Powerbase EDGE and Hydracore 100 – Universal Battery Packs From Core SWX

Battery News

by Jakub HanApril 19^th, 2018

Core SWX introduced their new battery packs – presented at NAB 2018: The universal and lightweight Powerbase EDGE and their first NiMH Gold Mount battery pack – the Hydracore 100.

Core SWX, the US company specializing in power solutions for cameras have introduced a couple of new products at this year’s NAB. Among those innovations are the  universal Powerbase EDGE battery as well as their first NiMH brick battery pack, the Hydracore 100.

Powerbase EDGE

This interesting battery solution follows the path of its highly successful predecessor, the Powerbase 70, which has been introduced eight years ago. According to Core SWX the new Powerbase is packed with more features while being smaller than the original one.

The capacity of the Lithium-ion Powerbase EDGE is 49Wh (14.8V DC, 3.3Ah) and it is keeping the versatility of offering two mounting options, while being 30% smaller than the Powerbase 70. Mounting is possible via V-Mount for cine cameras such as RED or Blackmagic Design Ursa Mini cameras, as well as the 1/4-20 screw mount for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, such as the Panasonic GH5.

In addition, the Powerbase EDGE has 2 USBs and 2 Power-Taps (one of them being a SmartTap), as well as a runtime LCD for users to see the exact battery expectancy in minutes. It also features a quick release plate for fast detachment from the camera or rig.

Powerbase EDGE Key Specs:

• Capacity: 49Wh (14.8V DC, 3.3Ah)
• Size: 5.1” x 3.6” x 1.55” (12.95 x 9.14 x 3.94 cm)
• Weight: 1.3lbs (0.59kg).
• Normal Runtime: approx. 8.25 hours (Sony A7 w/o accessories )
• Max Continuous Load: 8A

Hydracore 100

The Hydracore 100 is the first brick battery pack created by Core SWX that uses NiMH technology. The idea behind this product is to provide an unregulated, travel friendly battery solution. Being a Nickel-based pack and not Lithium, the Hydracore 100 doesn’t apply to the restrictive air shipping and travel guidelines, allowing users to carry multiple packs in their carry-on luggage. The Hydracore 100 is aimed at the traditional broadcast market and therefore has a Gold Mount, supporting up to a 10A load with 100Wh of power.

Weighing  3.3lbs (1.5kg) and measuring 3.8″ x 5.87″ x 2.95″ (9.65 x 14.91 x 7.49 cm), the Hydracore 100 is 2lbs lighter and 20% smaller than most common batteries in the NiMH segment, according to Core SWX. The pack was designed to be fully compatible with Anton/Bauer chargers to ensure it will integrate into customers’ diverse battery fleets. This battery pack is equipped with a p-tap, USB, and runtime LCD.

Hydracore 100 battery pack. Source: Core SWX

There is no information on pricing or availability for these new power packs yet.

Do you have experience with the older Powerbase 70? Do you like using some kind of external power source with a DSLR or mirrorless? Let us know in the comments below.