A little battery project

[Michael Notar]

tired of having my zoom h4n eat up AA batteries with p+48v on, i decided to turn to a larger source, namely the V mount batteries that run my scarlet. i made up a small box with a voltage regulator. i used my power tap cable from small hd for the in side and got a small plug for the zoom. also doing a version of it with a larger regulator. it could also be done off a 6v lantern battery. it was just a fun and pretty inexpensive project, but i can make them for others if requested.

[Artino Ahmadi]

I could use one of these.

[Michael Notar]

Artino, what battery would you like to use with your device? Are you seriously interested in having me make you one?

[SeanBrown]

Price? Email me please I would use one for my Anton Bauer View Factor plate. 117production@gmail.com

[Michael Notar]

I can do a few versions and then can always customize.

1. Power Tap source
18 in Power tap to box, heat sunk voltage regulator. 18in cable to zoom. Parts and labor totaling: $125 + shipping

I can build one like mine pictured, but it needs a 6v source. A cheap lantern battery is recommended. This version would be $95 + ship
It would have 18 inch wire with bare ends to go from battery to box and another 18 inches from box to zoom. Battery not included. It could also be ran off of AAs, C or D cells for added capacity. I do this version with a regular battery pack for a total of $115 +ship.

The regulator does get pretty warm but wont burn you. I can do a longer power tap cable (extra) or can use a supplied one. I can add a longer cable from the box to the zoom too.

I need about 2 weeks for parts to come in and a few days to assemble it all. Would like to get half down to order parts. We can do it all via Paypal. PM or reply, I check both often. I will be traveling Aug 1-8th and have a busy Aug but can find a little time to do this.

PS. All connections are soldered and heat scrunch.

[Phil Holland]

I'm interested! That AA battery life limitation is so bad on the Zoom.

It would be really cool if we could somehow use Canon, Sony, or Panasonic lithium ion camcorder batteries. Similar to many LCD field monitors.

[Michael Notar]

Camcorder batteries are a definite possibility. They are a medium voltage usually. Will just need to get an battery specific plate for each kind. I would like to use the much heavier duty transformer used on the power tap model adapter but could get away with the 6v model if price is an issue.

[Michael Notar]

V2.0...Power tap Voltage Regulator to power Zoom H4n. With super sized voltage regulator, 2x2x1/2 inch block of metal. Available for $89 shipped in the CON US if you want one. Approx 16-18 inches of cable on each side. With double heat shrunk connections. Provide me with a battery specific mount plate if you want to use those (same price).

[Michael Notar]

and here is the photo of v2.0

[Trevor Meeks]

What does the zoom take, 5v input from what I remember? This is a great idea, but a simple P-Tap to USB converter like Viewfactor's PTAP-USB Converter with a USB to barrel plug would be much more compact and straightforward. I am away from the studio at the moment but I THINK the USB power cord that comes with the REDMAG readers fits the Zoom.