Power solutions

DIY Adaptor for GH2/FZ200 battery to power USB of GoPro 3

trevmar — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 03:17:05 +0000

The internal battery in my GoPro 3 only powers the camera and LCD for about an hour. I need longer shoots than that, so I built a lightweight (38 gram / 1.3oz) adaptor to allow me to use my spare FZ200 / GH2 batteries to power the camera via its USB power input. A single BLC12 battery runs the GoPro/ Touch-LCD combo at 2.7K-cine protune for about 2 hrs before the internal battery kicks in for another hour. Together the GoPro 3 will now run at 2.7K for 3 hrs, long enough to fill the 64GB SDXC cards I am using :)

I used an LM3485 3Amp switching regulator evaluation board because 1) I had one lying around, and 2) they are nearly 100% efficient, and don't get warm. The battery holder is a tray from a BLC12 charger I bought off Ebay, and the LED voltage display is also off Ebay (it draws a negligible 10ma and allows you to guesstimate how much battery charge is left). Photos of the rig below.

It would be much easier to just have bought an external USB battery pack, but they are heavy and bulky. This way I get double use out of the batteries I already carry around with my rig.

Cheap battery chargers okay?

matt_gh2 — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:18:32 +0000

I've got 4 original Panasonic brand batteries for my GH2. When I come home after shooting I want to charge them all at once so I need 3 more chargers. I saw this cheap charger and wondered if there are any problems with cheap chargers either in terms of safety or affecting battery in any way adversly? Thanks

http://www.everydaysource.com/product/blc12-battery-charger-for-panasonic-dmc-gh2-lumix-dc/BPANBLC12CS1?esprcshopdtf130318=sc+shop+BPANBLC12CS1

Using batteries on LED Lights

silvertonesx24 — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:03:19 +0000

I thought I'd start a topic where people could post how they've powered their LED Lights from batteries.

Currently I have these generic 500 Led lights

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bi-Color-2pcs-500-LED-Video-Light-Camera-Sutdio-Film-Panel-Continuous-Lighting-/121057387126?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2f952276

and use these generic batteries

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-12V-DC-4800mAh-Rechargeable-Li-ion-Battery-CCTV-B4-2-3-lens-AF100-GH2-/170969861114?pt=US_Rechargeable_Batteries&hash=item27ce990bfa

I bought some 4 pin XLR tips off Amazon and sottered up DC to XLR converters, which work great to power my LED lights. I use velcro to stick the batteries to the back of my lights when in use. I can only get the dimmer up to around 75% before it cuts out. Each battery will last for about 2 hours on maximum, with no dimming- it just cuts out when dead. All in all, it's a decent solution, however, I really dislike how the batteries have no capacity indicator, and they take overnight to fully charge.

Does anyone else have any other solutions they've worked with? I'd be interesting in wiring up a battery that would have some kind of capacity indicator.

Fotga Power Supply Solution

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 05:36:42 +0000

Forga Power Supply Solution

Geared mostly for Canon and Nikon cameras. But with voltage converter can be used for Panasonic also. They are working on improved version.

For use with V mount batteries.

Will be available from time to time at http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/1029/catchit-deals-varavon-day

Ways to organise, track and transport multiple batteries/chargers?

cp_from_oz — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:22:55 +0000

Can anyone provide tips or photos for efficient ways to manage multiple chargers and batteries during location shooting? (i.e. for cameras, lights, monitors, phones, laptops, etc, etc.) I could really use some zen inspiration in this "spaghetti management" department as my kit is getting out of control ...

do people use a separate case for all chargers, possibly with built in power boards?
best labelling method for batteries (e.g. just "dyno" style sticky labeller?)
good simple ways to tag a battery as charged/flat? (e.g. reversible green/red sticky/velcro patches?)
best methods for labelling and wrangling cables (e.g. particular velcro tab products)

I am finding that it is really helpful to have a checklist at the charging station that includes ... the charge/discharge times for all batteries ... a "key" for what the lights mean on different chargers ... numbering of all batteries for the same device (der!). This sort of micro detail management can make or break a shoot when you have late night turn-arounds and a sleepy camera assistant. Just puttin it out there to maybe save some headaches ...

Non original, not Panasonic charger for GH2

sethdp — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:49:40 +0000

my charger for my gh2 stopped working. i know you cant use third party batteries but can i use a third party charger with pansonic batteries? thanks seth

How can i deal with gh2 "THIS BATTERY CANNOT BE USED" with cheating.

knight999 — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 03:18:17 +0000

"THIS BATTERY CANNOT BE USED" after Insert other battery except the original battery, i only use cheating way, also received camera dormancy function.

12V Battery for a Shure PG88 receiver ?

010101 — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 01:00:44 +0000

I am trying to find a suitable way to power a Shure Mic system receiver that is made to be powered with a power adapter ( 110 > 12 ). There are many options for all sizes of 12V batteries on eBay. Any specs from these batteries I should pay attention to ? Are there any chances I fry my receiver ?

Here are the links to a sample battery and my receiver :

The battery : http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hot-New-Black-5V-9V-12V-3-in-1-portable-DC-Rechargeable-Li-ion-Battery-Emergency-/321000318189?pt=US_Rechargeable_Batteries&hash=item4abd1c24ed

My receiver : http://www.shure.com/americas/products/wireless-systems/performance-gear-systems/pg88-dual-channel-diversity-receiver

The power adapter that came with the system is indicating :

INPUT : 120/127V~ , 60Hz 150mA Max. OUTPUT : 12 --- 400mA

GH2 Batteries - Japanese GH2 Battery working in Australia GH2 and vice versa?

Ewanc — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 19:26:04 +0000

Hi Everyone

Just wondering whether anyone has had any experience with using official GH2 batteries from different regions from where they bought their GH2 from.

I.e. Using a Japanese GH2 battery in an Australian GH2.

I only ask as there's two different GH2 battery models: DMW-BLC12 (America / Japan) DMW-BLC12E (European / Australian)

The power output is the same on both models. (7.2V 1200mAh 8.7Wh)

Thanks.

need help with ysd-998 battery

phazedreality818 — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 11:44:45 +0000

hello all. i have recently purchased the ysd-998 battery and used it for the first time yesterday with my gh2. we filmed a good hour of footage and the battery kept up great. unfortunately my battery did not come with instructions and i am having difficulty with charging it.

i plug the wall adapter in to the 12v hole and nothing happens. no red light appears on the wall charger or the battery while plugged in. when i plug the battery in and i turn the battery on, there is a green light on the battery and the wall charger. is that how i am supposed to charge it? with the battery in the on position?

if i do indeed need to see a red/orange light on the charger, does the battery need to be used beyond a certain threshold? like, since i have only used it to film for an hour, it hasn't used up enough energy for the circuitry to allow the battery to be charged?

any help will be greatly appreciated.

Voltage Step Down Module

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 13:31:13 +0000

Input voltage: 4~40V;
Output voltage: 1.5~35V (adjustable);
Max output current: 3A
Voltage step down converter

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/mini-dc-4-40v-to-dc-1-5-35v-voltage-step-down-transformer-module-142488

External power options

dishe — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 22:50:43 +0000

I'm looking for a good external power solution for an upcoming live event.

I've already got the dcc8, and removed the original adapter to solder on a more standard sized connector (radio shack, size M DC plug) so that I could plug in the plethora of 9v 2A wall warts I already had. But I need to be able to shoot for hours at this event without being near a wall plug. What do you guys think are my best options (without breaking the bank)?

Someone mentioned the Tekkeon Mp3450i: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/618847-REG/Tekkeon_MP3450I_myPower_ALL_Plus_MP3450i.html/ but at $140, it seems kind of pricey to me. I feel like once I've gone so DIY this far, I should be able to do this for less than $80, right? I've seen those cctv batteries from china, but ordering from China takes too long to ship (shoot is in 2 weeks, shipping from china generally takes 3-4 where I live).

Some options I've been considering: http://www.amazon.com/15000mAh-External-Motorola-Portable-eletronics/dp/B0067XMPNY/ref=pd_ybh_14 This one looks interesting- has an LCD display. Not sure if that doubles as a battery life indicator, but the price is nice.

http://www.amazon.com/EZOPower-High-capacity-Rechargable-10000mAh-Blackberry/dp/B005XQSN9G/ref=pd_ybh_11 I like this one simply because it is Amazon Prime compatible and has some reviews. Its less capacity than the previous option, which had 50% more than this.

Then there's the whole RC battery thing... I have no idea where to even start with those! I've seen some folks post about how great they work, 8+ hours, etc- And videos like this one:

But then I hear rumors about how when these unregulated RC batteries are are first charged, they peak at more capacity than they are rated for (some close to 10+ Volts, even approaching 11 according to someone's volt meter), and how folks have fried their GH2's power chip using them. This makes me nervous. But some folks have claimed great results with this, so...

I'm looking for any kind of advice/guidance at this point. Thanks!

Some realiable battery for the GH2?

Manu4Vendetta — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 16:56:06 +0000

I need a second battery, the original is som expensive, but i have readed about many replacement batteries are dangerous and may even damage the camera. If anyone knows of any specific model I appreciate it, otherwise buy the original.

Thanks

DIY: Battery for long shots

chrimsbroome — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 06:01:57 +0000

Something I made for myself because I got sick of Panasonic rolling out the pathetic 1700mha that cannot handle high dis-charge rates.

The battery was originally for a high performace radio controlled car so it can handle high dis-charge rates. I used it only little but I have also added a LED so I can tell when its running low, which I think is a nice little touch when you are out shooting some cerleberties running away.

3rd party batteries on GH2?

starstuff — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:05:08 +0000

Seeing as the original Panasonic battery pack is pretty expensive I was looking for alternatives.
I see many Ebay sellers having 1800mAh batteries for this camera.

One is around $20, sellers claims is build 1:1 copying the original, 1800mAh, 7.2v and overload protection.
He sells a load of these and on various forums I couldn't find any negative feedback on 3rd party batteries so far.

What do you say? Do any of you have 3rd party batteries in use and what are your experiences with those?

H4N DC plug measurements

JackBayer — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:59:05 +0000

Hello,

does anyone know the exact mm of the inner and outer diameter of the H4N´s DC plug? It´s no standard 5v plug as on USB hubs etc and I only have a ruler to measure it with...not very exact.

Thank you!

GH2 battery grip

valdi99 — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:59:13 +0000

http://www.ownuser.com.tw/e_mig_pgh2.html

Power adator for GH2 Charger?

SuperRoach — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:31:04 +0000

Hello,
I have a NTSC version of the GH2, and it's charger that is supplied has the us style two prongs - they look like this:
http://i.imgur.com/2PKOD.jpg

Apparantly it is possible to adapt this to other styles of power connections, such as the Australian one (They look like this: http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00jvnEQwUCkobO/Australia-Power-Cord-Bipolar-with-Grounding-Non-Rewirable-Plug-YS-10-.jpg ) - if that's true, how can it be done?

Emergency battery charger replacement for GH2

jimtreats — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:42:21 +0000

Hey folks.

I just started to prepare all my gear for a little shoot tomorrow only to discover that I couldn't find my battery charger!!! I've recently been away on holiday so not sure if i lost it there, or if its just hidden away somewhere. Anyways I just wondered if you guys had any experience with different chargers available. Surely unlike batteries, after market chargers shouldn't be too bad?!

The GH2 is such a rare camera over here that I feel it unlikely that i can find a charger compatible in any of our local camera shops tomorrow (Jacobs and Jessops), as such the best option i've found was this item on amazon

http://www.amazon.co.uk/PicknBuy-PANASONIC-DMW-BLC12-DMW-BLC12E-compatible/dp/B005NWEPGK/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1322177347&sr=1-4

"PicknBuy Charger for PANASONIC DMW-BLC12 DMW-BLC12E DE-A80A battery compatible Digital Camera PANASONIC DMC-GH2 with Car adapter and UK Power cord"

I've brought two as they're fairly cheap and as i'm so desperate I've paid on top of my prime delivery to hopefully guarantee delivery on Saturday, which should be in time for me to charge batteries for use on Sunday.

So, anyone used this brand, or other cheaper chargers.. are they ok? Are there any other DIY improvised charging solutions?

Cheers!

Recovering DEAD Third-Party GH2 Battery!

fatpig — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:24:35 +0000

Hi folks,

I just wanted to share this:
I got a 1400mah third party gh2 battery off ebay, worked fine but then after an long shoot, eventually died, which is perfectly normal.
Often these batteries dont recharge. so they have to be replaced and are essentially worthless.

I discovered, that these batteries CAN be recharged, but not with the original charger, but with a third-party charger (just take a cheap gh2 charger off ebay) - i suggest this works because they are missing the third connector pin, and this would be some kind of control connector.

PS: If connected to the third party charger for about one second, the official charger also charges the battery again. It's about getting that little bit of power in there, for the original one to charge again. Now i have three working batteries. Yay!

Third party bats don't work with new firmware?

kazuo — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 12:58:24 +0000

I was told recently that once we upgrade our firmware with the new Panasonic patch, it's likely that the camera will not recognise
third party bats.

Any truth to this? Vitaly, what's yr take?

Using GH2 with non-Panasonic AC adapter

Roy_Batty — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:31:34 +0000

Hey all, new guy here.

Has anyone used the GH2 with a non-Panasonic ac adapter? I'm trying to figure out what the polarity of the dc coupler is before I connect it to the ac adapter that I've bought (one can choose whether to use a positive or negative tip polarity on the ac adapter). I can't see any markings on the body of the camera or the dc coupler which clarifies this.

Does anyone know how to figure this out? I'm still waiting for the battery to charge but I'm anxious to try this camera out.

Bad 3rd party battery can cause weird behaviour or shutting off.

Toronto — Mon, 30 May 2011 07:04:45 +0000

I have been testing out the new 'unhackable' hack for my 2011 GH1 and I noticed something very wierd. The camera kept shutting off. Sometimes I would turn it off and on and still nothing, it would not restart either sometimes. I then took the camera off the tripod and turned it off and on and it worked again. I said to myself "this is wierd", so I put it back on the tripod and screwed in the tripod grip regular tight again, and it didn't turn on. I then thought "it must be the pressure between the tripod and the camera", so I loosened the grip knob until the camera could move a bit and immediately it turned on again. I then tightened the grip a tiny bit again, and it immediately shut off and would not turn on. So I figured out this problem was directly related to the camera being normally gripped on the tripod.

This appears to be related to some kind of pressure sensitivity of the battery itself as it is a 3rd party battery, and I was having it shut off randomly off the tripod a couple times too, but I did notice this specific action always produced it shutting off the camera so it may help out those who can't figure out why this is happening, perhaps thinking it is a hacked camera setting, when it may just be how tight your camera is on the tripod. (In other words I could not even have it at normal tightness with the 3rd party battery, which kind of defeats the purpose of a tripod if I wanted to pan it wouldn't pan correctly since the thread was not tight enough into the camera to keep the camera on snug.

Update: I just tried the panasonic battery and could not replicate this problem (I could have the camera as tight as I wanted with the panasonic battery). So it appears only the 3rd party battery I got off ebay (dmw-blb13) has this pressure sensitivity issue. So if you get these 3rd party batteries, you may end up having to use them handheld most of the time so there is no pressure on the battery plate area of the camera.

I am not sure if this problem happend before I installed the 'unhackable' hack or not. I did notice that there was a setting related to 3rd party batteries in the new ptool (can't remember if I checked or unchecked it when making the hacked bin though), but the 3rd party battery was working normally for my 'unhackable' gh1 before I even tried to install ptool for the first time yesterday (I made a one hour recording on it before installing the new ptool), so maybe a setting of some kind could have some relation to this, but I can't know that for sure yet. I do know that only the 3rd party battery is affected either way though, as even after the new hack, my panasonic battery cannot reproduce this error.