New product idea: powering BT-LH80W monitor

adolgin

adolgin

DVXuser Sponsor
Last few days I was playing with the idea of powering a monitor like BT-LH80W using common Panasonic/DVXuser style batteries, or common Sony, or Canon 7.2V batteries. The obvious benefit would be to use the same battery as used to power the camera, not Anton Bauer or IDX. These batteries are 7.2V, while the monitor needs 12-16V. Connecting 2 of them solves the voltage problem, and also extends the run time. I used our own TC200 charger body to build the prototype, http://dolgin.net/VDoubler.htm it has 3 AB studs added, and a XLR4 cable which would plug in into the monitor XLR to power the monitor. The "VDoubler" as I call it, would mount on the AB plate on the back of the monitor. It needs 2 batteries to run. The whole thing is about 2lb including the batteries, which is about the same weight as one AB Dionic 90 battery. Run time, using DVXuser or similar batteries will be 4-6 hours on one full charge.
This adapter as described will be probably around $100.
We do not own the BT-LH80W monitor, so there is no way to actually plug it in, and test the thing here. First, does anybody see himself using an adapter like this? It can be used with other monitors besides the BT-LH80W, as long as there is a DC input available, XLR or DC jack. Second, we are in Boston, MA. Anybody in the area who might be interested to try it out? We can also send it via UPS if no local volunteers raise their hands...
 
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I'd be glad to test it, but I'm back at the Wounded Warriors school for the next week. If nobody volunteers before Friday, let me know and we'll work something out.

Sounds like a fairly ideal solution for an HVX200 owner or someone who doesn't want to deal with a battery belt! Should work for any 12V XLR device too, not just the BT-LH80, right?
 
Right, it is a matter of making the right cable. Can be a "barrel" style connector, not XLR if your device does not use XLR.
 
Funny, I was just about to post whether anyone knew where to locate some plates for the panny batteries. Thought I would do a search first...
I'm making a DIY 720p monitor and wanted to power it off of two camera batteries.

This is just what I'm looking for. I'm interested, if the price is close to the $100 you mentioned in your post.
 
Neal, the original target price was hypothetical; after completing the adapter design, and getting some quotes, the real cost of making it became more clear. There are 2 factors had to be figured in. First, the AB style mounting studs have to be machined, their cost is comparable with the cost of making the rest of the adapter :-(
Secondly, during real life testing, I realized that some electronics need to be put in to help in balancing the load between the 2 batteries, and monitoring their individual state of charge. Without it, the weaker of the 2 batteries would cause the monitor to turn off without much warning, sooner than need to be, causing unnessesary aggravations during field use. Now, with the help of the LEDs (there are 4 total, a pair for each battery) I was able to run the Panasonic monitor for almost 6 hours on a pair of 5400 mah HVX batteries, or about 3.5H on a pair of the smaller 2800mah batteries.
 
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