go under this level under load) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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