Cooling a DSLR

[mickw]

For those not wishing to take a chainsaw to their camera.................
Camera Cooler

Bit pricey, but you can get the idea how to put one together yourself

[Mike]

It's basically Mark's cool box camera unit.

[mickw]

Yes, but it's much more expensive so must be better   

Just thought I'd post this as a reminder as DSLRs are gaining popularity
Also couldn't find Mark's original post 

[The Thing]

Look at the size of it! I've got a bigger electrics box than that sitting in the garage (£15) and a cool box (they are £39.99 now!) and no limitation on how big the box I can strap to the back of the scope if it's light (no forks now!). Maybe fridge cam will be born by next DSC, I had annoying amp glow on my attempt at the Crescent last DSC. It would make darks easier as well.

They should also have added a heat sink bolted to the tripod bush as that is connected to the metalwork that supports the CCD and so would produce better heat transfer out of the camera body.

[Carole]

Cool

I have been trying to construct something with a small coolbag and lightweight icepacks (Blisters), but so far I can't see it's reduced the temperature.  Must keep trying.

Where can one buy those fans?

Carole

[mickw]

Maplins/PC World, they're only case cooling fans.

You could be really annoying and get one with big LEDs 

[Mac]

Dont forget to turn of the lcd at the back of the camera i.e. no previews,
as this will increase the temperature at the back of the camera and increase noise.

Mac.

[Carole]

Dont forget to turn of the lcd at the back of the camera i.e. no previews,
as this will increase the temperature at the back of the camera and increase noise.

It's off, and now I can't find out how to switch it back on if I need it.  

Cheers Mick, have found some.  I assume they would be suitable for the purpose, i.e. cools enough and doesn't vibrate.

Carole

[mickw]

You do realise that the fans on the box thing are connected to a heat sink and peltier cooler ?

One cools the heat sink and one circulates chilled air to the camera.

If you're thinking of just aiming a fan at the camera, that would likely be a waste of time.

[MarkS]

That's right - a fan on its own won't help.

The coolbox consumes 5 amps which is quite a high consumption.  Having said that, it's nice to see a commercially available "non-intrusive" unit.

Mark

[Carole]

You do realise that the fans on the box thing are connected to a heat sink and peltier cooler ?

No I didn't, they said cooling fans so I thought that was what they did.

Back to the drawing board then.

Carole

[mickw]

Lucky escape 

[Carole]

Since my electronics skills are zero (I'm OK with a bit of Blue Peter), I have taken the plunge and ordered one of these.  I thought it was 1lb in weight, but now see it's 1kg .  Anyway, see how it goes.  Cheaper than buying a large chip OSC cooled CCD.

Just wondering how I change the battery without having to dismantle it all though.  Might have to get a dummy battery than runs off the electrics as well.  

Thanks for the tip off though Mick.
Will the spending never end!!!

Carole

[mickw]

Cheaper than buying a large chip OSC cooled CCD.

Not if it doesn't work and you still have to get -

a large chip OSC cooled CCD

.

Will the spending never end!!!

No !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mac]

(I'm OK with a bit of Blue Peter)

Is that the same a White Charlie ?

I thought it was 1lb in weight, but now see it's 1kg

easy enought just slide your telescope forward when it attached to shift the center of gravity.

Mac.