OK so since I have never seen anyone do this my guess is it's either a really great idea or a really dumb one.

Instead of running out of battery for my camcorder, I have this really neat little 95 watt inverter which I can plug into the really neat power plug I installed years ago and run it off the A/C plug!!

Good idea? Bad idea?

 

I did this once in a bind when my battery ran out early. I did not fasten everthing down well, just laid it all in the passenger seat for a DE run, and it worked OK. I don't think a tech inspector would be very impressed. Normally I keep the inverter in my tow vehicle, and have two batteries for the camcorder. The inverter also keeps batteries charged for the screwdriver, drill, and impact wrench, etc.

My advice, get a bttery with adequate life for your application - race or DE, and keep the inverter out of the car when it's on the track.

 

I hear ya but.....
If I was going to do this I would Tie wrap everything up so nothing could shake loose (obviously), I was just wondering if there was any danger of damaging the camcorder.
It just sounds so nice...virtually no limit to run time for record or playback...nice

 

You really don't need an inverter. A regulated power supply for the rated voltage and polarity of the input jack will do. Typically 6 to 9 volt rating for the camcorders. Find out the supplied voltage on and plug polarity from your AC adapter (on the adapter or meter it) and order a DC regulated adaptor from online ie: MCM Electronics. Hard wire it in and fuse the link. This will avoid the more bulky inverter and stay with a safer DC voltage.

 

Remember that the more work your alternator has to do, the harder it becomes to turn, robbing your car of horsepower (not a whole lot, but hey...)

Rather than the roundabout solution of a 110 volt inverter, why not just get a DC car adapter for the camcorder? I have one for mine that plugs into a cigarette lighter, and then fits in where the battery would normally go.

 

We have the same option that Jack mentioned for our Sony camcorder. Quick, simple and no worrying about the battery dying.

Greg A

 

A very bad idea is my informed opinion. Most "low cost" dc-ac inverters are junk,providing little or no transient protection/isolation from the vehicle alternator/battery power source.
Interesting subject.. I use a large Lithium Poly battery and linear regulator (s) for my Canon GL1,GPS devices and other battery powered auto gadgets.

 

Thanks guys for responding

Jack,
Yeah I really like the idea of a DC car adaptor but in checking the available options Canon does not list one for the camcorder that I have.

Ruf (if that really is your name
I kinda figured the cheapness of the inverter was a bad idea, probably put my camcorder at risk to save what!!??

I have a portable battery pack that I use to power my impact wrench and charge up things, just have to plug in the 'corder between runs.

 

What model do you have? Mine's a Canon, but the adapter might be aftermarket.

 

It's a Canon ZR 100

The manual shows a car "charger" but not a power adapter

 

Bob

The voltage is listed as DC 8.4V 1.5A
I am gonna check into ordering an adapter

 

http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?...5Fid=28%2D1395

Bob, something like this?

 

I did a search and came up empty. The one for my Canon has a piece that looks like the battery it replaces, but actually gets its power from the plug.

For another recorder I use, I have a 12V-to-5V adapter that's a little like the one you linked to, but has a switch so you can choose a (regulated) voltage level. Does the camcorder have a power plug that you can feed 9V into, or would you have to tear open an old battery and do some soldering?

 

Nope no such luck. The only adapter it came with is the power adapter. This is a 110 adapter used to run it from a 110 source or to charge the battery. It is a Canon CA-570 S for what it's worth.

Tear open an old battery..........hum........I did get a Cold Heat for Christmas!!

 

That should work. Make sure the polarity is correct. Check with a meter before hooking to the camcorder or you will pop an IC circuit protector in the camera (I used to service camcorders and saw this all the time). Only problem will be regulation/filtering of the potential alternator noise. This might require a noise filter commonly used for a car stereo. Should be good otherwise.