In Part 3 I showed you how I created a time-lapse video simply using Terminal commands to capture the images from the camera module, and a Windows machine to compile into a video.
I intend to make a 5th part in this series covering the latest slow motion capabilities of the camera module, but for now I thought it would be interesting to show you a few better examples of the time-lapse function outside of the home.
My last example was taken at home using mains power – this time – we’re on the move with the help of my new RAVPower power bank…
The Power Bank
I previously had logistical limitations to the scope of my time-lapse videos, with no way of powering my Raspberry Pi without a plug being within reach. All that has changed this week as just like Snap…I’ve got “The Power”.
Enter my latest purchase – An Element power bank from RAVPower.

Lots of extras!
This glossy black number currently costs around £20 from Amazon and packs 10400mAh of fruit juice (aka Raspberry Power!). The package comes complete with a storage bag and 2x USB to micro-USB cables.
The power bank offers 2 USB power ports – 1x 1 Amp and 1x 2 Amp. I’ll be using the 2 Amp port for the Pi, to make sure it gets everything it needs to power the camera module and USB network dongle.
A handy button is situated on the front which, when pressed, lights up 4 LEDs on the front to indicate the remaining charge in the unit. The power bank is charged via a micro-USB connection, the same as my phone (no messing around with specialist cables here!).

Clear, simple and easy to use
Power Capacity
The Element packs a massive 10400mAh capacity which will give more than enough to make any kind of timelapse video. To figure out how long it might last, a quick search on the Raspberry Pi forums gave me the following formula:
- The Pi needs 5V 700mA (bare minimum, I’ll be using more than this with the camera) – so that’s 5 (Volts) x 0.7 (Amps) = 3.5 (Watts)
- The Element powerbank pushes out 5V 10400mAh – so that’s 5 (Volts) x 10.4 (Amps) = 52 (Watt-hours)
- With this we can work out the Pi runs for 52 Watt-hours / 3.5 Watts = 14.8 hours
So nearly 15 hours on the go is available – although that assumes no Pi activity or attached devices. Even if it’s a few hours short of that with my peripherals, that’s plenty enough for my needs and I can easily do half a day of footage with that!

Classy use of Duct tape…
I compiled the shots using VirtualDub as before – 15 FPS this time – and you can see the end result video below complete with rain and wipers!
Want one? Get your own RAVPower Elements power bank from Amazon.
Average Man
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