How can I build a block battery

Matthew Skala · May 20, 2007

Hello all,

I have been searching the web on how to build a versatile block battery to power my film/video equipment but to no avail. I mainly need to power a Panasonic HD monitor and the HVX200, but would like it to be versatile enough to use for other applications such as powering an Arri SR3 or what not. So I guess it would have to be 12v/24v switchable.

I have seen some home built block batteries using pelican cases and would like to follow a similar model. If anyone has a resource on how to do this best, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Matt

chuck colburn · May 20, 2007

Hello all,

I have been searching the web on how to build a versatile block battery to power my film/video equipment but to no avail. I mainly need to power a Panasonic HD monitor and the HVX200, but would like it to be versatile enough to use for other applications such as powering an Arri SR3 or what not. So I guess it would have to be 12v/24v switchable.

I have seen some home built block batteries using pelican cases and would like to follow a similar model. If anyone has a resource on how to do this best, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Matt

The first site listed has some basic and good info on the use and care of newer types of rechargeable cells.

http://www.rchobbies.org/lithium_battery_breakthrough.htm

http://www.a123systems.com/html/technology.htm

http://www.all-battery.com/index.asp?PageA...mp;Category=262

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/lithium-polymer.htm

http://www.rchobbies.org/lithium_battery_breakthrough.htm

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti00...25&I=LXHDJ1

Here's one more

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/chargers_lipoly.htm#Xtrema

Edited May 20, 2007 by chuck colburn

Matthew Skala · May 20, 2007

Hey Chuck,

Thanks for the fast response. There is some great info there, however I am looking for more of a dummies guide on how to make one specifically for film applications. I hope such a thing exists.

Matt

chuck colburn · May 20, 2007

Hey Chuck,

Thanks for the fast response. There is some great info there, however I am looking for more of a dummies guide on how to make one specifically for film applications. I hope such a thing exists.

Matt

Hi Matt,

There's not much to it. Perhaps if you could tell me your voltage and current (amps) requirements I could lend a hand with the choice of battery and charger.

Chris_Burket · May 21, 2007

Building block batteries is a actually quite easy. I recently built a bunch of small 12volt batteries in cordura pouches as well as a 12volt block and 24 volt block in Pelican cases.

The cheapest option is sealed lead acid batteries. This is what I used. The downside is the weight. I would suggest Odyssey batteries because they are guarantee'd for 2 years from purchase, contain more amp/hours than other AGM batteries, and they can handle rapid charging where others cannot. They can also handle high draws of cameras running at high speed which can damage other batteries.

As far as building the batteries, buy your cells (they will come in 12volt). If you want 24 volts, wire them together + to - . Your charger should have a fuse on the + side, so put an in-line fuse on the negative side of your battery. I use 5 amp fuses which seem to work. Put them in the pelican case, take out the O-ring, drill a hole for the XLR and wire it up. Then your done. Don't turn the batteries completely upside down and leave them there. They are sealed so they won't leak but its not good for them.

As far as making them 12 to 24 volt switchable, you need to buy a switch and wire that in. Make sure its protected well so it can't accidently get hit and fry your gear.