High End battery solution for the TC-7533 Bushmaster MKII

[StanleyB]

I have been using a slightly more expensive battery solution for the Bushmaster, but I have refrained from making that known because of the less than convenient effort that is required to get hold of one.
Worse still is that I lent my BM out and packed away the battery. Now I can't remember where I put it :rolleyes:.
But I am going to do a wide search tomorrow. I hope the wife didn't throw the box away in which I left it.

The battery can be seen at:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330919124943?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I ordered mine from:
http://www.ankaka.com/incredible-20000mah-battery-charger-universal-portable-battery_p409.html since it is a bit cheaper there even after adding the postal cost.

Some more technical info on it at:
http://sclick.net/cool-gadgets/coolest-latest-gadgets-cvpp-s18-mobile-charger-universal-portable-battery-charger-new-cool-electronic-technology-gadgets-blog.html

What I like about it is that you can leave it plugged into the mains. It has a battery level indicator, and an auto shutdown when fully charged.

The unit defaults to 12Volts. This is important. The BM draws less than 100mA, which makes it unsuitable or difficult to use with other battery solutions of a similar design that I have tried. That includes the one at:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UBP0768A-2-Power-74Wh-Universal-External-Laptop-Battery-Lithium-Ion-15V-9500mAh-/231018215836?pt=UK_Computing_Other_Computing_Netwo rking&hash=item35c9c2399c
This one has a 16V minimum limit and does not detect the presence of the BM consistently. So it won't come on reliably. I shall take a pic of it the next time I do get it to recognize the BM just to show how it works.

[worrasf]

Thanks for posting this information Stan.
I've been looking for a better battery solution and didn't really want all the hassle and mess of motorcycle/car batteries in the living room. Coupled with the fact that this solution is permanently on charge it looks ideal. I've ordered one from Ankaka - I've been very pleased with other batteries I have purchased from them. £82.62 including shipping.

Steve

[Ali Tait]

Aye, looks good, cheers Stan. Might get one to try with the Golds.

[wee tee cee]

Ali sent you a PM......

[Ali Tait]

Replied. :)

[Richardl]

I've just ordered one as well, I think it seems to have 2 outputs, do you reckon it would be able to run 2 devices at once?
I'm maybe thinking about my Angle audio phono stage, or maybe a Bantam gold amp (in the near future)??

Also, I'm well chuffed with my BM2, it's got better after being run in a while, or it might just be my imagination, plus being able to have a good listen to it now it's the weekend

[bigmarty]

Hi Richard and Stephen please let me know how you get on with this unit. Some pics would be good......

All the best

Marty :eek:

[Stresss42]

Hi all, been seaching for 12v Lithium Polymer battery packs all week...wondering if I should go along this route or a Linear PSU ? ( Apologies if this has been covered in another thread - ! ? ).
Any advice please....I'm sure ( hope!!) my system has the resolution to justify this because the increase in detail from my Mk1 to MkII was quite astonishing.
Will also follow this one with interest. Pictures / reviews on the above Battery pack reccomended from Stan would be superb. All the best. Steve.

[brian2957]

Steve , I was using a Power Inspired AG500 mains regenerator to power the Bushmaster 2 . Battery power beats it hands down IMHO . However , there are more expensive linear PSUs which may be better . I've never tried any though .

[John]

Battery takes everything to another level so think you not be disappointed I not gone down the linear route yet I am waiting for mine to come

[Stresss42]

Thanks very much Brian, apart from Stans reccomendation above which I'm very tempted to order, I saw this and wondered if anyone's seen / heard of these ? :

http://www.deben.com/tracer-battery-packs.html

( The 10 Ah one is exactly the same height as the BM MKII ). Cheers.

[Stresss42]

Nice one John thank you mate....Your speakers are stunning, I guess you have a detatched house ?? !!!!

[MCRU]

What do batteries do that a well designed linear psu (incidently with noise so low its almost a battery) does not, they run out and need re-charging, what a faff surely?

[Richardl]

What do batteries do that a well designed linear psu (incidently with noise so low its almost a battery) does not, they run out and need re-charging, what a faff surely?

The one I've bought doesn't run out, just leave it plugged into the mains and it charges when needed.

[John]

In my opion batteries beat a linear power supply as I had a well designed one and perfer using battery. As Richard said you can get ones that charge as you use them

[Oldpinkman]

The one I've bought doesn't run out, just leave it plugged into the mains and it charges when needed.

If it's left charging all the time, are you really using batteries? I seem to recall we went to great faff and bother to design circuits which operated from battery when the levels permitted, and charged the batteries when the system was not supplying power to the device (preamp and dac ) . So when the preamp was off, the batteries charged, and when the preamp wanted to run, the battery charging was off, and the batteries supplied the current. Otherwise, you are running the device from the supply which charges the batteries? :scratch: (Batteries and the old firm were a bit of a touchy subject with a few bruised egos, so I've never really pursued this point) :(

[Stresss42]

[Oldpinkman] If it's left charging all the time, are you really using batteries?

I was thinking exactly the same thing. If the battery pack is plugged into the mains constantly, would ac Mains noise pass from the charger - to batteries - to the DAC ?
Forgive my technical in-experience with battery packs / power supplies.

[John]

Cannot say with the lithium set up but Stan reported good results with this set up and tend to trust his ears Stan be best to feedback around this I use a switch so I can recharge the battery when ever I want but at present using a lead battery set up, So in my case battery charges after use. Their quite a few other DACs that use a similar approach to good effect

[Tarzan]

l run my battery powered Virtue Audio Sensation with the charger permanently plugged in charging, also tried listening to the charger unplugged and heard no difference in sound this has been reported by other Sensation owners as well- so the charger stays permy in.:)

[Oldpinkman]

l run my battery powered Virtue Audio Sensation with the charger permanently plugged in charging, also tried listening to the charger unplugged and heard no difference in sound this has been reported by other Sensation owners as well- so the charger stays permy in.:)

Is it possible to run it without batteries - just using "the charger"?

[Cubeman]

Stan, you might aswel remove the Ebay link.
I ordered from the offering seller but last night my order got cancelled because they had stock problems.
Now going for the other link you posted :)

[wee tee cee]

Maplin is selling a 12v solar charger for £10...have three put aside, will report back if it does the business for the ECO hi fi!!!

[MartinT]

Thanks, Stan. That battery unit is very interesting. I think I might give it a punt.

It occurs to me that, rather than reintroduce a switched mode charger into my system, I can use my Paul Hynes 15V linear power supply to act as its charger. The best of both worlds.

[StanleyB]

It occurs to me that, rather than reintroduce a switched mode charger into my system, I can use my Paul Hynes 15V linear power supply to act as its charger.
It could be hazardous to charge a 12V battery with a 15V supply that has no delta charging measurement facility.

[MartinT]

The unit specifies DC input voltage range of 14 - 24V. I thought all the sensing was in the main unit and that the charger was just a standard external SMPS power supply?

[StanleyB]

The unit specifies DC input voltage range of 14 - 24V. I thought all the sensing was in the main unit and that the charger was just a standard external SMPS power supply?
If you mean the DAC, then you are OK. But if it is an external battery that you wish to charge then be cautious with using a 15V PSU to charge a 12V battery.

[MartinT]

Now I'm confused :scratch:

Those specs I quoted (DC input 14 - 24V) are for the battery unit you recommended in post #1. Clearly it has its own charge management circuit. I take it you have one of them?

[struth]

as long as the supplied power charging source that came with the battery pack has no electronics in it, is a dumb PSU then it should work fine.

[worrasf]

My "hi end" battery finally arrived from Ankaka after issues in Singapore customs. Battery/case is a sleek and solid bit of kit but there is a fault with the charging cable/plug as it will only charge in a certain position. Anyway, to my old ears this does raise the SQ another notch or 2 over the 6800mA/h battery I was using (which is already better than the linear psu/sBooster). Improvement is more in the area of sound stage and presentation (fuller/larger) than necessarily in detail. Definitely worth the wait.
Steve

[brian2957]

Stan , can you please tell me if this would be suitable for the Bushmaster 2.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161123601267?var=460218845090&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

[StanleyB]

Stan , can you please tell me if this would be suitable for the Bushmaster 2.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161123601267?var=460218845090&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
It looks OK, but it doesn't bring anything new to the table that can't be achieved with those lower priced and higher current ones I initially recommended for use with the BM MKI. At £48 and 2200mA it's a bit of a wimp in wolves clothing.

My own Ankara battery is lost in the post. So they sending me a new one via a different courier service. I had the option to accept a refund, which I declined. I can't find my first battery of that type, which I last used with my TC-7520 DAC. But I sold the DAC two months ago and can't remember where I hid the battery:doh:.

[brian2957]

OK thanks Stan.

[StanleyB]

My "hi end" battery finally arrived from Ankaka after issues in Singapore customs. Battery/case is a sleek and solid bit of kit but there is a fault with the charging cable/plug as it will only charge in a certain position.
The plug might not be going far enough into the socket. I'll dig up a mod for you to try and email it to you.

[worrasf]

Thank you Stan - most kind
Steve

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

[wee tee cee]

my good lady has a KIES heated waist coat....the battery may be getting borrowed for a try.

[worrasf]

The sonic benefits of the Ankaka hi capacity battery are even more evident when listening with headphones direct from the BM 2.

Steve

[Ali Tait]

Still waiting for mine to turn up.

[MartinT]

Mine too.

[keiths]

...and mine, though I paid 11 quid odd to dhl for VAT etc a couple of days ago, so it shouldn't be too long...

[Richardl]

Mine got stuck in Singapore for about a week, at least it's left there now.

[keiths]

Mine arrived this afternoon. Charged up and playing as I write this. Initial impressions are very positive.

[Fi-Wi]

Now I'm confused :scratch:

Those specs I quoted (DC input 14 - 24V) are for the battery unit you recommended in post #1. Clearly it has its own charge management circuit. I take it you have one of them?

I am confused as well. Can a 15V linear power supply be used to act as a charger of the battery that Stan is referring to in post #1?

[Ali Tait]

That one has it's own charger built in, it has a wall wart that you leave plugged in all the time for charging.

[MartinT]

Can a 15V linear power supply be used to act as a charger of the battery that Stan is referring to in post #1?

I see no reason why it cannot replace the wall-wart and rid my system of another SMPS pushing out crap into the mains. I'll confirm when I receive the battery.

[Fi-Wi]

Me neither but Stan's warning made me confused.

[worrasf]

I'm not sure what the advantage of leaving the battery (Ankanka) permanently connected for charging is and why one would bother to do it let alone spend money on a high end battery charger? :scratch:

The Ankanka battery will power the BM for days without needing to be recharged. Even my old low capacity ones lasted a couple of evenings of solid use.
I just use the DC output from the battery into the BM2 and just charge it overnight with the charger that comes with it. Simples! (Unless of course I'm missing a trick here :rolleyes:)

Steve

[MartinT]

Yep, Steve, that should work fine. I'm only saying that I will use my PH power supply because it's already there and it won't stuff noise down the mains so even if I forget to unplug it there won't be any harm done.

[worrasf]

Makes sense Martin.

Steve

[Ali Tait]

I'm not sure what the advantage of leaving the battery (Ankanka) permanently connected for charging is and why one would bother to do it let alone spend money on a high end battery charger? :scratch:

The Ankanka battery will power the BM for days without needing to be recharged. Even my old low capacity ones lasted a couple of evenings of solid use.
I just use the DC output from the battery into the BM2 and just charge it overnight with the charger that comes with it. Simples! (Unless of course I'm missing a trick here :rolleyes:)

Steve

I'll be running my pair of Golds with one, so won't last as long. Don't see a problem with leaving it plugged in anyway, as long as it's into one of the mains filters, which will stop anything going back trough the mains.

[badsoden]

I've been using one of these for a few weeks now. At the moment its powering my Bantam Gold but I have used it with a Bushmaster although the I not II at the moment. Like the one Stan suggested it has a variable output selector, the same 20000mAh capacity but is available next day from Amazon. Depending on use it has lasted for between one and two weeks before needing a charge.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BUJCMUQ/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[MartinT]

That looks good too, Christopher.

[badsoden]

It seems to work perfectly well. The only thing that had me stumped for a few minutes is that it needs to be plugged into the Gold/Bushmaster before plugging into the battery otherwise it doesn't power the device.

[Ali Tait]

Good to know, it should power my pair of Golds for a week then.

[badsoden]

It will only output to one device at a time as far I can work out unless I'm missing something?

[Ali Tait]

Wasn't talking about that particular one, but the one Stan linked to, but has the same capacity.

It'll be easy enough to parallel up two outputs to run both amps.

[badsoden]

Oh I see. I'm considering bi-amping two Golds so that's something to think about.

[John]

One of my friends has bi amped with his golds in his system it worked well

[Ali Tait]

Yep, I use two to run my speakers actively. Works well, and I'm hoping the battery pack will be another step up. If it ever comes....

[brian2957]

Hope it's here before Sunday matey :eyebrows:

[Theadmans]

It seems to work perfectly well. The only thing that had me stumped for a few minutes is that it needs to be plugged into the Gold/Bushmaster before plugging into the battery otherwise it doesn't power the device.


...this looks very interesting. I like the idea of ordering off Amazon for fast delivery - the Stan recommended Battery seems to be taking a while to be deilivered (and getting stuck in Customs etc) judging from comments by folks who have bought them.

Can I just ask - can I charge this battery and then connect it to my Bushmaster II and have it power it (without the Battery being connected to the mains whilst I am listening to the Bushmaster) ?

[Fi-Wi]

Can I just ask - can I charge this battery and then connect it to my Bushmaster II and have it power it (without the Battery being connected to the mains whilst I am listening to the Bushmaster) ?

Ehh, yes. That why it is advertised as an external battery.

[Theadmans]

Ehh, yes. That why it is advertised as an external battery.

Thanks - I thought so - but I just wanted confirmation - will probably order one of these I think.

[Ali Tait]

Hope it's here before Sunday matey :eyebrows:

Aye! Still not here yet, there's tomorrow...

[MartinT]

Nor mine :(

[keiths]

Nor mine :(

Which delivery method did you choose? I went for the more expensive option. It took about a week for Ankaka to despatch it, but then only 3 days to reach DHL's Manchester depot - which was on a Saturday. I paid the emailed duty invoice immediately and it was delivered to me on the Monday.

[Ali Tait]

Aye, didn't think, just went for the bog standard..

[Fi-Wi]

Keith, I notice you have a Beyer Dynamics DT990 as well. Does the battery powered Mk2 sings better to you through the DT990 than the main socket?

[MartinT]

Which delivery method did you choose?

Standard as far as I can remember. Didn't really think about it. No matter, I can wait.

[Ali Tait]

Aye me too, but would have been nice to have for the Mafia board meeting on Sunday.

[brian2957]

You got any batteries for the Bantam . I can bring my 12v car battery if you want . It does make an inprovement , just not as good as the linear battery . Near enough though.

[Ali Tait]

Linear battery?

[keiths]

Keith, I notice you have a Beyer Dynamics DT990 as well. Does the battery powered Mk2 sings better to you through the DT990 than the main socket?

I haven't tried the headphone output on the BM2 at all yet Steven - I've been using my DIY headphone amp so far - as a lot of my headphone listening is to vinyl, but it will be an interesting comparison to make when I've got some time.

[John]

I think Lithium battery

[Ali Tait]

Ah, that would make sense. Brian, aye bring it, we'll give it a go.

[brian2957]

Linear battery?
Sorry mate I meant just not as good as the li-on battery . What I've got and use is a bog standard 12V car battery . Sorry for the misunderstanding. I'll bring it and we can see how it fares .

[Ali Tait]

Aye, cool.

[Richardl]

I've got the battery this morning, I've not tried it yet though.
I need an extension for the power cable (so I can power the Bantam monos as well), so could somebody please tell me what size the connector is that plugs into the BM2?

[brian2957]

It's a 2.1mm plug I believe Richard. Same as the Bantam.

[Richardl]

It's a 2.1mm plug I believe Richard. Same as the Bantam.

Thanks for that.

[John]

Got a lithium battery not tried on the dac; using it for the Bantam. On the strength of this will get one for the BM 2

[Richardl]

Got a lithium battery not tried on the dac; using it for the Bantam. On the strength of this will get one for the BM 2


I'm going to use one battery for both the Bantams and the BM2, why not just get a power cable splitter?, or will that degrade the performance?

[Ali Tait]

Don't think do.

[John]

Mine is only 9800MAh that's why not splitting

[MartinT]

Just got the battery today. I'm fully charging it then will give it a good listen with the BM2.

[Richardl]

Mines fully connected, it's powering the BM2, 2 Temple monoblocks. I thought it might power my non-battery Angle audio phonostage as well, but it didn't, which is a bit of a shame.
I'm really pleased with it, I think it made a bigger difference to the monoblocks rather than the BM2, but for the money it's a fantastic upgrade.

[Ali Tait]

Just got the battery today. I'm fully charging it then will give it a good listen with the BM2.

So did mine, will give it a go after charging.

[brian2957]

:popcorn:

[John]

Yes agree the battery really makes a big difference on my Bantam gold

[John]

Looking forward to your reports

[Yomanze]

:popcorn:

Indeed.

[MartinT]

Ok, introducing the charged battery to power the BM2 (with no charger connected), and playing some very familiar songs, I can hear no obvious tonal changes, frequency extension changes or dynamic changes. What I can hear, to a varying degree with different songs, is a lot of very fine detail that was previously subliminal. More tiny things come to notice and fill out the songs, cues that make it sound real. The noise floor was already very low with the Paul Hynes power supply, but still that fine detail comes through very clearly on battery.

Perhaps more than any other test I've given it is Van Morrison's Into the Mystic. This song has great beauty and a lot going on, and I deliberately played the Spotify stream rather than the CD (which I've always thought quite inferior to the LP). That wowed me more than anything else, and I soon fell into the spell of the song rather than listening for anything in particular. Remarkable!

[StanleyB]

I did say it was a high end solution ;).

[Ali Tait]

Look forward to trying mine. Needs a bit of surgery though, need to feed two amps.

[MartinT]

I did say it was a high end solution ;).

You did, Stan. I believe I'm only just finding the performance level of the BM2, and it's the mark of a high end component that it keeps stepping up in performance as external influences improve.

[brian2957]

Yup good martin innit :)

[Clive]

Anyone sharing batteries between components, try one battery per component. I'm running 3 amps, the improvement due to one battery per amp is not small. Possibly due to separating grounds. .

[Ali Tait]

Anyone running Golds or monos with this battery, what voltage are you running at?

My linear supply was running them at 16v. If I go higher than 12v with the battery, I get a squealing noise.

[Richardl]

Anyone running Golds or monos with this battery, what voltage are you running at?

My linear supply was running them at 16v. If I go higher than 12v with the battery, I get a squealing noise.

Works fine with 12 volts on my set up,I've not tried any other voltage,I've got the BM2 with the monos.

[brian2957]

That's strange Ali . when I adjusted my Maplins PSU to around 16v I got a squealing noise with the Bantam Gold too .

[Ali Tait]

Sound better at higher voltages IMHO. The Gold will take up to 18v. More power too.

[Ali Tait]

That's strange Ali . when I adjusted my Maplins PSU to around 16v I got a squealing noise too .

Aye, strange when the linear supply is fine at 16v. Amps still work, just have the squeal in the background.

[brian2957]

I adjusted the Maplins PSU down to 15.8v and everything was fine.

[Ali Tait]

Well this battery pack has three voltages, 12, 16,19. 16 actually measures just over 14v, but still squeals..

[brian2957]

Well this battery pack has three voltages, 12, 16,19. 16 actually measures just over 14v, but still squeals..
Is there something inbuilt into the supplied PSU which the linears don't have . My Bantam is running quite happily from my 12v car battery .

[Ali Tait]

Dunno, but it does it whether the charger is plugged in or not.

[Nigel]

I tried the Maplin full on and it measured 16.4v on my example but the unit was buzzing like a bee. I backed off to 16v and this worked fine. i still think the 12v security system battery is better, sweeter and more detailed. I give it a charge every 48hrs. John mentioned that it was preferable to leave the amp powered all the time, whether the blue light was on or off was up to the individual. I have enquired as to what's the difference, eg what's not powered when the amp is connected to a supply but switched off, however he hasn't responded yet.

[Fi-Wi]

Aside from the squealing at 16V, can anyone of the new owners lift another tip of the veil of how his/her BM2 excels with the battery attached?

[StanleyB]

You should only use the battery pack at 12V.

[Ali Tait]

I should be clear, I'm talking about running Temple Audio Bantam Gold Class D amps.

[John]

I use mine at 12v no issues Ali
Can you try a 12v car or bike battery and see if it has the same issues

[brian2957]

We tried the Bantams with the 12v car battery last Sunday at Alis place . Everything sounded OK if a little bit flat. But no squealing or anything like that.

[John]

So either the charger or sensitive to voltage

[Ali Tait]

Yes, that was interesting, Brian brought a car battery, which did not sound as good as the linear supply running at 16v.

Strangely, this battery pack I'm sure sounds better, Maybe even better than the linear supply. Unfortunately I can't swap back as I've cannibalised the leads to run the amps. I'll need to buy some more connectors so I can compare.

[Ali Tait]

So either the charger or sensitive to voltage

Not the charger as it squeals whether the charger is connected or not.

[Ali Tait]

What is strange is the output voltage varies about 0.6 of a volt up and down quite rapidly when measuring with a meter. Anyone else find this?

[Stresss42]

Hi all, just a bit more BM MKII Battery Info...

Just ordered a Deben tracer 4 Ah Lithium polymer battery. Got the 2.1mm power lead this morning. ( Ordered it Friday - £10 Including postage ) and it fits my BM perfectly. Length - 500mm.

http://www.deben.com/tracer-battery-connections/bullet-dc-plug-10x55mm-21-centreve.html

The battery pack is non-switching - a constant 12v DC supply - and at around 80 - 100mA load it should power the BM for about 50 Hours.
I think there's a fast charger available but I honestly don't know if fast chargers degrade the batts quicker ??

I looked at loads of different types on Amazon that had much more power but I was told they wouldn't 'sense' the BM and so wouldn't turn on.

Anyway - Will put a few notes here when I get it Wednesday. - Cost me £91.00 Including next day delivery. ( Wanted the 10Ah.....but I'm skint. ) ! ?

All the best , Steve.

[Stresss42]

By the way - all this Bantam mono block comments in this thread makes me a bit gutted I bought the Arcam A19 -

reckon I would have had better sound quality with the Bantam pre -amp and mono blocks. Damn.

[clarkey555]

hi steve cannot wait to see what you think about the Deben might get one myself...pete

[Stresss42]

Will let you know Pete mate no worries.

Getting it tomorrow - As I say I've ordered the 4Ah but wanted the 10Ah because of the capacity and it's exacly the same
dimensions as the BM MKII. But should get about 50 Hours power on a full charge from the 4Ah. I'll update no probs. All the best. Steve

[magiccarpetride]

I did say it was a high end solution ;).

OK, couldn't resist and ordered one last night. Impatiently awaiting its arrival...

[Ali Tait]

Can others with his battery measure the (unloaded) output please?

[MartinT]

Do you mean the Ankaka one, Ali? My unloaded voltage is 11.5V when set to the 12V setting.

[Stresss42]

Hi all, ordered this Monday night - got it this afternoon.

Struggling to add a picture of it next to my BM MK2 here so will PM picture of how it looks if needed - no probs.

It's got a power meter on the back - push button, and it displays the amount of power left - half full capacity when received so I
can say it's brand new stock from Deben. ( Not sitting on the shelf for a year deteriorating ).

Can't find my multi meter so don't know the exact DC output - will give it a full charge and have a proper listen over the weekend.
But the BM powered up straight away and is playing perfectly.

This is proper quality - built for mobile use so very robust / well made.

How pleased I am that I'll be stock taking this Friday till late instead of listening to this absolute reference quality bit of kit. :(

Highest regards to Stan, absolute class mate. Steve.

[Ali Tait]

Do you mean the Ankaka one, Ali? My unloaded voltage is 11.5V when set to the 12V setting.

Yes, cheers Martin, does the voltage fluctuate?

[MartinT]

No, it seems very steady. I haven't run the battery completely down to a single marker so I can't say what the voltage droop looks like.

[StanleyB]

In case anyone wonders how big the Ankaka battery is compared to the BM2, here is a pic of the two together.

http://www.homehifi.co.uk/aos/ankaka.jpg

[Ali Tait]

No, it seems very steady. I haven't run the battery completely down to a single marker so I can't say what the voltage droop looks like.

Hmm, mine fluctuates about 0.7 of a volt quite rapidly up and down. I'll try measuring it again now it's cycled a few times.

[MartinT]

That doesn't sound right, Ali. Under load?

[Ali Tait]

No, unloaded. Could be the meter possibly.

[StanleyB]

The battery has an auto voltage level sensing circuit, which is designed to detect the required input voltage of a laptop. If there is no load connected, the sensing circuit seems to the supply up and down till a certain amount of current is drawn from it. Then it locks onto that voltage.
I have another make of a similar battery, but that one cannot detect the BM since the current drawn by the DAC is far too low to register the required output voltage.

[Ali Tait]

That'll explain it, thanks Stan.

[MartinT]

I have noticed that the battery supplies 12V whether switched on or not, so suspected that it is not sensing the BM2's load.

[Ali Tait]

I'll measure mine under load when I get a chance.

[orbscure]

I've been using one of these for a few weeks now. At the moment its powering my Bantam Gold but I have used it with a Bushmaster although the I not II at the moment. Like the one Stan suggested it has a variable output selector, the same 20000mAh capacity but is available next day from Amazon. Depending on use it has lasted for between one and two weeks before needing a charge.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BUJCMUQ/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This looks very interesting... do I need any additional leads?

Pete

[badsoden]

They come with a lead and a selection of tips for connecting to the device of choice. It does need plugging into the device you want to power before the battery otherwise it doesn't power up.

[orbscure]

Thanks Chris :)

[Theadmans]

Got my Anker Astro Pro2 External Battery this morning :):):)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-20000mAh-Ultra-High-Capacity-Multi-Voltage/dp/B00BUJCMUQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386417445&sr=8-1&keywords=anker+20000+mah

Had gone out to do some shopping and opened the front door to see the dreaded Royal Mail Red Card (it wasn't supposed to arrive until Wednesday!). However, glanced down the road and saw the Postie in his van - sprinted down the road and caught him before he drove off. So now I have the battery and the rest of the day to play with it (wife and son are out - perfect timing).

Looks a quality bit of kit - very well made. Arrived about 80% charged so just topping it up to 100% before I give it a try. Looks like the standard output cable will fit the Bushmaster (so need to use any of the extra tips which is nice).

A few questions for those who have one already :-

- How long will I get with the Bushmaster from a full charge ?

- I vaguely remember something about the Bushmaster LEDs showing when the Battery is running out. Did I imagine this - as I can't see anything in the manual for the Bushmaster. I know I can use the battery lights on the battery - but for this you have to press the button on the battery.

- Is it OK to site the Anker Battery on top of the Bushmaster - it fits perfectly (kinda wish I had got the silver BM so the colour would match). I am wondering if the battery could cause any interference by being on top of the DAC?

- I will disconnect the Bushmaster Power Supply from the DAC but plan to leave it plugged into the mains (so I can switch over from Battery power easily if the Battery drains). Will leaving the Bushmaster power supply plugged in cause any problems - will it be sending any rubbish into the mains (for the rest of my system to pickup even though it is not being used by the Bushmaster).

..sorry if I sound like I am being OCD about this - but I just want to get my setup to sound as good as possible.

[MartinT]

I've left my 20,000mAH battery running the BM2 for a week and it still had a couple of bars left. Not really a problem at all.

EDIT: it helps if you have the LEDs in mute mode, of course.

[badsoden]

I'm using mine just with a bantam gold and with that I get up to a couple of weeks with 1 to 3 hours use a day. The bantam draws more power than the bushmaster so you should get a lot longer use out of it. I had been using a 3800mAh with the bushmaster before it stopped charging and used to last a couple of weeks. My Anker battery sits under the bantam gold quite nicely.

[MartinT]

Yes, but I leave the BM2 powered up permanently.

[Theadmans]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Had a listen this afternoon now and I must say it sounds very good.

The only problem I am getting is that every 20 minutes or so the power from the battery cuts out. If I press the button on the battery (which displays the battery level) then power is resumed. I know the instructions say the battery is designed to stop if the device is fully charged (if charging a laptop etc).

Anyone else experiencing this ? Just to be clear I have the battery (set to 12V) connected to the Bushmaster (and the battery not connected to the mains). Any way around this as it will be very annoying if it keeps doing this? :scratch:

[MartinT]

Hi Adam, the potential problem with buying a different one from that which Stan recommended is that it may not sense the very low running current of the BM2 and therefore shut down. That may be what's happening with the model you bought.

[Theadmans]

Yeah that is what I am beginning to wonder. As others on here had bought the Anker 20000 mah model I thought I would be OK. Is anyone using this battery with the Bushmaster and getting continuous power - mine stops after 20-30 minutes of music?

I wonder is it safe to try the battery at 16v or is that a bad idea?

I have emailed Stan for his opinion on this battery.

[Clive]

Maybe you need a carefully judged resistor across the battery to add just enough load.

[MartinT]

Maybe you need a carefully judged resistor across the battery to add just enough load.

I was about to suggest the same thing.

[Theadmans]

Yeah I am considering something like that. Stan has suggested wiring a 12V bulb in circuit ! Could provide a bit of light at the back of my rig for when I am fiddling around with connections etc :lol:

Interestingly the one person who I know has got this battery working OK I think had a Bushmaster MK1. I just tested the battery with my old MK1 and it appears to be OK (been on for around 2 hours with no problems) . However, the MK2 (on which I really want to run the battery) cuts out every time after about 20-30 minutes.

I am kind off clutching at straws now - but the MK1 had an S-Booster in circuit. So I am trying the S-Booster with the Battery on the MK2. I know the S-Booster is not really necessary on the MK2 but who knows maybe it will help - up to 25 minutes now on the MK2 with S-Booster !!

My wife and son are home now - and after a brief explanation of what I am up to - they clearly think I am insane.

[Theadmans]

Afraid fitting the S-Booster to MK2 still had the power from the Anker battery going out after 45 minutes or so.

If I was to go down the resistor route or Stan's suggestion of a 12 low watt bulb - what is the best way of going about this (I am a bit of a DIY dunce). Would you be able to point me in the direction of suitable components - I would also want to be sure that what I did was safe and not be in any danger of burning the house down!

The power supply lead provided with the Anker fits directly into the Bushmaster power socket (with no need for any additional tips) - the other end looks to be identical, however, only one end of the supply lead will go into the output socket of the battery.

I would prefer to not butcher the lead supplied with the battery - in case I need to send it back. Any thoughts on how I could fit a bulb or resistor ?

[brian2957]

You'll probably have to make up another cable Adam . The plug for the Bushmaster 2 is 2.1mm .
If the plug on the battery end is also 2.1mm you could buy 2 of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Way-DC-Power-Splitter-Cable-Cord-for-CCTV-Camera-2-Male-1-Female-5-5mm-2-1mm-/390683268220?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item5af689947c , cut the plugs off one end of both , and wire a bulb in between.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLB34-UNIVERSAL-SIDE-LIGHT-BULB-HOLDER-12V-5W-NEW-/110712268973?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item19c6f728ad

[Theadmans]

Thanks Brian - I'll order those bits and have a go (at least they cost peanuts).

[MartinT]

The plug for the battery is a 2.5mm (2.1 doesn't fit). So you'll need to make a new cable with 2.1 & 2.5 ends and a flying resistor in some sleeving coming out of the 2.5 plug, across the cores (in parallel).

The value of the resistor depends on the sensing current required by your battery. Calculate it as follows:

R = 12V / (I sensing - I BM2)

I haven't measured the standing current of the BM2 but I'm sure Stan can give us the value.

[Theadmans]

Just a thought - sited next to the Bushmaster I run a Musical Fidelity X10D Tube Buffer.

The X10D runs off a wallwart (12V AC 500mA) - could I run the Bushmaster and X10D off the Battery using the splitter cable I have ordered off eBay. Sorry I am complete dunce when it comes to electricity !

Would be a good solution - but I don't want to try until I know it is OK - in case I kill my X10D.

[keiths]

Careful! I think your MF buffer gets A/C from the wall wart whereas your battery will feed it D/C.

[Theadmans]

Careful! I think your MF buffer gets A/C from the wall wart whereas your battery will feed it D/C.

Yes I thought that would be a problem with the AC and DC - but just wanted to check.

[Theadmans]

OK after my Epic fail suggesting connecting my DC battery to an AC component (good job you guys are on the ball - I was just testing really :lol:) - I have another cunning plan .......

I can connect a USB 5V feed from my battery as well as the 12V supply going to my Bushmaster.

If I bought this lead :-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LINDY-USB-to-2-5mm-Inner-5-5mm-Outer-DC-Adapter-Cable-1-5m-/121128492167?pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhoneAccesor ies_MobilePhoneDataCables_JN&hash=item1c33d21c87

...could I connect the USB feed to my Squeezebox Touch (which would hopefully draw enough power to keep the battery going).

I run the Touch with the screen display off whilst playing music so hopefully won't flatten the battery too quickly. I have checked my Squeezebox wallwart and it says DC 5V 2A. I thought the 2A would be too much but on the instructions with the Ankar Battery it says USB 5V / 2.1A max.

Is this likely to work? If it did then I would be giving both the DAC and Touch nice clean battery power and getting rid of 2 wallwarts in the process.

Does anyone know of a cheaper lead than the Lindy one above - £6.94 seems an awful lot to spend these days! Just to be clear I need a 2.5mm inner and 5.5mm outer connector for the Touch (correct me if I am wrong) - also a length of 1 to 1.5m would be good.

[MartinT]

Well then, that's an interesting thought, Adam. The Ankaka battery also sports a 5V USB output at 1.5A and I do wonder whether it could power the Touch (especially with the display off). I will need to perform some surgery with the connectors but I think I'll give it a try.

[Theadmans]

Martin - if you get this working please let me know - I think it would be worth it to just get the Touch off the wallwart power.

Sadly my other motive of keeping the Ankar battery running I suspect is not going to work. I found I had the necessary leads to charge my Sat Nav from the USB port of the Ankar so I did a test of running the Bushmaster whilst charging the Sat Nav. After about 20 minutes Bushmaster power was dropped but the Sat Nav on the USB feed kept charging.

I can only assume that the battery has seperate shutdown sensing circuits for the 12v and USB feeds - what a bummer. Looks like I still need to adopt some kind of Heath Robinson split cable with Bulb on the 12v feed approach. A shame as the USB idea would have been much more elegant.

On a side note I had previously thought that the Ankar Battery only had a problem running continuously with my BM2 and not the BM1. However, earlier today I tested it again on the BM1 and the power did cut out on that too.

[MartinT]

I cut off the multi-purpose tip and soldered a 2.5mm power plug to the supplied USB cable so that the Ankaka battery can supply 5V to the Touch, as well as 12V to the BM2. It works! What's more, it sounds bloody wonderful.

Right, I'm going to listen to some more material now. First impressions of standard WAV rips from CD and Spotify at 320kbps are most impressive.

[John]

Result
Also worth using SSD rather than SATA hard drive try it out

[MartinT]

My SSD only has the OS on it, John (it's only 128GB), all music is on a 1TB rotating drive. What's fascinating is that the Touch/BM2 doesn't seem to care, clocking the data down ethernet (not wi-fi) and sounding superb on battery. At some point, I'll try Alex's suggestions of TT3 tools, but right now it's doing all the right things and making music that doesn't sound digital. I would describe it as tight, dynamic and very detailed.

[brian2957]

Bit of a discovery this battery power then . :eyebrows:

[John]

My SSD only has the OS on it, John (it's only 128GB), all music is on a 1TB rotating drive. What's fascinating is that the Touch/BM2 doesn't seem to care, clocking the data down ethernet (not wi-fi) and sounding superb on battery. At some point, I'll try Alex's suggestions of TT3 tools, but right now it's doing all the right things and making music that doesn't sound digital. I would describe it as tight, dynamic and very detailed.

Where is it in relationship to your dedicated player Martin

[MartinT]

Where is it in relationship to your dedicated player Martin

It's just my general purpose W8.1 PC in the study, John, running Logitech Media Server. No special setup. Runs via ethernet through a BT Home Hub and another Netgear switch. Spotify comes down 73Mbps BT Infinity.

Did you mean how does it compare with the Ayre? It's very, very close now. It has transcended 'pleasant digital' into the wide open, spacious and detailed soundstage, vivid dynamics and 'real' sound presented by the Ayre. There are small differences, but I would say that streaming has arrived in my system. I still need to rip a few more CDs to get a proper handle on it, and I haven't even started with hi-res yet.

I've ordered another couple of DC plugs so that I can wire my Paul Hynes 15V PSU in as a permanent charger (I'm charging the battery when not listening currently).

[badsoden]

Martin - if you get this working please let me know - I think it would be worth it to just get the Touch off the wallwart power.

Sadly my other motive of keeping the Ankar battery running I suspect is not going to work. I found I had the necessary leads to charge my Sat Nav from the USB port of the Ankar so I did a test of running the Bushmaster whilst charging the Sat Nav. After about 20 minutes Bushmaster power was dropped but the Sat Nav on the USB feed kept charging.

I can only assume that the battery has seperate shutdown sensing circuits for the 12v and USB feeds - what a bummer. Looks like I still need to adopt some kind of Heath Robinson split cable with Bulb on the 12v feed approach. A shame as the USB idea would have been much more elegant.

On a side note I had previously thought that the Ankar Battery only had a problem running continuously with my BM2 and not the BM1. However, earlier today I tested it again on the BM1 and the power did cut out on that too.

Hi Adam, Apologies for recommending something that doesn't work for you it appears to be fine in my setup although I haven't used it with the BM1 since moving. I'll have to re-think the battery when I upgrade the BM.

[John]

That's pretty impressive Martin in terms of value to be sounding similar
If you can do investigate SSD both Tim and myself prefer this method in terms of SQ (although 1TB of SSD is not cheap)

[MartinT]

Just to be clear, John: my setup is a classic streamer with server software, with the music data going across the Ethernet network. Are you talking about the same thing (i.e. a Logitech Touch or similar)? I can't see that an SSD would make a blind bit of difference in this scenario.

If you're talking about a media server running into a DAC, then I think the methodology is fundamentally different and demands that the machine is fast and quiet in noise terms. Here an SSD is vital.

[Ali Tait]

Yep, agreed, if you stream from a NAS, I don't think SSD would make any difference.

[Theadmans]

Hi Adam, Apologies for recommending something that doesn't work for you it appears to be fine in my setup although I haven't used it with the BM1 since moving. I'll have to re-think the battery when I upgrade the BM.

That's OK Badsoden - I thought at first it worked fine with my old BM1 - but I tried it again and it dropped the power.

The goods news is I have the 12V Bulb now - just waiting for the DC splitter cable so I can implement the Heath Robinson lash up solution suggested by Stan.

Also good that Martin has got his battery working with USB power to the Squeezebox Touch. I will deffo be implementing this once I get the lash up on to maintain the power.

[John]

Sorry misunderstood how it works for your system

[struth]

Just to be clear, John: my setup is a classic streamer with server software, with the music data going across the Ethernet network. Are you talking about the same thing (i.e. a Logitech Touch or similar)? I can't see that an SSD would make a blind bit of difference in this scenario.

If you're talking about a media server running into a DAC, then I think the methodology is fundamentally different and demands that the machine is fast and quiet in noise terms. Here an SSD is vital.

a question...in what way does a media server and a laptop differ then? ...only asking because my lap top has an external hard drive and is quiet going into the usb dac.

[NRG]

a question...in what way does a media server and a laptop differ then? ...only asking because my lap top has an external hard drive and is quiet going into the usb dac.

The difference is you are isolating the streamer from the computer, galvanic isolation. Direct playback from the computer to the DAC (and this depends very much on the DAC) via USB connects the two together via the ground connection and +5v rail which are electrically noisy. This noise can find its way in to the analogue section of the DAC. If designed correctly though isolation can be engineered into the DAC to eliminate any PC generated noise finding its way into the analogue sections...A streamer does not have this issue as Ethernet automatically has isolation built in and the streamer will be independently powered.

[Theadmans]

Received the DC splitter cable today for my Anker battery.

Initially I used it to power my BM2 and a 12V 5w motorcycle battery. It certainly did the job of keeping the battery power running to the Bushmaster. However, the light the bulb threw over my Hi-Fi rig was most unsatisfactory ! Every bit of dust, fingerprints and the rats nest of wiring was now clearly illuminated :rolleyes:

So a rethink required - in my box of Hi-Fi bits I found a small BTECH Headphone Amplifier that was powered by a DC wallwart. I wired this into the Anker battery instead of the bulb and stashed the BTECH out of site behind my Hi-Fi Rig. I now have continuous power to the BM2 and no compelling need to start dusting.

Many thanks for all of you have helped me with this project. My next plan is to use the USB to DC cable I have ordered to power my Squeezebox Touch from the Battery's USB outlet.

[brian2957]

Hah ! I wouldn't want to highlight what lurks behind my gear either Adam :lol: Glad you found a solution . Well worth the effort to introduce battery power wherever possible IMO. Did you find a cheaper USB to DC cable BTW ?

[Theadmans]

Hah ! I wouldn't want to highlight what lurks behind my gear either Adam :lol: Glad you found a solution . Well worth the effort to introduce battery power wherever possible IMO. Did you find a cheaper USB to DC cable BTW ?

No I broke down and paid nearly £7 for the Lindy USB cable. It was the only one lead I could find that was was 1.5m - which is roughly what I need to reach the Squeezebox Touch from where the battery is sited. Ebay kind of corrupts your view of prices - anything like a lead I tend to assume these days that I should be able to find one for less than a pound delivered - but sadly not in this case.

[magiccarpetride]

I did say it was a high end solution ;).

My Ankaka battery finally arrived yesterday. I agree, Stan, it elevates the sound to another level. Everything is improved now, and the sound became clear, so precise, and at the same time incredibly delicate. Especially with choirs and backing vocals, you can now easily hear each individual singer.

Also, the bass is now noticeable stronger and firmer.

I strongly recommend this battery to anyone using any device that could be powered by 12V.

[Fi-Wi]

Damn, just when I decided to put a hold on new purchases I read this. I just managed to convince the mrs that I really need the Nexus 5 that I received today, because she agreed to take my "old" smartphone. How the h*ll can I achieve the same with a battery? :scratch:

[StanleyB]

My Ankaka battery finally arrived yesterday. I agree, Stan, it elevates the sound to another level. Everything is improved now, and the sound became clear, so precise, and at the same time incredibly delicate. Especially with choirs and backing vocals, you can now easily hear each individual singer.

Also, the bass is now noticeable stronger and firmer.
I have been trying to figure out why this battery works so well. The only thing that I can come up with is the extremely high 20,000maH capacity.

[magiccarpetride]

I have been trying to figure out why this battery works so well. The only thing that I can come up with is the extremely high 20,000maH capacity.

It is indeed amazing what improvement the battery brings, all else being equal. Would it make a difference if I replaced my linear PSU for the Touch with this battery?

[John]

Read this by Martin T
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?29633-Battery-Power-for-Touch-and-B

[MartinT]

I agree, Stan, it elevates the sound to another level.

Try powering your Touch from it too, Alex.
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?29633-Battery-Power-for-Touch-and-BM2

[MartinT]

I have been trying to figure out why this battery works so well. The only thing that I can come up with is the extremely high 20,000maH capacity.

So have I, and the only things I can come up with are extremely low noise and very low output impedance (or high 'stiffness').

[Maximum]

Does anyone know how much current this can output. I'm thinking of trying one of the Cubox-i mini computers, which are supplied with 5V/3A adaptors, and the nice Aqvox USB supply I have will probably struggle under load (1A max). As it can supply laptops I take it will manage one of these with no problem?

Link to the Cubox-i below if anyone is interested.

http://cubox-i.com/

[MartinT]

The specs say 5V at 1.5A for the USB output.

[Maximum]

The specs say 5V at 1.5A for the USB output.

Thanks Martin, I was struggling to find the specs for that. I was hoping for 2A at least, 1.5 might be pushing it slightly.

[Theadmans]

Thanks Martin, I was struggling to find the specs for that. I was hoping for 2A at least, 1.5 might be pushing it slightly.

The 20000 mah Anker battery I bought last week from Amazon has a rating of 5V at 2.1A for the USB output - I am using it to power my Squeezebox Touch (with the Display on). Unfortunately the listing for the 20000 mah Anker on Amazon has dissapeared since I bought mine - but there is this 26000 mah battery for the same price - looks identical to mine :-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AV4M1LQ/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=145JDE36PRXB9KG0V4N3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=430153987&pf_rd_i=468294

....does not list the USB power rating but maybe you could query it with the seller.

[magiccarpetride]

Try powering your Touch from it too, Alex.
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?29633-Battery-Power-for-Touch-and-BM2

Hi Martin,

Where do I get the USB to 2.5mm DC power cable to supply the Touch?

[marflao]

For instance here: http://www.lindy.de/Adapterkabel-USB-A-55-25mm-DC-Hohlstecker.htm?websale8=ld0101&pi=70267

I assume that there will be similar sellers in UK, too. ;-)

[MartinT]

Yep, Alex, either buy something like the Lindy cable or chop off the accessory plug and solder a 2.5mm DC plug as I did.

[Maximum]

The 20000 mah Anker battery I bought last week from Amazon has a rating of 5V at 2.1A for the USB output - I am using it to power my Squeezebox Touch (with the Display on). Unfortunately the listing for the 20000 mah Anker on Amazon has dissapeared since I bought mine - but there is this 26000 mah battery for the same price - looks identical to mine :-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AV4M1LQ/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=145JDE36PRXB9KG0V4N3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=430153987&pf_rd_i=468294

....does not list the USB power rating but maybe you could query it with the seller.

Nice find Adam. Yes it looks like an Ankar, on the .com site they state 2.1A. To be fair the Astro 3E may be good enough for the job and is much cheaper. Whether it will perform as well is a question though.

[Fi-Wi]

Just ordered the Ankaka battery, but only for Xmas sake of course. :eyebrows:

[MartinT]

Alex, have you seen this thread?
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?29633-Battery-Power-for-Touch-and-BM2/page3

[magiccarpetride]

Alex, have you seen this thread?
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?29633-Battery-Power-for-Touch-and-BM2/page3

Yep, just replied to your post, Martin.

Cheers, and Merry Christmas!

[Fi-Wi]

Pretty fast delivery from Ankaka:

Tuesday, December 31, 2013 Location Time Pieces
24 With delivery courier AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE 09:15 +1 Pieces
23 Arrived at Delivery Facility in AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE 07:12 +1
22 Departed Facility in AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE 06:31 +1
21 Processed at AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE 04:57 +1 Pieces

Monday, December 30, 2013 Location Time Pieces
20 Shipment on hold AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE 11:54 +1 Pieces
19 Processed at AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE 09:02 +1 Pieces
18 Clearance processing complete at AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE 05:34 +1 Pieces

Sunday, December 29, 2013 Location Time Pieces
17 Arrived at Sort Facility AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE 22:28 +1 Pieces
16 Customs status updated AMSTERDAM - NETHERLANDS, THE 22:10
15 Departed Facility in LEIPZIG - GERMANY LEIPZIG - GERMANY 22:03 +1 Pieces
14 Processed at LEIPZIG - GERMANY LEIPZIG - GERMANY 18:14 +1 Pieces
13 Arrived at Sort Facility LEIPZIG - GERMANY LEIPZIG - GERMANY 16:27 +1 Pieces
12 Departed Facility in HONG KONG - HONG KONG HONG KONG - HONG KONG 04:46 +1 Pieces
11 Processed at HONG KONG - HONG KONG HONG KONG - HONG KONG 04:34 +1 Pieces

Saturday, December 28, 2013 Location Time Pieces
10 Clearance processing complete at HONG KONG - HONG KONG HONG KONG - HONG KONG 13:23 +1 Pieces
9 Processed at HONG KONG - HONG KONG HONG KONG - HONG KONG 13:23 +1 Pieces
8 Arrived at Sort Facility HONG KONG - HONG KONG HONG KONG - HONG KONG 13:18 +1 Pieces
7 Customs status updated HONG KONG - HONG KONG 11:39
6 Departed Facility in SHENZHEN - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC SHENZHEN - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC 11:21 +1 Pieces
5 Processed at SHENZHEN - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC SHENZHEN - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC 11:18 +1 Pieces
4 Arrived at Sort Facility SHENZHEN - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC SHENZHEN - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC 09:25 +1 Pieces

Friday, December 27, 2013 Location Time Pieces
3 Departed Facility in SHENZHEN - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC SHENZHEN - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC 23:08 +1 Pieces
2 Processed at SHENZHEN - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC SHENZHEN - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC 22:56 +1 Pieces
1 Shipment picked up

[Fi-Wi]

I finally got my BM2 up and running with the Ankaka battery. Attached the 2.1mm plug after cutting off a fraction of the cable connector that came with the battery, because the plug did not seem to connect properly and now it does. The plug on the other end is loosely attached to the BM2 though, so at the slightest movement of the DAC or battery it disconnects and makes the BM2 start up again.

The battery runs uncharged at the moment, I will try to hook it up properly today but I am still in the testing phase and happy it finally runs. First impressions are impressive, more dynamics listening to Radio Paradise Naim Exclusive. Haven't listened through HP yet.

Next step is ordering a usb to 2.5mm convertor to connect my SB Touch to the battery as well, leaving behind 2 MG linear psu's jobless.

[StanleyB]

I finally got my BM2 up and running with the Ankaka battery. Attached the 2.1mm plug after cutting off a fraction of the cable connector that came with the battery, because the plug did not seem to connect properly and now it does. The plug on the other end is loosely attached to the BM2 though, so at the slightest movement of the DAC or battery it disconnects and makes the BM2 start up again.

email me and I shall send you an attachment with description of a solution.

[Fi-Wi]

Email sent.

Edit: Thanks Stan. Battery is charging as it is powering the BM2 and neatly positioned aside the DAC.

[Jerry B]

Does the Ankaka battery improve sound over and above other 12v sources?

[MartinT]

Does the Ankaka battery improve sound over and above other 12v sources?

Do you mean over mains power supplies? Yes, greatly.

[StanleyB]

Does the Ankaka battery improve sound over and above other 12v sources?
See topic heading: High End Battery Solution ;).
You can use cheaper battery options such as:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300954998440?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I am using both in different locations in my house. But the Ankaka higher capacity seems to produce a better performance. And its inbuilt battery level monitor is a deal breaker.

On top of that, the ability to adjust the battery level output between 12, 16, and 19V has had me experimenting with a couple of modifications in relation to headphone output levels. But it is early days yet. Give me time to sober up before embarking on my customary winter period mods threads.

[wee tee cee]

I have one of the battery packs Stan linked to, Its very good for listening to cans. I run my whole system off the mains with a big car battery charged by a large solar panel to my ears it has the edge over the wee battery pack both on the cans or speakers.

[clarkey555]

have been using a Deben tracer 12v 8ah batteryhttp://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/deben-tracer-12v-lithium-polymer-battery-packs.html cheapest I could find on the net.my local gunshop kindly pricematched so no hassle waiting in for postie and any hiccups jump on the bike and I am at the shop in 2 minutes:thumbsup:.anyway on to the performance and I have to say completely blown away I have done an a/b test with battery and without and can report that using the battery just gives everything more openness and clarity and most certainly an improvement in the bass area very quick roll on roll off definitely not woolly or muddy.i get the same results using the headphones just sublime,addictive never thought it possible for the cash outlay and a big thank you to stan b for designing and engineering the dac:) HIGH END SOLUTION YOU BETTER BELEIVE IT!!

[Yomanze]

I have one of the battery packs Stan linked to, Its very good for listening to cans. I run my whole system off the mains with a big car battery charged by a large solar panel to my ears it has the edge over the wee battery pack both on the cans or speakers.

And you wouldn't be the first to favour car batteries, so a most interesting comment. :)

[magiccarpetride]

HIGH END SOLUTION YOU BETTER BELEIVE IT!!

I concur. What is high-end with BM II on Ankaka battery is primarily how coherent it makes everything appear. Finally, the balance between instruments/vocals hits the sweet spot. Everything sounds relaxed, clear, and in right measure. Nothing seems over-emphasised, nor under-emphasised. The perspective that this combination gives seems perfect.

Two additional things makes it high-end: sibilance (much, much more naturally sounding pronunciation of 's'; vocalists now sound so natural, it's almost shocking!), and the incredible smoothness and the warmth in the bass. On George Duke's "Love Reborn", the bass sounds like melted chocolate. It's insanely seductive, so much so that I now find it impossible to follow other instruments in this brilliantly recorded, brilliantly performed track.

[Theadmans]

I concur. What is high-end with BM II on Ankaka battery is primarily how coherent it makes everything appear. Finally, the balance between instruments/vocals hits the sweet spot. Everything sounds relaxed, clear, and in right measure. Nothing seems over-emphasised, nor under-emphasised. The perspective that this combination gives seems perfect.

Two additional things makes it high-end: sibilance (much, much more naturally sounding pronunciation of 's'; vocalists now sound so natural, it's almost shocking!), and the incredible smoothness and the warmth in the bass. On George Duke's "Love Reborn", the bass sounds like melted chocolate. It's insanely seductive, so much so that I now find it impossible to follow other instruments in this brilliantly recorded, brilliantly performed track.

...I am noticing a lot of the same things with my Anker 20000mah battery I bought on Amazon!

Plus thanks for the recommendation on George Duke - I don't have any of his stuff so just ordered "Brazilian Affair" as it sounds like my cup of tea!

[Jerry B]

From what you are saying, the Ankaka lifts things another notch?

I have bought...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12V-1800mAh-Super-Lithium-ion-Rechargeable-Li-ion-Battery-Energy-Storage-Pack-/380724928309?pt=US_Rechargeable_Batteries&hash=item58a4f95f35

As always, trying to justify an upgrade...

[NRG]

Couldn't resist, ordered the Ankaka battery, let's see how it compares to the LDA PSU

[John]

From what you are saying, the Ankaka lifts things another notch?

I have bought...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12V-1800mAh-Super-Lithium-ion-Rechargeable-Li-ion-Battery-Energy-Storage-Pack-/380724928309?pt=US_Rechargeable_Batteries&hash=item58a4f95f35

As always, trying to justify an upgrade...
I got the 9000mah version in my system it has mixed results more bass and top end but changes the vocals and guitars a bit in a not so positive way so be interesting to see how it works in yours works better with my Bantam. At present just using a 12v motor bike battery with the Bushmaster

[StanleyB]

1800mA is not as good as 6800mA or higher. I suspect that this could be due to the rapid discharge rate capability of a lower capacity battery pack. When the DAC needs a sudden rush of a large amount of power, a lower capacity battery would be at a disadvantage.
I wish I had one of those 110 or 210Ah lorry batteries to try. Should be easy to get a used one of those in the Australian outback.

[wee tee cee]

I concur. What is high-end with BM II on Ankaka battery is primarily how coherent it makes everything appear. Finally, the balance between instruments/vocals hits the sweet spot. Everything sounds relaxed, clear, and in right measure. Nothing seems over-emphasised, nor under-emphasised. The perspective that this combination gives seems perfect.

Two additional things makes it high-end: sibilance (much, much more naturally sounding pronunciation of 's'; vocalists now sound so natural, it's almost shocking!), and the incredible smoothness and the warmth in the bass. On George Duke's "Love Reborn", the bass sounds like melted chocolate. It's insanely seductive, so much so that I now find it impossible to follow other instruments in this brilliantly recorded, brilliantly performed track.

I have found an awful lot of recordings that I thought to be really poor are now far better than I thought. Sibilance is my bugbear, the transition to battery power has really let me enjoy music more without being distracted. Female vocals are presented beautifully.The BM2 was great out of the wrapper but battery power has let it show what it can really do.

[Darren66]

The 20000 mah Anker battery I bought last week from Amazon has a rating of 5V at 2.1A for the USB output - I am using it to power my Squeezebox Touch (with the Display on). Unfortunately the listing for the 20000 mah Anker on Amazon has dissapeared since I bought mine - but there is this 26000 mah battery for the same price - looks identical to mine :-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AV4M1LQ/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=145JDE36PRXB9KG0V4N3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=430153987&pf_rd_i=468294

....does not list the USB power rating but maybe you could query it with the seller.

I have just received my bushmaster ll thanks Stan for the quick posting.
Adam pointed to this power pack which has become available through a new seller.I am new to all this so my knowledge is very limited.
Would this be OK to use for running the bushmaster and the touch.
Thanks. Darren

[Theadmans]

I have just received my bushmaster ll thanks Stan for the quick posting.
Adam pointed to this power pack which has become available through a new seller.I am new to all this so my knowledge is very limited.
Would this be OK to use for running the bushmaster and the touch.
Thanks. Darren

Hi Darren - Yes I notice this battery (which looks identical to my 20000mah Anker battery) is now 26000mah which in theory should be better.

The advantage of this Anker battery over the Ankaka is you order it easily and quickly from Amazon. The disadvantage is that (at least with my battery) it tends to shutdown whilst powering the Bushmaster (as the BM draws so little current). I solved this problem - with advice from Stan and others on here - by lashing together a split power cable which went to the BM and a 12V bulb. The bulb draws more current and keeps the battery running permanently now. However, you may feel this lashup is less than elegant - in which case you may prefer to buy the Ankaka battery instead.

BTW - the Anker battery has no problem powering the Bushmaster, Squeezebox Touch (with display on) and my 12V bulb simultaneously. I switch off the kit after listening but get a good few hours each day for a couple days between charges.

[Darren66]

Hi Adam i did see you posts about the bulb solution to the problem with the Anker battery.I would prefer to go the Amazon route but not sure want to mess around with the bulb solution.
Thanks for the other info.

Darren

[Fi-Wi]

I concur. What is high-end with BM II on Ankaka battery is primarily how coherent it makes everything appear. Finally, the balance between instruments/vocals hits the sweet spot. Everything sounds relaxed, clear, and in right measure. Nothing seems over-emphasised, nor under-emphasised. The perspective that this combination gives seems perfect.

Two additional things makes it high-end: sibilance (much, much more naturally sounding pronunciation of 's'; vocalists now sound so natural, it's almost shocking!), and the incredible smoothness and the warmth in the bass. On George Duke's "Love Reborn", the bass sounds like melted chocolate. It's insanely seductive, so much so that I now find it impossible to follow other instruments in this brilliantly recorded, brilliantly performed track.

+1

If I had to summarize my perception of the BM2/Ankaka combo into one word, it would be "coherence". The biggest improvement I think are the voices that sound more natural to me. Even at low bitrate channels like any of the "Inside Jazz" channels I listen to on my SBT sound really great. In fact I even checked if they hadn't upgraded their 128kbps streams today.

The Ankaka battery unveils what the BM2 is capable of, so for those of you who really want to squeeze every last drop of audio enjoyment out of their setup, I truly recommend this battery.

[Xaval]

On top of that, the ability to adjust the battery level output between 12, 16, and 19V has had me experimenting with a couple of modifications in relation to headphone output levels. But it is early days yet. Give me time to sober up before embarking on my customary winter period mods threads.

Please do :)

[simon e]

Just ordered a bushmaster and Ankaka battery can't wait for them to turn up.

Now just need to sort cables for the BM2 and the SBT
:-)

[magiccarpetride]

+1

If I had to summarize my perception of the BM2/Ankaka combo into one word, it would be "coherence". The biggest improvement I think are the voices that sound more natural to me. Even at low bitrate channels like any of the "Inside Jazz" channels I listen to on my SBT sound really great. In fact I even checked if they hadn't upgraded their 128kbps streams today.

The Ankaka battery unveils what the BM2 is capable of, so for those of you who really want to squeeze every last drop of audio enjoyment out of their setup, I truly recommend this battery.

Yes, the word coherence approximates it the best. No instrument is stepping on other instruments' toes while BM II is pumping the signal powered by the Ankaka battery. Same goes for vocalists, even massive choirs. Each and every source of sound, as it was recorded, mixed and mastered, is finally allowed its natural existence on the soundstage. Kind of similar to how music sounds in real life, performed right in front of us.

Still, it's hard to put it into words. My choice of words, if I was forced to use only one coined phrase, would be non-straining.

Flip back to the BM's regular PSU, and all of a sudden you can hear how the system is trying too hard, striving and straining to reproduce the sound and in the process introducing certain nervousness to the sound.

[magiccarpetride]

The Ankaka battery unveils what the BM2 is capable of, so for those of you who really want to squeeze every last drop of audio enjoyment out of their setup, I truly recommend this battery.

Had a little bit of an epiphany last night: for some reason I played "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window" from the Beatles Abbey Road album. Now, I know this song inside-out, as I've been listening to it all my life (btw, is that like the most perfect pop song ever crafted?) But man, when I played it last night, it sounded as a brand new, never before heard song! It was super exciting. Thanks to the BM II + Ankaka battery combination, everything just came to full life in front of me. The most amazing, the most prominent thing that grabbed me was McCartney's bass. I was able to hear every tiny little nuance in Paul's playing, including even a few previously unheard 'phantom' notes (these are the notes that the player almost implied, barely executed, as they are barely audible; still, they're there, and hearing them for the first time enhanced the music so much).

But man, that tone! What was he playing on that session, Rickenbacker? Such an amazingly rich tone. Fully textured, grumbling, hauling ass. Driving the whole song towards its inevitable completion. In the short span of barely two minutes, Paul's bass played an entire symphony. I now have a completely new appreciation of his bass playing, as I've never heard anyone play the bass like that.

Another big revelation was Georges lead guitar lines peppered throughout that song, but I won't bore you with the details here.

But yeah, I would say that probably the biggest strength of the BM II & Ankaka is in the bass region.

[magiccarpetride]

The Ankaka battery unveils what the BM2 is capable of, so for those of you who really want to squeeze every last drop of audio enjoyment out of their setup, I truly recommend this battery.

Had a little bit of an epiphany last night: for some reason I played "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window" from the Beatles Abbey Road album. Now, I know this song inside-out, as I've been listening to it all my life (btw, is that like the most perfect pop song ever crafted?) But man, when I played it last night, it sounded as a brand new, never before heard song! It was super exciting. Thanks to the BM II + Ankaka battery combination, everything just came to full life in front of me. The most amazing, the most prominent thing that grabbed me was McCartney's bass. I was able to hear every tiny little nuance in Paul's playing, including even a few previously unheard 'phantom' notes (these are the notes that the player almost implied, barely executed, as they are barely audible; still, they're there, and hearing them for the first time enhanced the music so much).

But man, that tone! What was he playing on that session, Rickenbacker? Such an amazingly rich tone. Fully textured, grumbling, hauling ass. Driving the whole song towards its inevitable completion. In the short span of barely two minutes, Paul's bass played an entire symphony. I now have a completely new appreciation of his bass playing, as I've never heard anyone play the bass like that.

Another big revelation was Georges lead guitar lines peppered throughout that song, but I won't bore you with the details here.

But yeah, I would say that probably the biggest strength of the BM II & Ankaka is in the bass region.

[Covenant]

I never understood the fuss about the beatles and I grew up in Liverpool in the sixties. I cannot see what is special about that song.

[magiccarpetride]

I never understood the fuss about the beatles and I grew up in Liverpool in the sixties. I cannot see what is special about that song.

No one is a prophet in their own village.

[bigmarty]

Hi Folks,

Have just joined the club and have bitten the bullet and have ordered a Ankaka battery, I must admit I love me Bushmaster MK11 and can't wait to hear it pushed to another level ;). If it's not to late I hope every body has a happy and healthy New Year.

Marty :D

[Richardl]

Mines fully connected, it's powering the BM2, 2 Temple monoblocks. I thought it might power my non-battery Angle audio phonostage as well, but it didn't, which is a bit of a shame.
I'm really pleased with it, I think it made a bigger difference to the monoblocks rather than the BM2, but for the money it's a fantastic upgrade.

I thought I'd try the Angle audio phono stage with the battery again, it worked this time, I'm not sure why it didn't the first time??
It's made a massive difference to my vinyl setup, I think a bigger difference to adding a battery to either the Temple monoblocks or the BM2, the sound quality is absolutely stunning compared to before, I did find myself listening to vinyl less and less, due to it not being much difference between vinyl and listening to digital music, not anymore.
I'm wondering how many devices the battery can handle, it currently runs......

3xTemple monoblocks
1xAngle audio phonostage
1xBM2

I'm thinking of running my CI PLC1 passive pre-amp and an extra 2 monoblocks through the battery as well :eek:

Do most people run the battery without it being plugged into the mains, or do you leave it plugged in?, I leave mine plugged in, I think my battery wouldn't last that long if I didn't.

[Ali Tait]

Usually leave mine plugged in, except when I have a vinyl sesh. I run two Temple Golds.

Try unplugging and see how long it lasts.

[Richardl]

I'm not sure how want to know how good it sounds when the battery's unplugged, I like being able to just leave it alone, I know if I left the battery unplugged, then it would cut out when I'm out the house.........GF would not be impressed, not being able to watch TV. I did think about using one of those plug-in timers, to charge the battery at times when I'm not listening to it, something like the link below, or does the battery need to be physically unplugged from the socket?
http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-digital-programmable-7-day-timer-240v/33463?kpid=33463&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&gclid=CIj30_uj-bsCFTDMtAodwkMACg

[Ali Tait]

Can't really say I hear a difference either way TBH.

[simon e]

Well my BM2 arrived today and is already making a big jump to how the touch sounds. Love the bass :)

And according to DHL my ankaka is in their depot in Dublin so I should have it tomorrow

[magiccarpetride]

Hi Folks,

Have just joined the club and have bitten the bullet and have ordered a Ankaka battery, I must admit I love me Bushmaster MK11 and can't wait to hear it pushed to another level ;). If it's not to late I hope every body has a happy and healthy New Year.

Marty :D

Of all the improvements I've gradually made to my system over the years, Ankaka battery was the most dramatic, no question. I've had a few friends come over this weekend to listen to the upgrade, and the reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Everybody notices the quantum leap improvement this battery brings. I'd venture out to say that it would be impossible not to notice.

As one Seinfeld character said, I don't explain them, I exterminate them.

[Covenant]

This thread has gone quiet!
Is this a possible alternative battery? http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00F5Q4F0U/ref=pe_208621_43302221_em_1p_4_ti

[StanleyB]

The battery specs says it is 5V. The MKII needs 12V :).
Why not stick to the Anker or Ankaka battery if you got a touch as well?

[bigmarty]

Ordered my Ankaka battery on The 11th of this month and paid for the faster courier service and all that the tracking site says it's between Singapore and the UK :(

[Covenant]

The battery specs says it is 5V. The MKII needs 12V :).
Why not stick to the Anker or Ankaka battery if you got a touch as well?

Oops, didn't notice the voltage. I just wanted to see if there were alternatives out there.

[John]

This might be a suitable alternative Jerry http://www.bingselectronics.co.uk/tesla---high-capacity-power-bank-20000mah-multi-voltage-laptop-and-mobile-device-chargers-included-1025-p.asp but not tried it

[simon e]

Ordered my Ankaka battery on The 11th of this month and paid for the faster courier service and all that the tracking site says it's between Singapore and the UK :(

On the faster courier my Ankaka battery took a week to get to Ireland.

And so far its doing a great job of powering my bushmaster and touch

[Richardl]

Ordered my Ankaka battery on The 11th of this month and paid for the faster courier service and all that the tracking site says it's between Singapore and the UK :(

Mine took about 3 weeks even with the faster shipping.

[orbscure]

Available via Amazon on next day for Prime users, this (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BUJCMUQ/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Anker® Astro Pro2 20000mAh works a treat and is currently priced with a £70 saving... just loving my Bushmaster MKII :)

[brian2957]

This any good chaps http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intocircuit-Multi-Voltage-Smartphone-Thunderbolt-connectors/dp/B00AV4M1LQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1390056085&sr=1-1&keywords=26000mah Looks the same as the Anker battery but with more power , and cheaper :)

[John]

I think a few people use it

[Darren66]

This any good chaps http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intocircuit-Multi-Voltage-Smartphone-Thunderbolt-connectors/dp/B00AV4M1LQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1390056085&sr=1-1&keywords=26000mah Looks the same as the Anker battery but with more power , and cheaper :)r
.
I have seen this and also the anker 20000mah,and some people have had problems with the batteries shutting down,unable the recognize the DAC because of the low power needed to run it.I would prefer to buy the intocircuit for price and convenience. But would prefer not to have to run bulbs. and split cables.Does any one now if this is the case with all these batteries.
Thanks Darren

[Theadmans]

Yeah the Anker 20000 mah battery is that the same battery I use. Orbscure - interested to know if you are using this with a BM2 - does yours drop the power after 20 minutes or so. I had to employ a split cable powering a bulb to ensure mine kept power constant?

If your battery doesn't drop the power I am interested to know how you have it connected. In my setup I connect my BM2 to the battery and when it runs low I remove it from my system and recharge it elsewhere in my house. That is to say I don't keep the battery connected to it's walwart (to charge) whilst I listen to music. My logic here was that I wanted to banish all walwarts from my system. This I have achieved by getting rid of the BM walwart and the Squeezebox Touch walwart which the battery now powers and obviously I don't want the battery's own walwart connected either.

[orbscure]

Yeah the Anker 20000 mah battery is that the same battery I use. Orbscure - interested to know if you are using this with a BM2 - does yours drop the power after 20 minutes or so. I had to employ a split cable powering a bulb to ensure mine kept power constant?

Yes Adam, its a BM2 and I've just got mine connected using the supplied lead and its been running happily all afternoon with no drops and without the need to attach the battery to the mains...

[CSM]

I love the bushmaster mkII, as I did the mkI.

Was interested in increasing performance, as it's pretty easy to do with an external battery pack.

I remember reading earlier in this thread that the anker astro pro2 battery kept switching off in usage (@Theadmans i think). But a few of you guys are using it now.
It's okay right?

Plus, is the improvement when using the bushmaster with headphones and this battery pack very noticeable?

[Stresss42]

Hi Aleem, look at this link below. No drop outs - amazing build quality - no problems whatsoever. You'd need to buy a 12 volt adapter lead ( 2.1mm centre + ) from the same website. Cost me £10.

http://www.deben.com/tracer-battery-packs/12v-4ah-lithium-polymer-battery-pack.html

I bought the 4 Ah and it lasts around 12 - 14 days evening use and week ends. Charges in 2/3 hours or less. You may be able to shop around and get one cheaper.
Scroll back a bit on this thread - User clarkey555 bought the deben also and reported a big inceased in SQ with his head phones. ( Thinking about buying some myself - AKG? .. seperate thread ! )..
Lastly - good choice in buying the BM2 - absolutely stunning bit of kit. All the best. Steve.

[CSM]

Thanks a lot for that recommendation Steve!

Just looking at their website and I can't seem to find the 12 volt adapter lead that's needed. I assume this is to make the connection between the battery and the bushmaster right?

[Stresss42]

Here we go mate .....

http://www.deben.com/tracer-battery-connections/bullet-dc-plug-10x55mm-21-centreve.html

I leave the lead in all the time - quite a tight connection into the battery with the bullet connectors. All the best.

[Stresss42]

Aleem by the way you may want to shop around for the 8Ah....I'm happy with the 4Ah but the 8 would last alot longer of course.

I paid about £85 for mine - you could get the 8 for £99 if you're lucky !! Cheers.

[Theadmans]

Yes Adam, its a BM2 and I've just got mine connected using the supplied lead and its been running happily all afternoon with no drops and without the need to attach the battery to the mains...

That is interesting Orbscure - I wonder if my Anker was faulty - or maybe they have altered the spec in some way. I tested it over a few days with both my BM2 and BM1 and regular as clockwork after about 20 - 30 minutes I lost the power every time. How do you listen to music - were you leaving the BM on literally the whole afternoon listening to music (i.e several hours continuous). I do not use sleep mode so it was obvious when the BM had shutdown as the blue LED went out.

Not sure I could send my Anker battery back now I've been using it for a couple of months. It does behave itself using the bulb - but obviously the power drains faster than is necessary. Would be interesting if we get another Anker user confirm that there are no problems.

Stan - another thought is there any reason why one BM2 might draw a different current level to another - which may explain the problem ? Or - if not - does it matter which input you use are Toslink / Co-Ax the same for current draw (I did all my testing with Co-Ax) ?

[orbscure]

That is interesting Orbscure - I wonder if my Anker was faulty - or maybe they have altered the spec in some way. I tested it over a few days with both my BM2 and BM1 and regular as clockwork after about 20 - 30 minutes I lost the power every time. How do you listen to music - were you leaving the BM on literally the whole afternoon listening to music (i.e several hours continuous). I do not use sleep mode so it was obvious when the BM had shutdown as the blue LED went out.

I attach the battery to the BM when I'm listening via my Meridian 206B and disconnect it when not using it. I must have used it for 2/3 hours solid this AM and just as previous sessions, no drop outs were experienced.

Cheers
Pete

[Theadmans]

I attach the battery to the BM when I'm listening via my Meridian 206B and disconnect it when not using it. I must have used it for 2/3 hours solid this AM and just as previous sessions, no drop outs were experienced.

Cheers
Pete

Thanks Pete - makes me think I bought a duff battery.

[orbscure]

Sorry to say that it looks like you have Adam... unless somebody else here has one which suffers from the same issues as yours...

[CSM]

Aleem by the way you may want to shop around for the 8Ah....I'm happy with the 4Ah but the 8 would last alot longer of course.

I paid about £85 for mine - you could get the 8 for £99 if you're lucky !! Cheers.


Thanks. Was looking into it and it does seem very well built. Might like a bit more capacity though, so might try the anker one first. If it doesn't work and keeps switching off then i'll get the deben 8Ah one.

It's just that the ankaka - stan's recommendation - would take too long to arrive. Customs will be a pain too and that'll make the final price around £150'ish maybe?

[CSM]

Just found this:

http://forum.emotimo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=483

Some dood having the same switch off problem that theadmans does, but with camera equipment I think.
It's occurrent on a few batches apparently and...well..I'll quote the main explanation below:

''We have had a couple reports of issue with the 20000 mAh batteries. Certain batches of them like to turn off at about 22 minutes when not drawing a lot of current. We have an open ticket with Ankor about this as this behavior is not consistent for all battery packs and had changed from when we tested our original round.

Ankor states that unless you are drawing 80mA from the barrel connector port, it will shut down as it thinks your laptop or whatever you plug into the side is charged. eMotimo draws about 115mA with just the LCD and microcontroller in a resting state (between shots with motors powered down). We have showed them this and are waiting to hear back as shutdowns aren't fun!

We have tried a couple of other things, like using the USB out in conjunction with the barrel connector - doesn't help, separate circuits. It seems as if the barrel connector is only triggered to turn on at the moment you insert into the output port on the Ankor Astro Pro2. This is when the 22 minute clock begins.

A potential work around for this is to draw a bit more current in the rest state - say 150mA to see if the Ankor will stay on or not. The lever we have to pull to increase this current is the LCD brightness. Not ideal to draw more current than we need here, but looking into this as a fix.

While we are figuring this out with Ankor, we have stopped recommending this battery for the time being. The Ankor 10000 mAH solution is unaffected.
-bemotimo''