I made this copier recently, based on a digital camera and a stand. I dig it. I also made a few modifications, one of which I show in this instructable.
The digital camera I use runs on 2,000 AA batteries, though it uses only 2 at the time. But it eats through these things. It laughed at rechargeables. It cleared 8 batteries in its first day of service. I’ve read that sadly, that’s not abnormal. It’s a good camera, but the cost of batteries was going to render this project prohibitively expensive to operate.
There is no DC input adapter to use an AC power source with it, and my search for how to add one left me frustrated — the few walkthroughs I could find were good, but would require MASSIVE modification to the camera given its size.
So, I had this idea, put it together quickly, and it worked. The goal is simply to run the wire ends from an AC adapter to the contact points in the camera. Almost no modification to the camera [just enough to let the wires through], very inexpensive, and quick to make, simple, and effective.
I didn’t find any instructable or even blog written about this concept. I independently discovered and engineered the solution I will show you. There are likely better ways. Please tell me of your improvements in the comments. If this is your idea, let me know so I can credit you.
*** Obviously this will likely void your warranty. It is intended for devices WITHOUT an AC adapter socket. If your device has one, by all means use that.
The digital camera I use runs on 2,000 AA batteries, though it uses only 2 at the time. But it eats through these things. It laughed at rechargeables. It cleared 8 batteries in its first day of service. I’ve read that sadly, that’s not abnormal. It’s a good camera, but the cost of batteries was going to render this project prohibitively expensive to operate.
There is no DC input adapter to use an AC power source with it, and my search for how to add one left me frustrated — the few walkthroughs I could find were good, but would require MASSIVE modification to the camera given its size.
So, I had this idea, put it together quickly, and it worked. The goal is simply to run the wire ends from an AC adapter to the contact points in the camera. Almost no modification to the camera [just enough to let the wires through], very inexpensive, and quick to make, simple, and effective.
I didn’t find any instructable or even blog written about this concept. I independently discovered and engineered the solution I will show you. There are likely better ways. Please tell me of your improvements in the comments. If this is your idea, let me know so I can credit you.
*** Obviously this will likely void your warranty. It is intended for devices WITHOUT an AC adapter socket. If your device has one, by all means use that.
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Signing UpStep 1: Tools Needed
What you’ll need:
AC Adapter (I used the universal kind. This turned out to be REALLY useful for me as I’ll explain later). An old one lying around that’s of the right voltage and amperage would be fine.
Batteries for the device you’re wanting to power. In my case, that’s 2 x AA batteries.
The device you’re wanting to power. In my case, a little digital camera.
A pair of small, short screws. Just about anything you have in your tool box will work.
A screwdriver
A saw (apartment = handsaw, even though I want my circular saw).
Sandpaper/sanding block
Wire cutters / strippers
Dowel of proper diameter (this is on you. Also, it’s ok if it’s a little too small. It’ll work. Too big and you have to shave it or it won’t work).
Drill
Vice (or drill/drill press)
Marker/Pen/Something
***** CAUTION ***** You’re not an idiot. You are dealing with electricity, sharp things, heavy things, and heavy sharp things that use electricity. Be careful. I didn’t hurt myself, and that’s saying something.
AC Adapter (I used the universal kind. This turned out to be REALLY useful for me as I’ll explain later). An old one lying around that’s of the right voltage and amperage would be fine.
Batteries for the device you’re wanting to power. In my case, that’s 2 x AA batteries.
The device you’re wanting to power. In my case, a little digital camera.
A pair of small, short screws. Just about anything you have in your tool box will work.
A screwdriver
A saw (apartment = handsaw, even though I want my circular saw).
Sandpaper/sanding block
Wire cutters / strippers
Dowel of proper diameter (this is on you. Also, it’s ok if it’s a little too small. It’ll work. Too big and you have to shave it or it won’t work).
Drill
Vice (or drill/drill press)
Marker/Pen/Something
***** CAUTION ***** You’re not an idiot. You are dealing with electricity, sharp things, heavy things, and heavy sharp things that use electricity. Be careful. I didn’t hurt myself, and that’s saying something.
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I have a variation of the AC powered "battery." One piece supplies power and the other pieces are conductors. Even though the voltage is underestimated, it's not an issue when my LED lamp is current regulated but the regulator does get very hot dropping 3 or 4 volts at 0.7 A.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Using-a-DC-Adapter-as-a-Battery/
Thanks for the help, here's a photo of my completed project:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/exolucere/4756272919/
I am SO happy with this, I could give you a big smooch!
I found a variable voltage switching regulated supply for $10 http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/PS-10/1-AMP-SWITCHING-POWER-SUPPLY-w/SELECTABLE-OUTPUT//1.html
A switching supply will draw negligible power when there is no load. Non-switching will always draw power, regardless of whether the device is connected.