AC camera power and power inverters

[Jody Radzik]

Today as I was tuning up my gear for chase season '08, I read in my Canon HV-20 manual that I'm not supposed to use the AC power/battery charger cord with a vehicle power inverter. I did so all last year, seemingly with no trouble. I was wondering if others were plugging their cameras/computers into their power inverters and what they thought the hazards might be.

 

[Jason Foster]

Battery memory, voltage

I suspect in may have to do with the variable voltage that often occurs with inverters. A majority of inverters are poorly built and inadequate for the job. That said, that isn't usually the case with Chasers who tend to be a little more educated on the proper inverters to get, and how to properly power them (directly from the battery).

Older cameras that used ni-cad also tend to have "memories" and if you don't charge and discharge them in proper cycles, the life of the battery drops significantly. HV20 is likely Lith-ion and don't have to worry much about memory.

I sure there may be additional issues that others will mention.

 

[Dennis Sherrod]

Jody,
From my own perspective, I am always run an inverter for my equipment. But with this, I also use a power surge protector strip that plugs into the inverter. I know several others do the same. The best hookup is directly to the battery with the proper size cables and a fuse hooked in-line close to the positive side of the battery.
As far as what size inverter to get, a lot will depend on what all you plan on running on it. ie; Total wattage of all equipment. I run a 1500 watt with a surge of 3000. That is really an overkill for most people's needs. Probably a 500 watt, with a 1000 watt surge would be fine for most people.
I use only VECTOR Power on Board brand inverters. Their inverters are adequate and well built with a good warranty and some even come with USB ports. They cost a little more than Black and Decker and some off brands.
I guess I also like them because I also sell them and some other of their products.
I have heard complaints about B&D, but have never used them, so I can not personally say from experience.
As I said, my size inverter is pretty much an overkill, but I have a lot of equipment that I have or may hookup at any given time.
I run off my inverter:
1 - Laptop, can run the 2nd laptop if I want
2 - Chargers and AC adapters for 2 Camcorders.
1 - Charger for cell phone
1 - 7" portable color monitor for camcorder
Also, I can charge any of my other equipment I carry if the rare need arises, as in;
Digital camera batteries, rechargeable spotlight, portable jump starter, portable power supply

This leaves the 12 volt plugs available if I need them as the vehicle came with 3 which are individually fused.
If you got any questions, send me a PM

EDIT NOTE: I always turn the inverter off before I turn the engine off in the car and do not turn it back on until I have cranked the engine back up. This helps with any surges that may occur and minimizes the load on the battery with this size inverter.
I am only guessing, but I would guess that may be the reason for the note in the HV20 manual.

 

[Jody Radzik]

Thanks guys.

I've got a 750 watt inverter wired directly to my battery. I turn it off before I start the engine, but I wasn't using the additional surge protector, which will go in the kit for the next trip.

 

[Cris Schroeder]

Another thing to consider is the type of inverter output. Some cheap inverters output a square wave. This doesn't affect some equipment but is tough on motors and sensitive electronics. The best inverters output a (nearly) true sine wave but you'll pay for the privilege. The modified sine wave inverters are in the middle and should be OK for all but the most sensitive electronics.

There shouldn't be any issue charging your HV20 batteries with an inverter, but Canon may be concerned about people running the camera directly from a cheap square-wave inverter which could cause issues with the internal guts of the device.

Disclaimer: I'm not an electrical engineer and don't play one on TV...my comments and advice are offered as-is with no liability or warranty!

 

[Dennis Sherrod]

Yeah Chris is definitely correct on the inverters. The True Sine-Wave Inverters are the best of the 3, but the cost are rather high. The Modified Sine-Wave are 2nd best and what I consider very appropriate for most all equipment. I have not had any issues with them in several years use. "Soft Start Technology" is also a plus as the inverter starts with no output surge going to the outlet plugs.
As far as your Power Surge Strip, get a good one. The very few extra dollars are worth it for the added protection of your equipment.

 

[Roger Brown]

I use only VECTOR Power on Board brand inverters. Their inverters are adequate and well built with a good warranty and some even come with USB ports. They cost a little more than Black and Decker and some off brands.
I guess I also like them because I also sell them and some other of their products.
I have heard complaints about B&D, but have never used them, so I can not personally say from experience.

Just an FYI, the Black & Decker inverters and jump-starters/battery packs are made by Vector. I guess it is possible that each "brand" may get different quality parts though.

Roger

 

[Dennis Sherrod]

Roger,
Your are very correct. Black and Decker bought out Vector Products last year. Eventually all of the "Vector" products will carry the B & D name and a different design. As I am leary of the Black and Decker Inverters and do not know the complete change over date to when everything made will be by "Vector", I personally would dodge them for at least 4 - 6 more months. I know some have already been changed over, but B&D are being very hush, hush about it. I think this is so because they obviously are wanting to get rid of their older stock first.
I may be cutting my own throat some because as I said before I sell some of the Vector products. I still have access to buying their Vector name products and will buy them as long as I can. B&D is again not being real clear on their wholesale policy yet on previous Vector customers.
If and when I hear more, I will pass it on.