2014Batteries/Power forum
Powering film equipment during location shoots using vehicle-mounted power systems
12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A portable generator is often more fuel-efficient than running a vehicle engine to power equipment, especially for extended shoots.
- Charging batteries through an inverter powered by a vehicle battery introduces significant inefficiencies because power must be converted from DC to AC and then back to DC.
- A second battery can be installed in a vehicle with a charging controller that allows the alternator to charge it when the engine runs while preventing the accessory battery from draining the starter battery.
- Deep cycle marine batteries wired into a portable rolling chest with built-in inverter, cooling fans, and external controls can power equipment for several days between charges.
- Propane-converted generators produce less smell and fume than gasoline models and do not require carburetor draining for storage, as propane does not deteriorate like gasoline.
- Standard BBQ propane tanks can power a converted generator for over 24 hours of operation.
- Solar panels mounted on vehicles can contribute to charging systems in high-sunlight locations but may not provide sufficient power for all charging needs.
- A second vehicle battery requires a trickle charger for overnight recharging or can be charged through the vehicle alternator with proper wiring controls.
Depends on
- The efficiency loss when converting DC to AC and back makes battery-charging-via-inverter suboptimal compared to direct DC charging.
- Solar charging effectiveness depends on geographic location and available sunlight hours.
- Deep cycle marine battery systems are heavy despite their high amp-hour capacity.
- Specific technical details about professional ENG truck charging systems were not fully documented in the discussion.
- The discussion does not establish optimal inverter sizes for different equipment loads.