ROUND TABLE
logistics. Using more solar will also have an ongoing impact in terms of reducing carbon emissions. Flexibility, portability and smart functionality are the directions that battery tech needs to keep moving in to support film production. KT: Regarding the battery itself, we believe new cell technologies with high energy density will have a significant impact on future film production. For example, improved cell tech has the potential for better safety and energy density, and could then lead to more compact, higher-performance batteries with dramatically improved discharge and charge performance. IDX was the first in the industry to commercialise the battery pack using Li-ion cells in 1996, and through the decades this has evolved. Our batteries now feature USB PD connectors to be in line with consumer electronics, allowing users to charge via general-purpose devices. Of course, IDX will continue to innovate and actively adopt new technologies in the future, so we can continue meeting customer
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF BATTERIES requires proper care ”
robust and couldn’t support renewable charging. Crews also need to think more about power planning. Understanding equipment power spikes – especially during start-up – helps ensure the right batteries are used to avoid frequent swaps. This wasn’t always necessary with a large diesel generator covering everything, but batteries require a more tailored approach. Most good batteries now offer backup or daisy-chain options. For example, our SHAPE Basecamp Emperor battery has a 15kW output and can be paired with a 15kWh backup unit – up to 20 can be daisy-chained. Our 5kW Goat battery can be used with a 9.6kWh Billy Goat backup too. Matching the battery capacity to the kit and allowing some headroom makes all the difference. KT: Ultimately, IDX batteries are designed, built and tested to the highest standards possible, and all our batteries feature several safety protection circuits to reduce any potential concerns that customers might have. This allows us to ensure that all of our products are safe for professional use in a variety of environments, as well as in complicated or demanding work situations. However, the common mistake that should be avoided is leaving batteries on equipment when they aren’t in use. Leaving batteries on equipment, even when it’s switched off, can increase the natural discharge rate of the battery. Additionally, if a fully discharged battery is left on the equipment, this could potentially discharge below the minimum voltage and therefore might not be recoverable! DEF: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FILMMAKERS WHO ARE LOOKING TO OPTIMISE THEIR BATTERY INVESTMENTS OVER THE LONG TERM?
battery like a balloon and the charge as air being blown into it. It’s easy to add air at the start, but as the balloon fills it becomes harder to add more, creating strain. The same happens with a battery. The biggest mistake is leaving a unit at full charge during prolonged storage. This can degrade the cell’s health. If storing a battery for a longer period, we recommend maintaining a charge between 40% and 60% to reduce strain and prolong the battery’s life. LM: It’s mostly about storage, handling and choosing the right battery in the first place. While good-quality batteries have wide operating temperature ranges, getting the most out of them requires proper care. They should generally be stored in a cool, dry place – not left in direct sunlight or extreme heat. It’s also important to invest in certified batteries with a good IP rating from a reputable, professional-use manufacturer. We’ve seen several customers who had bought consumer-grade batteries for DIT or location work, only to find they had poor life cycles, weren’t
needs and requirements. DEF: WHEN IT COMES TO BATTERY SAFETY AND
RELIABILITY, WHAT COMMON MISTAKES DO YOU SEE CREWS MAKING, AND HOW CAN THEY AVOID THEM? JD: Charging is the most-common issue I see. The analogy I use is to think of a
EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS IDX’s HV-160B cine cam battery (this image) is robust enough for cold, harsh conditions
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