2008Batteries/Power forum
Compatibility and safety considerations when using third-party lithium-ion batteries as alternatives to Anton Bauer Dionic 90 on Steadicam equipment
18 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Anton Bauer batteries include proprietary circuit protection that communicates with their interactive chargers, and third-party batteries may not be recognized by these chargers.
- Cheap Chinese lithium-ion cells have been associated with fire incidents, whereas Anton Bauer products have established safety records.
- Physical dimensions of battery alternatives must be verified for fit on the sled, particularly on the PRO model which has clearance constraints at the front battery plate and top rear areas.
- Third-party lithium-ion batteries claiming identical specifications to the Dionic 90 are available at significantly lower cost with replicated form factors and electronic specifications.
- An Anton Bauer interactive charger can be modified to charge third-party lithium-ion batteries, though compatibility remains uncertain.
- Video camera users reported successful operation of third-party lithium-ion batteries for extended shooting sessions over an 18-month period.
Depends on
- Steadicam operator experience with third-party batteries was not confirmed in the discussion.
- The long-term reliability of modified chargers with third-party batteries was not established within the thread.
- The safety testing and certification status of third-party alternatives remains unclear.
- One anecdotal report indicated positive results but used the third-party chargers rather than modified Anton Bauer chargers.