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Is it possible without killing the car's battery?

I want to use at least one or more (3 studio strobes) I own powered from the car's battery for an on-location shoot (that has no power in sight, in state park) from either a 100w strobe, or 300w strobe... possible? Don't know... but I'd like to know if anyone tried it...?

(using a a prius 2008)

ChrisAdval wrote in post #15996087
Is it possible without killing the car's battery?

I want to use at least one or more (3 studio strobes) I own powered from the car's battery for an on-location shoot (that has no power in sight, in state park) from either a 100w strobe, or 300w strobe... possible? Don't know... but I'd like to know if anyone tried it...?

(using a a prius 2008)

It most definitely can be done....but there are multiple "Gotchas" in getting it done correctly. 1)Without going off the deep end technically, the first issue is what type of light? If the light is powered by a universal power supply, there are issues if you connect more than one strobe to the inverter. If the power supply for the light is a 110 volt unit, you could get away with connecting multiple strobes to one inverter. 2)The inverter can put your lights at risk if you use a bargain basement variety. The way to play safe is to use a "Pure Sine Wave" inverter. The wattage of the inverter should be able to handle the transient power of your lights....This wattage could be 4 times the wattage you mention above, as when the strobe is recycling it will draw a LARGE current for a very short time..

My best advice would be to look at least double or triple the power of the lights in question. If you are using lights that have a universal power supply(90 to 250V AC), my suggestion would be to avoid using the strobes, unless you intend to have an inverter for each individual light.

Regards,

110yd

ChrisAdval wrote in post #15996087
Is it possible without killing the car's battery?

I want to use at least one or more (3 studio strobes) I own powered from the car's battery for an on-location shoot (that has no power in sight, in state park) from either a 100w strobe, or 300w strobe... possible? Don't know... but I'd like to know if anyone tried it...?

(using a a prius 2008)

Yikes on the prius part. I know they have a 12V system and then they have the high voltage system. I would be scared of screwing something up to be honest.

I have done it on my beater car with no problem, but I would not try on that. I have put 3 strobes on my set up no problem.

sigma pi wrote in post #15996407
Yikes on the prius part. I know they have a 12V system and then they have the high voltage system. I would be scared of screwing something up to be honest.

I have done it on my beater car with no problem, but I would not try on that. I have put 3 strobes on my set up no problem.

You might want to clarify 3 strobes with what kind of power supply (110V or something UNIVERSAL)? So no strobes get toasted in the process..

110yd

Personally I would go with a power pack option instead of trying to run directly off the car. (Bonus point is that it is easier to lug lights and a portable power pack through the woods than it is to lug a prius.)

Luckless wrote in post #15996538
Personally I would go with a power pack option instead of trying to run directly off the car. (Bonus point is that it is easier to lug lights and a portable power pack through the woods than it is to lug a prius.)

I agree, just limited on cash flow right now and got a big shoot (personal project) I could use at least 3 vagabonds (and 2spare batteries) which could cost about a grand... But could get away with just 1 vagabond, or the car's battery if possible... so wasn't sure. Was looking for save on my budgeted big shoot going down in 2 weeks.

The 12v battery on a Prius is a piece of $h!t. It is barely bigger than the battery on a motorcycle. It is only used to get the car's computer to start the car. After that, virtually everything else is powered from the VERY high voltage hybrid battery.

The Prius battery is also a pain in the ass to replace when it eventually dies. It is expensive, and hard to find. I know, because I have two Prii, and I had to replace the 12v battery once.

DO NOT use the Prius 12v battery to power your strobes, unless you like paying a lot of money to do something very simple. Just purchase a VML from PCB and call it good.

Richard Cranium wrote in post #15996814
The 12v battery on a Prius is a piece of $h!t. It is barely bigger than the battery on a motorcycle. It is only used to get the car's computer to start the car. After that, virtually everything else is powered from the VERY high voltage hybrid battery.

The Prius battery is also a pain in the ass to replace when it eventually dies. It is expensive, and hard to find. I know, because I have two Prii, and I had to replace the 12v battery once.

DO NOT use the Prius 12v battery to power your strobes, unless you like paying a lot of money to do something very simple. Just purchase a VML from PCB and call it good.

how about using the power from the hybrid battery?

ChrisAdval wrote in post #15997187
how about using the power from the hybrid battery?

This is an idea that you should totally forget. You cannot run any flash units directly off the DC power and there are no inverters made to run off the batteries in the Prius models (201 to 288 volts DC, depending on the model of the car).

ChrisAdval wrote in post #15997187
how about using the power from the hybrid battery?

Hmmmm so OP wants to use the VERY HIGH VOLTAGE battery to power his stuff, even after two people posted.

Seems legit.

the Darwin award goes to ..........

110yd wrote in post #15996424
You might want to clarify 3 strobes with what kind of power supply (110V or something UNIVERSAL)? So no strobes get toasted in the process..

110yd

Good point!


Its a good samlex
http://www.civicsolar.​com …Ka1lPnnyrcCFeuD​Qgodg20Acg

Rent a small gas generator.

SkipD wrote in post #15997479
This is an idea that you should totally forget. You cannot run any flash units directly off the DC power and there are no inverters made to run off the batteries in the Prius models (201 to 288 volts DC, depending on the model of the car).

Transformer to convert high voltage to 12V + pure sine wave inverter

That said, I still wouldn't risk doing damage to the Prius battery system which could cost thousands to replace vs. buying a Vagabond (@ $239). Not to mention the thought that Toyota would probably void the warranty once they find out...

If you cannot afford the outright cost of the required gear commensurate with the task, consider renting the gear.

The capacity of the 12 Volt system for the Prius is anemic (a tiny 12 Volt battery).

Using the high Voltage packs of the Prius is both a grand technical challenge, likely a challenge that will itself be more costly that a day rental in the gear you need, and potentially a significant hazard.

Enjoy! Lon

drvnbysound wrote in post #15998858
Transformer to convert high voltage to 12V + pure sine wave inverter

Such a transformer does not exist. Transformers only work on AC (alternating current). Batteries produce DC (direct current).