Modify a Mini-B USB Cable to Power an Enclosed GoPro Hero3 (With Skeleton Back Door)

I got my GoPro Hero3 for Christmas, it is a fantastic camera.  However, the battery life leaves something to be desired.  Sure, you can buy a bunch of spare batteries and change them out periodically, but if you are taking a time lapse - you really do not want to move the camera.

Enter: The Frame

This is GoPro's answer to this problem.  Now you can shoot while being connected to an external power source.  But, wait, $40 for a piece of flimsy plastic (to be fair, TWO pieces of plastic!) with a few holes in the side?  No Thanks.

I really wanted this capability, but didn't want to spend a lot of money or sacrifice the poly case by drilling a hole in the side.

Enter: Modify a Mini-B USB Cable to Power an Enclosed GoPro Hero3 (With Skeleton Back Door) (This Instructable)

Disclaimer:  Perform this at your own risk, I take no responsibility for your actions and assume you have some competency. With that being said, this instructable is merely a cable modification, I do not modify the camera or case.

Step 1: Parts/Tools

You will need:

Parts-
-A Mini-B USB cable of your desired length.  I found an old 3-footer in my spare cables tub.  I might suggest not using the one included with your GoPro (just in case...).  Note: I have a Hero3 Black Edition which uses a Mini-B. I do not know what the Hero2 (or whatever) uses.  Also, of course, your cable design may be slightly different.
-Glue...?  I used some, it may not be needed though...

Tools-
-Wire Strippers/Cutters.  Not that you will be stripping wires explicitly - but you will need to cut off the black plastic molding around the connector and trim back the cable sheath.
-Long Nose Pliers.  For general dismantlement and metal bendage.
-Small Rotary Cutting Tool.  I use a really cheap one from Harbor Freight.  Yes, it is cheaply made and doesn't have a lot of power, but hey its like $10 on sale.

Comments

[yamil008]

Awesome! I think that you can use Sugru to cover the exposed wires and make it look nicer. Anyways, awesome instructable. I doing this one definitely

[zplus]

Maybe so but it is definitely a tight fit without modding the case! In fact, I was not worried about strain relief because the case kind of crimps down on those wires.

[vkelman]

What type of external power source do you use? How long it allows camera to operate? I'd like to use Hero3 in the mountains...

[zplus]

I have only used this with a wall outlet with USB adapter. But yes I have seen those battery packs and would like to pick one up for long bike rides. A go pro battery is like 1000 mAh. But I have seen some of the packs rated around 10,000 mAh. That means you could potentially get 10x the battery life.

[Vincent VD]

Great success! thnx for this tutorial! i'm still looking for a way to have both livestream to my computer and charging at the same time. using the 10.5.5.9:8080 way seems to be the only way...

[zplus]

Awesome!!!

[alaskanbychoice]

I applaud your function, but you can use a spare battery pack on the camera and use the USB port to charge and power the camera.

[vkelman]

Battery pack doubles the time camera can shoot, right? But it doesn't make any easier to attach USB to the camera to use external power source, correct?

[zplus]

Well, to be fair, this is the far cheaper (free vs. $50) option. :)

[magno_23]

you could also go online and search for a 3d printed GoPro 3 Frame

[zplus]

Believe me, I thought of making my own frame! But, I decided that the cable mod would be easier and cheaper (free).

[santibarraza]

can this work on the GoPro HERO 2?

[zplus]

It looks like the Hero 2 uses Mini-B USB so, yes, in that respect. However, I cannot speak to the clearance/fit because the hero 2 is shaped differently from the hero 3.

[mikeasaurus]

Is the skeleton back door waterproof? My GoPro (Hero1) waterproof enclosure has no openings. As a fan of time lapse photography I think this is a great project, thanks for sharing.

[Spydamonky]

No... The Skeleton backdoor has two massive holes in it! The only way to achieve an extended battery life and maintain a water tight seal, with almost any version of the GoPro, is to buy the battery backpac and the waterproof door that it comes with.