2014Batteries/Power forum
Battery failures and firmware issues with professional cinema batteries
12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A battery can display a full charge on its meter while being unable to deliver power due to internal cell degradation.
- Some batteries show charge readings but produce no voltage at the output terminals, which is typically a firmware issue that requires reprogramming by the manufacturer.
- Thermal sensors and capacitors in the temperature sensing circuit can fail in some battery models and require professional repair.
- Chargers equipped with diagnostic modules can help recondition batteries by running discharge and conditioning cycles to improve meter accuracy.
- The 2722 charger model has the discharge function built into its logic control board and cannot be disconnected.
- The 2702 Quad and 2400 series chargers allow the discharge function to be disconnected by unplugging a ribbon cable from the logic control circuit board located toward the right rear above the fan.
- Entering diagnostic test mode on a charger during film production can be problematic if the operator forgets to cancel the automatic 24-hour test cycle, preventing the battery from charging when needed.
Depends on
- One report of a thermal sensor or capacitor issue is anecdotal and the prevalence is unclear.
- The suggestion about opening and modifying charger hardware was uncertain and may be unreliable.
- The effectiveness of discharge and conditioning cycles for improving battery performance was described as preliminary and inconclusive at the time of discussion.