Using Systm episode 57 from Revision 3 as inspiration, I wanted to build an inexpensive portable power source for my Canon A590IS. I use this point-and-shoot camera for timelapse projects as it’s one of the many Canon cameras which can run the alternate firmware CHDK. The Canon Hacker Development Kit opens up loads of cheap cameras to a whole new world of possibilities, one of them being timed scripting; check out the CHDK Wiki for more information.
The video you can see to the right of this article was taken using the cameras’ only portable power sources which comes in the form of 2 AA batteries. The video is short because (in the cold) the camera only made it to 340 shots before expiring its full charge. I needed something portable, but with a lot more power. USB power was ruled out as my model of camera doesn’t support it, even so, USB battery solutions are often low capacity and comparatively expensive. The final solution is based around a 12V 12Ah lead-acid battery, and while lead-acid is very old (heavy!) technology – it is cheap. Here’s my solution based off the power pack devised by Systm, using parts available in the UK.
- 12V 12Ah Sealed (Rechargeable) Lead Acid Battery ~£30 from eBay
- 12V DC Car Power Accessory Outlet £3 from eBay
- Universal 3A DC Power Supply £10 from Maplin
- Cramp-on quick connects £0 from Dad’s shed
Granted it’s not the prettiest looking external power solution on the market, but it is one the cheapest by capacity. Most small consumer electronics can be powered from a 12V source; the important bit to work out in advance is the Voltage and Amperage your device is expecting. In my case the Canon A590IS needs 3V at ~3A, this prompted me to go with the 3A car converter as it also allows for 1.5, 4.5, 5, 6, 9 & 12V outputs (all at 3A) and came with a load of suitable connectors – one of which fitted my camera.
Overall I am very pleased with the end result. I chose to splash out on a Loewpro Apex 110 AW to finish the project as it fits the battery dimensions perfectly and offers rain protection. I’ll report back on overall performance in a post shortly but I expect to get ~6-8k shots using this solution.
