DMR Battery Solution: Michael Bass Designs

[troyfreund]

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Hello Folks,

I know there are a few threads on this topic, but I hope you will allow this one to stand "un-merged" with the others. A fellow Leica user and I have been in e-discussions with Michael of Michael Bass Designs regarding the DMR Battery situation. We have sent him a battery and charger to examine and see what he might be able to do for DMR users, either by rebuilding old batteries with new cells, and/or by creating an external battery unit that can plug into the DMR via the AC adapter port. He sounds rather optimistic that he could create both those solutions for us.

Here is what Michael said in a recent email exchange:

 

"Perhaps you could post a thread into the Leica forum to get a feel of just how many of these internal batteries might need to be rebuilt within the next 6 months or so, and then it might give me a better idea if this will even work to bring in these cells in this quantity. The finished price for the rebuild should be $100 tops.

 

The external pack concept will be fine, and it can be offered in several different sizes, capacities, and costs, and then powered through the DMR mini-DIN connector port using a cable that will end in a standard coaxial power plug, to fit any of the battery packs. The Li-Ion type packs will be the lightest weight for the power, but sometimes have a restriction on shipping, and are more costly up front. The external pack can also be done using the SLA battery which is cheaper to start, but heavier, and can be shipped anywhere. The setup can even be made so the end user will provide their own 12 volt SLA battery, and then it is just connected to the regulator and connecting cables.

 

One small under camera mounted test battery powered the camera and DMR unit through 240 shots before needing to be recharged. This battery will actually be the least expensive of all the options, as it is already readily available, and I just need to make the cable to connect this to the DMR unit!

 

Do let me know about the internal pack numbers as you get feedback from the forum."

 

So, it seems that DMR users could find a very good source for battery power here, but he needs to be able to sell at least 250 rebuilds to make it viable. If you would like to see if this can be pursued, please respond to this thread or contact me directly.

 

I have had Michael create a custom accessory for me in the past and it has worked excellently! I needed to be able to power my DMR with the AC adapter and to use the Intervalometer at the same time. Michael created a splitter-box for me and I was able to use both accessories seamlessly.

Please let me know what all the DMR users here think of this possibility!

Here is a link to Michael's website: Michael Bass Designs

Here is a link to the accessory he made for me: Michael Bass Designs: Sync Cords

 

Sincerely,

Troy

[msadat]

that's really good news. i want to use/get the external options but i would like to use a quantum turbo battery which i already have and it is backed by a company in this business, do you think he will consider just making the cable so that we can use quantum turbo battery. it should be a simpler solution and less complicated

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[Michael Bass]

The Quantum Turbo is not an option as this is a high voltage battery pack (330 volts), sorry.

[msadat]

qtm.com website lists cables which are used with this battery to power cameras like nikon d100. so there must be a way to lower the voltage through a capacitor or something, do think that is possible

[dave_d]

I have three working batteries that will eventually need replacing and I am considering buying more or having them rebuilt when they fail. It would be nice to keep my DMR going as long as possible.

[mgcd]

I have one of my 3 DMR batteries that needs rebuilding so that would count me in.

 

Cheers,

[wildlightphoto]

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I have one that needs rebuilding and I'm interested in the external power option too.

[troyfreund]

Great to see the responses so far, folks! Thank YOU! I've got 5 batteries that will eventually need replacement too. Not sure of the current "lives" in them, but know at least one or two could likely use a rebuild.

Is there a way to determine battery usefulness besides trying to pay attention to how many frames you get before expiration?

[JHellow]

I have one that could use a rebuild now.

 

Thanks,

 

JHellow

[imagist]

I have two DMR batteries and will more than likely need one rebuilt in the near future. Certainly interested in any and all options to keep the camera powered and functional. Thanks for opening these possibilities Troy and Michael. I'd also definitely appreciate availability of additional DMR batteries without sacrificing the two I have. I'm also curious as to how the other camera mfg's make the Quantum Turbo packs work at appropriate voltages; as I have one and it would certainly make a great solution in terms of weight and number of shots possible.

[patelv]

I am in for rebuilding of DMR batteries. I have one which need soon

vipul

[garyp]

Michael

Count me in...

Troy

Thanks for posting this

[garyp]

Well, add another possible battery for me, to be rebuilt, I just ordered one from KEH [used of course

[Ted K.]

I have two DMR batteries, one of which needs rebuilding now.

[paulmoore]

I need a couple of batteries, either rebuilds or new.

[LDM]

I have two batteries that are still functioning nominally. Want another for extended shooting. And, of course, the two I have will eventually need rebuilding. Probably should get them done proactively before a problem develops.

[loretdem]

I would definitely like to have my 3 DMR batteries rebuilt, although they seem fine for now. I would also very much like to get a cord for an external battery solution like digitalcamerabattery or similar (preferably smaller/lighter). This cord would seem to be quite doable and I would certain pay for one ASAP. Please let me know of any further news.

-Carlos

[roguewave]

I have 4 & would like both buy new ones & have my 4 rebuilt. Is it possible to have them done one or two at a time so that I can also keep using my kit? Troy, maybe you could put together an email list so that it's easy to combine all the units & give your engineer an accurate count and he can provide timetables. If the conversion takes a long time, maybe we should parse them 1 at a time so that everyone can get at least 1 new unit in each loop. Thanks for getting this started. Leica's suggestion is over the top, as far as I'm concerned.

 

Troy, can you get your engineer to provide a sketch or worksheet, so we can get a sense of size & weight for an external pack. I'd love to have something I can strap on my belt or put in my back pocket or in a backpack that would provide power for 400-500 frames, minimum. Again thanks for your efforts on this. Ben

Edited August 30, 2010 by roguewave

[troyfreund]

Hey Ben,

From what I've heard with Michael, it sounds like he's making good progress on this solution for us! I will compile what's been said here and pass it on to him. He currently is looking into making a Quantum cable that could work with the Quantum Turbo battery and the DMR.

Troy

 

Could everyone here, who is interested in this "adventure" please email me at "troyfreund at gmail dot com"? I will get a mailing list started and make our communications more direct!

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[garyp]

Troy

You've got mine, of course; Michael is sounding very optimistic about this