power supply on my a650 - why does the battery indicator read less than full? - Hotwire! Hardware Mods, Accessories and Insights

mattkime

299

power supply on my a650 - why does the battery indicator read less than full?

« on: 16 / April / 2009, 10:13:32 »

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I've been using power adapters while working with a pair of a650s. I'm curious why the battery indicator doesn't read 100% full when its on the power adapter and has no batteries. I've seen the camera spontaneously power down with the message "change batteries" displayed briefly. I want to make sure this _never_ happens. Reliability is the goal.

The power adapter supplies (or claims to) 4.3v at 2A. I have a power adapter which supplies 5v at 3.8A. Will this work?

I know that quality in power adapters can vary a great deal. Any advice is appreciated.

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fudgey

1705
a570is

Re: power supply on my a650 - why does the battery indicator read less than full?

« Reply #1 on: 25 / April / 2009, 10:59:47 »

The 650 has 4 AA batteries? 4*1V is a convenient shut down limit for NiMH cells. A 4.3 V supply is pretty close to that, the smallest amount of contact resistance in the plug could cause voltage in the camera to drop below 4 V during zooming or flash recharging.

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mattkime

299

Re: power supply on my a650 - why does the battery indicator read less than full?

« Reply #2 on: 25 / April / 2009, 23:06:25 »

yes, it has 4 AA batteries.

4*1.5V = 6V

could i use a 5V power supply?

(i believe i've asked this elsewhere on the forum)

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reyalp

14110

Re: power supply on my a650 - why does the battery indicator read less than full?

« Reply #3 on: 25 / April / 2009, 23:19:21 »

NIMH would be roughly 1.2*4 = 4.8, so 5 should be fine.

edit: voltage wise, that is

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Don't forget what the H stands for.

fudgey

1705
a570is

Re: power supply on my a650 - why does the battery indicator read less than full?

« Reply #4 on: 26 / April / 2009, 05:33:18 »

The camera's manual probably has specs or order code for the original Canon power supply. I wouldn't exceed whatever voltage it has specified, unless it's lower than what you can except from 4*1.6V fresh alkalines. And make sure it's properly regulated.

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