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Build a camcorder battery, cheap. Or a power plug for an existing battery pack, like a cordless drill.

I need a battery, hacked or built, that delivers between 12-15v, for a camcorder that uses 18W then running. The longer the battery delivers the power, the better. Big thing? The battery has to be cheap - I'm putting the kit together on NO money - and easy. My electronics skills are limited to soldering wires on speakers and phone plugs. Did I mention, the battery should be cheap? I mean, really cheap?
Oh, and suggestions can include jury-rigging a plug for a power-tool battery that I can then wire into a cable terminating in a 4-pin XLR power plug.
As long as everything is free or cheap.
Yeah, I know. It ain't easy being a movie maker. Potentially.
Ideas can be sent to gwnwrite@mts.net.

8 answers
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Dec 8, 2011. 8:23 AMrickharris says:
Oddly small Lead acid batteries for alarm systems are remarkably cheap. The come in a small belt mountable size as well.
Dec 9, 2011. 1:29 AMrickharris says:
I run a former cordless drill from 2 of these batteries with no problem at all - Yes I need to charge them every week or so but that's not any bigger issue than charging the cordless drill was.

I use a standard car battery charger.

As long as you keep the SLED above 10.8 volts 11 volts to be sure you will not damage it.

As for deep discharge I guess not at this small size although they are intended for long term use with low charge levels and little maintenance.

Spec
Dec 8, 2011. 6:02 AMRe-design says:
Use a 12v sla battery, some wire and connect it directly to the battery contacts on the camera. You'll need a sling for the battery and a charger. If you wire it up wrong your camera becomes a pretty paperweight. Put some sort of switch or polarized plug inline with the battery so you can disconnect it from the camera.
Dec 8, 2011. 2:00 PMRe-design says:
The fuse is a great idea that I should have mentioned. You can charge thru the plug you just need a socket to fit on the charger.

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