Powering GH2

feha

@maxdvz You can power GH2 + LCD monitor (12v), but LED takes more current and power so the max in total is 2A (3A the step up/down converter can get hot.) So I suggest for LED to use own batteries, else you will need a step converter for each. Also LED light could be used but not in full intensity, Z-96 have a dimmer , but the converter can not cope with full intensity as LED might need more than 2A ...

Formula:

P = U x I

I = P/U

P = Power U = Voltage I = Current

hellrazor

I use RC car batteries. 8.4V 4.200 mAh, attached to my tripod with Velcro Tape. On one fully charged battery I shot 150GB of 140mBit intra frame video before I received "the message". Remaining power in the battery is between 250 to 400 mAh and Voltage is around 8.3V. The SD card recorded when battery went down was not readable by FCPX. luckily http://www.nef.wh.uni-dortmund.de/~mt/remux/ did the trick of remuxing the MTS files, so even the last shot was on the SD, just some meta data missing which causes FCPX hickups. Over all it looks like the cheapest solution and from where I am standing (RC builder with proper charging gear). A very cheap and powerful solution. just wanted to share the experience. YMMV

maxdvz

@feha Thanks so much for posting this very informative video.

I may just have to give it a go.

In your solution would you be able to power GH2,(8.6v) an LCD monitor (12v), and an LED light (12v) using the sony batteries, or would you need something bigger?

ChainsawFilms

@feha thank you. I need to watch this a few times, electrics is a new concept for me. I hope you don't mind answering questions if needed :)

feha

@ChainsawFilms

Here comes my tutorial about building your power system before connecting to any battery.

ChainsawFilms

@feha this has been a great read, I eagerly await the instructional video. Please keep things simple for those of us who know nothing about power :)

feha

@DirkVoorhoeve, I'm not sure but as far sa I know GH2 requires 8.4 to 8.8v, in order to work with DC, this passes "battery decoder" issue ...

DirkVoorhoeve

On Jag35 they have this $ 95 7.4V power-adapter for GH2. I've sent them an email to ask, they say it is really 7.4V and does not have a decoder chip. How can they power the GH2 with only 7.4V?

@feha thanks! I've ordered it.

feha

@DirkVoorhoeve

I suggest: http://www.ebay.ie/itm/290668791743 it takes IN 3.5 to 28v and you get desired output by adjustment 2A is more than needed for GH2, also this will not fit in DC coupler house but you could put it in mini ABS box ...

alexdolgin

DirkVoorhoeve: our converter that B&H sells puts out 7.2V (used by most video cameras) using 12-14V as a source http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/842687-REG/Dolgin_Engineering_DC_7200_20_1_7_4_75_SL_DC_CONVERTER_w_2_1mm_JACK.html We also have a 8.6V version (for GH2) of the same converter that they do not list, but available through our online store. http://dolgin.net/zen_dolgin/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=18 Hope it explains it.

Alfi666

@DirkVoorhoeve : I had to modify a DC coupler, cut down the PCB board because it does not fit and move those cut-off components to different locations.

It's definitelly not an easy DIY, but if you're fine with electronics, nothing very special.

duartix

Battery grip from OwnUser unboxing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nOz2w1WkguU Interesting about it is that it takes 2 batteries and you can use them independently and rotate their charging without loosing power on the camera.

DirkVoorhoeve

@Alfi666 which dc/dc converter did you use to built into the DC coupler itself? Is it easy to do?

@alexdolgin You say you have a 7.2V version of your power converter listed. Do you mean TO or FROM 7.2 volt. Also Jag35 have a 12v to 7.2v adapter, but this is confusing me because as far as I understand you need 8.4V or more if there is no decoder chip in the adapter to identify it as a genuine panasonic battery. Can you clarify this?

Does anyone use the Lanparte batteryplate? I was wondering if the HDMI splitter needs power on the 5V DC input or if it is powered internally?

Alfi666

@feha : Yes, I couldn't find as well - so bought a silver one and painted it black :))

feha

@Alfi666 WOW, well done, great work, that box is nice one, i could not find a black one ...

Alfi666

@feha : Nice.

Here is mine, battery is custom made from 18650 cells and is within the box itself. Specs are 14.4V / 5200mAh. So almost twice as much power as one NP-F970.

Currently it has 2 voltage outputs - XLR is 12-16,4V based on charge and there is a stable DC 7,2V which can power lighting, GH2, etc.

Currently I'm using it with EX1 but can be used with GH2 as well as the upconvert from 7,2V to 8,4V is done in my DC coupler itself ;)

feha

The version above with the box, was to big and not good for rig ... Here comes my DIY version 2 the power splitter and converter. Electronic components used are same as above ... Need some more time to make a complete video tutorial ... in 3-30 v, out 8.8v and 2x 12.5 v / 2A, can use any battery at present time uses NP970 (7.4 v)

feha

Here comes the step-up/step-down converter of my choice. It handles up to 2A (3A with heat sink) ... Any voltage in, very stable voltage out ... Voltmeters the RED is voltage IN and the blue is voltage OUT ... Will need a good small case to wrap it in ... and finally make a complete small adapter ... The converter is: http://www.ebay.ie/itm/290668791743 When i get more time will need to put a complete video ...

feha

Have anyone tried these batteries ?

http://www.deben.com/lithium-ion.html

feha

Here comes my DIY powering solution. This can take as input any 3.5 - 28v and output : adjustable 12.5v and adjustable 8.8 v ... when i have more time will put a video tutorial about this ...

klem007

if someone can tell me that those cheapo cctv batteries are the mah they are labeled and that they dont blow up i'm gonna get 2. one for the h4n and an other for the gh2

feha

Mini DC 12V 6800mah does not hold even 50% of the capacity ... (NP970 6800mah holds twice longer time ...)

I need to find reliable batteries (supplier) 12 -14 v at least 6800mah (more better) ... I really can not trust these "CCTV" batteries ...

itimjim

Well, my CCTV camera turned up a week ago and I'm quite impressed. It has 12V, 9V and 5V outputs, is quite light and fits on the top of my Lanparte shoulder mount (affixed with cable tie).

Only time will tell if the capacity is any good, but it's a good start and great value. I'll be ordering another soon. So I might hold off on the Lanparte battery pinch and vmount battery for now, as that will set me back nearly £300...compared to £70 for 2x.

Might post pics when I get home from he city later this week.

feha

@mrbill thank you, your right, will try this Mini DC 12V 6800mah with step down converter, and see if i can add a rod clamp. This battery is not heavy but time will show how long it will hold ... EDIT: This battery does not hold as NP970 Sony with same capacity 6800 mah. It gets empty a 50% faster than NP970 ...

mrbill

@feha - I was given a v-mount battery, and bought all the stuff for it - hdmi splitter and so on - but it's so heavy that on a tripod it completely unbalances my rig, and on a shoulder mount it gets pretty uncomfortable quite quickly. My advice would be to look at lighter options

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