BATTERIES

Anton/Bauer Salt-E Dog: A Sustainable Mobile Power Source for Film & TV

June 6, 2023

The Salt-E Dog is a sodium-based mobile power source that’s designed specifically for movie and TV production.
It’s an industry-first type of power source that can offer near-silent operation while also eliminating carbon emissions from standard generators.
Having a quiet power source can also mean more efficient productions, including not having to run long cables and lowering the need for ADR.

Anton/Bauer has just launched an exciting innovation for the film and television industry: the Salt-E Dog. This sodium-based mobile power source, boasting a capacity of 9 kWh, is a potential game-changer in sustainable energy solutions. It addresses the urgent issue of carbon emissions associated with traditional generators and lithium batteries. With the Anton/Bauer Salt-E Dog, the brand establishes itself as a leading provider of clean power for the media and entertainment sector.

How the Salt-E Dog Works

The Anton/Bauer Salt-E Dog is designed specifically for location shoots and productions that prioritize emission-free and silent power. By utilizing sodium-based technology, this battery creates a healthier environment for production crews and talent alike. Unlike gas generators, it emits no harmful carbon dioxide or nitrogen oxides, resulting in cleaner air and a safer production experience.

The Salt-E Dog offers a versatile range of power output options, including AC and DC power. AC power is provided through four 20 A / 120 V outlets or a 50 A / 125 V Stage Pin connector, while DC power is available through various XLR3 and USB ports.

With its impressive power capabilities, the Salt-E Dog can deliver up to 6000 W of pure sine wave power, allowing for extended off-the-grid usage to run production equipment for hours at a time. Recharging the unit can be done from AC outlets, solar PV, and CCS Level 2 (J1772) electric vehicle charge points.

Its compact size and near-silent operation mean that production crews won’t have to run long cables to keep a loud power source away from the set, and it’ll cut down on the amount of ADR work to re-record dialogue that was drowned out by a noisy generator.

Plus, the Salt-E Dog offsets greenhouse gas emissions, allowing productions to offset 2.6 kg of carbon dioxide and associated nitrogen oxide per liter of fuel saved.

More Advantages of the Anton/Bauer Salt-E Dog

The sodium cell is 100% recyclable, and it also has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) rating compared to lithium-ion batteries, making it the most environmentally friendly option out there. Productions can safely position the Salt-E Dog near lighting, catering, craft, and talent without the risk of thermal runaway or fire. This reduces the need for fire marshals and water trucks on set, ultimately lowering insurance premiums.

Andrew Hutton, Product Manager at Anton/Bauer, emphasizes the advantages of this new technology. He explains, “We are using a more sustainable and readily available option: sodium. Compared to lithium, sodium cells offer a safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting power solution. This makes Salt-E Dog the smart and sustainable choice for powering cine equipment.”

Nicola Dal Toso, divisional CEO of Videndum Production Solutions, expresses their excitement, stating, “We are excited to be at the forefront of industry sustainability efforts by producing a cleaner, more environmentally safe alternative to traditional power sources. The Salt-E Dog is the first of a new breed of sustainable Anton/Bauer products that will provide consistent, reliable power with no noise or pollution, helping productions meet sustainability goals without compromising quality.”