Where can I recharge my camera? Other camera advice?

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mikenmar
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Where can I recharge my camera? Other camera advice?

Post by mikenmar » Wed Aug 23, 2006 7:00 pm

Is there someplace I can plug into an outlet for about an hour to recharge my camera batteries?

Also, I'll be bringing a nice camera, any tips for protecting it from the dust? I saw the page on using a ziplock bag, which I will try; just wondering if there's any other advice.

thanks

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Karma
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Post by Karma » Wed Aug 23, 2006 8:33 pm

You can go to WalMart and purchase a converter that plugs into your cigarette lighter. It will have standard wall plugs on the unit to plug your charger into. I took one last year and it worked great !
I charged camera batteries and an mp3 player on it no problem.
They're about $80.oo for a basic unit with two plugs.

I just made it a point to start the truck after every few charges to make sure I was'nt draining my battery. About 15 min of idle and then shut it off. No sweat !

For camera protection, just surrender to a ziplok when not using it.
While walking or riding about, I like the small soft insulation coolers with a strap. The ones designed to hold a 6 pack or less. The foam insulation and soft shell provide great shock protection for the camera.
"God is a comedian playing to an audience that is afraid to laugh".

Voltaire

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Eric
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Re: Where can I recharge my camera? Other camera advice?

Post by Eric » Wed Aug 23, 2006 9:18 pm

mikenmar wrote:Is there someplace I can plug into an outlet for about an hour to recharge my camera batteries?
Karma's got the correct way to go. There is nothing out there unless you bring it, least of all electricity. If you don't have a vehicle or a generator, you will probably want to bring a camera that takes standard batteries (like "AA")

I'm bringing my cam out there fully charged, with either a one or two gig card in it. It's staying sealed at all times in a ziplock bag (only the filter & lens cap will be outside of it). When I fill the card or run out of battery, I'm done. Put the camera down and play.

I'm only planning on taking it around the playa one day (probably Thurs or Fri), otherwise I am staying unburdened by it.

A camera separates you somewhat from actually interacting, and the memories in your minds eye can often be a better capture of life in BRC than what you will find on your camera when you get home.

YMMV: I a club photographer in SF, I live my camera most of the time, so I love being able to be me and not be the camera.
It's a camping trip in the desert, not the redemption of the fallen world - Cryptofishist

Eric ShutterSlut
Former Ass't Editor & columnist, BRC Weekly

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ibdave
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Re: Where can I recharge my camera? Other camera advice?

Post by ibdave » Wed Aug 23, 2006 10:26 pm

mikenmar wrote:Is there someplace I can plug into an outlet for about an hour to recharge my camera batteries?

Also, I'll be bringing a nice camera, any tips for protecting it from the dust? I saw the page on using a ziplock bag, which I will try; just wondering if there's any other advice. thanks
There is alot of generators running all over the place. If you walked into my camp and my gennie was running I'd let ya plug in.. I'm sure I'm not the only one.. If you ask around I'm sure you'll be ok and save the $80 to bring something to drink/share......
I was Born OK the 1st Time....

Don't bring defaultia to Burning Man, take Burning Man to defaultia...... graidawg

mikenmar
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Post by mikenmar » Wed Aug 23, 2006 10:54 pm

^^^ Don't worry, I'm bringin' tons' a goodies!

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AntiM
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Post by AntiM » Thu Aug 24, 2006 6:28 am

We recharge off a deep cell/solar panel, but then we're in Hushville and not allowed to run our vehicles once we park.

Dato
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Post by Dato » Thu Aug 24, 2006 8:48 am

Look for this thing and listen for reggae musak somewhere between 6-7 between D&E (the bathroom block). I'll most likely have the gennie running, and you are more than welcome to stop by, hang out, have a cold brew and recharge. :)

Image

two. more. days.
:D :D :D :D :D

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unjonharley
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Post by unjonharley » Thu Aug 24, 2006 9:34 am

A inverter of 75-90 watts plugs into your car. $10-19 Wal Mart. I don't even start the car all week.

mikenmar
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Post by mikenmar » Thu Aug 24, 2006 8:13 pm

The problem is I'm not sure I'll have a cigarette lighter (I'm renting a van).

mikenmar
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Post by mikenmar » Thu Aug 24, 2006 8:14 pm

[quote="Dato"]Look for this thing and listen for reggae musak somewhere between 6-7 between D&E (the bathroom block). I'll most likely have the gennie running, and you are more than welcome to stop by, hang out, have a cold brew and recharge. :)

two. more. days.
:D :D :D :D :D[/quote]

Thanks! I'll keep an eye out for ya.

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Post by Dustdevil » Thu Aug 24, 2006 11:41 pm

If you wish you may recharge your batteries at Illumination Village. I am in charge of the Village generator. We will have it running 24/7. It is a 70KW Whisperwatt. I will be at the back of Ill Vill in Brain Freeze / Got Stickers Camp. Find me and I will get the proper pigtail for you to hook up to our distro box. They use twist locks so you can't just plug in. Also we are running 220 3 phase so it would not be a good idea to plug into just any outlet. Also, each evening we will be serving frozen margaritas and pina colata's. AND we have lots and lots of stickers.

Jack
Those who think they can and those who think they can't are both right.

R1Z
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Post by R1Z » Fri Aug 25, 2006 8:38 am

I just made it a point to start the truck after every few charges to make sure I was'nt draining my battery. About 15 min of idle and then shut it off.
Running a vehicle for 15 minutes doesn't even replace the charge it took to start the vehicle. Just leave it off.

Almost all inverters (the doodad that plugs into your cigarette lighter) shut down when the car battery output hits 10.5 volts, so as to not drain the battery to the point where the car won't start. You should be able to charge your camera for weeks before that happens.

Also, unplug the inverter when not in use, it uses a tiny amount of current anytime it's connected.

If your battery output voltage does drop, just unplug the inverter and wait, the battery will bounce back. Worst case, you'll need a jump to leave, but there are lots of people who'll do that. 'course it always helps to have jumper cables :>)
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Burp!
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Post by Burp! » Fri Aug 25, 2006 6:07 pm

It's easy enough to just sneak a plug into a neighbor's spare outlet. Do it in the middle of the night when everyone is asleep.

T.

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