Powerbank for bicycle helmet mounted cameras

Question

I'm looking for a power bank to extend the capacity of my action cam battery.

Requirements:

Small enough to mount on a bicycle helmet
Its shape fits well to bicycle helmets
Possible/easy to mount on a helmet
At least 1000mAh capacity

Nice to have features:

No need to power on, always on (I don't want two handle two power buttons, the one on the camera is enough)
Easy to mount/unmount (umount for shorter rides, or using more than one for longer rides)

How are you going to attach it to your helmet? Would using Velcro be ok? What helmet do you have? — Cfinley, Sep 24 '15 at 16:43
@Cfinley: Velcro is ok for me. It's something like this one: http://www.bellhelmets.com/en_eu/cycling/helmets/recreational/xlp — palacsint, Sep 24 '15 at 20:23

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Jan 27 '16 at 05:26

I did some research and found that most power banks (and laptop batteries) use 18650 Li-Ion batteries (cells).

So finally I bought a 18650 battery case (search for "18650 power bank case") which I'm using with a 18650 cell from a disassembled old laptop battery. Currently this one:

Product link and image source: 2600mAh 5V 1A USB Power Bank Case Charger DIY Box For iPhone

Small enough to mount on a bicycle helmet Its shape fits well to bicycle helmets

It's not perfect, but it seems to be the best option currently. Mine weights 67 grams (including battery).

Possible/easy to mount on a helmet

With self-adhesive velcro it works fine.

At least 1000mAh capacity

18650 batteries usually have 2600+mAh capacity.

No need to power on, always on (I don't want two handle two power buttons, the one on the camera is enough)

I have not tested it thoughtfully but mine does not have any power button and seems fine.

Easy to mount/unmount (unmount for shorter rides, or using more than one for longer rides)

Velcro solves that.

Powerbank for bicycle helmet mounted cameras

1 Answers1