Panasonic GH3 Video Cage External Battery DC Coupler

Emm • February 16, 2013 • 19 Comments

One issue with using a GH3 camera inside of the Gearbox GB-2 is trying to access the battery door. By using the Panasonic DC Coupler (dummy battery), i'm able to use an external power source like the Tekkeon MP3450i Battery (found here). The Tekkeon battery is capable of outputting various DC Voltage including the necessary 8.4V DC to power the GH3 camera. This allows me to use the the GH3 in this Video Cage for longer run times. Links to the equipment in this video found below.

Panasonic DC battery Coupler Adapter External Battery Panasonic GH3 DC Battery Coupler External Battery

817570 Tekkeon Battery Packs + Tekkeon Extended Bundle

Panasonic GH3 Camera Panasonic GH3 Digital Camera

jpeg P&C GearBox GB-2 DSLR Video Accessory Bracket

19 thoughts on “Panasonic GH3 Video Cage External Battery DC Coupler”

Tim
August 5, 2013 at 6:40 am

Hi, many thanks and I will check that link out. Best. Tim
Emm
Post authorAugust 4, 2013 at 7:28 pm

@Tim - I am using industrial velcro. If you are looking for a dedicated GH3 cage, check out a more recent article for the Fhugen GH3 Cage.
Tim
August 4, 2013 at 9:53 am

Hi... This is a great tip. I wondered if you might be kind enough to tell me how you attached the external battery to the gearbox cage? Many thanks.
michael
May 21, 2013 at 9:08 am

Hi guys I too am trying to get the right adaptor to power my new GH3 with the DC Coupler. I have the Tekkeon MP 3450 but have lost the power output cable. I can go on their website but want to be sure Im getting the correct cable and adaptor to fit my coupler that goes into the GH3. Any help would be appreciated with the exact model numbers for the Tekkeon adapters. A link would be even better.
Thanks
Johnson
February 26, 2013 at 11:23 pm

Thanks Emm!
I was basing it off of a GH2 coupler that I had, so glad I now have 3 of these. Guess that just means I need more GH3s.
Emm
Post authorFebruary 25, 2013 at 2:20 pm

@Johnson - The Adapter says 'A'. That is i'm using with my Tekkeon.
Johnson
February 25, 2013 at 8:45 am

No need for apologies buddy, your wealth of info has always been greatly appreciated!
Emm
Post authorFebruary 25, 2013 at 8:38 am

@Johnson - Darn sorry, let me check again today. I misunderstood your last comment and thought you already found the correct information.
Johnson
February 25, 2013 at 8:32 am

Hey Emm,

Might of missed it somewhere, but by chance did you find the letter marking on the tip adapter? Thanks sir!
johnson
February 19, 2013 at 12:12 pm

Thank Emm,

So I have the Tekkeon, but the letter A-E iirc, didn't fit GH2. Based on another person's info, he gave me the part number I needed for it. So I ordered 2 from Tekkeon direct. Turned out to be A, which I already had.
omar
February 18, 2013 at 10:43 am

this is awesome! thanks for posting this!
Emm
Post authorFebruary 18, 2013 at 9:03 am

@Mike C - This does not look like it has a converter and is actually designed for their AC adapter like this: https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMW-AC8-Adapter-Digital-Cameras/dp/B003Y5N8OS/
Mike C
February 18, 2013 at 8:28 am

Emm,

I've seen some coupler options that have a step-down module inside them, so they allow something like a 5-12v input, but output at the recommended value for that battery type. Do you know if these standard couplers do this as well? If so, one wouldn't need to optimize their external battery solution for that exact output.
Emm
Post authorFebruary 17, 2013 at 9:55 am

@John Frey - You will need 8.4V to power the GH3. The battery you mention only offers 5V/12V. The Tekkeon I have came with all the necessary tips and also offers various voltage including the 8.4V.
John Frey
February 17, 2013 at 9:52 am

Hey Em,

I bought the DC 0512V li-on battery last year after seeing it reviewed by you. Have kept it on the shelf (charged occasionally ) unused. It is listed as "DC-5V/12V". Do you know if this unit will work powering up the GH3. I just finally got my coupler for the GH3 and am awaiting the AC power supply.The connector cable that came with the battery will not fit in the DC coupler. Thanks.
Emm
Post authorFebruary 17, 2013 at 9:03 am

@Johnson - It's not the 2.5mm ID - 5.5mm OD one. It's smaller. I'll check again which tip I had to switch it to.
Johnson
February 17, 2013 at 1:52 am

Emm,

Which letter right angle adapter from Tekkeon are you using? I had problems finding the right one for the GH2 Coupler and hope the GH3's coupler is something I already have. Thanks!
Erik
February 16, 2013 at 5:26 pm

I have the GH3 DC coupler, but I can't seem to find the right 8.4V cable online to plug into my Anker external battery or my V-mount battery. Do you know what I should look for? Thanks!
BlueBomberTurbo
February 16, 2013 at 5:18 pm

Absolutely LOVE having this for my GH2. I can shoot on and off for over 7hrs with my eBay 12,000mah (@5V) battery. I just leave the camera on the whole time, and shoot when necessary. Incredible for event work.