Equipment for Time-lapse Imaging

To capture images for time-lapse movies of the sky, I used a Canon 6D DSLR camera with a 14mm Rokinon fixed-focus lens, a tripod, an intervalometer and a custom-built power supply.

Canon 6D with Rokinon 2.8/14mm fixed-focus lens
Canon 6D with Rokinon 2.8/14mm fixed-focus lens

Intervalometer, JJC TM Series
Intervalometer, JJC TM Series

Jobe Tripod
Jobe Tripod

Taking time-lapse sequences in remote locations requires special considerations of how to power the camera. Typically you will be taking several hundred photos with a DSLR camera, which can easily drain a fully charged camera battery. If no AC power is available, such as on our recent 23-day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon, then alternatives to regular camera batteries need to be considered.

My strategy was to use the Canon DC Coupler, but to replace the AC Adapter with a custom DC power supply. The key was to use 12V sealed lead-acid batteries similar to those used in motorcycles. I salvaged two such batteries from an APC backup power supply that I was no longer using.  Then I needed to use a DC-to-DC  step-down converter to go from 12 volts to 8.7 volts, which is what my camera required (Canon 6D DLSR). One fully-charged 12V battery would give me the energy equivalent of about six regular Canon camera batteries.

Equip-03-labeled
DC power supply replaces AC Adapter

12V battery, DC-DC converter and DC Coupler
12V battery, DC-DC converter and DC Coupler

Sunkee DC-DC Converter in project box
Sunkee DC-DC Converter in project box

Jack that matches jack on Canon AC Adapter AC-E6
Jack that matches jack on Canon AC Adapter AC-E6

I found a Sunkee DC-DC Converter Module on Amazon for $8.97. It can accept DC input ranging from 3.5V-28V and the output voltage can be adjusted  from 1.25V-26V by simply turning a little screw on the board. The converter can deliver 1A with a maximum of 3A. It Proved suitable for powering my camera for several all-night recording sessions.

Finding a jack that matched the jack on the AC Adapter AC-E6 was a bit of a challenge, but I found just what I needed at a local hobby shop.

Bondic Liquid Plastic Welder used to secure input leads
Bondic Liquid Plastic Welder used to secure leads

Liquid plastic hardens with UV light LED tool
Liquid plastic hardens with UV light LED tool

Another tool I found especially useful was the product Bondic which contains a liquid plastic that hardens upon exposure to ultraviolet light. The product comes with a tube of liquid plastic and a UV LED that hardens the plastic in just a few seconds. It was ideal for making a strong bond between the input wires and the project box.

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