$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.
Sold Out
Product Code: V44+ACCESS
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 V44 battery increases the GoPro battery life by approximately 11x 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 two V44 battery packs fit in our Weather Resistant Outdoor Enclosures and one V44 battery is included with our 9Watt Solar Power System.
|
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.
The 12,000 mAH V44 battery combined with the standard GoPro 1,050 mAH battery should give you more than 12 times the 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 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.
$188.00 USD
Product Code: V72
The V72 battery does not fit inside our Outdoor Enclosures and cannot be used with the CamDo controllers for long term time lapse. The V72 battery does not have the Always On feature that is available on our V15 and V44 battery packs. Since our controllers turn the camera off between triggers to conserve power, the Always On operating mode is required to prevent the battery from automatically turning off due to inactivity. The V72 is useful for recharging a laptop or camera batteries in the field. The V72 battery stays on only if sufficient power is being drawn.
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.
The V72 battery does not have the Always On feature. It cannot be used with the CamDo controllers for long term time lapse. It is useful for recharging a laptop or camera batteries in the field.
|
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, 12V, 16V and 19V Devices.
Can the V72 be used with Blink for long term time lapses?
No, the V72 battery does not have the Always On mode (available on our V15 and V44 battery packs) that is required when using our Blink controller to prevent the battery from automatically turning off due to inactivity. Since Blink turns the camera off between intervals to conserve power, the V72 will automatically shutdown after a few minutes of inactivity and require manually pressing the power button of the V72 battery to turn it back on.
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.
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.
Has the V72 battery been used for long term projects?
The V72 battery stays on if sufficient power is being drawn. If the camera is powered from the V72 battery with no battery in the camera, the battery should not shut down and the camera can operate for long periods. In our tests, the HERO3+ Black operated for over 24 hours in video loop mode starting with a fully charged V72 battery.
With the WiFi turned on, even if the camera is off, sufficient power is drawn to keep the battery from shutting down. In this mode, the HERO3+ Black, with no battery in the battery compartment draws about 0.4 watts. So the camera can remain in standby mode with a WiFi connection for 150 hours.
One of our customers reported using the V72 battery with the BE-12V Battery Eliminator (discontinued) powering a HERO3 Black for a 24+ hour time lapse at one shot per 10 seconds using the GoPro Time Lapse function and no intervalometer. The camera took 11,000 photos and used 33GB of SD card space.
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.
$47.00 USD
Product Code: BE-120VAC
If you are using the GoPro camera for extended periods, it is better to power the camera with a Battery Eliminator instead of connecting it to the camera’s mini-USB charger.
The AC Battery Eliminator includes a 1.1 amp AC adapter with an input range between 100-240 VAC, and a battery coupler the size of the standard AHDBT-301 battery used in all GoPro Hero 3 and 3+ models.
The battery coupler snaps into the battery slot of all GoPro HERO3 and HERO3+ models and latches like the GoPro lid for a secure fit. Using a Battery Eliminator eliminates two sources of heat. The charging circuit in the camera and the battery itself, which gets warm while charging. Less heat makes the camera more reliable. Overheating can cause unexpected shutdown of the camera. A Battery Eliminator also bypasses the problems that some users have had with the GoPro charging logic causing the camera to freeze and require a reset when operating the camera while the battery is charging.
Note that the battery coupler requires space for the cable to exit the back of the camera. Since Blink does not have a slot for the power cable to pass through, the 120VAC Battery Eliminator can not be used in combination with Blink.
|
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 and HERO3+ cameras.
Why Use Our Battery Eliminator?
Our Battery Eliminator increases your camera’s reliability. It prevents two sources of heat: the charging circuit in the camera and the battery itself, which gets warm while charging. Overheating can cause unreliable behavior or unexpected shutdown of the camera. Using our Battery Eliminator also prevents the camera from crashing if a problem occurs while the internal battery is charging.
Will the Coupler Style Battery Eliminator work with other CamDo accessories?
The battery coupler replaces the GoPro camera’s internal battery, so it leaves the HERO Port open for accessories such as our Programmable Scheduler, Time Lapse Intervalometer, Bullet, or Dash. Blink cannot be used with our 120VAC Battery Eliminator since Blink does not have a slot for the cable to pass through.
Does the Coupler Battery of the 120VAC Battery Eliminator have any voltage regulation?
No. The Battery Coupler used with the 120VAC Battery Eliminator does not have any voltage regulaton and requires a 4.3VDC input that can be provided by the included AC adapter.
Can the 120VAC Battery Eliminator be used with non-American wall outlets?
Yes. The AC adapter takes an input voltage from 100 - 240VAC, so the figure-8 power cable can be replaced with another standard figure-8 power cable with the required wall connector. Alternatively, there are various adapters to convert from the North American 2-prong plug to other international standards.
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.
$23.00 USD
Product Code: ABE04
Our HERO Port Battery Eliminator connects your camera to external power supplies of much larger capacity than its internal battery. There’s no more worrying about running out of power during a time lapse shoot, or a long video session.
Using a Battery Eliminator increases your camera’s reliability. It prevents two sources of heat: the charging circuit in the camera and the battery itself, both of which get warm while charging. Overheating can cause unreliable behavior or unexpected shutdown of the camera. Using our Battery Eliminator also prevents the camera from crashing if an error occurs while the internal battery is charging.
Note that the HERO Port Battery Eliminator plugs into the GoPro HERO Port so it can not be used in combination with other HERO Port accessories such as Blink.
|
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 |
✘ |
Why Use Our Battery Eliminator?
Our Battery Eliminator increases your camera’s reliability. It prevents two sources of heat: the charging circuit in the camera and the battery itself, which gets warm while charging. Overheating can cause unreliable behavior or unexpected shutdown of the camera. Using our Battery Eliminator also prevents the camera from crashing if a problem occurs while the internal battery is charging.
Will the Battery Eliminator work with other CamDo accessories?
The Battery Eliminator plugs into the camera’s HERO Port, so it cannot be used simultaneously with our other GoPro HERO Port accessories such as our Blink, Bullet, or Dash.
Can I attach the Battery Eliminator wires directly to a car/marine battery?
The Battery Eliminator can be powered from a DC input between 5V to 24V. The USB connector can be cut and the wires directly attached to the power source. However, make sure not to reverse the polarity of the wires. Attaching the wires backward can damage the Battery Eliminator and/or the GoPro camera. Removing the USB connector will void any warranty.
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.
$34.00 USD
Product Code: BE01
If you are using the GoPro camera for extended periods, it is better to power the camera with a Battery Eliminator instead of connecting it to the camera’s mini-USB charger.
The coupler style Battery Eliminator snaps into the battery slot of all GoPro HERO3 and HERO3+ models and latches like the GoPro lid for a secure fit. Using a Battery Eliminator eliminates two sources of heat. The charging circuit in the camera and the battery itself, which gets warm while charging. Less heat makes the camera more reliable. Overheating can cause unexpected shutdown of the camera. A Battery Eliminator also bypasses the problems that some users have had with the GoPro charging logic causing the camera to freeze and require a reset when operating the camera while the battery is charging.
The Battery Eliminator includes a voltage regulator and power line filter for maximum noise immunity and automatic accommodation to a wide range of input voltages. The Battery Eliminator’s USB input is designed for use with any DC power supply capable of supplying at least 1A of current at 5V to 24V DC.
Note that the H3 Coupler Style Battery Eliminator requires space for the cable to exit the back of the camera. Since Blink does not have a slot for the power cable to pass through, the H3 Coupler Style Battery Eliminator can not be used in combination with Blink.
|
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 and HERO3+ cameras.
Why Use Our Battery Eliminator?
Our Battery Eliminator increases your camera’s reliability. It prevents two sources of heat: the charging circuit in the camera and the battery itself, which gets warm while charging. Overheating can cause unreliable behavior or unexpected shutdown of the camera. Using our Battery Eliminator also prevents the camera from crashing if a problem occurs while the internal battery is charging.
Will the Coupler Style Battery Eliminator work with other CamDo accessories?
The Battery Eliminator replaces the GoPro camera’s internal battery, so it leaves the HERO Port open for accessories such as our Programmable Scheduler, Time Lapse Intervalometer, Bullet, or Dash. Blink cannot be used with our Coupler Style Battery Eliminator since Blink does not have a slot for the cable to pass through.
Can I attach the Battery Eliminator wires directly to a car/marine battery?
The Battery Eliminator can be powered from a DC input between 5V to 24V. The USB connector can be cut and the wires directly attached to the power source. However, make sure not to reverse the polarity of the wires. Attaching the wires backward can damage the Battery Eliminator and/or the GoPro camera. Removing the USB connector will void any warranty.
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.
$495.00 USD
Product Codes: PowerPad15S - PP01
PowerPad8 - PP02
File management for dozens of SD cards simultaneously has never been easier with the CamDo Grab software for use with the PowerPad.
The PowerPad Multi Camera Charge and Sync Station can supply each USB port with 2.1 amps of power at 5.2 volts DC, sufficient for rapid battery charging or for operating tablets as well as GoPro cameras. The PowerPad15S can charge and download files from up to 15 cameras, while the PowerPad8S handles up to 8 cameras. The PowerPad is capable of recognizing any USB chargeable device and automatically configuring itself to emulate the appropriate charger for maximum charging efficiency on each USB port.
When the PowerPad is connected to a host computer, each camera can be switched from “data-connected” (for charging and file management) to “data-disconnected” (for only charging) under the control of the host computer. This allows the use of multiple cameras without the need to plug and unplug cables or remove the SD cards from the cameras. Standard USB cables can be used to connect the cameras to the PowerPad unit.
In the PowerPad's "data-connected" computer connected sync mode, the host computer sees each camera’s SD card and mounts them as individual disks. Files can be downloaded from the SD cards at up to 480 Mb per second. The cards can be erased and control scripts can be uploaded from the host computer. (HERO3 and HERO3+ use SOBM scripts, HERO4 use CSI scripts)
*While the PowerPad can be used with all operating systems and cameras, currently, the CamDo Grab Software is only compatible with Windows Software and HERO4 cameras.
|
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 |
✔* |
Is the PowerPad compatible with Macintosh, Linux, Windows?
The PowerPad is compatible with all operating systems, including Windows, Mac and Linux. Any computer which is a USB compatible host can be used to control the PowerPad. However, the CamDo Grab software can only be used on a Windows operating system
What port do I use to connect the PowerPad to my computer?
The USB port labeled “Host Port” is used to connect the PowerPad to your computer or power supply. 
I need more than 15 cameras. Is there a bigger unit available?
Each PowerPad15S unit can charge and connect to 15 cameras. Multiple PowerPads can be plugged into separate USB ports on the computer or a USB hub. A PowerPad cannot be plugged into one of the ports of another PowerPad.
Will the system be compatible with future versions of the firmware/camera?
The firmware in the PowerPad is upgradeable. If there are changes in camera firmware that necessitates it, new firmware can be downloaded and installed.
The PowerPad comes with a 12 month manufacturer's warranty.
General support can be found on our Support pages here.
If you have a problem with your PowerPad or need more detailed information, you can ask the folks at Cambrionix. They will be most helpful. Cambrionix Troubleshooting.
$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.
$35.00 USD
Product Code: USB-Meter
The USB Power Meter can be used to check the actual power consumption of the camera (phone, iPad, or any other USB powered device). It inserts between the battery or charger and the device and displays the voltage and current in real time.
This allows you to understand the actual power consumption of the camera in various modes and test the charging rates in various configurations.
Measures voltages from 3.0 to 7.0 volts (±0.1V). Current from 0 to 2.5A (±0.01A).
LED Display
Accurate Measurement
