Modifying a Pentax AF360FGZ

**grog85361** · 01-10-2016, 11:04 AM

Some flash units that have provision for external batteries use the external battery to only charge the flash capacitor, and need batteries in the battery compartment to run the flash electronics. Since the OP is making his connections to the AF360FG's internal battery connections, he is powering the cap and the electronics with his external battery. The flash will not know the difference. Great idea, good way to extend the life of a damaged flash unit! I'm looking forward to seeing how it looks when finished!

**MJSfoto1956** · 01-10-2016, 11:44 AM

Originally posted by wombat2go

MJS, I would comment that the AF360 was already top heavy, putting strain on the hotshoe of both the camera and the flash. Now yours is more so. Do you have a flash grip?

wombat2go makes an excellent point -- the battery can go anywhere -- including on your belt or shirt pocket or even on the camera strap. Further, I won't be limited to AA cells: most any 6v power supply will work including SLAs. For "strobist" work I will likely use an SLA with a splitter and pair the two (or more) AF360s together.

Michael

SOldBear · 01-11-2016, 01:11 PM

Originally posted by Digitalis

The problem with using battery packs with pentax flash units is that you still need batteries in the flash unit itself for it to work in the first place.

This applies ONLY to the use of a high-voltage external power pack (e.g. Quantum Turbo). The purposes of the high-voltage power pack are (1) shorten the cycle time and (2) minimize or eliminate the need to change batteries. Some flash units, especially ones with LCD display (e.g. Pentax AF540FGZ first version), still need low voltage from the internal batteries for the display/camera interface. Others (e.g. Sunpak 444D or Metz 45CT-4) don't. Note that to use high-voltage power pack, the flash has to have an input port for such. I don't think the Pentax 360FGZ does.

The OP is adapting the flash to use with a low-voltage external power pack. In this case, the flash doesn't know and doesn't care where the voltage supply comes from.

Side note: Pentax/Ricoh eliminated the high-voltage input port in the current version of the 540 flash. What a shame.

---------- Post added 01-11-2016 at 12:23 PM ----------

Originally posted by p38arover

Originally posted by Digitalis:
>> I recall reading in the flash manual for the AF540FGZ that you still need batteries in the compartment to use it with external battery packs. I assumed the AF360FGZ would be the same.

The user manual for my Sunpak DX8R ring flash does say that, too, but I assume that's when one has an external pack that isn't wired to completely replace the internal pack.

This is true. But the low-voltage from internal batteries of the Sunpak is used to power ONLY the interface with the camera (as in TTL mode). If you use the DX8R in manual or auto thryristor mode, the internal batteries are not needed.

Lifted from the manual: "Even when your auto DX 8R is used with external power sources, always store batteries inside for dedicated function. Your auto DX 8R is not interfaced to the camera without internal batteries."

mikeSF · 01-11-2016, 01:25 PM

nice mod!
I have experienced the battery door problem and for one of my AF540 flashes, did a door fix with Legos. Thread here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/62-do-yourself/296343-flash-door-diy-repa...g-legos-2.html

**Digitalis** · 01-11-2016, 07:33 PM

Originally posted by SOldBear

Pentax/Ricoh eliminated the high-voltage input port in the current version of the 540 flash. What a shame.

This is why I kept my old AF540FGZ, also the battery door on it is made of tougher plastic than the current model. But now I use the Godox AD180 and AD360 and they are head and shoulders above anything else in terms of battery life and build quality. The AD180 can fire off 960 flashes at full 1:1 power, try getting anywhere near that with a AA powered flash.

awaldram · 01-12-2016, 03:54 AM

Originally posted by Digitalis

The problem with using battery packs with pentax flash units is that you still need batteries in the flash unit itself for it to work in the first place.

Whilst this is true for the fgz540 , Because the TR3 provides 330v for fast recycling to the capacitor not the 5v the control circuits require it is not true for the mod the OP proposes

Replacing the internal 6v batteries with external 6v power source by tapping the 6v in on the cct board will have no adverse effect on functionality nor require the internal batteries fitted.

As an aside I 'fixed' my broken door by using a plastic screw through the door into the case , it rock solid but you need a screwdriver to change batteries.

---------- Post added 12-01-16 at 10:59 AM ----------

Originally posted by Digitalis

This is why I kept my old AF540FGZ, also the battery door on it is made of tougher plastic than the current model. But now I use the Godox AD180 and AD360 and they are head and shoulders above anything else in terms of battery life and build quality. The AD180 can fire off 960 flashes at full 1:1 power, try getting anywhere near that with a AA powered flash.

You can power the fgz540 off a godox PSU (lead needed but both 330v) and as it delivers less power than the AD units you'd get considerably more than 960 1:1 flashes.

Dont see the point but true anyway.

**MJSfoto1956** · 01-23-2016, 12:54 PM - **2 Likes**

Here's what the completed mod looks like:

Now on to the 2nd flash...

Michael

P.S. I showed the battery door open just to emphasize that all power is coming from the remote battery pack

**bobbotron** · 01-23-2016, 01:17 PM

Originally posted by MJSfoto1956

Here's what the completed mod looks like:

Now on to the 2nd flash...

Michael

P.S. I showed the battery door open just to emphasize that all power is coming from the remote battery pack

Love it!

Any plans to make the cord longer so you could move the batteries off camera?

**MJSfoto1956** · 01-23-2016, 01:19 PM

Originally posted by bobbotron

Love it! Any plans to make the cord longer so you could move the batteries off camera?

oh yes, adding extension cords will be easy. Just need to use a heavier gauge.

Michael

ppohja · 01-24-2016, 04:33 AM

Horrible looks! I love it

. Got two of these units, one with problems with the battery door and another which is intact. Now off to 3d printing design table...

ppohja · 01-24-2016, 05:33 AM

Originally posted by awaldram

Whilst this is true for the fgz540 , Because the TR3 provides 330v for fast recycling to the capacitor not the 5v the control circuits require it is not true for the mod the OP proposes
...

You can power the fgz540 off a godox PSU (lead needed but both 330v)

Care to provide more details on what would exactly be needed for this? Is there somewhere a connector available, as I believe none of the GODOX cables from GODOX PHOTO EQUIPMENT CO.,LTD work with fgz540 (or af-500 ftz which would be the case of my interest).

**MJSfoto1956** · 01-24-2016, 10:36 AM

one of the unstated benefits of a battery pack that is hanging on your belt or in your pocket -- the unit is practically weightless without all those batteries, making handling the camera/flash bundle much easier.

M

raider · 01-25-2016, 01:52 AM

i know this is OT but an this concept be modified for the Pentax Q?

**MJSfoto1956** · 01-25-2016, 07:21 AM

Originally posted by raider

i know this is OT but an this concept be modified for the Pentax Q?

I would say that pretty much any flash can be modified to accept external power -- trouble is, some of these units have very little room inside and there is always the possibility that you open it up only to not be able to put it back together. Worse, if you don't know what you are doing you could get a severe shock from the internal capacitor or alternatively break something internal. So yes, it is possible. But you might want to consider a "dummy battery" solution instead (google it).

Michael

ppohja · 07-10-2016, 10:45 AM

Originally posted by ppohja

Care to provide more details on what would exactly be needed for this? Is there somewhere a connector available, as I believe none of the GODOX cables from GODOX PHOTO EQUIPMENT CO.,LTD work with fgz540 (or af-500 ftz which would be the case of my interest).

Happened to stumble upon the understanding that the Godox output connector is just the same as Quantum Turbo output. Thus the cable JJC QTS-4 is ought to be the right one.

Let's see, I just ordered two, I'll let you know when I get the chance to test it.

Hey but you're me from the history asking this question!

01-11-2016, 01:11 PM	#18
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by Digitalis The problem with using battery packs with pentax flash units is that you still need batteries in the flash unit itself for it to work in the first place. This applies ONLY to the use of a high-voltage external power pack (e.g. Quantum Turbo). The purposes of the high-voltage power pack are (1) shorten the cycle time and (2) minimize or eliminate the need to change batteries. Some flash units, especially ones with LCD display (e.g. Pentax AF540FGZ first version), still need low voltage from the internal batteries for the display/camera interface. Others (e.g. Sunpak 444D or Metz 45CT-4) don't. Note that to use high-voltage power pack, the flash has to have an input port for such. I don't think the Pentax 360FGZ does. The OP is adapting the flash to use with a low-voltage external power pack. In this case, the flash doesn't know and doesn't care where the voltage supply comes from. Side note: Pentax/Ricoh eliminated the high-voltage input port in the current version of the 540 flash. What a shame. ---------- Post added 01-11-2016 at 12:23 PM ---------- Originally posted by p38arover Originally posted by Digitalis: >> I recall reading in the flash manual for the AF540FGZ that you still need batteries in the compartment to use it with external battery packs. I assumed the AF360FGZ would be the same. The user manual for my Sunpak DX8R ring flash does say that, too, but I assume that's when one has an external pack that isn't wired to completely replace the internal pack. This is true. But the low-voltage from internal batteries of the Sunpak is used to power ONLY the interface with the camera (as in TTL mode). If you use the DX8R in manual or auto thryristor mode, the internal batteries are not needed. Lifted from the manual: "Even when your auto DX 8R is used with external power sources, always store batteries inside for dedicated function. Your auto DX 8R is not interfaced to the camera without internal batteries." Last edited by SOldBear; 01-11-2016 at 01:27 PM.

01-23-2016, 12:54 PM - 2 Likes	#22
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305 Original Poster	here's what the completed mod looks like Here's what the completed mod looks like: Now on to the 2nd flash... Michael P.S. I showed the battery door open just to emphasize that all power is coming from the remote battery pack

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01-10-2016, 11:04 AM	#16
grog85361 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Phoenix Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 894	Some flash units that have provision for external batteries use the external battery to only charge the flash capacitor, and need batteries in the battery compartment to run the flash electronics. Since the OP is making his connections to the AF360FG's internal battery connections, he is powering the cap and the electronics with his external battery. The flash will not know the difference. Great idea, good way to extend the life of a damaged flash unit! I'm looking forward to seeing how it looks when finished!

01-10-2016, 11:44 AM	#17
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305 Original Poster	Originally posted by wombat2go MJS, I would comment that the AF360 was already top heavy, putting strain on the hotshoe of both the camera and the flash. Now yours is more so. Do you have a flash grip? wombat2go makes an excellent point -- the battery can go anywhere -- including on your belt or shirt pocket or even on the camera strap. Further, I won't be limited to AA cells: most any 6v power supply will work including SLAs. For "strobist" work I will likely use an SLA with a splitter and pair the two (or more) AF360s together. Michael

01-11-2016, 01:25 PM	#19
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622	nice mod! I have experienced the battery door problem and for one of my AF540 flashes, did a door fix with Legos. Thread here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/62-do-yourself/296343-flash-door-diy-repa...g-legos-2.html

01-11-2016, 07:33 PM	#20
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by SOldBear Pentax/Ricoh eliminated the high-voltage input port in the current version of the 540 flash. What a shame. This is why I kept my old AF540FGZ, also the battery door on it is made of tougher plastic than the current model. But now I use the Godox AD180 and AD360 and they are head and shoulders above anything else in terms of battery life and build quality. The AD180 can fire off 960 flashes at full 1:1 power, try getting anywhere near that with a AA powered flash.

01-12-2016, 03:54 AM	#21
awaldram Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 732	Originally posted by Digitalis The problem with using battery packs with pentax flash units is that you still need batteries in the flash unit itself for it to work in the first place. Whilst this is true for the fgz540 , Because the TR3 provides 330v for fast recycling to the capacitor not the 5v the control circuits require it is not true for the mod the OP proposes Replacing the internal 6v batteries with external 6v power source by tapping the 6v in on the cct board will have no adverse effect on functionality nor require the internal batteries fitted. As an aside I 'fixed' my broken door by using a plastic screw through the door into the case , it rock solid but you need a screwdriver to change batteries. ---------- Post added 12-01-16 at 10:59 AM ---------- Originally posted by Digitalis This is why I kept my old AF540FGZ, also the battery door on it is made of tougher plastic than the current model. But now I use the Godox AD180 and AD360 and they are head and shoulders above anything else in terms of battery life and build quality. The AD180 can fire off 960 flashes at full 1:1 power, try getting anywhere near that with a AA powered flash. You can power the fgz540 off a godox PSU (lead needed but both 330v) and as it delivers less power than the AD units you'd get considerably more than 960 1:1 flashes. Dont see the point but true anyway.

01-23-2016, 01:17 PM	#23
bobbotron Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ottawa, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,349	Originally posted by MJSfoto1956 Here's what the completed mod looks like: Now on to the 2nd flash... Michael P.S. I showed the battery door open just to emphasize that all power is coming from the remote battery pack Love it! Any plans to make the cord longer so you could move the batteries off camera?

01-23-2016, 01:19 PM	#24
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305 Original Poster	Originally posted by bobbotron Love it! Any plans to make the cord longer so you could move the batteries off camera? oh yes, adding extension cords will be easy. Just need to use a heavier gauge. Michael

01-24-2016, 04:33 AM	#25
ppohja Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 194	Horrible looks! I love it . Got two of these units, one with problems with the battery door and another which is intact. Now off to 3d printing design table...

01-24-2016, 05:33 AM	#26
ppohja Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 194	Originally posted by awaldram Whilst this is true for the fgz540 , Because the TR3 provides 330v for fast recycling to the capacitor not the 5v the control circuits require it is not true for the mod the OP proposes ... You can power the fgz540 off a godox PSU (lead needed but both 330v) Care to provide more details on what would exactly be needed for this? Is there somewhere a connector available, as I believe none of the GODOX cables from GODOX PHOTO EQUIPMENT CO.,LTD work with fgz540 (or af-500 ftz which would be the case of my interest).

01-24-2016, 10:36 AM	#27
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305 Original Poster	one of the unstated benefits of a battery pack that is hanging on your belt or in your pocket -- the unit is practically weightless without all those batteries, making handling the camera/flash bundle much easier. M

01-25-2016, 01:52 AM	#28
raider Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,989	i know this is OT but an this concept be modified for the Pentax Q?

01-25-2016, 07:21 AM	#29
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305 Original Poster	Originally posted by raider i know this is OT but an this concept be modified for the Pentax Q? I would say that pretty much any flash can be modified to accept external power -- trouble is, some of these units have very little room inside and there is always the possibility that you open it up only to not be able to put it back together. Worse, if you don't know what you are doing you could get a severe shock from the internal capacitor or alternatively break something internal. So yes, it is possible. But you might want to consider a "dummy battery" solution instead (google it). Michael

07-10-2016, 10:45 AM	#30
ppohja Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 194	Originally posted by ppohja Care to provide more details on what would exactly be needed for this? Is there somewhere a connector available, as I believe none of the GODOX cables from GODOX PHOTO EQUIPMENT CO.,LTD work with fgz540 (or af-500 ftz which would be the case of my interest). Happened to stumble upon the understanding that the Godox output connector is just the same as Quantum Turbo output. Thus the cable JJC QTS-4 is ought to be the right one. Let's see, I just ordered two, I'll let you know when I get the chance to test it. Hey but you're me from the history asking this question!