What the thread found

• Batteries Plus in Atlanta successfully recelled Preston microwave batteries for approximately $25 by carefully opening the shrink-wrapped pack, preserving the thermistor, resoldering the thermistor after recelling, and reassembling the Delrin housing with RTV silicone adhesive.
• Preston battery packs can be converted to accept Sony InfoLithium M-Series batteries by mounting a machined Delrin holder with integrated voltage step-up electronics into the cut battery case.
• Sony M-Series batteries at approximately $70 each provide a more affordable alternative to OEM Preston batteries while allowing real-time power monitoring through the battery's LED indicator.
• Preston shifted newer equipment models including the HU3 to use Sony-style M-Series batteries instead of the original internal cell packs.
• Runtime with converted Sony M-Series batteries on focus/iris units is approximately 2 days per charge, while the HU3 is factory-rated for 6 hours per charge with M-Series batteries.

Depends on

• The recelling information is specific to Batteries Plus in Atlanta and may not be available elsewhere.
• The Sony M-Series conversion requires custom machining and electronics assembly expertise.
• Voltage step-up conversion efficiency and its effect on total runtime compared to original batteries was not definitively measured.
• Information is from 2006 and equipment availability and specifications may have changed.
• The feasibility of using dual smaller M-Series batteries for voltage conversion was speculated but not confirmed as tested.

Gear in this thread

FI+Z, HU3

Same gear or parts

1. 2025History of wireless focus and lens control systems for Steadicam®: from cable-based Cinema Products and Seitz to Preston digital, and European solutions by Chrosziel, cmotion, and ARRI.FacebookSteadicam operators group
2. 2022Finding a service provider for Preston HU3 follow focus refurbishingFollow Focus
3. 2019Suitability of small Steadicam rigs like the Aero-15 for run-and-gun solo work versus dedicated camera support systemsSteadi-Newbies
4. 2018Comparison of Aero 30 and Zephyr steadicam rigs for lightweight camera packagesGeneral Discussion