PORTABLE DECK BATTERIES

(Continued from page 13)


CAUTION:  Dat decks will shut down if the power is even briefly interrupted for a few milli-seconds as is typical with using non-exact Sony design power plugs. 
I have stock on the original Sony power plug but right/angle molded to 3-4' length of 20 gauge Zip (4 times lower loss than the usual 24 ga. at half the physical size!) for $10.00 ........ USA prepaid shipping included. 

This $10 plug assembly will not become intermittant and shut off the deck like typical designs available from Radio Shack and Mouser and should be considered necessary when remote powering the deck off AC or Batteries during live recording.

Best Regards in Sound & Music Recording,
Leonard Lombardo
----------------------------------------
========================================
<< ------------------------------

From: Paul  Cho <>
Subject: D-Cell Battery Pack for the D8
Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 21:34:19 -0500 (EST)

Hey everybody,
so I figuired that I'd go ahead and try to make one of those D-Cell
battery packs to power my Sony D8 rather than having to constantly get new
AA's.  Well, I ran into a problem...it seems that Radio Shack doesn't
carry the yellow tipped DC barrel plug.  I know that a few web pages have
said the Radio Shack does in fact carry the plug, but when I went into RS
today and asked for the part (# 270-1575).  They didn't even have that
product intheir computers.  They did however have something that may do
the job, but I'm not sure, so I'm posting to the list.
They had a coax-style DC Power Plug 4.0 x 1.7mm size with solder terminal
(# 274-1532), which could handle the correct voltage (4.3?).  It looked
like the AC adapter plug in that it had the yellow tip, but i didn't want
to buy it becuase I wasn't sure.
So will this plug do the job, or do I have to special order the part from
Sony, becuase it seems that there is no part no. 270-1575 at RS.
Thanks in advance!
Paul

  >>

There's at least several DIY D7/8 external power pack designs around, but a word of caution about going for the 4 alkaline flashlight cell pack using the external power plug connected scheme. 

The D7/8 decks cannot utilize more than 25% of the available power from these alkaline packs... as a result, 4 D cells run the deck for a maximum of 16 hours while IF THIS SAME PACK was INTERNALLY CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY CONNECTIONS via a dummy battery holder, it would run for over 45 hours with the same 4 D cells !!!   The problem with alkaline is that the voltage is continually dropping as power is supplied and the external D7/8 power jack has some in-series voltage loss components while the internal battery connection does not have power voltage losses.

For D7/8 decks........ Use only 6 Volt RECHARGEABLE batteries of NiCad, NiMH, or Lead/Acid with the external power plug connection as these battery types keep up their voltage as they supply power.

The Sonic Studios Web Site has illustrated examples of External DAT Powering Systems for many different models of portable DAT deck.

Several years ago, after many months of query and after large minimum orders, Sonic Studios has stock on the EXACT original equipment power plug for the D7/8 & SBM-1.... TCD-D100..... PCM-M1 (all the same size) BUT, improved with lower loss power cable and a molded right/angle plug design at $15. 

YES, Do It Yourself, learning and saving at the same time, but don't be unwisely cheap or unsafe on important components..... for example .....if you don't use the exact power plug design intended for the DAT Deck power jack, a single milli-second duration intermittant from an ill-fitting power-plug connector will shut down the deck to the ruin of a recording (this has happened to me and just about everyone trying the alternative power plugs .... Radio Shack and Mouser types for example); using the correct designed power plug eliminates this likely event from occuring.

EXACT Power plug/cord assemblies for TCD-D3, DTR-80P, DAR-100 are also stocked at only $10 each.

DIY's and others wanting a secure and safe plug assembly need look no further than contacting Sonic Studios for quality DAT power connection systems.  For Safety:  7 Amp resetting thermal fuses are also available for $3 and wise to include in-series on any DIY rechargeable battery system


Best Regards in Sound & Music Recording,
Leonard Lombardo
----------------------------------------

Subject: M1 Battery Pack
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 00:45:54 -0500 (EST)

I was curious if anyone constructed a battery pack for the Sony M1.  The
M1 requires 2 AA batteries...am I correct in assuming that a constructed
battery pack should have 2 D cell batteries to provide the correct amount
of voltage?  Does anyone know the part number at Radio Shack for the piece
that will connect the battery holder into the M1?  Any other suggestions?
Thanks for your help.

Rob
>>

Date: 02/12/98
To: rih5.edu

Hello Robert,

This has been discussed a few weeks ago but, you can use only 4 C or D alkaline cells for external connection and get 25 or over 50 hours of use!!.   For an already constructed system with DAT/Battery carrying case, see the Sonic Studios web site for pictures (good for DIY) and specifications on battery systems.  Using only 2 alkaline cells will not allow the deck to use all the capacity available in these cells and cut short the running time expected.  External 6 volt operation is safe for the D100/M1 decks and recommeded for best alkaline battery capacity usage.

Please remember that your battery Gage will not function entirely or properly when using these cells.... but will give you an all-of-a-sudden end of pack life indication that should give adequate warning for at least 15-45 minutes of continued running time.

Best Regards in Sound & Music Recording,
Leonard Lombardo, Sonic Studios(tm)..."Making Audio History With DSM(tm) Microphones"

-------------------------------------------

<< Subject: Casio DA-7 has Sony sister unit?
From: David B CompuServe.COM>
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 1998 10:21:28 -0500

In 1992, I purchased in Japan a Casio DA-7 portable DAT unit.  It
has provided years of good service, but unfortunately now
requires repair.  Problem is, no one here in Barcelona has parts
or expertise to repair a Casio DAT.  However, I seem to recall
that when I bought the unit, there was an absolutely identical
Sony model (looked like they had just slapped a Casio label on
the Sony, or vice versa) for sale.  If I can give them a model
number of the similar or identical Sony unit, then the local
Sony repair people are willing to have a go at repairing the
Casio.  Does anyone have any idea what model that may have been?
Alternatively, does anyone know where a Casio DAT can be sent for
repair, in Europe or in the U.S. (the unit only came with service
info. for Japan)?  Thanks a lot.

David B
>>

Hello David, (this is personal E-Mail to the posted response)

Casio DA-7, Denon DTR-100P, Teac DA-P20 are all mostly identical with the preamplifier being different only.  All these were manufactured by Casio for the others as an OEM agreement to Denon or Teac specifications.  All Transport parts and circuits are identical up to the preamplifier which is a Balanced XLR input system on the Teac model. 

The Denon should be almost completely identical to the Casio as both have Dual 1/4" unbalanced inputs. 

Just who will repair these has got to be a problem as I know Teac has for the past years virtually eliminated carrying parts for their version (batteries were available last I checked); it doesn't hurt to try getting service or parts from any of these manufacturers.

It may be time for another deck if simple cleaning doesn't solve the problem.

These decks are THE most reliable portable DAT machine ever made and I've not heard of any common problems other than needing cleaning (most any VCR repair tech can to this for you) or need of replacement batteries (which can be easily cooked if left overcharged on the charger over a few hours; run these batteries down completely 1st and charge no more that 6 hours if that long to avoid ruin). 

Running these decks on a Dual exteral battery pack using 6 D alkaline cells for the '+7v' and 6 C alkaline cells for the '-7v' supplies will give a very reliable +35 hours of recording time with plenty of low battery warning.

Check Sonic Studios Web Site for info on availability/price of the CD power system for these vintage decks.

Best Regards in Sound & Music Recording,
Leonard Lombardo, Sonic Studios(tm)..."Making Audio History With DSM(tm) Microphones"
TEL: 541-459-8839 /\ FAX: 541-459-8842 /\ USA Free: 1-877-347-6642
----------------------------------------

<< Subj:  CD battery system
Date: 98-02-17 12:29:29 EST
From: (Brian & Tracey )
To: guysonic@aol.com

Guy,

I am interested in the CD battery system.  Will I be using the ac power
plug from my DA-7 with this?  I know the deck is big but I am actually
going to attempt to stealth it at some Phish concerts (just to get past
security at the gate) until I get it to the tapers section, then at that
point I don't really care about stealth. However, the bulky ac power
cord does not seem like it will helps matters.  Are you using just the
proprietary connector or will the battery pack be using the whole ac
cord?  The picture on your website just shows the battery pack so I am
curious about the specific setup. Also, what kind of work goes into this
setup to justify its $150 price tag?  I realize its about $120 cheaper
than the Eco-Charge model but the Eco-Charge has some attractive
features.

thanks,  Brian F
    >>

Hello Brian,
The CD system only uses the power cord with a disconnect from the AC wall supply so that the existing cord can be used with both. 
The CD battery system is shown on my web site listed below and comprises a dual seperate 6C & 6D Alkaline cell ruggedized battery holder system with a 3-pin molex cord connector.  Usually this system comes with a carrying case that exactly fits the battery holders.  I don't have any more of these cases in stock and the company that supplied them no longer makes this model.

Without this case, the system cost is reduced to $135 if you supply you AC adapter for conversion to this dual usage.  You would have to find a suitable way to carry these two packs around; weight is about 3.5 lbs with batteries.

Let me know it this still sounds workable for you.

Best Regards in Sound & Music Recording,
Leonard Lombardo, Sonic Studios(tm)..."Making Audio History With DSM(tm) Microphones"
---------------------------------------------------

<< Subj:  D100
Date: 98-03-13 10:21:38 EST
From: ERIC
To: GuySonic@aol.com

Greetings Leonard,
      I have been searching the DAT-HEADS archives trying to find a post
of yours in which you explained why it is that the D100 can take 6V DC
power without frying it.
       Do you happen to have this post on file? or do you know which
digest it was in?

Thank you,
   ERIC
  >>

Hello Eric,

It was in DAT-Heads but I  have a copy of it for you it this helps any:

Subj: Re:M1 Battery Pack #53
Date: 02/12/98
To: DAT-Heads@fedney.near.net
>
Subject: M1 Battery Pack
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 00:45:54 -0500 (EST)
 
I was curious if anyone constructed a battery pack for the Sony M1.  The
M1 requires 2 AA batteries...am I correct in assuming that a constructed
battery pack should have 2 D cell batteries to provide the correct amount
of voltage?  Does anyone know the part number at Radio Shack for the piece
that will connect the battery holder into the M1?  Any other suggestions?
Thanks for your help.
  rob
>>
This has been discussed a few weeks ago but, you can use only 4 C or D alkaline cells for external connection and get 25 or over 50 hours of use!!.

The D100/M1 is designed to only operate well with rechargeable type NiMH AA cells and not alkaline batteries.

  For an already constructed system with DAT/Battery carrying case, see the Sonic Studios web site for pictures (very good for DIY) and specifications on available ready to go battery systems. 

Using only 2 alkaline cells of any size will not allow the deck to use all the capacity available in these cells and cut short the running time expected.  External 6 volt operation is safe for the D100/M1 decks and recommeded for best alkaline battery capacity usage.

Please remember that your Deck's battery Gage will not function entirely or properly when using these cells.... but will give you an all-of-a-sudden end of pack life indication that should give adequate warning for at least 15-45 minutes of continued running time if using C or D sized cells.

(Continued on page 15)

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