Batterybox Batterytime

[MDnewuser]

I was wondering how much a batterybox drains/or approximately how many hours you get ?. Any good way to keep track on this ?. I own a juicebox and its said to last about 400 hours. Also i wonder how rechargable Ni-MHs AA 2500 Mah stands up to Duracell Ultra M3.

[greenmachine]

It depends on the power consumption of you mics. If, for example, the capsules are rated for 0.5 mA each, the total would be 1 mA for a stereo mic. Assuming the 9V battery is rated with 500 mAh, you would get approx. 500 hours battery life (500mAh/1mA=500h). I wouldn't recommend using a rechargeable battery for low power devices like battery boxes, since self-discharge is rather high - they will discharge even when not in use. I use a rechargeable for the recorder, but alkaline for the battery box.

You could use a multimeter to keep track of current consumption and battery voltage. Once the voltage drops below approx. 6-8V, it's recommended to replace the (9V) battery.

[rayzray]

so; your battery box takes "AA's"?; not a 9 volt battery?

i had bought a batter box that took this strange batter and had NO life to it; then i got one with a 9 Volt battery; and the life just about tripled.

what kind of BB do you have? (make and model)?

oh; by the way; good info/reading (greenmachine); i didn't realize i FORGOT so much.!

Edited April 24, 2006 by rayzray

[MDnewuser]

rayzray: If you ask me i use Reactive Sounds Juicebox and it takes a standard 9V battery.

greenmachine: Thanks on the enlightment. I have a pair of Auris and SP BMC-2. Do you know if the BMC-2s are made out of Panasonic VM-61 ?, found a infosheet today about them and the consumption (0.5 mA) so they shouldnt drain that much. But still when buying a fresh 9V battery (if you want to be on the safe side) you shouldnt buy the cheapest unknown brand, right ?. Also, i am buying croakies for my BMC-2, suiters style, they have them in cotton and lycra. Guess its lycra i should go for ;-), right ?.

[greenmachine]

Because of the low power consumption, it doesn't really matter that much if you use a super expensive high performance battery or the least expensive. I usually use the least expensive alkaline i can find. Avoid heavy duty batteries though. Just check the voltage from time to time and replace when necessary. Depending on how often you use it, it should last at least approx. 1-2 years. Just remember to interrupt the circuit by either disconnecting mics or battery when not in use.