cost of batteries for Flyer? at DVinfo.net

Greg Quinn · November 26th, 2006, 05:55 PM

Hi;
I'm currently trying to price out the cost of a flyer, i.e. the best (and cheapest) place to buy one, shipping costs, sales tax, etc. and it seems that since I'm starting from scratch to build up a HDV setup, the cost of batteries for the Flyer could be a significant component. AB or NP batteries will cost at least another $500 on top, correct? Does the Flyer come with dummy ballast that fits into the place where the batteries locate?

Jaron Berman · November 26th, 2006, 09:08 PM

Personally, I'd shy away from NP-1's unless you have a stockpile of them already. As for Idx vs. Anton, most people find that either way you get great systems. For the flyer, you'll probably find more flexibility with IDX v-mounts, as you can get them to stack (to increase the weight below the gimbal) and because you can kinda use the WEVI wireless transmitter system also below the gimbal (with slight modification or a small cable).

As for running the system without batteries below, it would kind of defeat the purpose of the flyer sled, as the monitor would not receive power. Also, if you were to figure some bizarre system to somehow get power to the monitor, you'd definitely void your warranty in the process, and most likely cost yourself more than the price of a proper battery setup.

Batteries are expensive, but vital. And, don't get yourself in a jam and buy 1 battery. You have to also factor the charger and backups. In your home, it's no big deal if you accidentally leave your battery on the sled overnight. In the field, if you have no backup, you'll have to fly the sled blind...which is a huge pain. It's probably smartest to factor in 4 batteries and a decent charger. If you're trying to save cash, check www.batteries4broadcast.com. Otherwise, B&H has some great IDX kits.

Another thing to think about is the future. The flyer can fly cameras bigger than you may expect. BUT, they will have to be powered off the sled, which is a cool feature of stabilizers once you get to the more professional-level of things. If you plan on only ever carrying small dv cameras, you'll never really need the feature (except perhaps for on-board lights). Just a feature to keep in mind, one that would be disabled if you had no batteries below.

Bottom line - when you price out a stabilizer system, don't think of it as a rig...and then everything else. Factor in ALL the things you'll need, and take that sum as the "entrance price." Expect about 2000 for batteries and a cheap charger.

Greg Quinn · November 26th, 2006, 09:22 PM

Jaron;
thanks very much for this info, it helps me enormously in budgeting for the equipment.

Mikko Wilson · November 27th, 2006, 01:41 AM

Another banefit of IDX batteries is that you can also get a couple of the skinny ones which may balance better with a light HDV camera.

The Flyer with IDX starter kit is a great package and worth looking at. It's probably the cheapest way to go as IDX cheaper than AB. (And yes, stay way from NP1)

- Mikko

Vasi Hasan · January 15th, 2007, 02:31 PM

I think there're two kinds of IDXs....Which ones to get?

IDX E-10s Lithium Batteries
IDX Endura 10s Batteries

Mikko Wilson · January 16th, 2007, 02:10 AM

You are refering to the same thing.

There are 4 main IDX batteries:

Endura E-10 - 98Wh/6.6Ah, Stackable
Endura E-10s - 98Wh/6.6Ah, Non-stackable
Endura E-7 - 71Wh/4.8Ah, Stackable
Endura E-7s - 71Wh/4.8Ah, Non-stackable

So 2 sizes, stackable and not stackable.

Details here: http://www.idxtek.com/endura.htm

- Mikko

November 26th, 2006, 05:55 PM	#1
Greg Quinn Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 505	cost of batteries for Flyer? Hi; I'm currently trying to price out the cost of a flyer, i.e. the best (and cheapest) place to buy one, shipping costs, sales tax, etc. and it seems that since I'm starting from scratch to build up a HDV setup, the cost of batteries for the Flyer could be a significant component. AB or NP batteries will cost at least another $500 on top, correct? Does the Flyer come with dummy ballast that fits into the place where the batteries locate?

November 27th, 2006, 01:41 AM	#4
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	Another banefit of IDX batteries is that you can also get a couple of the skinny ones which may balance better with a light HDV camera. The Flyer with IDX starter kit is a great package and worth looking at. It's probably the cheapest way to go as IDX cheaper than AB. (And yes, stay way from NP1) - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

January 15th, 2007, 02:31 PM	#5
Vasi Hasan Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: U.K Posts: 38	Which IDX? I think there're two kinds of IDXs....Which ones to get? IDX E-10s Lithium Batteries IDX Endura 10s Batteries

January 16th, 2007, 02:10 AM	#6
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	You are refering to the same thing. There are 4 main IDX batteries: Endura E-10 - 98Wh/6.6Ah, Stackable Endura E-10s - 98Wh/6.6Ah, Non-stackable Endura E-7 - 71Wh/4.8Ah, Stackable Endura E-7s - 71Wh/4.8Ah, Non-stackable So 2 sizes, stackable and not stackable. Details here: http://www.idxtek.com/endura.htm - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

November 26th, 2006, 09:08 PM	#2
Jaron Berman Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 439	Personally, I'd shy away from NP-1's unless you have a stockpile of them already. As for Idx vs. Anton, most people find that either way you get great systems. For the flyer, you'll probably find more flexibility with IDX v-mounts, as you can get them to stack (to increase the weight below the gimbal) and because you can kinda use the WEVI wireless transmitter system also below the gimbal (with slight modification or a small cable). As for running the system without batteries below, it would kind of defeat the purpose of the flyer sled, as the monitor would not receive power. Also, if you were to figure some bizarre system to somehow get power to the monitor, you'd definitely void your warranty in the process, and most likely cost yourself more than the price of a proper battery setup. Batteries are expensive, but vital. And, don't get yourself in a jam and buy 1 battery. You have to also factor the charger and backups. In your home, it's no big deal if you accidentally leave your battery on the sled overnight. In the field, if you have no backup, you'll have to fly the sled blind...which is a huge pain. It's probably smartest to factor in 4 batteries and a decent charger. If you're trying to save cash, check www.batteries4broadcast.com. Otherwise, B&H has some great IDX kits. Another thing to think about is the future. The flyer can fly cameras bigger than you may expect. BUT, they will have to be powered off the sled, which is a cool feature of stabilizers once you get to the more professional-level of things. If you plan on only ever carrying small dv cameras, you'll never really need the feature (except perhaps for on-board lights). Just a feature to keep in mind, one that would be disabled if you had no batteries below. Bottom line - when you price out a stabilizer system, don't think of it as a rig...and then everything else. Factor in ALL the things you'll need, and take that sum as the "entrance price." Expect about 2000 for batteries and a cheap charger.

November 26th, 2006, 09:22 PM	#3
Greg Quinn Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 505	Jaron; thanks very much for this info, it helps me enormously in budgeting for the equipment.