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Canon A series max input voltage?

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Offline RaduP

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Canon A series max input voltage?
« on: 30 / May / 2017, 17:31:52 »
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I am getting two A490 cameras for VERY cheap, and I want to use them for some time lapse experiment. They use 2 AA batteries (so they should handle at least 3.4V, since freshly charged NiMh batteries can reach 1.7V). For my project, it would be better if I could use LiPoly batteries, which can reach almost 4.3V
Since those cameras are so cheap (and one is possibly broken) I wouldn't cry if it gets fried, but I am curious if anyone has tried that with a similar camera.
If not, I will post the results when I get them (maybe next week).
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Offline reyalp

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Re: Canon A series max input voltage?
« Reply #1 on: 30 / May / 2017, 22:47:45 »
Quote from: RaduP on 30 / May / 2017, 17:31:52
They use 2 AA batteries (so they should handle at least 3.4V, since freshly charged NiMh batteries can reach 1.7V).
I didn't know NiMH could go that high, but in any case I'd expect them to sag to something much less than that as soon as any real load is applied.
Quote
For my project, it would be better if I could use LiPoly batteries, which can reach almost 4.3V
Since those cameras are so cheap (and one is possibly broken) I wouldn't cry if it gets fried, but I am curious if anyone has tried that with a similar camera.
If not, I will post the results when I get them (maybe next week).
There has been some previous discussion of maximum usable voltage, see https://chdk.setepontos.com/index.php?topic=12381.0 and https://chdk.setepontos.com/index.php?topic=12942.msg131246#msg131246 and threads linked from those.
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Offline RaduP

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Re: Canon A series max input voltage?
« Reply #2 on: 30 / May / 2017, 22:57:07 »
Well I measured them in open circuit and they had 1.7V, but of course they probably don't have that with any real load.
Anyway, I've read those threads before, but they all assume a camera powered by Li Ion battery, which is already fine at 4.3V
A camera powered by 2AA batteries most likely has a different voltage regulator (probably a step up one).
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Offline RaduP

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Re: Canon A series max input voltage?
« Reply #3 on: 08 / June / 2017, 00:04:14 »
Ok, so I got my semi broken A490 camera (which I managed to sort of fix, but some buttons won't work). I tried different input voltages (via the battery connector, not DC IN), and it worked quite OK at 4.3V
I didn't let it run for an extended period, but it seemed OK.
Of course, there is no guarantee that other 2AA cameras will work at this voltage, so try at your own risk.
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