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Reply to "Onboard camera systems"

@Stone Rhino posted:

The camera's you suggested are 12vDC. That is a bit harsh to match in a conventional control layout. I can easily get a boost/buck to maintain 5-9vDC. My super cap array will is already maxed out and running at its maximum safe voltage of 9.5vDC. Would be nice if the requirement was lower. Are you track powering your's H1000?

I have LiPoly batteries that average 11.2v (3S 1.5C class) and shut off at 10.5v. While at 2200mAh, this usually would last an entire day event, if not the whole convention weekend. But as you know, most people turn their nose up at the LiPoly gel packs due to their frail nature and strict charging requirements. LiFePoly's seem to be the ticket (The venerable 18650's for example). Larger than an AA, but still require special charging systems.

So yes the Camera does state 12v but the operating manual for the AIDA camera does indicate a voltage range from 9 to 15 volts. I did test my camera down to 9 volts and worked just fine.

My camera vehicles are not track powered but I am looking into using track power to recharge the batteries on my latest build.  The battery pack (link to product) I dissected for this latest project does use 3 of the "venerable" 18650 batteries that have a charging and over current protection circuit built in.  The pack also included a separate board the has the 5 volt regulated output, 12v direct from battery output, 5 led battery level indicator, and an ON/OFF switch.

My battery pack will shut down when the system drops to 9.5 volts and the entire camera system in the dummy engine will draw about 525ma @ 10 volts. The pack is rated for 3000mAh so I predict I should get 4 to 5 hours of constant usage.

Some of my first trials with cheap FPV cameras running on track power yielded poor results due to interference from track power, command signals, chopped sine waves and other unknown variables. I notice improved quality and less frustration when I went solely to battery power, but I do want to revisit a track power solution.

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