Constant power supply for Flash unit
May 18, 2015 20:27:52 #
Has anyone (successfully) been able to replace the 4 AA batteries in a DSLR flash unit, with a single (AC powered) DC power source? My flash seems to eat the 4 AA batteries which is not conducive when testing ideas requiring flash. I just curious if anybody has a DIY solution or even a purchasable solution.
May 18, 2015 20:34:24 #
Try rechargeable they last longer then standard AA. You may already be doing so.
May 18, 2015 20:41:13 #
lightcatcher, thanks, but yes I have tried them and actually they don't seem to last as long as the standard batteries.....thanks for commenting!
lightcatcher wrote:
Try rechargeable they last longer then standard AA. You may already be doing so.
May 18, 2015 20:55:43 #
May 18, 2015 20:56:42 #
Lens Cap wrote:
lightcatcher, thanks, but yes I have tried them and actually they don't seem to last as long as the standard batteries.....thanks for commenting!
That's because rechargeable batteries are 1.2 volts where alkaline are 1.5 volts. You might try Energizer's lithium AA's. They have a whole lot longer useful life that alkaline.
On the other hand, you might try a Quantum battery. It's a 6 volt lead acid battery that requires a module to plug into your flash unit & into the battery pack. B&H sells them. The Quantum website is http://www.qtm.com/index.php/products/2012-05-17-18-18-59/quantum-batteries. Click on the Products tab, scroll down to the What Works With My Gear tab & you can check whether there is a battery/module available for your flash.
I have a Quantum Battery 1 that I purchased new in 1988 when I bought a Maxxum 7000i and 4000AF flash. When I switched to digital I didn't use it for many years. Rebuilt it in 2013 when I went to work for Batteries Plus. It's still going strong.
May 18, 2015 21:16:57 #
lightcatcher, this looks like what I am looking for...thank you!
lightcatcher wrote:
May 18, 2015 21:18:14 #
nicksr1125, the website you posted is not working for me, but I will check this out. Thank you for your responce!
nicksr1125 wrote:
That's because rechargeable batteries are 1.2 volt... (show quote)
May 18, 2015 21:27:48 #
A constant voltage power supply can burn out a flash unit. When they design the flash they count on the fact that the battery drops its voltage under high current draw. Flash that were designed to use only alkaline may be damaged when used with NiMH because the NiMH drops the voltage less.
When the flash capacitor is empty it would draw a lot of current on the inverter circuit as the capacitor got charged up it draw less current and the battery must deliver higher voltage to charge the capacitor fully.
If you use any of the adapter in the link the flash would recycle slowly and the adapter would get very hot.
When the flash capacitor is empty it would draw a lot of current on the inverter circuit as the capacitor got charged up it draw less current and the battery must deliver higher voltage to charge the capacitor fully.
If you use any of the adapter in the link the flash would recycle slowly and the adapter would get very hot.
May 19, 2015 05:24:05 #
Lens Cap wrote:
nicksr1125, the website you posted is not working for me, but I will check this out. Thank you for your responce!
Try qtm.com. The link didn't work for me either.
May 19, 2015 05:54:07 #
Lens Cap wrote:
Has anyone (successfully) been able to replace the 4 AA batteries in a DSLR flash unit, with a single (AC powered) DC power source? My flash seems to eat the 4 AA batteries which is not conducive when testing ideas requiring flash. I just curious if anybody has a DIY solution or even a purchasable solution.
I was having the same problem a couple of years ago (Metz 36) & was thinking of using my Metta Blitz {think that is how you spell it} from my film days but was warned off it on account of frying my Canon. The problem is that I occasionally do prize winners presentations which can be as many as 40 or more clicks & on the advice of this forum I have since been using Eneloop rechargeable (worth the extra expense} which are more than up to the challenge.
May 19, 2015 07:33:28 #
Lens Cap wrote:
Has anyone (successfully) been able to replace the 4 AA batteries in a DSLR flash unit, with a single (AC powered) DC power source? My flash seems to eat the 4 AA batteries which is not conducive when testing ideas requiring flash. I just curious if anybody has a DIY solution or even a purchasable solution.
I use a Quantum battery system. I inherited the battery and charger from my father and purchased the adapters for my SB600's from B&H.
May 19, 2015 09:05:27 #
BebuLamar wrote:
A constant voltage power supply can burn out a fla... (show quote)
:thumbup:
Many of the new model flashes have automatic heat shutdown units to stop the problem.
My older flash units didn't. They didn't over heat but the batteries almost did.
When I quickly went to replace them I almost burned my hand they got so hot.
May 19, 2015 10:42:23 #
Jim Grimes
Loc: Crossville, TN
Lens Cap wrote:
lightcatcher, this looks like what I am looking for...thank you!
I would be very interested in any comments any users of the BatteryEliminator might have. It would seem that, if the BatteryEliminator works reliably, it would be a wonderful addition to the kit of anyone who uses multiple speedlights, radios, etc.; and is sick of replacing batteries; watching out for leaky ones; recharging, etc.
May 19, 2015 11:01:34 #
I can speak to the durability and dependability of the Quantum battery packs. Mine lasted about 20 years with various Nikon strobes. They sold an insert to replace the 4 AA's that I modified a couple of times. Unfortunately Nikon has changed their battery doors to where I don't think the version I had worked anymore.
I also bought some used Lumedyne vintage modular strobes from a guy who had used fairly heavy sealed batteries shoved in an old nicad Lumedyne case. These are the batteries typically used in burglar systems. Obviously not for shoulder use but great when you want to shoot forever. I use a small motorcycle battery charger when needed.
I also bought some used Lumedyne vintage modular strobes from a guy who had used fairly heavy sealed batteries shoved in an old nicad Lumedyne case. These are the batteries typically used in burglar systems. Obviously not for shoulder use but great when you want to shoot forever. I use a small motorcycle battery charger when needed.
May 19, 2015 11:24:28 #
Lens Cap wrote:
nicksr1125, the website you posted is not working for me, but I will check this out. Thank you for your responce!
Remove the period at the end of the link and it will work. (Just tried it!)
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