12V power solution for Canon 500D

[Matty]

Hi Evereybody
Was wondering if anyone knew of a way I could use my 12V battery to power my SLR. Have been experimenting with time lapse photography but finding that my battery can only handle 300 to 400 frames of long exposures in a cold environment. This only gives me 15 seconds or so of video. I guess I could go the battery grip way but that only doulbles the capacity. Have searched around for a while now but there does not seem to be any commercially made products for this purpose and I unfortunantly lack the tech knowledge to build one myself.:shrug:
Sincear Thanks
Matt

[MrB]

The only thing I've seen is Canon's ACK-E5 kit, but they are 110 to 240v.
I had considered making a 12v adaptor for the ACK-E6 kit (5DmkII, 7D and 60D/60Da) but ofcourse it uses a proprietary plug on the battery lead.
The ACK-E5 looks like it might use a standard barrel plug for the false-battery, so you could probably get a 12v to 7.2v adaptor and make a patch lead reasonably easily.

[RAJAH235]

See if this Jaycar one suits...(Not sure of your "current" requirements.) (Sorry 'bout the pun.) ;)
ref # > MP3038
> http://search.jaycar.com.au/search?view=list&w=MP3038&SUBMIT.x=24&SUBMIT.y=13

They could have heavier current models available but they are easy to make yourself.
Minimum components req'd & quite an item to build.

[mplanet62]

Add 12DC to 240AC converter (they are ubiquitous) to ACK-E5 or it's E-bay analogue - and you're done!

[MrB]

This is true, but inefficient. I was trying to sidestep that option ;)

[Matty]

Hey thanks for the advice guys. I think ill try out the inverter option. Inefficient yes but I use a deep cell 12V battery for my scope. Got no idea what its ratings are but i got it from Nova radio station when they upgraded their UPS. Its run my 14 goto Dob for 3 nights straight at ISSAC and SPSP without a recharge so i figure its got more than enough legs to cope. Mr B how are you finding the 60Da Im thinking of upgrading to it next year?:)

[Matty]

Thanks for the advice RAJAH235 but i wasnt kidding about my lack off knowledge in the electronics department. Would probably blow up my camera if i tried to build a power pack myself.:lol:

[MrB]

It's great so far, though I have only had one decent imaging session to date: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=92560

If you do upgrade to the 60Da, you'll be happy to know the kit includes the Canon ACK-E6 ;)

[mswhin63]

Hi, i am currently using an Ebay substitute and i created an inverter package i got from Ebay as well and have been successfully using this setup for quite some time. I can't place any photos as i have move house and everything is stowed away before i go to the Murchison. Just to say it is sucessful.

[trent_julie]

Hi Matt,
I converted my own battery grip, originally for my 1000d and recently for my 7d. Here is my original thread. I have been using this system for 3 years with no problems.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=60575&highlight=canon

A quick search on ebay found that this would be a suitable grip for conversion.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BATTERY-GRIP-CANON-450D-1000D-500D-BG-E5-XS-XSi-T1i-2-LP-E5-Battery-/200665928695?pt=AU_Cameras_Photogra phic_Accessories&hash=item2eb89f13f7

I used the electronics available from Jaycar found here.
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=KA1797

I hope this helps, I also know that there is other units available that are pre made that have been recommended by other users here.

Trent

[Davros]

I use one of those ebay battery eliminators and a 240v to 12v converter which runs my dew controllers and the camera all night without a problem.

[NCC-2893]

I was put onto these from e-bay .Cheap and easy. Cut the dummy battery off the adapter and join on the 12-7.5 volt converter. bobsya.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320805702457?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX: IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 and
http://www.ebay.com/itm/260828019477?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX: IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649