Outdoor portable power ?

Lasagne

Lasagne

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Andy
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Hi

I've got studio lights which I'd like to use outdoors. Is there any device that can be charged at home, then taken outdoors to provide 240v power with a mains socket ?

I know I could use a diesel generator, but that's not feasible because of noise etc.

I hope I've described what I'm looking for properly :)
 
Some of the suitcase type petrol gennies are pretty quiet..........(y)
 
andrewc said:
How about a 12v caravan leisure battery and an inverter (12v - 240v)

A car battery could be used as well. Both would need charging before you left.
Click to expand...

When you say both, you mean whichever I choose (a caravan or a car battery) would need charging I assume ? Then once it is charged I can use an inverter which
converts the power to 240v. Is that correct ?
 
Yes.

Car batteries are designed for high current for short periods of time, whereas caravan leisure batteries are designed for a lower current but for longer. A battery is silent but would need charging on a battery charger before leaving the house.

A power inverter from Maplins for example could turn a 12v output into a 300w 240v output. This could fairly easily be weatherproofed.

For safety and ease of use I would look for a sealed gel type battery.
 
Be very careful!! You inverter needs to be a "pure sine wave" type or it will fry most monoblocks. I have a link somewhere that does batteries and inverters combined, will have to look for you.
Mart.
 
A DIY portable power link

HERE

Mart
 
do check that watever you get has a clean output, can upset electronics,

though this is part of the reason I use speedlights, that and needing to be able to get all my kit on my back
 
Try this: http://www.thesolarcentre.co.uk/products/PowerPack_135-340-5.html
They're heavy and limited to a 300w output but they work for me. I use them to power both lights and recharge batteries in the field. I also recharge the power pack in the field using a P3 solar panel. The one in the link has a compressor but they are available without which saves a few lbs.

Having said all of the above, I prefer to use a couple of strobist kits over a full lighting set up.
 
How about adapting something like this? I carry one similar in the car in case I find the odd dark place.
 
Marvin d martian said:
Be very careful!! You inverter needs to be a "pure sine wave" type or it will fry most monoblocks. I have a link somewhere that does batteries and inverters combined, will have to look for you.
Mart.
Click to expand...

I second that - any diy solution MUST produce a pure sine wave or you are asking for trouble.
 
For what you are going to pay for a power pack, I would look at the Lencarta safari kit. Very well built, nicely powerfull and best of all, small and portable.
Mart.
 
One of the neatest solutions would be a small Bowens head and a travel pack. Fairly cost effective compared to a generator (which could wreak your head anyway).
In short made for the job, does the job.
 
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