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AC to DC converter

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GregBickal

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I have a Wildview Xtreme 4. I want to just use it around the house taking pictures of deer that come into my yard. Battery life only lasts a couple of days in the cold, and I don't really want to use a 12V battery when it would be easier to just plug it in.

Can I use an AC to DC converter? If so, what output rating am I looking for? ex) 12V DC 150mA?

I checked the company website, but could not find the info. The Power Consumption in the manual for my camera is as follows:
Standby current: < 4.5mA
Capture current: < 150mA
 
Not sure about the direct hookup potential but I'd think it would work if you end the connection with a size M connector, that's what the Wildviews accept so if nothing else, there's one piece to your puzzle. I did my own battery mod in case you decide to go that route and/or if you're interested:

First thing I did was head to Radio Shack to pick up a 2 pack of the male DC connectors (size M, part# 274-1569). I already had some single pair small gauge wire so I was all set and made the solder connection to the connector, then used some rubber shrink tubing to seal up the end and give it a nice look. I also crimped on some spade connectors to fit onto the battery terminals. Next step was to get the battery which I purchased from Interstate. Battery of choice was a 12V (7.2 amp hr) lead acid rechargeable. Final step was to find a box to house it all in. I wound up buying a cheapo Plano tackle box from K-Mart for six bucks and yanked out the shelf inside and painted the outside with duck boat camo paint using a few leaves from the backyard for some 3D effect. I drilled a hole in the back and put in a cord grip for the cable. Finally, I cut several pieces of 1" thick high density foam to fit into the case with a rectangle cut out of each that was the size of the battery. That allowed for a perfect nook for the battery to be housed in both for insulatory purposes and so it wouldn't slide around inside when carrying it. It ended up lasting about a month in cold weather compared to a few days with regular batteries. Better setup all around.

I'm not sure if this would be safe or not, but if worse comes to worse could a person hook up a trickle charger to a setup like this and end up with a constantly charged outift? Or would the trickle charger mess up the cam operation? Just thinking out loud. Anyway, here's the result:


wview1.jpg


wview2.jpg
 
Here's the reply that I got from the manufacturer
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you for taking the time to write! Our cameras are not designed for use with direct power. We have a 12V battery kit that will work with it. The STC-12VBB 12V Battery Kit is available at a cost of ...</div></div>
 
Not designed for it means the normal consumer cant just plug in and go. With a a little creative wiring it it shouldn't be a problem to use a ac/dc transformer. Stop at a battery store like the Intersate stores and they will get you set up.
 
I am glad someone posted this Coby makes a 12v transformer that works with the battery I was looking into building my own battery also. I didnt want to spend 60 bucks on the factory one. I have found some cheap ammo boxes and batteries I am in the process of building mine I will post pics as soon as I get it done
 
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