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Forum: Do-It-Yourself
04-18-2013, 04:23 PM
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Frustrated by the battery problem with the K-X, and lack of a battery grip, I was inspired by another member on this group to solve the problem.
I chose a CANON type BG-E5 Battery Grip ( bought from Amazon for £15.88), which seemed to have the tripod bush in the same position as the K-X. This grip comes with two battery trays. One takes 6 x AA and the other takes 2 x LP-E5 lithium batteries.
With 5 x 1.2V rechargeable (and 1 x dummy battery) I will get 6V or more (better than the 4.8V with just 4), thus solving any battery problems. The cable isn't a problem, I have a small length of twin cable that connects to the grip (this is tucked inside the grip after connecting) that goes in via the small hole in the battery compartment. I have cut a small section off of the "door" so by the time the grip is fitted the cable is barely visible. The other end is connected to 2 x modified dummy batteries that are inserted into and power the K-X.
I have retained the metal post in the grip that stabilises the camera. I removed the bottom of the K-X and after exactly measuring the position, I drilled a hole in the bottom and glued a small piece of plastic over it to (stop any water/dust entering. The grip fits perfectly, and does feel much more comfortable than without, and adds a nice bit of weight and balance when using a strap, especially when using a large lens and/of flashgun.
As I got carried away with this project, I fitted a small voltmeter device (about £2.00 on ebay). This natty device runs from any source 3-30v and gives an accurate voltage reading. I wired it to the on/off switch on the grip, as, although it doesn’t consume much power, would eventually drain some power over a period of time. With 5 fresh batteries AA batteries, it will show 6.8V and lasts for ages. I shot a wedding a few weeks ago and took about 600 shots and the batteries still showed 6.2V with the camera switched on. I am basically getting the same performance as 4x Energizer Lithiums without the cost.
I have also fitted a trimmed down remote transmitter inside the grip wired to the portrait shutter button and powered by the grip. I fitted The remote transmitter LED in the bit that sticks out and houses the shutter botton. When remote operation is enabled, this works well in portrait mode, albeit without anti-shake.
I am intending using the LP-E5 battery tray, but I am concerned about the slightly higher voltage. This can be as high as 8.4 v on freshly charged batteries. Although my gut feeling is that the K-X must have some protection/regulation, I am not willing to take the risk at the moment. 4 x Energizer Lithium AAs can actually be as high as 7.2v.
If I have to use 4 x Lithium AA batteries, I use 2 x dummy batteries.
I have been a TV/Video engineer for 40 years, so I am used to working with electronics, but there was a lot of work and trial and error with this project. There are of course three buttons and one wheel that are not used, but that is normally the case is a grip is turned off and used in landscape mode.
All in all I think it was a worthwhile project, and I use it all the time.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-08-2013, 11:56 AM
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I have just modified a Canon grip for my K-X. I use 5 AA rechargeables & 1 dummy in the (6) battery tray, which gives me 6.8v with fresh NIMH AA's or 4 Lithium primary batteries & 2x dummy cells - this gives the usual 6-7V with fresh batteries. I made a battery connector from 2x dummy batteries.
I have fitted a small LED voltmeter in the grip which I have connected to the grip switch, so I can see exactly what voltage the camera is getting. The K-X battery problem is no more. I cannot understand why manufacturers don't have a voltmeter in the design as standard instead of the Green - Orange - Red/Off display
I will post pictures, but I am working on powering the grip with the alternative 2x 7.4v lithium rechargeables (I am a bit concerned with the higher voltage, as these batteries can be 8.4v when fully charged.
I did get the inspiration from a member who had used a Canon grip for his K-X.
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