Sonic Studios

PORTABLE POWERING SOLUTIONS

 

External battery systems easily allow many hours-to-days of practical alkaline C & D powered field recording.

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  For occasional recording of several hours short running time per day, low capacity AA cells or internal deck rechargeable batteries may work well enough, making economical and environmental sense.  

Large capacity C & D alkaline cell power sleds are convenient, reliable, and economical for up to 100 hours cell-pack operating time.

 

An alternative power solution is required when recharging deck batteries and/or packing quantities of low capacity AA cells is not practical for field projects.

Extended-time operation of portable DAT, MP3, Hard Drive deck, and Compact Flash audio recording devices require practical external deck battery solution for recording projects lasting many hours to days.

 

BC-MR4 for 15+ Hrs powering KORG MR-1 HD

BD-MR operates KORG MR-1 for 45+ Hrs.

   

Frequent non-remote location and/or non-International portable recording is most economical and environmentally sensible by using a deck's internal rechargeable batteries.

(Especially true if cell recharging features are original manufacturer supplied like with M-Audio's MicroTrack deck)

Or by using quality after-market NiCad/NiMH (mostly AA) rechargeable sets (as opposed to disposable AA size Alkaline) and < 1-2 hour very FAST-CHARGERS  like those offered by retailers and via web mail-order.

BC/BD-MT USB connected power sleds for 20+/ 55+ hours powering of M-Audio's MicroTrack 24/96 compact flash recorder.

 

Power sleds keep Microtrack's internal lithium battery fully charged while powering the deck's recording.

   

New deck models requiring external powering solutions for remote location recording include: KORG MR-1 (~15-45+ Hrs), M-Audio Microtrack 24/96 (20-50+ hrs.), Edirol R-1 (~20-40+ hrs) and R-4 (~20-24+ hrs/8 D cells); Sound Devices 722T and 744T(~20-28+ hrs/12 D cells); Fostex FR2 (~15-30+ hrs/8 D cells); Marantz PMD-670/671 (~15-30+ hrs/8 D cells); Tascam HD-P2 (~25-30+ hrs/8 D cells)

 
 
Portable Recorder External Battery Systems

DECK MODEL

BATTERY MODEL

*RUN TIME
CASE  (Lbs.) w/cells

L x H x D *Available carry case dimensions

Alkaline ONLY

USA $ PREPAID
Additional DETAILS
MFG / MODEL
Model
HOURS
MASS
SIZE
CELLS
Price
SONY TCD-D3, DENON DTR-80P, CASIO DAR-100
7-10
1.0
*
 6-C
$80
*NO CARRY CASE
BD
23-30
2.3
 6-D
$90

SONY TCD-D100

SONY PCM-M1

25
0.8
**4x6.5x3"
4-C
$100
**Two case styles available
BC-1
0.7
12x6x3cm
$80
No Case; Battery Sled Only
BD-1
55+
1.4
15x7x/4cm
4-D
$90
BD-1C
1.5
**5x6.3x3.3"
$110
**Two case styles available
TEAC / DA-P20, DENON / DTR-100P, CASIO / DA-7
35
3.5
*
6-C + 6-D
$175
n/a External deck power plug & cord is customer supplied at this time
SOUND DEVICES 722 / 744T BD-12T
20-28
4
8.5x2.5x2.5" NO Case, Bare Sled Dimensions
12-D
$275 External battery connection using Hirose 4-pin deck DC power plug
EDIROL R-4 PRO BD-8 PRO
20-30
3

*7x2.5x2.5"

Bare sled dimensions only.

Optional $40 padded cases now available.

8-D
$225 External battery connection using XLR 4-pin DC power plug
FOSTEX FR2 EDIROL R-4 MARANTZ PMD-670/671
BD-8 $250
Internal dual 2-AA cell 'dummy' to external D cell battery pack: CIick
HHB PortaDisc Tascam HD-P2 BD-8PD 15-25
Internal dual 4-cell 'dummy' connection. External D cell pack:
M-Audio Microtrack 24/96
*20+
1.2
7.4x2.6x1.3"
6-C
$175
USB precision regulated 5 volt power sled, protected ON/OFF slide switch, power/low-battery LED indicator
*50+
2.5
9.0x3.3x1.5"
6-D $225
BC-MT4 *18+
0.8
5.5x2.6x1.3"
4-C $275 Uses very efficient 'military service' boost regulator; LED indication with boost PWR ON
BD-MT4 *40+
1.5
6.3x3.3x1.5"
4-D $225
KORG MR-1 BC-MR *20+
1.2
7.4x2.6x1.3"
6-C
$175 Precision regulated 5 volt 1 ampere power sled, exact molded right/angle plug, protected ON/OFF slide switch, power/low-battery LED indicator
BD-MT *45+
2.5
9.0x3.3x1.5"
6-D
$225
BC-MR4 *15+
0.8
5.5x2.6x1.3"
4-C
$275 Uses very efficient 'military service' boost regulator; LED indication with boost PWR ON
BD-MR4 *35+
1.5
6.3x3.3x1.5"
4-D
$225
  *Run time varies w/deck modes/temperature    
   

Edirol-Roland R-4, Fostex FR2 (CF) /(HD) models mostly exclude full featured, fail-safe external battery connection to the AC adapter jack, instead requiring internal 'dummy AA cell' connection with small cord leading outside the hatch.

NOTE: New Edirol R-4 PRO deck uses secure external 4 pin XLR power plug/cord connection instead of dummy battery method shown at left.

DISCONTINUED R-1 MODEL: FOR EXAMPLE ONLY

 

EDIROL-ROLAND R-4 4-channel HD recorder is external battery powered by BD-8 model's 8 alkaline D type cells using internal deck 'dummy cell' connection shown at right.

  Battery compartment connection retains low battery warning feature, also is most secure connected power method that helps avoid recording data loss, or CF damage if power is briefly interrupted.

General Description:  DAT deck power plugs are molded right/angle original deck manufacturer type. ALL power cord is extra-flexible 350+ strand 20 gauge 'zip' type for maximum power transfer efficiency.

Power sleds have self resetting thermal safety fusing.  All contacts are silver-alloy-welded reliable.

2 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS

MicroTrack 24/96 USB Connected Power Sleds

MT4 USB Power Sleds
  • External USB connected power sleds are available in two practical sizes.
  • Power Sled keeps Microtrack's internal battery fully charged while powering deck
  • Sleds use (6)six common C or D alkaline flashlight cells
  • Internal precision 5 volt, 600 ma switching regulator
  • Protected ON/OFF power slide switch
  • LED power on, low battery indicator*
  • 3 foot length molded USB power connector cord with Velcro strap
  • Robust nylon cell holders with over-molded ends

BC-MT $175.00 USD

BD-MT $225.00 USD

*Red LED power ON indicator works until batteries have less than 20% remaining capacity. Gives many hours of margin before cells require replacement. Deck continues operating on internal fully charged battery when power sled's alkaline cells are finally exhausted.

MT4 Series use 4 cells for reduced size/weight

All MT4 use 'hi-efficiency/hi-rel' 5 volt, 1000 milliampere output boost module

   

BD-MT4 $225

BC-MT4 $275

All MT4 power sleds use super-high reliability circuitry with full 1000 milliampere output.

MT4 uses a 'military-aerospace quality' switching module that boosts/precision regulates.

With boost switched ON over 100% available alkaline cell capacity allows exceptional long running time using 4 cells.

 

BOOST NOTE: MT4's High Efficiency operating mode delivers OVER 100% rated alkaline cell capacity!!!

MT4 is ALWAYS attempting to power the deck when connected, regardless of boost operating. Boost ON mode provides continuous full power delivery when alkaline cell voltage drops below deck requirements, as is a typical characteristic of alkaline type cells.

MT4 allows exceptional full usageof low cost, high capacity, and highest reliability alkaline cells to power Microtrack decks for exceptionally long times with most compact pack size

 
   
 

MT4 Series power sleds cost is higher as compared to far less efficient 6 cell models.

THE best choice for professional requirements where smallest size, lowest weight, and exceptionally reliable long running Microtrack deck (or other devices) requiring up to 1 ampere 5 volt USB power.

       
BD-MT4 $250 USD Compact, highest power 4 D alkaline cell model
     
BC-MT4 $275 USD Most compact 4 C Alkaline cell model
       
Sony TCD-D100 & PCM-M1 DAT 25-55 Hr. Battery System

The BD-1 (the 55+ hour D cell battery sled ONLY) is $90 or $110 for BD-1C with carrying case (shown at left)

The BC-1 (battery sled portion,NO case) is $80 USD or $100 for BC-1C with new silver carrying case (shown at left)

(The 4 Alkaline Batteries Shown Are Not Included)
BC-1 & BD-1 Gives 25 & 55+ Hours of Recording
CD System with Casio DA-7 DATCD BATTERY SYSTEM

Dual Battery; (2)...6C/6D Holders ; uses customer supplied N/A AC/Charging Power Cord; 35+ Hours Running time.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The dual compartment case (photo) IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. The CD model IS STILL AVAILABLE, BUT WITHOUT THE CARRYING CASE, and the customer needs to supply the unavailable AC adapter-to-deck power cord.

BC SYSTEMBC BATTERY SLED

6C Alkaline Battery System for TCD-D3, DTR-80P, DAR-100 DAT Decks; 7-12 hours running time (varies with model/run mode); NO longer supplied with shown carrying case; (shown with DTR-80P DAT); All silver alloy welded (NO wire crimp connections) for reliability.

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TIPS SECTION

  Most Portable Decks Run on Four Battery Types  
  Some Simple Facts about rechargeable NiCAD/NiMH, Sealed Lead/Acid, Lithium Ion, & Disposable Alkaline, Lithium, OXY-Nickel) deck batteries  
      + Maintenance TIPS For Reliable Service  
RECHARGEABLE SECONDARY BATTERY INFO
PRIMARY AA BATTERY INFO
 
NiCAD & NiMH
Sealed Lead/Acid
Lithium Secondary
Standard Alkaline
L91 Photo Lithium
OXY-NICKEL
CHARGERS
CHARGING
NiCAD AND NiMH AA CELLS    
 

NiCAD & NiMH batteries are often less reliable with unexpected loss of capacity, especially IF NOT properly maintained.  

Nickel-Cadmium (NiCAD or NiCD) batteries need charging just before use, and mostly run down before storage (avoiding fast self-discharge/memory effects). 

This is a serious handicap because of additional deck time running down NiCAD cells before being stored.  

NiCAD batteries used in this manner can last 300 to over 600 FULL discharge/charge cycles.

 
         
 

In contrast, Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) batteries (were supplied with Sony TCD-D100 & M1 decks), while not needing discharging before storing (have little or no memory effect), may need running down to at least 50% before recharging to avoid the potential for overcharging damage by poorly designed chargers.

   
   

NOTE:  Most of the newer chargers are designed to avoid NiCAD cell memory and overcharging automatically,  but most of these still don't JUST run down NiCAD (as is not needed with memory-free NiMH) for storage or before recharging again.  

   
   

Be most careful with NiMH battery types as they are much more easily damaged by an overcharge than NiCad types.  Good practice is mostly run NiMH batteries down (at least 50%) before another charge cycle;  even though the charger is designed to protect against this type of damage.  Avoid using 'overnight type chargers' even if having a timer as it's very easy to forget when to remove cells, and a brief power outage may initiate another damaging charge cycle.

   
   

Although it seems a good idea to remove the cells shortly after the 'Fast-Charge' Ready Light indicates charge completion, this is not really necessary as cell(s) can be damaged if  (and only if) the charger power is turned Off  & On, initiating another FAST charge cycle, or the charger-to-cell contact is momentarily disrupted (by playing with the cells while in the charger) to cause another FAST charge cycle to start up.

In other words, an immediate fast charge startup on already charged cells will be specially BAD for the newer NiMH types as they (unlike NiCAD) have far less ability to resist damage from being overcharged BUT, are not going to be the least damaged by leaving on a "fast charger" (after FAST charge light is off) for a few more hours.

HOWEVER, and this is the tricky part to remember, NiMH type cells are NOT FULLY CHARGED as yet when the FAST charger light goes off!!!   It takes another 2-5 hours of TRICKLE CHARGING to bring the cells to 100% fully charged capacity!  Leaving the charger input power and cell contact undisturbed for an additional trickle charge period is very important to get full service from most NiCD and all NiMH batteries when using FAST (1-2 hour) and newest extremely fast 15-30 minute type chargers.

EVEN WHEN leaving the cells and power undisturbed ALL NIGHT LONG (trickle) charging is not likely to damage cells on well designed FAST chargers!  BUT, and this part is important, IF your MAINS power goes out and THEN BACK ON AGAIN during the night, ZAP  & Burn goes your NiMH cell capacity (possibly) with poorly designed chargers.  

Perhaps plugging the battery charger into a computer UPS AC protected socket, where power is never interrupted long enough to start up a damaging charge cycle, is the best suggestion for having no concern about risking overcharging damage. 

   
         
   

SONY DAT :  LATER MODEL Sony TCD-D100 and PCM-M1 decks CANNOT be satisfactorily run ON OTHER THAN (2) AA size NiMH cells or Non-rechargeable ENERGIZER brand L91* photo lithium cells (*L91s exhaust giving little or no 'low battery' warning so go by minimum expected running hours for your deck model)

RECHARGEABLE BATTERY SETS: Buy several backup battery sets and NUMBER each cell so that you can keep track of sets you've used (that need charging) and ones (that should be fully charged) ready to be used.  

Standby cell charge retention (storage) life is variable (4-14 days) before expected working capacity is noticeably reduced; this is ambient storage temperature and cell manufacturer dependent; NiMH self-discharge seems a bit quicker than most NiCD 

The GOOD NEWS is that NiMH cells can be stored in any (charged or discharged) state without affecting cell capacity.  NiCD cells should always be stored nearly fully discharge to avoid memory effects typical of this type of cell chemistry.

CAPACITY: Maximum available capacity for AA NiMH cell is now at ~2700 milliamperes (MA) capacity; Sony DAT and new Edirol/Roland R-09 flash deck run times is 6-8 hours using these premium capacity cells

CHOOSING A FAST CHARGER: Important feature consideration with choosing a fast charger.

There are many fast chargers available these days, BUT SOME ONLY looking at PAIRS of AA cells. These chargers have ONE LED indicator for each 2-pair of cells.

This assumes each cell in the pair is IDENTICAL in state of discharge, and charge characteristics. Usually cells purchased in 'sets' of 2 or 4 cells are very nearly identical and should have been produced at the same time from the same production run, so using such cells in 'matched sets' and charging in chargers that can only 'see pairs' of cells is not a big issue.

However, if ever you're matched sets get mixed with other cells, or one cell in a set ages differently from its mate, the charger will overcharge one cell, and under charge the other greatly shortening the reliability and life of the cells.

This results in having cells that fall short of giving expected recording time. Usually when this occurs, ALL the cells used in mismatched sets need be tossed for new sets, or keep used for less critical applications where running short of expected capacity is not an issue.

Suggest best type of charger looks at EACH CELL, not just pairs of cells. This type of charger will have a status light for EACH CELL placed into the charger and will charge correctly any combination of cells from a single cell to a full 4 or more cells placed into the charger with NEEDED precision regardless of cell's history and state of charge.

Individual cell monitoring type of charger costs a little more, but insures fullest cell capacity and charge cycle life, and is worth paying twice the cost if necessary for having this ability.

   
         
  Sealed Lead/Acid are reliable, easily maintained, but heavy, & best for 50% duty    
   

Sealed Lead/Acid (prismatic types) were used in few very early short running-time DAT decks.

Not recently found in any portable, but merits of good reliability, low cost, >15 ampere capacity, and connect-up-and-forget-chargers gives good reason to consider L/A when high carry weight is not a show stopping issue.

   
   

L/A batteries have no memory effect, like to be stored fully charged, and routinely run only 50% down.

This means that a L/A battery that might actually, if pushed, run a recorder for 10 hours before 95% exhaustion, should be recharged after only 5-6 hours of use, allowing a maximum of 1000 service cycles; routine heavy duty discharge of 60-100% will shorten life to 200-400 cycles.

   
         
   

Battery life is defined when 80% battery capacity remains.

Sealed Lead/Acid Battery if rarely run down over 50% and kept stored with full charge using a good 2 or 3 stage charger (best when always connected) should last 5-10 years! 

Used and maintained as recommended, the sealed Lead/Acid batteries are ready at full 100% capacity the next day or year!

   
         
  Lithium Ion rechargeables have high power capacity to weight ratio    
         
   

Some early to recent miniDISC decks use a single 'gum stick' prismatic Lithium Ion battery. These are (1) cell 3.2 to 4.2 volt batteries giving MD decks long running powering. Some recent compact Flash Recorders also use this same 1 Lithium cell approach for small battery size advantage, but modest run times on current flash decks with internal lithium cell are barely acceptable.

While past miniDISC decks mostly allowed user battery replacement, lately most MD decks, and all the Flash decks have 'NOT user replaceable' lithium cell feature. These battery types degrade to less than 80% capacity in 1-5 years depending on use and storage conditions.

   
         
   

Suggestion: For longest service life, store all lithium battery packs and decks with internal lithium batteries with battery at <50% remaining capacity. Recent article states that capacity loss in storage is greatly reduced with NOT storing these at full or near full charge.

Yearly loss of storage capacity with always fully charge cells is as much as 30-40% per year of storage. Batteries stored at <40% charge loose much less capacity (<4-8% per year) while stored.

So best case for Lithium Ion battery is being used down to 30-40% remaining capacity, and stored in this condition until needed, and then fully recharged just before using. Used in this manner, cell life to 80% capacity may extend to as much as 5 years.

   
         
NON-RECHARGEABLE (DISPOSABLE, PRIMARY) BATTERIES    
         
  Alkaline, OXY-Nickel, & Lithium Primary Batteries    
         
 

  Super reliable AA disposable cells are small, low  weight & very powerful.  
   
       
  Standard alkaline primary cells are not (fully) rechargeable, are very low cost, most reliable, and have nearly twice the capacity of most secondary cells.    
   
     
  L91 type photo-lithium have exceptional ability to maintain cell voltage and power capacity in extreme -40 to +160F temperatures; very light weight, +10 years storage life.  
   
   
   
  New OXY-Nickel AA primary cells are improved over standard alkaline with excellent ability to maintain cell voltage for increased power delivery  
   
       

Many compact flash decks offer easy 2-8+ hours powering using sets of 2-8 AA cells (either alkaline primary or NiMH rechargeable secondary types). However, ONLY the flash decks using just 2 AA cells are most practical for getting adequate 4-10+ hours running times; depending on type of AA cell used. Medium size flash decks using 8 AA cells for just 2 hours running time are NOT very economical or practical, and often require use of external long running battery solution.

For most reliable, and easy to use external battery solution, consider an external battery pack of Alkaline C or D primary cells for 15-60+ hours run time ability, making practical worldwide remote projects where long running time, small size/light weight, and maximum reliability are most important requirements.

   
     
     
     
         
         

© 1998 -2007 Sonic Studios Page updated 11/17/2007
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