Maker Pro
Maker Pro

Simple DC circuit design help

S

SureShot

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hi, I am building a trail camera where space (lack of) is a
consideration in the case I an using.

So I would like to eliminate individual batteries for the components. I
was actually an electronic tech about a zillion years ago, but have
forgotten component values.

Here is my project...Camera=2 AA batteries =*3 volts. Flash/Video light
= 2 AA batteries = *3 volts. Total 6 volts

* may be rechargable batteries which will be 1.2 volts each x 2 = 2.4

The motion detector card requires Operating Voltage: 4V - 14V DC.

I would like to tap DC off of the camera and light, to power the Card.
I suspect it will take a diode from each source, to prevent voltage to
the other source. this would allow 6 volts for the card. If this is
right, what value?

Next, I have a 6-volts solar charger I would like to somehow use to
keep the batteries charged. First, I am not sure if it is intended for
NIMH (nickel-metal hydrate) batteries and will work. I know it works on
SLA (sealed lead-acid) . If it does work, how could I use it to keep 2
separate 2AA=3 volt sources charged? Is it even possible?

Any ideas are greatly appreciated

Phil
 
P

Peter Bennett

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hi, I am building a trail camera where space (lack of) is a
consideration in the case I an using.

So I would like to eliminate individual batteries for the components. I
was actually an electronic tech about a zillion years ago, but have
forgotten component values.

Here is my project...Camera=2 AA batteries =*3 volts. Flash/Video light
= 2 AA batteries = *3 volts. Total 6 volts

Only if you connect the batteries in series.

You really only need 3 volts, so you could run both the camera and
light from the same pair of AA (or, for longer life, C or D) cells.




--
Peter Bennett, VE7CEI
peterbb4 (at) interchange.ubc.ca
new newsgroup users info : http://vancouver-webpages.com/nnq
GPS and NMEA info: http://vancouver-webpages.com/peter
Vancouver Power Squadron: http://vancouver.powersquadron.ca
 
S

SureShot

Jan 1, 1970
0
Thanks for the reply, yes, your recommendation is true. But the light
and the camera already have built in battery holders, so It would not
give me any more space. It is the controller board which takes external
power.
 
E

ehsjr

Jan 1, 1970
0
SureShot said:
Hi, I am building a trail camera where space (lack of) is a
consideration in the case I an using.

So I would like to eliminate individual batteries for the components. I
was actually an electronic tech about a zillion years ago, but have
forgotten component values.

Here is my project...Camera=2 AA batteries =*3 volts. Flash/Video light
= 2 AA batteries = *3 volts. Total 6 volts

* may be rechargable batteries which will be 1.2 volts each x 2 = 2.4

The motion detector card requires Operating Voltage: 4V - 14V DC.

I would like to tap DC off of the camera and light, to power the Card.
I suspect it will take a diode from each source, to prevent voltage to
the other source. this would allow 6 volts for the card. If this is
right, what value?

Next, I have a 6-volts solar charger I would like to somehow use to
keep the batteries charged. First, I am not sure if it is intended for
NIMH (nickel-metal hydrate) batteries and will work. I know it works on
SLA (sealed lead-acid) . If it does work, how could I use it to keep 2
separate 2AA=3 volt sources charged? Is it even possible?

Any ideas are greatly appreciated

Phil

Put the camera and flash batteries in series
to power the card. Connect the camera to the camera
battery, and the flash to the flash battery.
The isolation needs to take place at the output
of the motion detector such that ground of the
camera and ground of the flash are never connected
together.


+---------+-------+---> to flash charger (+)
| +| |
Camera Battery |
| -| +----> +6 to card
+---o o--+
| /
| o---------> to charger (-)
|
+---o o-------> to flash charger (+)
| /
| o----+ +----> (-) to card
| +| |
Flash Battery |
| -| |
+---------+-------+

As drawn, the charge/operate switch is in the charge
position. Two charge control circuits are used, as
the batteries will require different charge rates.
It is assumed that you turn the camera and flash
off when charging.

Ed

|
 
J

jasen

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hi, I am building a trail camera where space (lack of) is a
consideration in the case I an using.

So I would like to eliminate individual batteries for the components. I
was actually an electronic tech about a zillion years ago, but have
forgotten component values.

Here is my project...Camera=2 AA batteries =*3 volts. Flash/Video light
= 2 AA batteries = *3 volts. Total 6 volts

* may be rechargable batteries which will be 1.2 volts each x 2 = 2.4

The motion detector card requires Operating Voltage: 4V - 14V DC.
I would like to tap DC off of the camera and light, to power the Card.
I suspect it will take a diode from each source, to prevent voltage to
the other source. this would allow 6 volts for the card. If this is
right, what value?

first off I need to know if the flash/light is electrically connected to
the camera. because if it is that's going to make a difference (exact
details if how the connection is connected with reguard to the batteries in
both devices would be good)

if not you can just connect the batteries in series.
Next, I have a 6-volts solar charger I would like to somehow use to
keep the batteries charged. First, I am not sure if it is intended for
NIMH (nickel-metal hydrate) batteries and will work. I know it works on
SLA (sealed lead-acid) . If it does work, how could I use it to keep 2
separate 2AA=3 volt sources charged? Is it even possible?

being for SLA it's not going to regulate the charge correctly for NIMH.
but if it has only a low output it shouldn't do too much damage.

easiest way is probably to take the bateries out of the devices before
charging.

Bye.
Jasen
 
Top