Nashville, TN-based Remote Audio has introduced the MEON, a self-contained, uninterruptible power system ideal for location sound recording. The MEON provides up to 18A of 13.8VDC when plugged into 110VAC-240VAC mains power and 29Ah of 12VDC (nominal) from its internal nickel-metal hydride battery, routed to 12 standard four-pin outlets. A typical production sound cart draws less than 6A, so the MEON will provide up to five hours of backup power in typical applications. The entire package is contained in a 2RU rack module weighing less than 25lbs.
When plugged into AC, the MEON outlets are powered by its internal AC-DC supply, which connects its battery to the internal charger. When AC power is removed (intentionally or accidentally), the battery seamlessly takes over. Once AC power is restored, the internal AC-DC supply seamlessly goes back online and the battery continues charging.
The MEON uses a convection cooling design, so it can be used on the set of a very quiet sound stage where cooling fans can’t be used. Also, to prevent accidental powering, the MEON has two on buttons and two off buttons that must be pressed at the same time to turn the power on or off. Pressing any one of these buttons by itself has no effect.
Complete recharge time is six hours or less, but the MEON can be left plugged into AC power indefinitely, because its internal microprocessor controller will maintain the battery at maximum capacity without overcharging. The unit can be put into service after partial recharging and, likewise, can be partially discharged before recharging without fear of damage.
Twelve four-pin power outlets (four at 13A, the other eight at 6A) on the back panel access the power. Each outlet has auto-resetting breakers to protect against short-circuiting and overloading. Unlike lead-acid designs, the MEON houses a 29Ah NiMH battery internally, saving cart space, minimizing weight, and providing its full rated capacity under high current loads.
For more information, visit www.remoteaudio.com.
