aj wrote:As far as I know Bjorn is already selling several types of Beaulieu batteries solutions. (But being a pro he is not publishing his techniques here)
If all of the old technicians don't pass along their secrets, the ability to service and maintain our valuable technology will evaporate when they retire. ;)
It is your assumption that these technicians are old. If they pass their skill too soon or unpaid they will be forced to retire early.
Nearly all of the people with skills to repair cine cams in this country that I've met have been doing it for decades.
...This is a draft design of the new battery pack for Beaulieu cameras. The colours are not the final ones; and they are just for clearest image and better appreciation.
I'd prefer to recycle the original battere, since I never liked external battery packs, and don't care whether the pros use them or if it looks more professional on the set. External battery is a royal PITA and - for me - defeats the purpose of using super-8: Light weight, no hassle, small camera. Being tethered to the camera, a silly cable always in the way, well.. then I can as well take out the Arri..
If its small enough and the cable is short enough, velcro it to the side. The extra weight is a moot point in my opinion considering the cost savings.
Mind you that the extra weight in the wallet may actually prove to be heavier then this device.
The fact it takes regular batteries is invaluable to most! Infact, if this had the option of replacing the batteries inside and externally charging them, It would be even more appealing to me. (not to make any extra work for ya)
aj wrote:Looks nice but I suppose the cost of the printwork on the housing is going to cost as much as the materials on your first design.
It shouldn't cost much. We use a technique called "pad printing" to print things like logos and back panel information on our products. Its inexpensive, and could be done in very small quantities if the staff at the pad printing company likes you.
chachi wrote:
Mind you that the extra weight in the wallet may actually prove to be heavier then this device.
point taken
but don't forget that the cells are dirt cheap, (some 2€ each) if you finally manage to find them. Manufacturer sells only a batch of 100, so if there's interest perhaps we should team up to order.
I've just condensed some of the new features, and they are:
1) Four choices of capacity: 950mA/H; 1200mA/H; 1400mA/H; 2300mA/H.
2) Two kinds of cells: Rechargeable Ni-Cad; Rechargeable Ni-Mh.
3) You can use Non-Rechargeable cells too if needed(for emergencies!)
4) The battery pack is charged outside the Beaulieu camera, so, no un-needed overheat in the cam.
5) Row of five LED indicators for the battery charge state, as a built in Amperimeter graduated in steps of 20% of total current available.
6) VERY compact and ruggedized solution.
7) 2 Mts. rubber coated cable with professional Cannon styles connections, in the interlock itself, the dumb battery, and the battery pack.
8) Separated connection for charger; with protected polarity.
9) Quick fixation belt hook press, for comfortable use.
The list continues; but this is the more relevant part.
Also, for those contrasting my external design with the orginal batteries from Beaulieu; I must try to recall for all, that this is not a case of "Death Or Alive", and in fact it is just an additional option, for those people who are really needing such features, as in example very long operative times, independence of AC wallets in hostile situations, etc...
The packs are even more ruggedized than before in my original prototype, and aconditioned for very low/high temperatures, beyond the temperature range that surely can support operating a Beaulieu!
Don't worry by the printings, since my purpose is not being famous! :)
So, I'll not charge great money for the brand logo. I have a company here, as far as five streets from my office, that can do an excellent printing job using silk screening, and is very cheap and professional.
Posibilities are unlimited. I've wondered about more specific models, as a water-proof one, and a PIC based one with enouch intelligence to transfer every bit status to a PDA (as those packs for ENG from Anton/Bauer), and all is doable. Just matter of time, and interest from people to justify the design.
By now, what you see in this new 3D-draft of above, is my ultimate and concrete propossal. And, Oh! ...I forgot to mention it:
The price was only raised up U$D 7.- total; then my costs are now U$D40.-, instead of U$D33.- as before. But I think I can get at least 10% discounts buying good quantities.
One ultimate word for all. Remember that I'm a Beaulieu user too, and my design borns from the personnel experience with the cam. So, I'll not make silly things as hard or un-flexible wires dropping from the cam. In fact, the cable can't be noticed during operation if you pass it behind your shoulder to reach your pack in your belt or pocket. It is only a ruggedized foam style, similiar to those on walkman earphones, only that you can't break it with your hands.
GeneratriX wrote:Also, for those contrasting my external design with the orginal batteries from Beaulieu; I must try to recall for all, that this is not a case of "Death Or Alive", and in fact it is just an additional option, for those people who are really needing such features, as in example very long operative times, independence of AC wallets in hostile situations, etc...
Absolutely, e.g. just think of using the camera in the cold, where an external battery is a perfect solution. When I filmed some snowboarding, the cells crapped out quickly due to the cold.
GeneratriX wrote: Remember that I'm a Beaulieu user too, and my design borns from the personnel experience with the cam. So, I'll not make silly things as hard or un-flexible wires dropping from the cam.
To add somthing: the cable and connectors will get pulled hard from time to time, I saw many times the cameraman walk away from the camera, while still tethered Goot to think of something that's robust enough to survive such abuse. Keep it up!
jean wrote:
To add somthing: the cable and connectors will get pulled hard from time to time, I saw many times the cameraman walk away from the camera, while still tethered Goot to think of something that's robust enough to survive such abuse. Keep it up!
Hello Jean;
good point! ...Yes; you have a point there.
Then, what can be more useful in such kind of situations?
a) A really robust link between:
Cable-Connector-DummyBattery-Camera
b) A really robust link between:
Cable-Connector
...And a dettachable link right here, to reach the:
DummyBattery-Camera
...You got the picture?
What about some kind of easily dettachable (but robust) connection between the interlock cable and the DummyPack?
You could pull-out hardly the cable, with the only side-effect of get a camera without energy for a while, until attached again; but completely safe, and without broken parts!
Now the question is: What kind of connector fill the above requests?
Good question.
I'll try to get advice from my provider of electronic stuff this monday.
actually, you may want to look at the controller connector of the X-box video game system. It has exactly what your after, a break away link. If someone where to trip over the cable while your playing, the cable breaks right at that spot. However, that exact cable may not meet the current demands of that camera??? but might get some ideas from looking at it design anyway..
chachi wrote:actually, you may want to look at the controller connector of the X-box video game system. It has exactly what your after, a break away link. If someone where to trip over the cable while your playing, the cable breaks right at that spot. However, that exact cable may not meet the current demands of that camera??? but might get some ideas from looking at it design anyway..
Yes; some kind of Mini-Din conectors, could do well the job. We don't need many signal pins, and they are well-built and pretty cheap.
I think I'll preserve the Canon style conector on the pack side anyway, since it is less subject to pull-outs.
Well; I've attended each suggestion about my Beaulieu Compatable GeneratriX Battery Packs, and the new generation is prompt to be released in small quantities for those willing to have one or more of my devices.
I only can say in advance: the new model is by far nice, and with a lot of new features. I'm working on the orders from two guys from this forum now, and some orders for local interesteds too.
for all the interesteds; I have by now almost all the needed stuff to start the new series of my Beaulieu Battery Packs, and I'm only waiting for the new cabinets, since I've received four sample units, and returned two of these cabinet samples with the needed corrections/modifications to my provider two days ago.
So, I'm working by now in a really small quantity of packs to supply the orders from two members of this forum.
More news next week, including pictures.
Best regards,
...with a bit of luck, I'll post some pictures of the new "smarter" battery packs during next days of this week. I already have some results, but I could be happier taking pictures of prototypes aesthetically finisheds.
point taken 