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External Power for S100

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Re: External Power for S100
« Reply #20 on: 20 / January / 2014, 21:32:48 »
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Here's what I'm after.  I got these last summer.  The point of this project is to keep the S100 and S110 out in the storm for more hours for more chances at lightning captures.  That second one, while more dramatic than the first, is way too noisy for my likes.
« Last Edit: 20 / January / 2014, 21:34:40 by drillthrall »

Re: External Power for S100
« Reply #21 on: 20 / January / 2014, 22:48:58 »
This Part I video shows the start of my finding a solution to powering my S100 and S110 for up to 4 to 8 hours so that I can set them out all night in a waterproof housing during big thunderstorms in the hopes of capturing some lightning strikes by using the CHDK script MDFB for fast motion detection.

It's 8 minutes long:  Not a valid vimeo URL

Re: External Power for S100
« Reply #22 on: 20 / January / 2014, 23:23:29 »
This Part I video shows the start of my finding a solution to powering my S100 and S110 for up to 4 to 8 hours so that I can set them out all night in a waterproof housing during big thunderstorms in the hopes of capturing some lightning strikes by using the CHDK script MDFB for fast motion detection.
If you are feeling up to it, I think that you need to drill and install power connectors on the bottom of those waterproof housings.  Pick the right connector pair and it should be sufficiently waterproof as long as you are not actually underwater.
Ported :   A1200    SD940   G10    Powershot N    G16

Re: External Power for S100
« Reply #23 on: 18 / February / 2014, 21:36:14 »
Hey just a very quick question about the S100, don't mean to pollute the thread or anything. I'd just like to know the distance from the centre of the lens to the edge of the case, if anyone knows or is able measure it that'd be great.

Thanks

Edit: Never mind, it's about 38 mm.
« Last Edit: 24 / February / 2014, 08:52:46 by Recyclojunk64 »

Re: External Power for S100
« Reply #24 on: 02 / November / 2014, 12:05:13 »
The problem with an external power for Canon S100 is a battery-voltage check when closing the battery slot. So, here is my solution. Works but on/off switch for enabling internal battery charge should be added to avoid every use-time charging, spesially when temp <0C (internal battery will die soon so). With 2x0.75mm2 1.2m wire and 3 connections works ok, with 0.35mm2 wire - "change the battery" is displayed. External battery is usual 3.7v li-po. At the top of the picture is housing for wire connection. Shottky diode used to prevent internal battery charging from an external (damage or blow). If you haven't a charge module (on aliexpress it's about 1usd) - try this with just new lir2032. It really works. And, you sholud know that with a tripod (usually maybe) it's needed to lift the device for making available jack connection to a battery slot hole, I used 2 round tripod  thread adapters: (1/4''(male) -> 3/4''(female)) -----> ( 3/4''(male) -> 1/4''(female)), this gives abot 3cm lift - normal for small corner dc jack.

Re: External Power for S100
« Reply #25 on: 05 / December / 2014, 17:30:13 »
Hi Folks!

I want to make the most of this topic to ask a question about external power. I have created a couple of fake batteries for the SX150IS using 2 tubes of hot glue. Now i'm using the 3.3V output of an ATX (computer) power supply to power the camera (the + terminal has a diode to reduce the voltage to 3.1-3.2V). Everything works fine, except that CHDK voltage meter is never fixed and it varies a lot and sometimes the canon's voltage warning icon is present.

Im working on some time lapse projects that require permanent power for my camera, but I don't know if this voltage (small) variation can harm the camera.  So my question is just that: Can the small voltage variations harm the camera?

THanks in advance,

Charlie
« Last Edit: 05 / December / 2014, 17:32:13 by CharlieMAC »

Re: External Power for S100
« Reply #26 on: 05 / December / 2014, 17:38:34 »
So my question is just that: Can the small voltage variations harm the camera?
The diode you are using is not a linear device. As the camera draws different amounts of current during normal operation, the voltage drop across the diode varies non-linearly so that even if the power supply voltage is rock solid with no variation, the voltage seen by the camera will jump around.  It should be harmless assuming the variation is only a few hundred millivolts.
Ported :   A1200    SD940   G10    Powershot N    G16

Re: External Power for S100
« Reply #27 on: 05 / December / 2014, 22:21:48 »
So my question is just that: Can the small voltage variations harm the camera?
The diode you are using is not a linear device. As the camera draws different amounts of current during normal operation, the voltage drop across the diode varies non-linearly so that even if the power supply voltage is rock solid with no variation, the voltage seen by the camera will jump around.  It should be harmless assuming the variation is only a few hundred millivolts.

That makes sense! Thanks four your reply. I'm scared of connect the camera to the 3.3V output of the ATX power supply (without the diode). Do you think this voltage can harm the camera? Sometimes it may vary up to 3.4V.

Best,

Charlie

Re: External Power for S100
« Reply #28 on: 05 / December / 2014, 23:24:53 »
That makes sense! Thanks four your reply. I'm scared of connect the camera to the 3.3V output of the ATX power supply (without the diode). Do you think this voltage can harm the camera? Sometimes it may vary up to 3.4V.
Your SX150 was designed to run from two AA batteries.  Which means that the most voltage it is expecting is 3.0 V.  And in reality, using the recommended NiMH batteries it will be receiving 2x1.2 = 2.4V  most of the time (source).  So at 3.3V you are already running it "hot".  In all likelihood,  the camera's built-in power supply will be just fine at this level but it's definitely at the high side. I'd be tempted to insert a couple more diodes to get the voltage down a bit more.

Everything works fine, except that CHDK voltage meter is never fixed and it varies a lot and sometimes the canon's voltage warning icon is present.
I just reread this.  If the voltage warning icon is present,  it suggests the camera is seeing voltages down below 2.2V (guessing).   Not sure why that would happen.

Frankly, I'd think about spending a couple of dollars and run the whole thing off the 5V output through a step down switching regulator adjusted to 2.8V or so.  Something like http://www.pololu.com/product/2118 that will handle 1A at 2.9V.
« Last Edit: 05 / December / 2014, 23:35:04 by waterwingz »
Ported :   A1200    SD940   G10    Powershot N    G16

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Re: External Power for S100
« Reply #29 on: 06 / December / 2014, 08:13:41 »
Your SX150 was designed to run from two AA batteries.  Which means that the most voltage it is expecting is 3.0 V.
Canon compacts that run from 2 AA batteries usually have the ACK800 AC adapter as optional accessory. Its rated output voltage is 3.15V, maximum output current is 2A.
If the voltage drop CharlieMAC is experiencing is not due to the power supply, it might be caused by too thin or too long wires. Other cause might be that ATX power supplies need a minimum load on their outputs (+5V, +12V). If the only load is the camera, the regulation won't be optimal and the output voltages won't be within specs.

 

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