GH2 external power

[fredjeang]

Hi,

The only ext power I know for the GH2 is this: http://dolgin.net/Power-Lumix.htm

Power is problematic on this camera. It would not work on 12v and rigs power that works for the Canon's aren't suitable.
The GH2 needs when connected externaly from 8,4V to 9V (wich seems to be the peak).

Nothing's wrong with the Dolgin's, it's but the possible batteries models are all too high for my taste (all like the Sony 970) and I'd like to stop using those batteries for a more compact rectangular design.
You know well that on set, devices like those are prone to problems.

Internet is full of D.I.Y solutions, more or less safe and interesting.

Any thoughts?

[Morgan_Moore]

http://hawkwoods.com/ are the genii of batteries in the UK

I dont know if they have a gH2 solution but can certainly build leads that regulate power

Vlock runs my video kit, with some bits can run off lighter 'Z1 batteries'

Hawkwoods have made this happen..

If I were you I would pick a battery system, 'Z1' or Vlock and try and run everything from that source

Vlock have the welly to run multiple items (camera monitor, sound recorder, follow focus motor) from one battery, while z1 batt need 1 batt per Item typically..

S

[fredjeang]

Yeah, you're absolutly right,
I explored the Vlock route, it would have been ideal but unfortunatly there are issues with the voltages options for the Gh2.
It doesn't work.

The big prob being that if you switch to 7,2 V the cam doesn't recognise it in external power. Yes batteries are 7,2 V but if an ext source is used it bloody needs to be 8,4V !! (thanks Pana engineers for closing systems)
12V, the other option, is overkill, the upper limit seens to be 9V according to the most reliable sources, some people use it up to 10v with IMO some potential risks to stress too much the components.

That's why GH2 users are having tough time with the external power, otherwise the Vlock solution would have falled naturally as ideal.

[Morgan_Moore]

hawkwoods can make magic

if you tell them you want a Vlock with a 8.4 out they will make it

best is a dummy batt that takes 12-8.4

otherwise you (unless you have some Dtap and some hirose) can connect the wrong thing to the wrong thing... pop

S

[fredjeang]

Interesting.

A "sur-mesure" solution is obviously more expensive but it's worth to know. I'll mail them and see what they can do. I also saw that they have the rig circus, wich I'll put the battery on the shoulder mount.

Thanks for the link.

Best regards from sunny Madrid.