Power consumption of cameras

[MylesGibson]

Unless I am being blind, I can't seem to find power consumption figures for cameras. I am using the Altair Hypercam 183C Pro-TEC and I have looked around but cannot see this information anywhere. Does anyone know where this information may be? I'd like to find it before choosing power supplies for when I go out and about!

[ONIKKINEN]

Most cooled cameras require 12v 3A to run. Would be surprised to hear something else is needed for this one.

The 3A drawn current is more of a peak figure at max cooling and not a continuous load. Expect the cooler to draw maybe an amp after it reaches its set point temperature, although could be closer to the 3A limit now that nights are warmer and the cooler has more work to do.

[MylesGibson]

7 hours ago, ONIKKINEN said:

Most cooled cameras require 12v 3A to run. Would be surprised to hear something else is needed for this one.

The 3A drawn current is more of a peak figure at max cooling and not a continuous load. Expect the cooler to draw maybe an amp after it reaches its set point temperature, although could be closer to the 3A limit now that nights are warmer and the cooler has more work to do.

I thought the power supplies were 12V 3A? Or do they have 5A supplies? I'll need to check mine! Where did you get rhe info of 1A at settling from? Or 3A peak? Had you measured it or is there somewhere online with the info?

[ONIKKINEN]

Just now, MylesGibson said:

I thought the power supplies were 12V 3A? Or do they have 5A supplies? I'll need to check mine! Where did you get rhe info of 1A at settling from? Or 3A peak? Had you measured it or is there somewhere online with the info?

I think you can use any 12V DC power supply as long as its rated for at least 3A output. So 5A would be more than good enough.

I have a power in/out readout screen in my 12V power bank, so the guess of 1 amp in use comes from that. Its not super accurate, but its not far off either.

[david_taurus83]

I image throughout the year, including summer, and I have never seen peak amps go much above 3A for everything, mounts, cameras, dew strips etc. My Nevada PSU has an ammeter gauge and also can see current draw through the Pegasus powerbox. I think people have issues with powerbricks as they only deliver 12v to first source of power and then voltage drop becomes an issue with smaller cables between devices. If you can find one, I would recommend using a 13.8v power source as voltage drop shouldn't be a concern then.

[Adam J]

On 14/06/2023 at 01:31, ONIKKINEN said:

I think you can use any 12V DC power supply as long as its rated for at least 3A output. So 5A would be more than good enough.

I have a power in/out readout screen in my 12V power bank, so the guess of 1 amp in use comes from that. Its not super accurate, but its not far off either.

I know that my ASI1600MM pro only draws 1A when cooling ot -20c. So 3A supply is reasonable as you should not run a supply at full rated draw continually anyway. If you are going to power the entire rig and not just the camera 5A is then a reasonable choice. 

 

Adam 

[MylesGibson]

On 05/07/2023 at 10:41, Adam J said:

I know that my ASI1600MM pro only draws 1A when cooling ot -20c.

This was the type of response I was looking for. Thank you