180258
$55.00 USD
Product Code: BAT04
Under normal circumstances, the standard GoPro battery will last for one to two hours of shooting. The CamDo Blink controller can be programmed to turn the camera off between shots to only have the camera powered on when the footage is needed. However, while Blink can extend the length of time the camera can be deployed on a single battery, the total amount of time the camera can remain powered on is still the same. The V15 battery increases the GoPro battery life by approximately 4x and has the Always On operating mode required for use with our Blink controller.
There are a lot of battery packs available, however, don't be fooled by cheaper alternatives. Most of the USB battery packs on the market have an automatic power saving feature which turns off the battery if it is not continuously supplying power. Often, this feature is not even mentioned in the battery description, and only discovered when you find the camera's internal battery is dead, even though the high powered battery pack is still fully charged.
Calculating battery life is non-trivial. It depends on the camera model, firmware version, SD card speed, lighting conditions, battery size, age of the battery, ambient temperature, and more. To help you understand the issues and to calculate estimated battery life, consult the Camera Power Consumption Study and our Time Lapse Calculator.
Up to four V15 battery packs fit in our Weather Resistant Outdoor Enclosures and one V15 battery is included with our 6Watt Solar Power System. Up to three V15 battery packs can fit inside of our DeepEXT aluminum deepwater housing extension.
The V15 comes with all necessary cabling to parallel up with other V15 batteries including the V15 that ships with our Solar system. See the FAQ's and Support tab on this page.
|
Camera |
Compatibility ( Y / N ) |
|
HERO5 |
✔* |
|
HERO5 Session |
✔* |
|
HERO4 Black |
✔ |
|
HERO4 Silver |
✔ |
|
HERO4 Session |
✔ |
|
HERO (2014) |
✔ |
|
HERO3+ Black |
✔ |
|
HERO3+ Silver |
✔ |
|
HERO3 Black |
✔ |
|
HERO3 Silver |
✔ |
|
HERO3 White |
✔ |
|
HERO2 |
✔ |
|
HERO |
✔ |
*Does not include USB-C cable
Compatible with 5V USB Devices.
How long will the battery last before it is discharged?
It depends on many factors: the controller you are using, the camera you are using and the shooting schedule you have programmed. There are just too many variables to give an accurate answer.
In theory, the 4,000 mAh V15 battery combined with the standard GoPro 1,050 mAh battery will give you about 5 times the shooting time.
Combine multiple V15 batteries together in parallel (you can fit 4 x V15's in our solar enclosure to provide 16,000 mAh (60 Wh)) to give you that extra shooting time.
An analysis of the power consumption of the various GoPro cameras and an explanation of how to calculate the theoretical battery life is outlined on the GoPro Power Consumption page. Our Time Lapse Calculator page can be used to assist you in planning the interval times of your time lapse project.
How do I connect multiple V15 batteries together?
Additional V15 batteries can be ordered for use with our Solar and weatherproof enclosures (4 x V15's can fit in our enclosure) for extra shooting time. All of the wiring to connect them together comes with the batteries. It just a simple matter of plugging them together as per our guide here.
How many V15 batteries can fit in the solar or DRY weatherproof enclosures?
Up to 4 x V15's can fit in either the Solar or weatherproof DRY enclosure. It just a simple matter of plugging them together as per our guide here.
How can I tell when the battery is in Always On mode?
It is easiest to determine the operating mode when the battery is disconnected and neither charging or supplying power to a device. When in Always On mode, if you double tap the power button a few times, the LED should continue to stay lit. If the LED goes dark between every other double press, you are not in Always On mode.
How can I change the operating mode?
To switch modes, hold down the power button for six seconds.
If you are not in the desired mode. Press the button again for 6 seconds to change modes.
General support can be found on our Support pages here.
Average GoPro recording times in each video setting (limited by battery capacity)
Also read the FAQ's tab for more information.
$229.00 USD
Product Code: CBL01
Using Blink to achieve long term time lapse or motion detection is very simple. Just plug it into the camera and wait a couple of seconds for synchronization with the GoPro camera. Blink has its own WiFi chip that broadcasts a WiFi network that can be connected to using a smartphone, tablet, computer, or any WiFi enabled device (no cell service or internet connection required). Once connected to Blink's WiFi network, you can navigate to the programming interface URL from any web browser. For more information, see the Quick Start Guide and User Manual. Also check out our tutorial videos for a quick overview of the user interface.
A WiFi network with internet access is only required if you would like to use our optional Blink Email status feature to provide daily status updates.
Compatible with the GoPro HERO3+ Black and HERO4 Black/Silver cameras. Note - Blink may work with HERO3+ Silver cameras but is not officially supported by CamDo due to the general unreliability of the HERO3+ Silver cameras as they get older. Please use our Time Lapse Intervalometer for older camera models.
Our HERO5 controllers are expected to be available by mid 2017. However, while the HERO5 has video image stabilization and higher quality microphones, the HERO4 cameras have the same 12MP image resolution and the HERO4 Black achieves the same video resolution at 4K 30fps.
|
Camera |
Compatibility ( Y / N ) |
|
HERO5 |
✘ |
|
HERO5 Session |
✘ |
|
HERO4 Black |
✔ |
|
HERO4 Silver |
✔ |
|
HERO4 Session |
✘ |
|
HERO (2014) |
✘ |
|
HERO3+ Black |
✔ |
|
HERO3+ Silver |
✘ |
|
HERO3 Black |
✘ |
|
HERO3 Silver |
✘ |
|
HERO3 White |
✘ |
|
HERO2 |
✘ |
|
HERO |
✘ |
Can I have a time lapse and motion detection simultaneously?
Yes, Blink allows for multiple schedules to be active at a time.
What happens if there is a conflict between schedules?
If multiple schedules have been set and there is a conflict between them, priority is given to the lower numbered schedule. For example, schedule 1 has priority over schedule 2.
Does Blink fit inside the standard GoPro housings?
Yes, if housing external batteries is not an issue, Blink can be used with the GoPro Frame Mount or the extended backdoors included in the GoPro Back Door Kit that are designed to clip into the standard housing to provide space to fit GoPro BacPac accessories.
What housings does CamDo offer that have space for Blink and external battery packs?
Blink is typically used with our Outdoor Enclosures to also house extra batteries and come with three power options, a 6Watt solar panel, 9Watt solar panel, or without a solar panel that is normally used for shorter deployments, when you can return regularly to recharge the batteries. The Outdoor Enclosures have space to fit up to two of our V44 (44watt-hour) battery packs.
If you require a waterproof solution, our aluminum Deep underwater housing allows for use of Blink and the GoPro to a depth of 2000ft, while the DeepEXT housing extension can fit up to three V15 (15watt-hour) battery packs.
How long will the battery last if I shoot some number of photos per hour?
Calculating battery life is non-trivial. It depends on the camera model, firmware version, SD card speed, lighting conditions, battery size, age of the battery, ambient temperature, and more. To help you understand the issues and to calculate estimated battery life, consult the Camera Power Consumption Study and our Time Lapse Calculator.
If I know approximately how long my project is, how do I determine the ideal interval between triggers?
The ideal shooting interval is normally determined by the length of the final time lapse video clip, capacity of the SD card or battery capacity available. Our Time Lapse Calculator can be used to help determine the ideal interval between photos as determined by these variables.
Why is "Always On" mode for batteries important?
Since Blink turns the camera off between triggers to conserve power, Always On mode is important to prevent the battery from automatically turning off due to periods of inactivity. Most of the USB battery packs on the market have an automatic power saving feature which turns off the battery if the battery is not constantly supplying power to a device. If the GoPro is turned off for more than a few minutes between triggers, the external battery might automatically shutdown due to inactivity. However, our V15 and V44 have two modes of operation, the standard Auto Off mode and an Always On mode. The Always On mode prevents the battery from automatically turning off when insufficient current is being drawn due to the camera being turned off by Blink to conserve power.
Does Blink retain the shooting schedule when power is removed or lost?
When all power is removed, Blink will retain the programmed shooting schedule. However, Blink does not have an internal battery to retain the time and date settings. When power is restored to Blink, it will determine the clock time and date information from the GoPro camera.
Can I switch the SD card in the middle of a time lapse schedule?
Yes, the SD card is "hot swappable". If an interval occurs when the SD card is out of the GoPro, Blink will continue the shooting schedule by triggering the camera to turn on and off, however, no image will be taken since there is no SD card to save the image to.
How do I change Blink's shooting schedule in the middle of a project?
Blink's WiFi can be turned on or off by using the supplied push button remote plugged into the board's 2.5mm input. Blink's WiFi only remains active for 15 minutes to program the new settings before the WiFi is automatically turned off to conserve power. If the camera is not easily accessable, we offer 2.5mm Extension cables that can be left attached to Blink's 2.5mm port for re-triggering the WiFi signal.
What can I connect to the circular jacks on my Blink?
Please connect only CamDo-approved accessories to these jacks. Do not connect other equipment, especially voltage sources such as your solar panel or battery, to these jacks. Doing so will damage your Blink or camera.
Does Blink work with your Battery Eliminators?
Blink is not compatible with our Battery Eliminators.
What does Blink weigh?
Blink weighs 19g. This compares to a GoPro camera at 87g plus the GoPro extended enclosure at 71g.
General support can be found on our Support pages here.
Also read the FAQ's tab for more information.
$99.00 USD
Product Code: Bullet
Using Bullet is very simple. Just plug it into the camera and press the button on the Wired Remote. If the camera is off, it will turn on. If the camera is on and in photo mode, it will act as if you have hit the camera shutter button and take a photo. If in video mode it will start or stop video. Holding the button for more than 3 seconds will turn the camera off.The CamDo Bullet is a low power GoPro accessory for the HERO3+ and HERO4 cameras that allows you to control the GoPro camera's power and shutter functions through the use of a wired push button remote. Bullet can be used to control a single camera or multiple cameras using a single remote. Each Bullet is purchased separately and has an input and output port, allowing the boards to be daisy-chained so that any number of cameras can be triggered simultaneously.
Each Bullet comes with a 1 foot patch cable for daisy-chaining between Bullet boards. If the cameras need to be placed further apart or you need a longer cable between the first bullet and the push button remote, we are offering extension cables at 3ft, 10ft, and 25ft lengths.
BULLET DOES NOT INCLUDE A PUSH BUTTON REMOTE. Be sure to also purchase a LED Wired Remote as a trigger for each set of Bullets. If you need extra length for your wired remote or between each Bullet, we have Extension Cables here.
|
Camera |
Compatibility ( Y / N ) |
|
HERO4 Black |
✔ |
|
HERO4 Silver |
✔ |
|
HERO (2014) |
✘ |
|
HERO3+ Black |
✔ |
|
HERO3+ Silver |
✔ |
|
HERO3 Black |
✘ |
|
HERO3 Silver |
✘ |
|
HERO3 White> |
✘ |
|
HERO2 |
✘ |
|
HERO |
✘ |
I want to control 4 cameras simultaneously through a remote, what do I need to purchase?
1 x Wired Remote + 4 x Bullets
Can I power the GoPro camera from Bullet?
Yes. Bullet has a mini-USB input that allows you to power the GoPro through the HERO Port. Powering the GoPro from the HERO Port does not charge the battery which makes the camera more reliable when recording for long periods by removing the heat generated by the GoPro battery charging circuit. This also bypasses the problem that users have had with the HERO3+ charging logic that causes the camera to freeze and require a reset when operating the camera while it is charging.
Can I make a custom trigger for the Bullet?
Some users may want to trigger the Bullet with something other than a shutter button. This is possible, however caution must be taken to ensure the Bullet or camera does not become damaged. See the user manual under the section “Building a Custom Trigger” for more info
I need to take photos at exactly the same time. How accurately synchronized are the cameras when I use your cables?
The Bullet does not synchronize the shutter. When the button is pressed, a command is sent to each camera at the same time, however we cannot guarantee that all of the cameras will respond at exactly the same time.
If the shutters are not synchronized, how can I make a bullet time-slice video?
Typically, our customers shoot video when the cameras are turned on. For 120fps video, the HERO4 can achieve 1080p quality and is a set up that many of our clients use to achieve tight synchronization in post production to achieve such effects as bullet time slice (made famous by the matrix movies). The sound track can be used to provide a synchronizing signal, as simple as a clapper board, or sometimes music. The frames are then grabbed from the video tracks in post production using software such as PluralEyes, AutoPano, PTGui Pro, Adobe Premiere or other products./p>
Does the controller board fit inside the standard waterproof case?
Bullet does not fit in the GoPro Housing with the standard backdoor. Bullet fits in the extended backdoor attachments included in the GoPro Backdoor Kit and provided with the GoPro accessories such as the GoPro LCD BacPac or the GoPro Battery BacPac.
How much does each Bullet weigh?
Bullet weighs 14.5g. The Bullet's PCB without the housing weighs 6.8g. Bullet's PCB can be removed from the housing using a set of Torx screwdrivers size T3 and T5.
General support can be found on our Support pages here.
Average GoPro recording times in each video setting (limited by SD card capacity)
Also read the FAQ's tab for more information.
$465.00 USD
Product Codes: 6Watt - HSO01
9Watt - HSO03
We offer a choice of a 6 watt or 9 watt solar panel options that include a V15 battery. If your installation is an area where less than approximately 5.5 hours of sunshine is present each day, we recommend the 9W solar panel option which provides 50% greater capacity in harnessing the sun's energy.
Our outdoor enclosure is fitted with a sturdy aluminum mounting bracket that contains multiple ¼"-20 threaded holes on the top, back, and bottom for use with standard tripod screws. It also has 2 slots at the back for using straps to attach the enclosure to a pole. The solar panel is removable and attached to the top of the enclosure using a dual ball socket arm so it can be positioned for optimum sun exposure. The solar panel charges the included Lithium Polymer battery which outputs 5 volts to power the camera or other accessories in a weatherproof enclosure.
We also offer a sturdy swivel mount for easy mounting to a pole or flat surface, check out the product page here.
The enclosures are designed to be crushproof and dust tight. Inside the weather resistant enclosure contains an aluminum bracket designed to hold the GoPro camera, and CamDo Controller board. It is possible to access the SD card, or USB connector without removing the camera. If the camera needs to be replaced, the fit is extraordinarily tight, guaranteeing that the camera will be in the exact same position as before. The interior has space for extra batteries or other accessories. The enclosure is fitted with a standard 55mm filter adapter and a neutral density UV optical glass “digital filter” is included. You can replace the filter with your filter of choice.
Our case has several mounting options for different situations. There are two ¼” locking holes, one on each side of the case, through which a padlock, bolts, or threaded rods can be used to secure the contents of the box.
There are 2 slots on the back of the aluminum mounting bracket which allow it to be easily attached to a pole or structure using straps such as hose clamps or zip ties. The tripod screw holes at the back of the bracket can then be used to angle the camera.
We also offer a high quality swivel mount bracket that can be added to your system which allows fantastic aiming flexibility. Read more here.
The aluminum mounting bracket has multiple tripod screw holes on the top, back, and bottom that can be used with any standard photographic tripod or mounting bracket with a normal tripod thread (¼"-20). ¼"-20 bolts are easily obtained from any hardware store if you are making your own mount. There are hundreds of different compatible mounting brackets and magic arm brackets. 
6Watt Solar Panel
9Watt Solar Panel
Colors Available
* We are currently stocking only the favorite pick, black. All of the colors are available on custom orders, but please allow up to one month delivery time. We will add other colors to general stock if there is sufficient demand.
|
Camera |
Compatibility ( Y / N ) |
|
HERO5 |
✘ |
|
HERO5 Session |
✘ |
|
HERO4 Black |
✔ |
|
HERO4 Silver |
✔ |
|
HERO4 Session |
✘ |
|
HERO (2014) |
✘ |
|
HERO3+ Black |
✔ |
|
HERO3+ Silver |
✔ |
|
HERO3 Black |
✔ |
|
HERO3 Silver |
✔ |
|
HERO3 White |
✔ |
|
HERO2 |
✘ |
|
HERO |
✘ |
Compatible with the GoPro HERO3, HERO3+ and HERO4 cameras.
Which CamDo Solar System is right for my GoPro camera?
Our currently available Solar-6W and Solar-9W products are compatible with Hero3, Hero3+ and Hero4 cameras. Refer Compatibility tab.
How do I setup my system?
View the Solar Power System set-up guide here.
How long does it take to charge the battery?
In direct sun, the V15 (4,000 mAH Lithium Polymer battery) will fully charge in approximately 5.5 hours using the 6W solar panel. Where the weather is frequently cloudy/raining we recommend the 9W solar panel option. The battery system incorporates protection against overcharging, over discharge, over current (short circuit), unusual voltage input, and temperature extremes.
Will the solar panel be able to keep my time lapse running indefinitely?
This would depend on the shooting cycle used and the sun exposure available in your location. We advise all customers to calculate their battery needs due to the many variables. We have a Time Lapse Calculator that can be used to help determine your ideal shooting interval and how long your battery should theoretically last using our controller boards and batteries. The Calculator also gives the rate at which the solar panel should be able to recharge your battery at your given location and with the panel angle that is used. Keep in mind that temperature, battery fatigue, and other electrical inefficiencies will prevent the camera from using the full battery capacity.
What is the original dust and water ingress rating of your enclosures? Can I submerge your Solar or DRY enclosures?
The enclosures have an IP67 rating prior to installation of CamDo accessories. Our Solar and DRY enclosures are not meant to be immersed in water.
How long will the battery last before it is discharged?
It depends on many factors including your latitude, the amount of sun and cloud during your shoot, the controller you are using, the camera you are using and the shooting schedule you have programmed. There are too many variables to give a perfect answer but we have created a Time Lapse Calculator to work out the best setup for your shoot in your location.
This uses our analysis of the power consumption of the various GoPro cameras and provides an explanation of how to calculate the theoretical battery life.
Practically, we have run the system indefinitely taking one picture every 15 minutes with the WiFi on, in Canada in the summer.
Why is "Always On" mode for batteries important?
Since our controllers turn the camera off between triggers to conserve power, Always On mode is important to prevent the battery from automatically turning off. Most of the USB battery packs on the market have an automatic power saving feature which turns off the battery if the battery is not constantly supplying power to a device. If the GoPro is powered off for more than a few minutes between triggers, the external battery might automatically shutdown due to inactivity. However, our V15 battery packs have two modes of operation, the standard Auto Off mode and an Always On mode. The Always On mode prevents the battery from automatically turning off when insufficient current is being drawn due to the camera being powered off.
Refer to our support page here to make sure you are in "Always On" mode when setting up your system. Refer Step 2 of the guide.
Make sure to disconnect the battery from all devices to check this. If you hold down the power button for six seconds and the charge indicator flashes 3 times and stays lit for a second or two, you are now in Always On mode. If you hold down the power button for six seconds and the charge indicator flashes 3 times and then goes dark straight away, you are in Auto Off mode.
How can I avoid condensation on the lens?
Our enclosures have an integrated auto-pressure valve that equalizes the atmospheric pressure difference to reduce condensation. The IP67 micro vent allows air to pass through while preventing water from entering. If you need additional protection against condensation, the extra space in the solar enclosure allows for one or more sacks of desiccant to be inserted in the box. For even more protection, there are some products available to coat the lens, such as those used on ski-goggles. The standard 55mm threaded lens filter can also be replaced with another 55mm threaded lens that already has anti-fog characteristics or coating.
TIP: Condensation is a result of humid air being sealed in the box when you close it and condensing when there is a temperature change. Try to close the box in as dry an environment as possible. If you need additional protection against condensation, the extra space in the solar enclosure allows for one or more sacks of desiccant to be inserted in the box. For more information, Google for avoiding condensation in underwater cameras, where the problem is discussed at length by many experienced photographers.
Can I lock the case?
There are two ¼” locking holes, one on each side of the case, through which padlocks, bolts, or threaded rods can be used to secure the contents of the box.
Is it possible to separate the solar panel from the box?
Yes. The solar panel is removable and has a 4ft charging cable that enters the enclosure through a waterproof cable gland at the bottom of the enclosure.
Can I mount the solar panel remotely from the enclosure?
Yes. However, if you need to place the panel remotely from the enclosure, attention must be paid to the gauge of wire used to connect the solar panel to the battery. The connectors on the solar panel cable are 3.5mm outer diameter, 1.1mm inner diameter barrel power connectors. So you'll need one end male (M3.5x1.1), the other one end female (F3.5x1.1). A local electronics store will have these connectors. We recommend using the largest cable that can physically fit into the particular connector you source to minimize voltage drop from the panel to the battery. The voltage drop must not exceed 0.5 volts. A 16 AWG or larger wire is recommended for distances exceeding a few feet.
Which cables and adapters come with the system and what do I use to connect the battery to the solar panel?
The system comes with all necessary cables along with a number of useful adapters for charging phones and other cameras as well as the cables used to charge the battery. 
Refer Step 6 of our Solar Setup Guide.
Can I use this system to charge other devices as well?
Absolutely. The V15 battery pack can be used to charge any 5V device.
Can your systems be used for other purposes than GoPro cameras?
Yes. You can remove the GoPro mounting fixture to provide extra space for your equipment. The solar panel, battery, and enclosure can be used for your custom system or just used as a remote charging station for phones and other USB chargeable devices.
Does the enclosure O-Ring seal require special care?
The case is equipped with a hollow core EPDM gasket that has been designed to give superior performance and resist compressive deformation over time. To ensure a watertight seal, the gasket must be free of cuts, abrasions or tears. Debris or foreign material caught between the sealing rib on the bottom of the case and the gasket on the top of the case will prevent the case from sealing properly. A coat of an automotive type surface protector is recommended to help prevent dirt and debris from sticking to the seal. If the seal becomes damaged a replacement seal can be ordered from Cam-Do.com.
Special care should be taken to ensure that wires or cables do not get trapped in the door when it is closed. The power-claw latches can exert extreme force, resulting in damage to the cable and the O-ring seal.
General support can be found on our Support pages here.
The CamDo Blink controller board is typically used with our Solar Enclosures to provide programming flexibility while significantly reducing power consumption. Information on Blink can be found on the following pages:
Also, read the FAQ's tab for more information.
