X10 Community Forum

📸Cameras & Camera Software => Legacy non Wi-Fi X10 Cameras => Camera General Discussion => Wireless Cameras(non IP) => Topic started by: GhostHunterDerek on June 20, 2008, 10:02:40 AM

Title: Battery Life of the new wireless camera package deal?
Post by: GhostHunterDerek on June 20, 2008, 10:02:40 AM
Hi everyone.

If I were to order the X10 $269 $500 top of the line models and option's kit How often will I need to change the Batteries?

I know they're wireless but where I'll be putting them will be tough to get to in the winter time.

I'm putting them in the woods and in the tree's since I got a good spot to watch coyotes, deer, bear


Title: Re: Battery Life of the new wireless camera package deal?
Post by: dave w on June 20, 2008, 12:01:32 PM
What are you talking about?

If you are refering to the optional battery pack for the X10 cameras, the life is extremly short (measured in hours, not days).
Title: Re: Battery Life of the new wireless camera package deal?
Post by: Tuicemen on June 20, 2008, 02:49:46 PM
GhostHunterDerek    You may wish to look at one of the available solar power cams ;) (http://www.rfwel.com/shop/product.php?productid=741) available on the net! Or create a solar power center for your cam similar to this 400mA Wireless Solar Power Supply (http://www.scdlink.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=2455&category=92&cf=fr) ;)
   

Title: Re: Battery Life of the new wireless camera package deal?
Post by: Brian H on June 20, 2008, 03:14:17 PM
The only X10 Battery Pack I have seen used 4 AA cells and was good for four hours.
Title: Re: Battery Life of the new wireless camera package deal?
Post by: zach1234 on June 23, 2008, 12:19:50 AM
I found this on the net: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00026CB54

It has rechargeable battery and is rated for 4 hours.

I found this on X10 site: http://www.x10.com/products/x10_zb10a.htm
4 hours but not rechargeable, huh.

I like the rechargeable.  I would try a solar kit if you like the whole wireless idea. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44768 13.99 you could try to rig it to work. There has to be a way.
Title: Re: Battery Life of the new wireless camera package deal?
Post by: Knightrider on June 23, 2008, 01:15:52 PM
.... i found you can charge regular battery's by wrapping them in cling wrap and putting them under a pillow that you sleep on over night. ....

Whaaaaaaa!!???
Title: Re: Battery Life of the new wireless camera package deal?
Post by: steven r on June 23, 2008, 01:39:26 PM
.... i found you can charge regular battery's by wrapping them in cling wrap and putting them under a pillow that you sleep on over night. ....
Whaaaaaaa!!???
Yeah I saw that too. I can only hope he was just testing us to see if we were paying attention.
To the best of my knowledge, there has been no documented case where a human was able to recharge a battery by sleeping on it.
Perhaps he's aware of some area 51 projects that we aren't.  ;)
Title: Re: Battery Life of the new wireless camera package deal?
Post by: steven r on June 23, 2008, 05:49:46 PM
Just try it, DON'T USE LITHIUM!!!
A battery may recover some sitting but I bet you wouldn't see any difference from these groups:
Title: Re: Battery Life of the new wireless camera package deal?
Post by: HA Dave on June 23, 2008, 06:15:36 PM
............ I know one thing it was used back in the day in the military for the radios if a solder had no other option........

Actually.... we used dry cell batteries "back in the day" when I was an Army radio operator. We didn't have rechargeable batteries (other than lead-acid) back then. The rechargeable battery commanly used today... didn't become available until 1980. The trick was to (preserve the batteries strength in extremely frigid weather) keep the spare (next) set warm... next to our bodies. So the harness was worn inside our coats... instead of the outside.

I should point out.... I know of this only from my training. As I was assigned as a radio teletype operator.
Title: Re: Battery Life of the new wireless camera package deal?
Post by: Knightrider on June 23, 2008, 06:21:11 PM
Yes this was used back in the day. BUT IT DOESN'T RECHARGE THE BATTERY. 
Batteries use a chemical reaction to produce current.  This reaction is dependent on the temperature of the reacting agents.  In cold weather, a battery's potential to produce current is diminished.  By putting the battery under a pillow (or in your armpit) you can squeeze a little more life from a simple battery. 
Not sure what benefit the cling wrap provided.  Not sure where a soldier got cling wrap anyway.
Title: Re: Battery Life of the new wireless camera package deal?
Post by: HA Dave on June 23, 2008, 06:24:59 PM
.................. Not sure where a soldier got cling wrap anyway.

Yeah, really! "Back in the day" we called cling-wrap... waxed paper.

Feeling really old about now!
Title: Re: Battery Life of the new wireless camera package deal?
Post by: zach1234 on June 23, 2008, 06:33:00 PM
At least I didnt recomend this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=U6dN8XKxs2k&feature=related

Penut butter on tires help you stop quicker.