Core SWX Renegade Block Battery Series Explained

by Jürgen MoorsApril 17^th, 2023

Core SWX just introduced the new Renegade block battery series. The Renegade, the Renegade XL, and the Renegade XL 48 are designed for location shooters and can power larger light fixtures or any other power-hungry gear. They offer multiple power sources between 15V, 28V, and 48V with different capacities. Prices start at $2,499 for the Renegade model and $4,499 for the XL and XL48 models. Let’s have a closer look at these new big batteries.

US-based battery manufacturer Core SWX offers a wide range of high-power batteries, like the Maverick, a nickel metal hydride block battery, or the APEX 360 V-Mount batteries. A few weeks ago, they also updated their Helix series with higher capacity battery packs for B- G- and V-Mounts.

Renegade block batteries – features

There are three different models available: the first one is the Renegade, a LiFEPO4 battery with a capacity of 777Wh and several 15V, 28V, and 48V outlets. With a weight of 9,8Kg/21,7lbs and a charging time of only 3,5 hours with an external charger, it is a very economic power solution.

The 48V port has 15A and can power light fixtures like the Aputure LS 600 series or the Nanlite Forza 720, for example. It has a small, built-in LCD screen on top that provides information about the estimated remaining runtime, charging time, and also the percentage of the remaining capacity.

Core SWX Renegade – technical details

• Capacity: 777Wh (28.8V, 27Ah)
• Size: 24,3×34,8×13,5cm / 9,56×13,7x 5,3in
• Weight: 9,8kg / 21,7lbs
• Chemical Cell: LiFEPO4
• Voltage Output: 2x XLR 4p 15V, 20A (regulated)
• Voltage Output: 2x XLR 3p 28V (DC 22.5V-32.85V), 20A
• Voltage Output: 1x PowerConn 48V, 15A (regulated)
• Charge Time: 3,5 hrs with PFQ8 external charger (included)

Renegade XL

The Renegade XL is a Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery in an aluminum housing and has a capacity of 1376Wh-that’s double the capacity of the standard Renegade. However, it also weighs 14,9kg / 32,8lbs, so it is about 50% heavier. You have two 4-pin XLR outlets for 15V, one 3-pin for 28V, and one 48V PowerConn. Additionally, you have a USB-A port and 2 P-tap ports with 14,4V.

The Renegade XL has an integrated charger on-board for charging the battery in about 5 hours. If that seems too slow, you can opt for the SFQ40, an external charger that can fully charge the Renegade XL in just 2.5 hours. The block battery has a small color OLED display that provides full diagnostics on the estimated runtime, charging time, and percentage of the remaining capacity.

Renegade XL – technical details

• Capacity: 1376Wh (14.8V, 93Ah)
• Size: 24,3×34,8×13,5cm / 9,56×13,7x 5,3in
• Weight: 14,9kg / 32,8lbs
• Chemical Cell: Li-Ion
• Voltage Output: 2x XLR 4p 14V, 12A per XLR (DC 11-17V)
• Voltage Output: 1x XLR 3p 28V, 12A (regulated)
• Voltage Output: 1x PowerConn 48V, 15A (regulated)
• Aux Output: 2x P-tap (10A, 14.4V unregulated)
• USB Output: 1x USB-A (5V, 3A)
• Charge Time: 5 hrs with built-in charger or 2,5 hours with SFQ40 external charger
• Fleet Management: Bluetooth via Voltbridge Mesh App and Diagnostic Download via USB, Firmware Upgradeable via USB

Renegade XL 48

Lastly, the Renegade XL48 is a 48V-only model, but it has the same size and capacity as the XL. It is designed to power bigger light fixtures like the Aputure LS 1200D Pro. The XL 48 also has a small screen on top to provide information about the estimated runtime, charging time, and remaining capacity. It has the same USB, P-tap, and app fleet management as the XL1 model.

Renegade XL 48 – technical details

• Capacity: 1376Wh (14.8V, 93Ah)
• Size: 24,3×34,8×13,5cm / 9,56×13,7x 5,3in
• Weight: 14,9kg / 32,8lbs
• Chemical Cell: Li-Ion
• Voltage Output: 2x PowerConn 48V, 15A(regulated), 30A (total)
• Aux Output: 2x P-tap (10A, 14.4V unregulated)
• USB Output: 1x USB-A (5V, 3A)
• Charge Time: 5 hrs with built-in charger or 2,5 hours with SFQ40 external charger
• Fleet Management: Bluetooth via Voltbridge Mesh App and Diagnostic Download via USB, Firmware Upgradeable via USB

Pricing and availability

The Core SWX Renegade block battery series is currently on display at NAB Show in Las Vegas. You can pre-order them now. Shipping for the Renegade will start in a few days, while the XL and the XL 48 will start shipping early in June.

• Renegade – $2,499
• Renegade XL – $4,499
• Renegade XL 48 – $4,499
• SFQ40 Charger – $1,799

For more information, please visit Core SWX’s website.

What do you think about these new Core SWX block batteries? Do you like the idea of powering your LED lights with a power station? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!