DC-powered source (USB connection) E6 battery for use with EOS 6D and 6D Mk II cameras

[ChrisPBacon]

The heat from a Canon LP-E6N battery interferes with the sensor during minutes- to hours-long exposures, its thermal radiation causing ill-effects which ruin photographs of deep-space objects.  I’ve encountered this following exposure in as little as 8 minutes, and durations as long as 4.3 hours: I’ve eliminated all sources of light as the cause [producing identical results from taking photos inside a dark, cold (20°F) closet, lens cap on, an opaque black bag over the camera and lens, with exposures of as little as 10 minutes duration].

I observed a professional astronomer utilize a brand-x camera while taking long-duration astrophotographs of deep-space objects, using an external DC-power source to power his camera in place of the normal internal (lithium ion) camera battery: the battery is much like Canon’s DC Coupler DR-E6 and AC-E6N AC Adapter — except that instead of using an AC power source, the battery connected to another battery through a USB port, providing DC-to-DC power.

Using Canon’s DR-E6 and AC-E6N, while photographing at high altitude and sub-zero ambient temperatures, I’ll be forced to connect to an external AC source such as a generator or a large battery: (1) I will lose significant power utilizing a lithium battery at low temps; (2) I will lose 30-40% power converting the large lithium battery DC-to-AC using an inverter; then (3) I will lose another 40% of the power converting AC-to-DC through the use of the transformer-rectifier. My source of power must be available for 4-5 hours to power the camera for long-duration exposures, or taking hundreds of photos (each 5+ minutes’ duration): temperature-affected poor battery performance and connection losses make that questionable, perhaps impossible.

Most small generators will not provide AC power for that long a period at altitudes in excess of 12,000’ without refueling (neither gasoline or propane-powered generators have a 4-5 hour endurance); and the power provided by many small generators at high altitude is much too inconsistent for use with electronics without adverse signal-to-noise ratios. Larger inverter generators have ample gas tanks and clean power, but they weigh nearly 100 pounds and are not easily transported over rough terrain.

I’m left with the option of looking for an after-market battery for use in my EOS 6D or 6D Mk II, one that connects to a DC power source through a USB cable. Does anyone know of such a DC-to-DC battery compatible with the 6D/6D Mk II?

[ChrisPBacon]

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@Coldincanada wrote:

I am having the exact same problem. There must be a dummy battery for the D6 to USB to DC power supply. Did you find one as to this date?

Regards

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The only solution thus far that I've found is Canon's AC-E6N AC Adapter and DR-E6 (or DR-E18) DC Coupler.  It's intended only for indoor use with an AC power source: my inquiry came as a result of configuring a telescope with a mounted EOS 6D or 6D2 cameras, to be operated in remote sites and powered by either a dual-fuel inverter-equipped generator (directly) or through a 1100/1500-watt lithium-ion battery, itself charged by the generator or 2-100 watt solar panels.

Ideally, if I could power the camera's power supply through one of the two DC-power sources, I wouldn't lose power through the DC-AC-DC transfer [battery/generator-inverter to (AC-E6N AC Adapter and DR-E6) to camera battery].  The EOS R can be recharged through use of a USB cable — perhaps even operated while powered by the USB cable — but Canon must not believe that a remote power requirement could exist where a battery grip, spare batteries, or vehicle-connected battery recharging unit would be inadequate.  My power requirements, operating cameras and telescope at high altitude for extended periods (3-4 weeks), create a logistical nightmare even with 2 generators, solar panels, and 4 large lithium-ion batteries.

[marcin_ose]

How about a lead acid battery - as many of these as you need so it could even be multiple Walmart motorcycle batteries - and a simple inverter - so that you can plug in your E6 DC coupler? Using an E6 or similar DC coupler appears to be your only option. Are you solving for the most effective way to feed the E6 DC coupler, or am I missing your point?

We're doing multiple day-time lapse on the D6, our solution is PV panels + battery bank + small inverter, but not the deep space application.