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

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