How can I power a Sony a7 II continuously with a dummy battery and power bank?
Asked 10/12/2021
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2 answers
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I bought a dummy battery with a USB-C power adapter to run my Sony a7 II for longer video shoots from a power bank, but the camera does not turn on. I suspect the issue is voltage: a basic USB power bank outputs 5V, while the adapter appears to need a higher input such as 9Vā20V. What kind of external power source works for these dummy battery adapters in real use? Can a USB-C power bank do it, or do I need a different type of power bank or DC source?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source Ā· Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
4y ago
2 Answers
2
USB-C has two power modes:
- 5V for peripherals and phones
- Up 20V or so when used as a power source for laptops (the recent generation no longer has a dedicated power socket). The actual voltage appears to be negotiated between the power source and the device.
The small & lightweight power banks deliver 5V because they are meant for smartphones. There is however a new type of power banks that aims at laptops and are likely what you are looking for since they deliver higher voltages. On Amazon they are often advertized as working with MacBooks (since Apple was the first to use this USB-C capability for its laptops). Not in the same capacity, size, price, and weight area, though. See this for a few examples.
Originally by user75947. Source Ā· Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user75947
4y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community ā verify before relying on it.
A basic 5V USB power bank usually wonāt run that kind of dummy battery adapter. Many USB-C devices only provide 5V by default, and higher voltages such as 9V, 12V, 15V, or 20V require USB-C PD negotiation. If your adapter expects PD input, the power source must support USB-C PD at the required voltage.
So the practical options are:
- a USB-C PD power bank designed for laptops, not just phones
- a larger power bank with a 12V DC output
- a 12V source such as a car jump starter/power station, if compatible with the adapter
Small phone-oriented power banks are typically 5V only and wonāt work unless the adapter can boost voltage internally. Check the dummy battery adapterās input requirements and make sure the power source matches them. If it says PD 9Vā20V, look for a laptop-capable USB-C PD bank or wall adapter. If it accepts 12V DC, a DC-output battery pack may also work.
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