Video Adapters

Battery Eliminator - 120-240VAC

$40.00 USD $47.00 USD

Quantity

Add to Cart Continue Shopping or View Cart

---

Product Code: BE-120VAC

The CamDo 120-240VAC Battery Eliminator allows you to power the HERO3 and HERO3+ cameras by replacing the standard AHDBT-301 GoPro battery with a battery coupler. The included AC adapter converts AC mains power to a regulated DC output for powering the GoPro camera through the battery coupler.

• About

• Compatibility

• FAQ's

• Support

• 
  

  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.

  done_allIncreases Reliability

  • The Battery Eliminator 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.
  
  

  usbFrees up your camera’s USB port

  • No more charging through the camera’s mini-USB port. Now your USB port is ready for camera data retrieval.
  
  

  powerSimple to use, just add power

  • Plug into an AC wall outlet, and connect to your camera’s HERO Port.
  
  

  Battery Coupler Specifications:

  • Input Voltage: 4.3 VDC
  • Output Voltage: 4.3 VDC, pass thought
  • Input connector: 4.0 x 1.7mm Female DC connector (EIAJ-02)
  • Output connector: GoPro HERO3 Battery Coupler
  • Cable Length: 10" (254mm)

  AC Adapter Specifications:

  • Input Voltage: 100 - 240 VAC
  • Output Voltage: 4.3 VDC, regulated nominal
  • Input connector: C8 "figure-8" connector
  • Output connector: 4.0 x 1.7mm Male DC connector (EIAJ-02)
  • Output Cable Length: 4'10" (1.47m)
  • Includes Figure-8 to North American style 2 prong power input cable
• 
  

  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.

• Frequently Asked Questions

  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.

  • Time Lapse Calculator
  • General Time Lapse Information

  Average GoPro recording times in each video setting (limited by SD card capacity)

  • HERO3+ Recording Size
  • HERO3 Recording Size

  Also read the FAQ's tab for more information.

View full product details »

Time Lapse Intervalometer

$170.00 USD $199.00 USD

Encasing Naked Acrylic

Quantity

Add to Cart Continue Shopping or View Cart

---

Product Code: TL-004N (Naked)
TL-004A (Acrylic)

The CamDo Time Lapse Intervalometer for GoPro cameras is a programmable intervalometer designed for taking long time lapse sequences. The Intervalometer allows the camera to be turned off between triggers to conserve power.

• About

• Compatibility

• FAQ's

• Support

• 
  

  We now have limited stock of the Naked Time Lapse Intervalometer (TL-004N) which is suitable for older GoPro cameras. If you are using a HERO3+ or HERO4 cameras, we suggest purchasing the all-new Blink, which has the same features but has more programming flexibility and is configurable using a simple Web Interface and more!

  The Intervalometer is a small high quality circuit board that plugs into the HERO Port on the back of the GoPro camera. The Intervalometer is small enough to fit inside the GoPro HERO3 Frame Mount or the extended back doors provided with the GoPro accessories such as the GoPro LCD BacPac or the GoPro Battery BacPac.

  In the time lapse operating mode, the Intervalometer can be programmed to turn the camera on at a regularly spaced interval so that the GoPro can capture an image or video before turning the camera off to maximize the battery life. In most cases, the camera will take about 700 images on a single battery charge (2,000 on the HERO2). These images can be spread over hours, days or even weeks without recharging the battery.

  The Intervalometer has multiple operating settings and input/output pins that allow for the board to be applicable to various custom solutions. Read more about the Intervalometer's other features for advanced applications here.

  Note that the Intervalometer is only capable of turning on the HERO3 Black and newer GoPro cameras but not off. Functionality on these cameras is achieved through the use of our scripts saved to the SD card. The scripts are normally used to take a picture or record for a set amount of time before turning the camera off so that it can be re-triggered by the controller. (Blink can control the power, mode, and shutter functions of the HERO3+ and HERO4 cameras without scripts)

  
  

  settings_applicationsProgramming Flexibility

  • Programmable delayed start
  • Automatic Start mode turns on the camera a few seconds after remote power up (all compatible cameras except the HERO4)
  • Repeat cycle or continuous operation once started
  • Programmable repeat cycle from 35 seconds to one week or more
  • Programmable Input/Output pins (See Advanced Application Notes)
  
  

  battery_stdNo Additional Battery Required

  • The Intervalometer uses the camera’s battery. In standby it uses very little power (similar to a watch) and does not reduce the battery life.
  
  

  crop_freeSmall Form Factor

  • While typically used with our Outdoor Enclosures to also house extra battery packs, it will also fit inside the extended backdoors included in the GoPro Back Door Kit that are designed to fit GoPro BacPac accessories.
• 
  

  Compatible with the GoPro camera with a HERO Port connector on the back of the camera (with the exception of the HERO3 Silver).

  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	✔

  * HERO4 compatibility can only be achieved through a custom firmware modification to the camera. The firmware modification is explained in detail here.

  
  

  With the current GoPro firmware, the Intervalometer can turn the HERO3 Black, HERO3+, and HERO4 cameras on, but it cannot turn them off. The camera must be programmed to turn off after taking a photo or shooting a video of the desired length using scripts which are installed on the SD card. This allows for considerable flexibility in deciding what the camera will do when triggered by the Intervalometer. Sample HERO3+ and HERO3 Black scripts can be seen here. HERO4 scripts are structured differently, and their feature set can be seen here.

  
  

  Scripts are not required for HERO2 or HERO3 White cameras.

• Frequently Asked Questions

  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.

  
  

  I want to shoot a 4 minute video of a 4 month construction job. How do I do that?

  You want each month to be one minute of video. That is about 2 seconds per day, or 60 frames at 30fps. Shooting 24 hours a day, that is one shot every 24 minutes, or about one shot every 10 minutes if you only care about the daytime (acquiring shots for daytime only can be done using our Blink Controller or by removing nighttime shots during post-production). Our Time Lapse Calculator can be used to estimate the SD card and power requirements based on your setup.

  In practice, things go wrong. The camera can stop working. The battery might not have been fully charged. The SD card may have a flaw. A bird dropping might block the lens. We never recommend leaving the camera unchecked for more than a few days. Always assume that what can go wrong, will go wrong. Use two cameras to get different angles and to provide backup if something happens to one camera.

  
  

  I only want to shoot from 9 to 5, Monday through Friday. How can I best do that?

  Our Blink product is designed for that purpose. It is easy to set up to capture an image or video at certain times or to enable time lapse captures on a specific schedule.

  
  

  Does the Intervalometer retain its settings when I remove it from the camera?

  Yes, the settings are stored in flash memory and will be retained until you program different settings or do a factory reset.

  
  

  Does the Intervalometer board fit inside the waterproof case?

  The Intervalometer does not fit in the housing shipped with the camera. It fits in the extended backdoors provided with the GoPro accessories such as the GoPro LCD Bacpac or the GoPro Battery BacPac.

  The TL Controller fits in the GoPro HERO3 Frame Mount, which comes with 2 frames, one for the camera alone, and one which holds the camera and BacPac accessories, such as the Battery BacPac and the CamDo Time Lapse Intervalometer. Be careful, if buying on eBay, where you might not get both together.

  Another simple way to secure the camera and Controller board in the standard case for use indoors or in good weather, is to use an O-ring or a rubber band to hold the camera in the case with no backdoor. Pictured is an AS568-134 O-ring which fits nicely.

  
  

  Do you have a weather resistant enclosure to also house battery packs?

  CamDo offers an Outdoor Weather Resistant Enclosure designed to house the HERO3, HERO3+ or HERO4 cameras with the Time Lapse Intervalometer or other CamDo controllers along with space for a high capacity battery packs.

  
  

  Can a solar panel or AC power source be used to extend the operating time?

  The cameras can be powered by external batteries charged from a solar panel or another suitable power source.

  The CamDo Solar System includes a solar panel, high powered lithium battery, and a weather resistant enclosure. Our Time Lapse Calculator can be used to determine if a 6Watt or 9Watt solar panel would theoretically be able to keep your system running continuously throughout your project.

  
  

  Does the Intervalometer work with your Battery Eliminators?

  The Intervalometer utilizes the HERO Port on the back of the camera so it cannot be used at the same time as the HERO Port Battery Eliminator.

  When using the Intervalometer with HERO3 or HERO3+ camera, we strongly recommend using an H3 Battery Eliminator. There is a slot in the back of the Acrylic Intervalometer for the H3 Battery Eliminator cable to pass through.

  Using the Battery Eliminator reduces heat from the camera battery and charging circuit. A Battery Eliminator also bypasses the problems that some users have had with the GoPro charging logic when charging from the camera’s USB port causing the camera to freeze and require a hard reset.

  
  

  I am a hacker. Can I use the extra connections on the board to trigger the camera?

  Yes! If you have a little knowledge of electronics, you can use the Intervalometer Naked PC board to trigger the camera. The interface is documented in the CamDo Intervalometer Application Notes for Advanced Users. It is actually quite easy to connect external triggers such as mobile phones, Android devices, computers, motion detectors, intervalometers, programmable timers, security systems, accelerometers that detect motion, or to configure the camera to start automatically whenever the car ignition is turned on.

  
  

  I am a not a hacker. I have an idea for a project for our organization. Can you help?

  Yes. The Intervalometer board was originally designed to handle custom projects we built for scientists and professional photographers. It is very flexible and can be reprogrammed to respond to different kinds of control inputs. It also has an optically isolated output which can be used to control lighting, or give different types of feedback. Contact us for a quote for your application. Our rates for custom firmware are very reasonable.

  
  

  I know how to write code for the MSP430 processor. Can I reprogram the chip with my own firmware?

  Yes. The SBW interface is brought to the edge of the board, so you can use the Texas Instruments Launchpad ($4.30) to program the device. There is a tutorial: Use your launchpad as a programmer. Let us know if you come up with something really brilliant!

  
  

  What do our customers use our Intervalometer for?

  It delights us to hear from happy customers who have used the Intervalometer to take photos and videos in interesting ways. We have been even more delighted to see customers returning to order multiple units on their second order.

  • The first beta units were installed by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography on a deep sea coral reef in Palau to capture a long time lapse sequence. Since then they have ordered many more and recommended us to their colleagues
  • Cameras equipped with CamDo Time Lapse Intervalometers were mounted in NASA Mission Control to document the landing of Curiosity on Mars
  • The Solar Impulse had four of our Intervalometers on the first solar powered plane to fly across the United States
  • A hiker mounted his camera on his backpack and captured images every two minutes for several weeks on the Appalachian Trail
  • Lance Hastie created time lapse videos of the reconstruction of downtown Christchurch after the earthquake
  • Nature photographers have captured wildlife in the Canadian and Russian north and the African jungle
  • A production manager keeps a photo record of his manufacturing facility operation
  • The Time Lapse Intervalometer has been used to continuously upload images to a web site for several months using the Eye-Fi Wireless SD Card
  • One Planet Media used our Intervalometers to create a time lapse video of a Wind Turbine Construction Project
  • Shay Blackley is creating a time lapse documentary of the Continental Divide Trail as he hikes from Mexico to Canada
  • Cliff Ferguson has been creating long time lapses and documented his methods to show others how he does it

  Tell us what you used your Time Lapse Intervalometer for!

  Canterbury Earthquake Recovery (Lance Hastie)

  Antares ORB-2 Launch from NASA Wallops Flight Facility

• Setting Up Your Time Lapse Intervalometer

  
  
  

  General support can be found on our Support pages here.

  • Intervalometer (TL-004) User Manual
  • PS/TL Troubleshooting Guide
  • General Time Lapse Information
  • Time Lapse Calculator
  • Advanced Application Notes

  Average GoPro recording times in each video setting

  • HERO4 Recording Time
  • HERO3+ Recording Time
  • HERO3 Recording Time
  • HERO2 & HD HERO Recording Time

  Also read the FAQ's tab for more information.

View full product details »

GoPro Motion Detector

$190.00 USD $220.00 USD

Type X-Band PIR

Quantity

Add to Cart Continue Shopping or View Cart

---

Product Codes: MD-003XX (X-Band)
MD-003PX (PIR)

This product is available while supplies last and has been replaced by our new Blink time lapse and motion detection controller. Motion detectors compatible with Blink are available here. 

Please note that this X-Band Motion Detector (MD-003XX) is not compatible with Blink.

Motion detection can be used for security camera applications, wildlife photography, and for recording events where a person or other object, such as a car or truck, moves past the camera from time to time.

The GoPro Controller is a small high quality circuit board that plugs into the HERO Port on the back of the GoPro cameras. It is small enough to fit inside the extended back doors provided with the GoPro accessories such as the GoPro LCD BacPac or the GoPro Battery BacPac.

The CamDo Motion Detector control board is configured to trigger the camera using the output from an active doppler X-Band Microwave Motion Detector. The detector is powered by a regulated power supply on the controller board which converts the camera battery voltage to a regulated 5 volt supply.

The Motion Detector controller board can be purchased separately from our sensors for use with a different motion detector, proximity detector, or other sensing device you may already have. The board includes a 5 volt power output for use in powering accessories using the camera battery and the firmware for motion detection or triggering as described in the operating manual. 

The X-Band detector board measures 1.8” x 1.6" (46mm x 41mm).

NOTE: HERO4 compatibility can only be achieved through a custom firmware modification to the camera. The firmware modification is explained in detail here.

You are strongly advised to use an SD card from the recommended list on GoPro's website. Use of cards not on the list, especially SanDisk Ultra cards, will greatly increase your chance of trouble with your setup.

• Features
• Compatibility
• Resources

• Capture Triggers

  • The Passive Infrared (PIR) detector is sensitive to the heat radiated by people and animals. It is triggered by changes in the pattern of heat radiation in front of the sensor. Under normal circumstances, the PIR detector will detect a person moving 25 feet (8m) away.
  • The X-Band Motion detector is an active device which bounces 10.5 GHz microwave signals off the objects in front of it. Since it does not rely on radiated heat from the object, it is better suited for detecting inanimate objects as well as smaller wildlife. It is also less prone to false triggers caused by moving sunlight, etc. Microwaves will pass through glass and plastic, so the X-Band detector can be mounted inside a window looking outside, or in a waterproof box for use outside. The range of the X-Band detector is adjustable from 8 to 30 feet (2-10m). Actual distances will depend on the environment and mounting configurations.
  • The motion detector control board can be triggered using other motion detectors, intervalometers, accelerometers, timers, computers, temperature sensors, radio or infra-red remote controls, and custom electronic circuits. The trigger input is an LTV-817 optoisolator with a 1K current limiting resistor. A signal from 3 volts to 20 volts between IN- and IN+ will trigger the controller to start the camera. Essentially, any device which will light an LED can trigger the controller.

  Programming Flexibility

  • Programmable "shoot time" for single shot, multiple stills, or video.
  • The Motion Detector controller contains all the features of the Time Lapse Intervalometer.
  • Trigger the camera between capturing time lapse images.
  • Start capturing time lapse images only when motion is being detected.

  External Output

  • Optically isolated External output can be used to turn on lights or interface to an alarm or signalling device when the cycle is active.
  
  

  No Additional Battery Required

  • The Motion Detector controller uses the camera’s battery. In standby it uses very little power (similar to a watch) and does not reduce the battery life.
  • Because it requires no power source and fits inside the waterproof housing, it can be used in any environment the camera can handle.
• 
  

  Compatible with the GoPro camera with a HERO Port connector on the back of the camera (with the exception of the HERO3 Silver).

  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	✔

  * HERO4 compatibility can only be achieved through a custom firmware modification to the camera. The firmware modification is explained in detail here.

  
  

  With the current GoPro firmware, the Intervalometer can turn the HERO3 Black, HERO3+, and HERO4 cameras on, but it cannot turn them off. The camera must be programmed to turn off after taking a photo or shooting a video of the desired length using scripts which are installed on the SD card. This allows for considerable flexibility in deciding what the camera will do when triggered by the Intervalometer. Sample HERO3+ and HERO3 Black scripts can be seen here. HERO4 scripts are structured differently, and their feature set can be seen here.

  
  

  Scripts are not required for HERO2 or HERO3 White cameras.

• Learn how to use your Motion Detector Controller and get all the info you'll need here.

  View Product Resources >

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Are the motion detectors compatible with the new HERO4 camera?

  The motion detector is compatible with all GoPro HERO cameras, except the HERO3 Silver and the entry level grey HERO cameras. The HERO4 solution requires the use of GoPro’s most recent firmware in addition to a firmware patch provided by CamDo, which will be emailed to you after you purchase your product.

  If you do not require a product configuration immediately, you may also be interested to know that we’re in the process of creating a great product that will replace three of our most powerful products: Programmable Scheduler, Time Lapse Intervalometer and Motion Detector. This product will have a WIFI chip that enables the user to control the camera through a web based UI. We hope to have this available this winter.

  What is the difference between the PIR and X-Band Motion Sensor?

  The PIR Sensor detects movement by registering the change in infrared emissions from a warm body by comparing multiple panels in its view. Therefore it detects warm objects moving across the sensor, side to side or up and down. The X-Band sensor uses doppler detection of microwaves bounced off the object and is triggered by motion towards or away from the sensor.

  Infrared can pass through some thin transparent or translucent plastics, but in general, not through glass. Microwaves pass through opaque plastics and glass, but not metal. The moving object does not need to be warm to trigger the sensor.

  Can I use more than one sensor?

  Yes. Multiple sensors can be connected in a logical OR so that any one sensor will trigger the camera. This means that multiple sensors of different types, including sensors from other suppliers in many cases, can be placed in different locations in order to trigger the camera more reliably or in advance of an animal moving into a scene.

  Does the controller board fit inside the waterproof case?

  The board does not fit in the standard case. The board fits in the extended backdoors provided with the GoPro accessories such as the GoPro LCD Bacpac or the GoPro Battery Bacpac. A small hole can be drilled into the housing to allow the sensor’s wires to pass through the housing. 

  A simple means of securing the camera with the controller board in the standard case for use indoors or in good weather, is to use an O-ring or a rubber band to hold the camera in the case with no backdoor. Pictured is an AS568-134 which fits nicely.

  Outdoor Weather Resistant Enclosure

  CamDo now offers an Outdoor Weather Resistant Enclosure designed to house the Motion Detector and other CamDo controllers along with space for a high capacity battery.

  
  The X-Band detector fits inside the weather resistant case and does not require any hole in the case for installation.

  A case for the PIR detector will have an additional opening for the PIR detector lens.

  How can I setup the motion detector to only trigger during the day?

  It is possible to use a simple photocell to prevent triggering at night. If you have a slight knowledge of soldering, you will probably be able to follow the instructions in the Application Notes.

  I am a hacker. Can I use the cable on the board to trigger the camera using other devices?

  Yes! If you have a little knowledge of electronics, you can use the controller board to trigger the camera. The interface is documented in the CamDo Controller Application Notes for Advanced Users. It is actually quite easy to connect external triggers such as motion detectors, intervalometers , security systems, or to configure the camera to start automatically whenever the car ignition is turned on, for example.

  I am a not a hacker. I have an idea for a project for our organization. Can you help?

  Yes. The controller board was originally designed to handle custom projects we built for scientists and professional photographers. It is very flexible and can be reprogrammed to respond to different kinds of control inputs. It also has an opto-isolated output which can be used to control lighting, or give different types of feedback. Contact us for a quote for your application.

  I know how to write code for the MSP430 processor. Can I reprogram the chip with my own firmware?

  Yes. The SBW interface is brought to the edge of the board, so you can even use the Texas Instruments Launchpad ($4.30) to program the device. There is a tutorial: Use your launchpad as a programmer. Let us know if you come up with something really brilliant!

View full product details »