Tanala/Tronix- Explorer XTS/XTLi

If the lid has to stay open to use the unit, it kind of defeats the whole concept of portability of the battery pack. It IS portable, but not as effective as the Alienbees Vagabond Packs (your main competition) or the Genesis 300B System battery pack - while it looks great, functionality is something people place a bigger premium on than aesthetics, especially the professionals.

If it were up to me, I'd just remove the top lid entirely, and add a handle or a strap that I use for carrying the unit. Alternatively, maybe cut a couple of openings for the fans and a few lines for the cords to run while the unit has the lid closed.

Honestly, while your unit is nice, there are a couple of design flaws from what I see - and I think some DIY battery packs made by some of the folks here are actually better.

I would agree that not having the outlets accessible from outside of the case is a dealbreaker. The ridiculously expensive "Little Genny" at least got the packaging right:

http://www.robgalbrait​h.com …ttle_genny_01_p​review.jpg

Dave F.

Huh. Good that they are joining the LiIon game, BUT its all about the price... We'll see.... Looks like they are off to a good start though, except for having to open the top to use it... That might get a bit annoying.

ben_r_ wrote in post #11711682
Huh. Good that they are joining the LiIon game, BUT its all about the price... We'll see.... Looks like they are off to a good start though, except for having to open the top to use it... That might get a bit annoying.

It's not the end of the world and some may see it as no big deal but I tend to agree with Dave on this, in that it's something of a deal breaker. I know myself all too well and if I was on location and found myself having to power down, unplug, close and latch the lid, move 40 feet, unlatch, plug in and power up every time I want to move.... UGH!

Even if I tried to convince myself that it wouldn't or shouldn't bother me it would and I know that after a few times it would become irritating.

I wasn't looking to upgrade anyway. I currently use the XT and XT SE and I'm fine with the aluminum chassis and soft bag. The fact that I can just leave the end flaps up and move around easily makes much more sense from the standpoint of actual real world use.

TMR Design wrote in post #11711831
It's not the end of the world and some may see it as no big deal but I tend to agree with Dave on this, in that it's something of a deal breaker. I know myself all too well and if I was on location and found myself having to power down, unplug, close and latch the lid, move 40 feet, unlatch, plug in and power up every time I want to move.... UGH!

I actually think it's the other way around. Moving gear is always a hassle and a dangling lid doesn't make it much worse. The suitcase can still be moved by the handle or be hung from the light stand.

On the other hand, a fully sealed case is way better protection during transport. Outlets on the outside, which permit dirt and water to get in, defeat the purpose of one of these cases.

Tobi

Tobi. wrote in post #11712240
I actually think it's the other way around. Moving gear is always a hassle and a dangling lid doesn't make it much worse. The suitcase can still be moved by the handle or be hung from the light stand.

On the other hand, a fully sealed case is way better protection during transport. Outlets on the outside, which permit dirt and water to get in, defeat the purpose of one of these cases.

Tobi

The Ranger packs, for instance, have ports with covers. These covers are exposed to the elements without issue. I don't see this as being any different. I'm not suggesting that a standard outlet be present on the outside of the case. It would have to be some form of military connector with a cover. I think that would be the better approach all the way around but I do understand that everything comes down to cost and doing what I'm suggesting would hike the cost up significantly.

The units at the front of this thread and the one in the video are different.
Presuming the ones pictured at the front of the thread are the current incarnation, the only option is to cut a hole in the case. I guess that could be done in such a way as to have a door that would close when nothing is plugged in. It appears there is a door jam type switch that is opened by a finger on the lid. That should be easy enough to defeat.

Weather proof for transport is not that big a deal. VMLs in Pelican case are just as weather proof for transport.

Wonder how it works with bi-voltage lights.