Seeking REPAIR for Switronix dual battery mount

[James Press]

We've damaged one of our Switronix dual battery mounts (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/359201-REG/Switronix_GP_TS_GPTS_V_Mount_Hot_Swap.html) --it still works but the slightest bump causes the power to drop out and forces an instant power down on the camera (including when we try to hot swap batteries). Not ideal.

I'm trying to contact Wes Printz ('Panatech' here), who performs the modification on them to allow the battery life info to pass to the Red LCD, but without success. Does anyone know how to get in touch with Wes; or someone who might be able to look at our mount and repair it, preferably in Sydney or Australia?

These mounts are awesome BTW--you'll never have to power down again...unless you drop the mount :)

Cheers,

James

[Cail Young]

Do you have the one that slots into a V mount or the direct-attached one?

If it is slotting into a V mount, it's possible the pins are going on the 'master' V mount...

[Scott Webster]

James, You can contact Wes through Panavison NZ +64 +9 360 8770
You may want to see if you can check the double adapter on another V lock camera just to rule out the hot swap unit as the cause of the fault. As Cail has said, it may be the master mount at fault.

[James Press]

Cail: V mount. Pins seem fine-- when the mount took a spill, with 2 batteries on it, part of the plastic frame broke, so I think the problem is inside it somewhere (I've taken it apart but I couldn't see any obvious problem (like a large fire) but I'm no electronics technician...). Also, we've tested it on our second camera and have the same problem. Thanks for the thought though. BTW when do we get to meet you in Sydney? The next user group meeting?

Scott: Cheers mate--a phone number is exactly what I was hoping for-- thank you very much.

[Mitch Gross]

For the cost and bother of attempting to repair the unit I would suggest bying another. You could either purchase the original standard hot swap and pay PanaTech (Wes) to upgrade it, or you could buy the ready-made unit from us at Abel Cine Tech.

[david farland]

James,
If it's still broken by Sunday...bring it to the State Theatre, if you need it before....come over to Bondi with it.
D

[James Press]

David-- thanks for the offer. I'll bring it along. look forward to seeing you then.

Mitch-- thanks for your concern for the brothers down under. I actually bought the 2 mounts from you (well, Jerrod), as well as a bunch of stuff. Unfortunately with the aussie dollar smashed, and shipping, buying another unit new (from the states) will cost me about $US180--so I'm hoping it's a fairly simple fix. If not, you'll be seeing an order from me in the near future :-)

[Cail Young]

BTW when do we get to meet you in Sydney? The next user group meeting?

On a feature until June; then taking a holiday for the first time in 2 years... but if there's a Sydney meet between the two... sure!

[Cam Crowley]

James - I've got a Switronix dual battery mount you can borrow if you need one desperately - it's unmodified though so it wont give you a battery reading.

PM me if you need it.

Cheers

Cam

[James Press]

Cail--2 great options either way!

Cam-- thank you kindly. We can manage for the immediate future. Our mounts are also unmodified (and frankly I can't see us justifying the (admittedly minor) cost of modifying them--I assume they work fine for you unmodified also). Just great things, never having to power down. The other day we were on for about 8 hours!