Continuous Power for Video Camera

[MarkEngland]

Riding a lot with my video camera, I found myself limited to about 60 minutes of recording (or less if I left the LCD viewer on) or caring extra batteries which is something else to keep track of while riding.

After looking around for 12V power converters for my camcorder, I decided it was easier to simply make my own power converter. Below is a pic of the final results. More detailed information can be found at: http://kc6tew.com/mods/videopower/videopower.htm

Instead of spending up between $49 and $79 for a 12V power converter, I made my own for a few dollars in parts.

[zaphod]

You did a good job with your web site, nice layout and info. I’m getting ready to install a Blue Sea and I really like your idea of using the ‘Y” connector.

[messenger13]

Great job! :thumb:

A suggestion, if I may. Installing the voltage regulator inside the cig lighter adapter would've made for a much cleaner looking cable. Of course, you'd need to source one that comes apart easily. My http://totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/images/smiles/twocents_smilie.gif

[rixchard]

right on! It pisses me off to no end, the amount of money some companies think they can charge for a couple of wires with a connector at both ends

[MarkEngland]

Great job! :thumb:

A suggestion, if I may. Installing the voltage regulator inside the cig lighter adapter would've made for a much cleaner looking cable. Of course, you'd need to source one that comes apart easily. My http://totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/images/smiles/twocents_smilie.gif
I am all for a cleaner look, but I use my cig lighter for other things that require 12v such as my goose neck light (http://www.kc6tew.com/mods/cigarettelighter/cigarettelighter.htm), cell phone, GMRS, etc. charger. Since I have an extra switch, I almost used a switch to drop the voltage, but did not want to blow my camera if I bumbed the switch the wrong way.

The cable is thinner than a pencil. I since have put a solid piece of black shrink wrap over the entire cable which smoothes out the look a lot.

[pozo_izquierdo]

Hi Mark (and others)
Nice job,
this was exactly what I was looking for my Sony camcorder prior to my CCR trip!
The darn thing needs 7,4 volts and there were aboslutely no ready made 12 V power converters available at any cost for this model (Handycam DCR-HC96).
Somebody even warned me that these cameras are very picky on the right voltage, so it never even popped into my mind trying to fabricate something myself...
My next idea was trying to find a 12V (or even 220V, as I have the power inverter) battery charger so that I could charge the other battery while the other one is in use. No luck in that either! These new model batteries can only be charged with 220 V when the battery is in the camera...

Well, luckily the Sony 1360 mAh Li-ion battery packs did not need any recharging while riding, after all. They provided up to three hours of recording time and having the L.A.N.C controller for starting / stopping / recording the power consuption was so low that I did not even need to charge the battery pack every night.

Here is the story of the rest of my camera installations:
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12434

BTW, how is your switch project coming out?

Regards