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Author Topic: Multiple cameras AC power supply  (Read 6629 times)

Lambo

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Multiple cameras AC power supply
« on: August 19, 2014, 09:39:36 PM »
Hello all, I have been working for some time with multiple cameras doing full body scanning and even though it has been going pretty nice so far, I still have the annoying issue of the batteries and having to remove so many of them and then re-place them when recharged.
As many of you know, it is a little pain plus the chance of moving your cameras and getting them out of alignment.
So I started looking at getting AC power to them but the systems they sell are pretty expensive when you consider doing them for many cameras. So I want to do one myself with the help of a friend.
Now, for that we would have to open the batteries and connect the cables that come from the main power supply, etc. and since I dont want to ruin the original Nikon batteries (that are expensive) I want to use the cheaper generic ones.
As some of you may know, the latest update on the firmware from Nikon made the generic batteries not usable but there is a hack that makes them usable again.
The battery has 5 prongs and we need to know what each of them does. And I would like to know if the hack removed the need for the camera to connect to the battery all together (for information regarding the brand of the battery that is) or if it still connects with the battery to get some kind of information about it?
If anyone has any other useful information or maybe an already tried system for using AC power for the cameras, I will be REALLY thankful!
Thanks a lot for any help on the matter...
Leo

Exhale

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Re: Multiple cameras AC power supply
« Reply #1 on: August 20, 2014, 01:43:43 AM »
Hi ,

Perhaps you can have a look at  http://www.agisoft.ru/forum/index.php?topic=1942.0

meshmixup

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Re: Multiple cameras AC power supply
« Reply #2 on: August 20, 2014, 11:43:19 AM »
And how about this? Other than triggering, it has power system.
http://www.agisoft.ru/forum/index.php?topic=2643.0

For me, I am using external power adapter for canon camera and no problem so far. But I want to know if it is safe to turn the camera on-off by simply switching through the AC power. If possible, I can simplify my daily routines and spend more time on coffee. :)

ttoke

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Re: Multiple cameras AC power supply
« Reply #3 on: August 20, 2014, 02:14:53 PM »
We built custom adapters of plexiglas (exactly the shape of the battery) and connected them to a power supply, they work fine. :)

We could probably build them for you too, if you're interested.
« Last Edit: August 20, 2014, 02:16:39 PM by ttoke »

Lambo

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Re: Multiple cameras AC power supply
« Reply #4 on: August 20, 2014, 10:24:38 PM »
Thanks all for the help.
Exhale, I saw that thread and I am trying to figure out if I can do something like that now, thank you.
Meshmixup, those Esper power cells seem to be nice but also expensive :( Plus I would still need some connections to the batteries and that is my main issue now.
ttoke, could you send me a PM with the prices you would charge for this? I might be interested.
Any other ideas?

Magnus

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Re: Multiple cameras AC power supply
« Reply #5 on: August 20, 2014, 11:15:36 PM »
Hello Leo!

You might have already seen this in your search but thought I'd post here anyway http://www.exprodirect.com/product.php?productid=41824&cat=14065&page=1 or this http://www.exprodirect.com/product.php?productid=42656&cat=14065&page=1

Or maybe just this part http://www.exprodirect.com/product.php?productid=41823&cat=14065&page=1 in case you want to do your own wiring.

Not sure if that is affected by the firmware updates though so might have to ask them.

Best, Magnus.

Lambo

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Re: Multiple cameras AC power supply
« Reply #6 on: August 21, 2014, 05:10:23 AM »
Thanks Magnus. They are nice and I might end up going that way, but if possible, I will try to do all the wiring myself and maybe open all the cheap batteries and wire them also :)
Will have to see how much I can save to know if it is worth it.
Leo