Re: CED M2 Questions
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What kind of batteries do I need for this config?</div></div>
9V alkaline for the Display Unit
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do I really need to spend $50 bucks on their rechargeable batteries?</div></div>
No.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do I still need a 9V battery to power the CED M2 unit regardless of the IR screens?</div></div>
Yes.
The IR screens run on a separate 12V DC source. You either:
1) Plug supplied adapter into AC wall outlet.
2) Buy CED's $50 12V rechargable battery pack.
3) Build/Buy your own 12V power (ex: cycle battery, disposible battery pack, pb-acid battery (radio shack). Some people even went from 12V battery --> DC-AC power inverter --> AC wall outlet plug (BACK to 12V DC) --> IR skyscreen. This is really unnecessary. A 12V sealed lead-acid battery and a battery tender (charger) would do the job better.
The top hits in GOOGLE provide a $21 solution.
http://www.amazon.com/1-2AH-SEALED-LEAD-BATTERY-UNIVERSAL/dp/B002CILA66 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G8A...TBK3AH0G0R5EW31 The only thing missing is a female (barrel) power plug if you don't want to hack-up your IR power cord. I can help you with that if you want.
Note that with lead-acid, you need to keep the cell charged. Other battery technologies won't care if they sit long periods discharged. I can substitute a battery too. Lead-acid is cheap and it works. They also have a high di/dt
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was planning on ordering from
www.cedhk.com since it appears they have them in stock. Any bad experiences? Any other vendor I should check out?</div></div>
As you know, the CED website is vauge.
1) The CED shipping rates are high ($22).
2) The english speaking ability of lady on the phone sucked.
3) If you want IR, you have to buy the main set with the normal sky screens. The IR set does NOT come with the base or sensors. You cant just buy a dedicated base display unit and IR screens.
4) If you buy just the base display unit, it does'nt come with the data cable or CD.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone have some pictures of this config ?</div></div>
The main unit looks like a cheap promo gift (ex: alarm clock calculator) you get at a seminar or the free gift for ordering a knife set.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anything special I need to mount this puppy to a tripod?</div></div>
No. But cheap bipods while elevated will sway.
HTH