XDR isn't ready for Prime Time.

Mike Schell · February 8th, 2009, 11:16 PM

Hi Everyone-
We could add a battery voltage monitor to the XDR, but be aware that Li-Ion and Li-Poly batteries have a very flat discharge curve. The output voltage, usually 7.4V (dual cell) or 14.4V (quad cell) is very flat for 80-90% of the battery life. It will drop off rapidly when you only have about 5-10% of the capacity left. So, it's difficult to quantify the amount of capacity left by simply measuring the cell voltage.

However, on Nickle Metal Hydride batteries, you can make a good estimate of the remaining capacity as these batteries have a fairly linear voltage dropoff with diminishing capacity.

I promise to continue studying the options.

Best-

Douglas Scott · February 9th, 2009, 01:03 AM

Yes I know about the Lithium batteries. When I see the gauge start to drop, I change the battery ASAP. And, that's just the issue with the XDR. We need to see the needle drop.

I'm using the IDX NP-L7S to run the XDR with the 3 point indicator. I just don't have time to pull the battery up and check it. I need to be able to glance the XDR and see a level.

I don't know if having a larger battery to run the camera and the XDR would solve the problem or create another one. At least I would see the gauge in the viewfinder when shooting and in the info window on the side of the camera.

A larger battery would also add more weight. My camera with wireless units, camera light, XDR, etc. is +/- 30 pounds now and you can add carrying extra tapes, batteries and more. A full day of handheld work is brutal.

Scott

John Richard · February 10th, 2009, 08:53 AM

You could use a belt-pack type battery setup and that would put the weight on your hips and off your shoulder. Depending on the type of battery and number of batteries in the pack, you could run the XDR all day. Several manufacturers make them like NRG, PAG, Bescor, etc.

Douglas Scott · February 10th, 2009, 09:50 AM

Thanks John for the suggestion. I am already wearing a battery belt to run the camera light, plus the 2 NP Lithiums to run the camera, XDR and wireless.

The problem with a battery belt is the cable. It gets in the way and ties you to the camera.

I was checking out brick batteries yesterday. The issue there is the 5+ pounds of weight on the back of the camera, plus the price. It will cost me from $1500 to $2500 to change over to another battery system. I have used them before; back in the days of the 400A.

Cheers,
Scott

February 8th, 2009, 11:16 PM	#16
Mike Schell Convergent Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 869	Monitoring Battery Voltage Hi Everyone- We could add a battery voltage monitor to the XDR, but be aware that Li-Ion and Li-Poly batteries have a very flat discharge curve. The output voltage, usually 7.4V (dual cell) or 14.4V (quad cell) is very flat for 80-90% of the battery life. It will drop off rapidly when you only have about 5-10% of the capacity left. So, it's difficult to quantify the amount of capacity left by simply measuring the cell voltage. However, on Nickle Metal Hydride batteries, you can make a good estimate of the remaining capacity as these batteries have a fairly linear voltage dropoff with diminishing capacity. I promise to continue studying the options. Best- __________________ Mike Schell Convergent Design

February 9th, 2009, 01:03 AM	#17
Douglas Scott Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Eugene Oregon Posts: 56	Yes I know about the Lithium batteries. When I see the gauge start to drop, I change the battery ASAP. And, that's just the issue with the XDR. We need to see the needle drop. I'm using the IDX NP-L7S to run the XDR with the 3 point indicator. I just don't have time to pull the battery up and check it. I need to be able to glance the XDR and see a level. I don't know if having a larger battery to run the camera and the XDR would solve the problem or create another one. At least I would see the gauge in the viewfinder when shooting and in the info window on the side of the camera. A larger battery would also add more weight. My camera with wireless units, camera light, XDR, etc. is +/- 30 pounds now and you can add carrying extra tapes, batteries and more. A full day of handheld work is brutal. Scott

February 10th, 2009, 08:53 AM	#18
John Richard Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: Incline Village, Nevada Posts: 604	You could use a belt-pack type battery setup and that would put the weight on your hips and off your shoulder. Depending on the type of battery and number of batteries in the pack, you could run the XDR all day. Several manufacturers make them like NRG, PAG, Bescor, etc.

February 10th, 2009, 09:50 AM	#19
Douglas Scott Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Eugene Oregon Posts: 56	Thanks John for the suggestion. I am already wearing a battery belt to run the camera light, plus the 2 NP Lithiums to run the camera, XDR and wireless. The problem with a battery belt is the cable. It gets in the way and ties you to the camera. I was checking out brick batteries yesterday. The issue there is the 5+ pounds of weight on the back of the camera, plus the price. It will cost me from $1500 to $2500 to change over to another battery system. I have used them before; back in the days of the 400A. Cheers, Scott