Schumacher Camera/Technical Tips

Have a tech question? Please feel free to send us an email, and we’ll do our best to post a response.

Tech Tip	Subject
#1	Charging Batteries
#2	Aspect Ratios and Formats
#3	Shooting for HD
#4	3-Perf Tech Tip

Tech Tip #1

CHARGING BATTERIES

One of the most overlooked parts of a camera prep is the battery. An insufficiently charged or problem battery can be a production's weakest link. Camera assistants and Videographers typically do a thorough check of the camera, lenses and accessories. However, when it comes to batteries, they usually ask "are they charged?" and that's the extent of it.

Batteries are often handed off to the production assistants who are told to charge the batteries overnight. The batteries are not seen again until the morning of the production. This is where problems often lie. Just charging the batteries is not enough to ensure proper charge capacity. The following guidelines should assist in properly using and charging batteries:

The person responsible for the batteries should be instructed in the proper charge procedure for the specific battery being used. Various types of batteries have different charging procedures.
Inquire as to the age of the battery and the last time the battery was analyzed or re-celled .
Confirm that power is supplied to the outlet being used and that the outlet is 'live.'
Confirm that the charging outlet is 'live' throughout the charge duration. In some locations, power to certain areas of a building may be cycled off during closing hours.
Batteries should be charged in an area with plenty of air circulation. Never charge batteries in an enclosed case.
Batteries should not be charged on a cold surface (i.e., a concrete floor). The cold will slow the charge time, especially in colder temperatures.
In extreme temperatures, batteries should be charged in a warm environment. Ideally, charging should occur once the battery has reached room temperature. (Due to the slowing of chemical reactions in a cold battery, damage may result by charging batteries that have a temperature of 40º F or below. The worst case scenario of this is an explosion due to build up of combustible gases.)
When using batteries, it is also important to avoid storage on any cold and damp surface since this will deplete the battery's charge. In cold weather we suggest using an apple box or a wooden board to insulate the battery from the cold surface. Placing batteries in an insulated container would be ideal.
The colder the temperature, the quicker the charge dissipation. At 30º F, a battery has only about one-half it's expected capacity.
If given the option, use as short a power cable as possible. Daisy chaining or connecting multiple cables can cause a significant current loss. If you must string cables together, make sure to use cables which have heavier gauge conductors.

Finally... when experiencing problems with any battery, prior to returning the equipment to the supplier, please jot a note with details regarding the trouble incurred. If applicable, remember to tag the charger that was used for the problem battery. At the very least tag the problem battery and call with details so it may be analyzed to prevent future problems.