DC monolight - DPChallenge Forums

01/22/2010 03:58:51 PM · #1

Any of you techies think I could rig the 12volt DC on this (or any 12vDC monolight) to be connected directly to a car battery???

Message edited by author 2010-01-22 15:59:03.

01/22/2010 05:08:43 PM · #2

bump

pineapple

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

01/22/2010 05:41:29 PM · #3

You can use that with a Quantum Turbo battery, which is quite portable (39oz) with the right cable. Link to Turbo. Quantum is quite expensive new but you can grab them fairly cheaply used.

Message edited by author 2010-01-22 17:42:19.

01/22/2010 07:25:40 PM · #4

I dont really need the light weight for portability, because when I set up i'll be in that location for a while. I'd love to be able to use it with a small car/deep cycle battery, which I can get fairly cheap anytime i want.

pineapple

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

01/22/2010 09:15:33 PM · #5

Having read the compatibility list of this product and checked the specs, I am pretty sure the Norman monolight will work with a 12 V source like the one you suggest.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

01/23/2010 12:06:53 AM · #6

thanks andrew

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

01/23/2010 12:51:08 AM · #7

The 100W modeling lamp would use at least 8 amps @ 12V, so you may want to not run that any more than is essential in order to keep from draining the battery. I would be a little edgy about running the motor with it hooked to the 12V battery in a car. Most alternators put out at least 14 volts in order to charge the battery, and there will be a big voltage spike if you start the motor with the light hooked up as well. When the starter switch is released, there is a serious spike coming out of the starter and solenoid that goes back into the auto's wiring system. It will probably be fine as long as the specs in the manual say that you can run it on a battery or a car accessory socket.
ETA,
They don't say what voltage the modeling lamp is, so the modeling lamp may not work with 12 V.

Message edited by author 2010-01-23 00:53:43.

spiritualspatula

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

01/23/2010 04:58:20 AM · #8

Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:

I think he's just looking to bypass the expense of a Quantum powerpack, not use the battery in the car. Car batteries are way cheaper than a Quantum pack and can be recharged with a home charging device (which many people have to begin with). It's an interesting idea to use a car battery instead though.

pineapple

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

01/23/2010 12:15:33 PM · #9

The Quantum batteries are pretty cheap if you pick them up used. Then buy a new cell on eBay and recell them.

one2one

Olympus E-5

Olympus 7-14mm f/4.0 Zuiko Digital Zoom

01/23/2010 01:01:18 PM · #10

Every time I read the title I expect to see some info on moonlight captures. lol