Am I crazy, naieve, or just ill-informed?

X

x002657

Well-known member
It's been a while since I've broken out my hacksaw and soldering iron, but I'm wondering if there's some way to "string together" multiple batteries for a camera to produce shooting times that would be longer than with a single battery. Basically, I'm wondering if it's possible to make a rig that would house 2 or 3 batteries and then bastardize an extra AC plug or paddle that would serve as an "extension cord" between this "multi-battery housing" and the power receptacle of a camera? Would that provide longer shooting times?

I have 5 batteries for my HVX, but can only use 1 at a time. If connecting 2 or more batteries would extend run-time, especially in the field, I'd be interested in such a product.

Is this even a viable idea? Are there already similar or alternative solutions on the market? Anyone know of sites where I might learn more about the electrical concerns for making something like this?

Got this idea after looking at the CB105 (item 220083663861) on eBay. It struck me the "dead" counterweight(s) seem to add unnecessary weight to the rig; weight that could easily be replaced by using the weight of one or more batteries, while lightening the overall weight of the rig at the same time. In this case, the "extension cord" would have one plug at the multi-battery housing, and another at the other end, which would connect to the camera.

Or, am I merely pursuing a pipedream?

x
 
It is theoretically possible to connect batteries in parallel, and you get the same voltage with an increased amp-hour capacity (a sum). All it would take is the hardware/wiring to do it. But with shooting times of several hours already, it would be easier just to change batteries. The only practical application I could see is for extended unattended operations.
 
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Last fall I tested the idea in http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=75653&highlight=swap+dolgin thread; it did not seem to get much support...
You can not just connect several batteries together as one that has more charge in it and slightly higher voltage would start charging the weaker ones, in uncontrolled fashion. In order to make it work, there has to be an electronic switch between them, connecting one at a time. It can be done, but you would need to have some electronics now how...
 
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