Charging a video camera? Can find there or must bring Solar?

Free2B · Post by **Free2B** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:37 am

I have a small hand-held, it's charger connects to a regular wall outlet. I'm on a budget, but being able to video tape is pretty important to me.

I've seen the solar ipod chargers, I've found some kind of converter which I can't relocate now, but I still have no idea weather any of this will work. There are solar charging thingies for under $100 but how do I convert that to plug something in? Look: http://www.siliconsolar.com/flexible-so ... -p-48.html

What can I do, what has been done, what can I buy and what are my chances of finding someone able to offer a charge. If it's likely someone would allow me to charge from their car, I'll buy the car cigarette lighter to outlet converter I saw somewhere.

This sounds good, but it's not solar.. did I miss something? Is it really portable? http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=5679657

Any help?

Post by **AntiM** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:20 am

You will likely be able to find neighbors who will let you charge up your batteries. There was one camp with monstrous solar panels that had all types of charges, but I don't know the camp name or if they are doing it again. We have minimal solar and 12v deep cells and an inverter, and we charged up camera batteries daily for a neighbor one year.

The problem with a solar charger is that you'll be using the battery during prime charging time. Having a spare/second battery is a good idea.

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:41 am

I charge cameras and the razor off the lighter plug in the van with a 12$ inverter.. No ill effect on the battery..

phil · Post by **phil** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:26 am

unjonharley wrote:I charge cameras and the razor off the lighter plug in the van with a 12$ inverter.. No ill effect on the battery..

While I don't suggest this, I know tons of people who have run their car batteries down at the Burn, and they _all_ get jumps and leave with no problem. I'd say it's possibly easier to get your car jumped than to get your video batteries charged. :-> Unjon's suggestion sounds okay to me.

StevenGoodman · Post by **StevenGoodman** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 1:53 pm

Bring a couple of nice cold beers by, and most people with a generator would probably let you charge up your batteries. Not like you need much juice, and if the generator is already running the effect is minimal.

Martini Steve

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:09 pm

StevenGoodman wrote:Bring a couple of nice cold beers by, and most people with a generator would probably let you charge up your batteries. Not like you need much juice, and if the generator is already running the effect is minimal.

Martini Steve

A lot of those small ietms are "slow charged" Like two three hours.. If your worried about runnng your car battery down, get storage battery.. You can recharge it with jumper cables in the middle of the week..

Free2B · Post by **Free2B** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:18 pm

Well, that's some hope. I guess I'll have to get beer after all. I checked that link again, but I'm just not fluent in electro language, can someone check it out please? This thing isn't solar yet is portable & can jump start a car and charge household appliances. This one:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=5679657

THank you!

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:28 pm

Free2B wrote:Well, that's some hope. I guess I'll have to get beer after all. I checked that link again, but I'm just not fluent in electro language, can someone check it out please? This thing isn't solar yet is portable & can jump start a car and charge household appliances. This one:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=5679657

THank you!

One of those car starters will work fine for what you say you need.. They have a lighter socket so you can plug a little inverter in.. With that you can get the correct voltage for each item to be charged..

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:41 pm

You could camp next to Dr. Megavolt and get it for free.

phil · Post by **phil** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:21 pm

> You could camp next to Dr. Megavolt and get it for free.

You could stand next to him and get it a charge for free.

To Free2B, if you can bring a device similar to the Black & Decker, I'd suggest looking at a Duracell DPP-600HD Powerpack 600 Jump Starter or similar device instead. Any device similar to that device has a built-in inverter and will recharge your batteries for the whole week with no problem. I have a similar batter from Xantrex, and it works like a charm.

They're heavy, they won't power AC devices that pull lots of watts, but they will recharge your camera, video, radio, laptop, and any other batteries you bring.

Look at all the bells and whistles; mine simply jumpstarts a car (I've used it for that, and it works), puts out 12VC, and puts out 120VAC. No radio, no LED lights, no siren, no tire pump. (If you get one with a tire pump, it might blow out your air mattress - too much pressure. Check it first.)

We have a solar panel with our Xantrex, but we use it year round at amateur radio events. We don't bring the panel to the Burn because we don't need to recharge during the event.

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:36 pm

There really is plentiful power on the playa. I think unless you need power all the time you could simply ask a neighbor or mutant vehicle operator for some time on their already running generator. Finding a 12volt charger for the camera would make power availability even higher as it could be had from any car or most solar set ups. Radical Self Reliance is important on the playa but at the same time most of us just love helping others out. I think snagging some spare power would be easy. Having a second or third battery for the camera might be another way to extend time between recharges.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:17 pm

Ugly Dougly wrote:You could camp next to Dr. Megavolt and get it for free.

Haven't you heard? Dr. M. isn't coming this year.

Free2B · Post by **Free2B** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 3:28 pm

Thanks, I found the duracel one, the picture shows the outlets plain & clear, which I needed

Although it weighs 33 pounds, the one I posted 25. It's a great option to keep in mind now that I know it works. I know most people would be nice enough, but not only would I have to find someone already running the car, but someone running it for a few hours since the charge does in fact take a wile. Right now I'm about to book with a bus company which wants to provide a charging station on eplaya, so unless somehting goes wrong there, I'll be doing a victory dance pretty soon.

phil · Post by **phil** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:41 pm

> I'll be doing a victory dance pretty soon.

Best wishes. :-) There are always several ways to solve problems, and it looks like you've got a couple of solutions available to you.

Marscrumbs · Post by **Marscrumbs** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:05 am

Considering the size of your car battery compared to your camera battery it should be safe to recharge it manytimes without draining it significantly.

However years ago I did get a ICP 5W flex panel for $40 off ebay and it works wonders with my 12V battery charger, usually taking less than a hour to fully charge my Sony 8hr LI battery. ( And I alway keep at least one spare.)

Got a few other ICP 10W panels I use for my other appliances, fans radios, lights etc..

If you can find me on the playa (ha ha) your welcome for a free charge.

Free2B · Post by **Free2B** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:43 am

You never know... if you see a girl clutching a video camera by your tent, ask no questions & get the ICP

I searched for it, since I got no idea what it is, & got a solar powered panel similar to the one I posted. Good to know that works too, I'd just have to find the adapter to plug into. It's a pretty good option for the long run, it wouldn't run out of power & doesn't weigh much. So far I did book with a bus company providing a charging station & got an outlet (AC?) to car lighter adapter just in case.

Marscrumbs · Post by **Marscrumbs** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 12:08 pm

Thinking about it, I just ordered more six more 5W ICP flex panels from Michelle Tiech in Tuscon ( vitabon at hotmail.com ) They are lightweight, roll up and have gourmet attachments I use to string them up to my lawnchairs, artwork etc. They do come in larger sizes if you can find them elsewhere. (She is out.) But they string together so it isn't a problem for me. This company no longer make these so supply is limited.

I plug these into those small car recharger packs available at Kmart and elsewhere and run just about everything off them at night. These use amophorous silicon so probably not best for everyday use over time like running your home, but are the coolest travel accessory. Those Kmart/Sears type battery units will also run their small inverters for my limited 120V AC needs.

Mchelle has being selling these on ebay for years, but if you email her direct you might save both of you a few bucks. Say Howard from Burning Man gave her praise on the BM buletin board. She carries alot of other small solar gear.

Marscrumbs · Post by **Marscrumbs** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 12:23 pm

[quote="Marscrumbs"] These use amophorous silicon so probably not best for everyday use over time like running your home, but are the coolest travel accessory. [/quote]

Ooops, actually they are CIGS (copper indium gallium selenium) which is very stable. NASA has used this stuff as it is comic ray proof.

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 7:48 pm

You can probably just plug an extension cord into a pitcher of fermented orange juice.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:18 am

theCryptofishist wrote:
Ugly Dougly wrote:You could camp next to Dr. Megavolt and get it for free.
Haven't you heard? Dr. M. isn't coming this year.

Now I have.

Teo del Fuego · Post by **Teo del Fuego** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:21 am

if you'll video tape me at Porn-Star Camp makin homemade porn, I'll let you use my recharger

Teo del Fuego · Post by **Teo del Fuego** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:22 am

which reminds me, we'll be making, and teaching others how to make, comdoms at Condom Camp. Be sure to stop by

Free2B · Post by **Free2B** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 4:22 am

Just wanna say thanks to Snow Cone Solar for their charging station, since I'm not sure I saw anyone from the actual camp wile I was there.

cwnation · Post by **cwnation** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 3:00 pm

just buy a universal car charger from B&H...they are only $40 and don't drain your car battery

VelcroChicken · Post by **VelcroChicken** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:25 pm

I own one of these for my phone and iPod, since I'm a student and running around all the time with a backpack on anyways.

http://www.voltaicsystems.com/

Mine's not quite as nice and there are cheaper ones out there, but you get the idea for a google search. They work decently well, especially with one like that that keeps surplus energy in a battery to discharge later. Just so long as you're not charging a lot a lot of things.

Charging a video camera? Can find there or must bring Solar?

Charging a video camera? Can find there or must bring Solar?

Video Battery recharging experience.

Inexpensive flexible solar panels.

Re: Inexpensive flexible solar panels.