2.7.1 Installing the Battery on the Camera
The on-board battery fits below the CCD control unit on the batte-
ry side of the camera body. In order to install, loosen the black
knurled screw approximately four or five turns. Push the battery
evenly onto the XLR4 connection on the body. When snug, tighten
the knurled screw onto the battery tab to hold it in place.
When running AatonCode, get into the practice of having a fresh
battery on hand before removing the one from the camera. Even a
low battery that no longer runs the body (below 10V) will have en-
ough voltage to keep accurate time counting.
Thanks to a super capacitor built into the camera base, you will ha-
ve a full minute to change the battery before time is lost. After re-
placing the battery, confirm that time is still counting by looking for
the yellow blinking diode to the right of the motor or checking the
control panel.
2.7.2 Battery Charging
The Aaton on-board can be recharged with an appropriate 12V
Nimh battery charger.
For the best results, use a microprocessor-controlled charger or a
standard trickle charger with a charging output of at least 200ma,
both of which prevent the overheating and mistreatment of your
Nimh cells. Always follow the specific guidelines of the charger ma-
nufacturer. You can use the Aaton ChA-3, designed to charge two
standard batteries in 5 hours, without any risk.
Beware of older, timed chargers manufactured when 1.2 and 1.4ah
batteries were the norm; these chargers were most likely rated for the
lower amperage batteries of that time and will consistently under-
charge the higher rated Nimh cells of today.
2.7.3 Other Power Options
Since the XTRprod power input is a standard 4pin XLR type, a
great variety of 12-14 volt sources can be used to power the camera.
This includes AC power supplies, battery blocks, lithium cells and
car batteries.
33
THE CAMERA BODY