Specifications

14
Tel 0870 990 9000 Fax 01332 830551 Web www.keene.co.uk
Keene Electronics Catalogue 2005 Tel 0870 990 9000 Fax 01332 830551 Web www.keene.co.uk
Browse and buy on-line at www.keene.co.uk –
our complete range including new products not
listed in this catalogue, and the most up-to-date
prices
General purpose dischargers
A range of 5 dischargers for discharging nicads. Can be
used to discharge AA, C and D cells, flashgun packs,
model cars etc.
General purpose dischargers are fitted with a
standard 2.1mm DC socket. They are not
polarity sensitive, so will function correctly
whichever way connected. You can configure
your own connecting lead, or buy one of ours.
For example, to discharge AA type Nicads you will need 1
x 4.8V discharger [GP4.8] @ £18.99, 1 x 4AA cell holder [HOLDAA] @
£0.75 and one connecting lead [KLD101] @ £1.99.
To discharge 4.8V (4 cell) order code [GP4.8] £18.99
To discharge 6V (5 cell) order code [GP6] £18.99
To discharge 7.2V (6 cell) order code [GP7.2] £18.99
To discharge 9.6V (8 cell) order code [GP96] £18.99
To discharge 12V (10 cell) order code [GP12] £18.99
BULK PRICING (50+) and OEM AVAILABLE on these products
Leads for connecting GP Dischargers
Battery holder (PP3 type snap-on) to 2.1mm DC plug [KLD101]£1.99
2 x miniature crocodile clips to 2.1mm DC plug [KLD102] £1.99
Holders for 4 cells
Plastic holders for 4 x AA, C or D cells.
For 4 x AA cells [HOLDAA] £0.99
For 4 x C cells [HOLDC] £0.99
For 4 x D cells [HOLDD] £0.99
Keene Lead/acid battery chargers
Neat and effective low cost chargers for
lead/acid battery packs. Provide a
controlled constant voltage charge to
safely and gently bring your pack up to
maximum capacity. Feature LED indicator
of 'power' and 'charging' status. The 12V
model comes complete with cigarette
lighter plug fitted (ready to connect to
most 12V packs) whilst the 6V model
(pictured) has bared wire connection for
your own configuration.
6V model [KLAC6] £19.99
12V model [KLAC12] £24.99
BULK PRICING (50+) and OEM AVAILABLE on these products
•KE•
Camcorder Holiday Checklist
If you are taking your camcorder on holiday then its worth considering
the following;
Batteries
Have you got enough batteries? Bear in mind that in general, Nicads
perform well in warm climates, less so in colder ones. Don’t leave your
batteries (or camcorder for that matter) in direct sunlight or in a car on a
sunny day if you can avoid it. If you are going somewhere colder, try to
keep your batteries about your person to keep them warm (see our
battery safeguard in the ‘powersection for protection against damage). If
you have purchased batteries for your holiday then remember that new
batteries will perform better the third or fourth time they are used. If you
can, is a very good idea to charge and discharge them a couple of times
before you go, particularly if they have not been used for a while.
Charging
What is the mains voltage at the resort? Check the label on the base of
your battery charger carefully. If it says ‘input voltage 110-240V’ then it
can safely be used anywhere. If it says ‘220-240V only’ then DO NOT
attempt to use it on 110V; it will overheat and severe damage will occur.
Most (but not all) of Europe is 220V and so any UK 240V charger should
work satisfactorily. America and certain other destinations are 110V.
Contrary to popular belief, a multi-voltage input charger (i.e.110-240V)
will take the same amount of time to charge a battery whatever voltage it
is supplied with.
Car power
If you take your car on holiday, or hire one upon arrival, it is well worth
considering the convenience of a car charger. Car chargers will work
whether the car engine is running or not, and consume next to no current
when compared to a car batteries capacity. Car cords are another useful
addition to the gadget bag. They enable you to run your camcorder
continuously from your car battery. They consist of a cigar lighter plug
with a lead to a battery shell which fits on the camcorder in the normal
way. Instead of Nicad cells it contains a special power supply which
converts the cars 12-14V DC output down to that which your camcorder
requires. (Beware of unregulated car cords.)
All these chargers and dischargers seem a lot of equipment to lug around
if your going on holiday or videoing a wedding etc..
You don’t need to! If you pre-condition your batteries by discharging and
charging them at least three times during the week before you need the
camera, you don’t need to take a discharger or slow charger with you –
just use the original mains charger. The batteries are not going to deterio-
rate much over the next four or five charges especially if they are being
used a lot. A nicad is rather like a muscle – the more you use it the
stronger it becomes, the less you use it the weaker it gets.
Also, to answer a question we are often asked, most of the original
chargers supplied with video cameras are rated from 110V to 240 V and
as such can be used almost anywhere in the world. If in doubt it should
say on the bottom.
Blank tape
Have you got enough tape? Tape can be bought at most resorts but it is
likely to be much more expensive. Be careful – fraud is common, and the
trademarks of most leading brands are often illegally reproduced on duff
tape. Tape intended for different countries is usually based upon a
different system to the UK PAL (eg NTSC, SECAM etc). It will work just
the same, but the running times will be different from that stated on the
box. The grade of tape you use DOES make a surprising difference. Don’t
entrust your memories of the holiday of a lifetime to a cheap rubbish
tape. Never store or transport your tape without its protective sleeve, you
risk damage to the tape surface and may transfer dirt and dust to your
camcorder itself.
Carrying case
Have you got a comfortable and protective case that will accommodate
both your camcorder and its accessories? Remember that you should
usually carry your charger and batteries with your camcorder as hand
luggage to keep airport security happy, but check this with your tour
operator before departure.
Filters
To protect your lens then make sure that you have either a UV or skylight
fitted. If you want the sea or the swimming pool to look like it does in the
brochure then a polariser is a must. See our filter selection guide for more
details.
A must on any holiday is a lens cleaning cloth and/or packet of wipes.
Hot hands covered with sun tan oil don’t half mess up filters and lenses!
Rain cover
Hopefully it won’t rain on your holiday, but spray from the sea can have
terrible effects on your camcorder. A rain cover offers good protection
from this and takes up very little room in the gadget bag.
Security
For your peace of mind, it could be worth investing in a small portable
alarm to safeguard your gadget bag when on the beach etc.
Tripod
If you have room, a lightweight tripod will come in very handy. Not only
will it enable clear steady shots, but it also gives you an opportunity to
put yourself in the picture!
Finally and most importantly, before you leave test all of your equipment.
Include any new purchases and make sure that everything is working
properly. It would be very frustrating to arrive at your destination and
find that you were unable to charge your batteries!
•KE•