wireless camera power consumption

[Charlie Brown]

Hi

I have a Swann microcam III wireless camera, it was supplied with a 9v
battery. It only lasted 2 hours, so I replaced it with rechargeable ones,
and they only last for 2 hours as well. The power rating is marked as
100mA, how long should they last? The fall back is to use the supplied
transformer, but it is so neat without the wires.


TIA

Charlie Brown

 

[Jim Rojas]

You did answer your own question. 2 hours is about right.

You can add more 9v batteries in parallel, or use a different battery
configuration. If you use 6 D cell batteries, you might get a week out of
it. D cells are generally 2000mA, depending on brand. I have seen D cell
rechargeables of 2500ma. So at 100mA consumption, you may get 35-40 hours on
a D cell battery pack. If you don't need that much, go down to C cell, or AA
cell.

You may also consider using an alarm system GEL CELL 12v 4 to 8AH will
provide alot of power, Plus it's cheaper to buy than cell batteries. You
will however need to get a charger for it as well.

Jim Rojas

 

[Charlie Brown]

Thanks Jim, I understand now, it just didn't sound right to have a security
system with such a weak link as this - who would want to install a discreet
camera that needs servicing at 2 hour intervals? I will follow your advice

gratefully

Charlie Brown