Why RC4 Does Not Bundle Dimmers With Batteries

We don’t bundle dimmers with batteries because loads and running times vary with every application. Choosing a “catch-all” battery would almost always be either larger than you’d like, or deliver less running time than you’d like, depending on what’s being done. An integrated device also might not fit in the space you have to work with; with separate batteries, dimmers, etc., you can more easily fit things into unusually shaped props and distribute weight and bulk as needed.

What Battery Should You Buy?

To help choose the best battery for your needs, send us a link to data about the loads you need to control, so can see what current it draws, what voltage it needs, and other pertinent details.

Important factors to consider are:

1. The overall running time you need between battery charges (or replacement if you choose to use disposable batteries). If running times are short, and/or you can charge more frequently, you can use a smaller battery. But if the total time between charges adds up to quite a long time, then a larger battery is a better choice. We can still help you find the smallest option that suits your needs;
2. Another factor, related to running time, is what brightness you will be using.  If you run the prop at 50% of maximum, you will get more than double the running time from the battery. This is because battery efficiency is not linear. If you are mixing colors and not running a lot of full-mix white, this reduces the load substantially as well. Your lighting design impacts battery life considerably;
3. The space you have available for everything to fit, and;
4. Sometimes the most difficult things — your budget constraints and timeframe to get everything up and running.

If you can send dimensioned drawings of the props and costumes you are working on, this is very helpful. Rest assured all intellectual property is treated in confidence.

Contact us for more help using out online Support Ticket System.

Battery Types

NiMH vs. Li-ion
For batteries, the safest type is NiMH. They don’t have the instability and hazards of fire and explosion that Li-ion batteries have, (although a couple of shows have chosen to use Li-ion and no horrible accidents have been reported).​

There are two types of NiMH :

The original off-patent formula, and

A patented formula that is controlled by an offshoot of Sanyo.

​This Sanyo NiMH formula has been licensed to various other brands, so the key to recognizing it is that they have a long shelf-life for charge. This means you can buy them with a pre-existing charge which will last several months. They will also withstand many more charge cycles and maintain near original capacity for a much longer time than the off-brand versions mentioned above.

​Purchasing and Extra Information

When ordering Sanyo branded products, it is recommended to ask for custom packs using Sanyo Eneloop cells. They are readily available using AA and AAA size cells for a wide range of voltages. One cell is 1.2V, so 10 cells in a pack gives you a 12V battery. This link is to an article written about batteries and current draw. Although not exhaustive, it is a good place to start. A trusted retailer is www.batteryspace.com

Batteries & Their Life Span!

Many batteries are probably ruined by sitting unused for 18 months … Hello! Pandemic!

If they’re lead-acid, just throw them out, don’t even bother trying to recover them.

If they’re NiMH, charge/drain cycle them 3 times. If life remains short, replace them. If LiIon and they take a very long time to charge, monitor for excess heat, and be prepared to dispose of them by taking them to a hazardous waste facility. LiIon are particularly hard to understand, because they can become unstable and dangerous when they are under charged.

One more important point: if the prop or costume will be in direct contact with a person, it’s best to use safer types of batteries.

If the demand for small size forces the use of Li-ion batteries, then the prop or costume should be designed so that an overheating or misbehaving battery can be quickly and easily removed without struggle and delay.

It’s better to use high-quality NiMH batteries whenever possible, which are more stable and far less prone to catastrophic failure.