Batteries for Flashes.

**kaseki** · 10-29-2018, 08:50 AM

Relevant link to flash battery performance:
BEST BATTERIES FOR YOUR SPEEDLIGHTS: A SHOWDOWN | Improve Photography

**kaseki** · 11-02-2018, 12:37 PM - **1 Like**

A Quantum CZ cable provides access to the flash charge, but only when it is attached to an operating Quantum Turbo Battery (QTB). In other words, the Cactus RF60X supply pins are protected, likely by diodes, so one can only observe the flash capacitor voltage indirectly by measuring the voltage on the output of the QTB when connected to the flash. The QTB used was of the older type. Access to the conductors was provided by a Quantum QT-48 dual output cable accessory, with the other branch connected to a Pentax flash compatible cable (aftermarket QTS-4). The flash end of the Pentax cable was connected to a 10X oscilloscope probe.

My observations are based on observing a Hitachi V422 (old school analog) 'scope trace at 0.2 sec/major division. The flash was set to 1/1.

Powering the flash with NiMH batteries in the flash and the QTB externally, apparent full charge is reached in about 1.4s. The test light illuminates at roughly 1.8s, while the beep is a few tenths later. A digitizing 'scope would be better for this task, but I don't have one.

Observationally, I am convinced that the test light is a very conservative measure of actual charge time at full flash power. All 1/1 measurements, whether performed with little rest time, or significant rest time, showed the same delay between apparent full charge and test light illumination with the QTB. However, at a 1/2 power setting, the test light barely fades before re-illuminating, suggesting that there is a bit of a storage time constant in the lamp circuit that works on both rising and falling flash capacitor voltage. Without the QTB, recharge is longer in the 1/2 setting, and the test lamp full extinguishes before re-illuminating. The beep however, seems to occur at the same time as re-illumination at 1/2 power.

angerdan · 11-04-2018, 03:33 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by BruceBanner

Thanks everyone for the input, I grabbed the following;
A few of these; LADDA Rechargeable battery - IKEA
A few of these; LADDA Rechargeable battery - IKEA
And one of this; STORHÖGEN Battery charger with storage - IKEA
Should do for the time being. I will look at the Godox PB960 when funds allow!

I wouldn't recommend the Storhögen charger. It doesn't terminate the charging process safely, so your cells are possibly exposed to overcharge.
Review of Charger Ikea Storhogen 603.306.50

What i do recommend is an universal charger whcih allows to recharge NiMh (AA/AAA) and Li-Ion (18650/21500) cells.
Most of them even show some more information (voltage, loaded capacity, resistance).
Round cell charger index (Universal)
Review of Charger Review Charger GyrFalcon All-88 2017
Review of Charger Miboxer C8 Smart charger

sculptor666 · 11-04-2018, 08:30 AM

eneloops.

angerdan · 10-10-2019, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by BruceBanner

Can anyone please advise?

Towards which solution/setup changes did this thread lead you?

**BruceBanner** · 10-10-2019, 02:15 PM

Originally posted by angerdan

Towards which solution/setup changes did this thread lead you?

This is the current thread, have a catchup here if you like; Fully Wired Studio Setup - PentaxForums.com

Like all good threads it started off in one direction and has now gone in a completely different one

angerdan · 10-10-2019, 02:21 PM

So your batteries and chargers are off duty now?
Maybe use them inside the AA-tray of the battery grips

**BruceBanner** · 10-10-2019, 06:03 PM

Originally posted by angerdan

So your batteries and chargers are off duty now?
Maybe use them inside the AA-tray of the battery grips

Nah because I am still with the Cactus system also, using the triggers and RF60x units which are all AA's.

morenjavi · 10-11-2019, 12:38 AM - **1 Like**

Seriously guys, one thing I loved when I changed my speedlights collection for Godox flashes was to forget about so many AA-sized batteries.
Now I use only batteries for my triggers and my metz 48, that is on sale

**rogerstg** · 10-18-2019, 06:06 AM

With high ISO available today, I find that I rarely use my flashes (as an experienced, rank amateur). I use Energizer Ultimate Lithium which have a 20 year shelf life. I store them removed from, but with, the flashes.

**UncleVanya** · 10-18-2019, 08:05 AM

Originally posted by rogerstg

With high ISO available today, I find that I rarely use my flashes (as an experienced, rank amateur). I use Energizer Ultimate Lithium which have a 20 year shelf life. I store them removed from, but with, the flashes.

I have low discharge Ni-MH in all flash grear. I typically keep lithium aa's in the bag as backup.

pschlute · 10-18-2019, 11:22 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by rogerstg

With high ISO available today, I find that I rarely use my flashes (as an experienced, rank amateur).

Well I am going to pick you up on that comment , in a friendly way.

Yes improved ISO performance is a benefit to many types of photography, but not at all for studio lit work.

Tell me how using a high ISO can create this effect ?

stevebrot · 10-18-2019, 11:52 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pschlute

Tell me how using a high ISO can create this effect ?

Yep, the difference is in the purpose. If used to supplement or supplant natural light for creative purpose, ISO is no help.

Steve

**UncleVanya** · 10-18-2019, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by pschlute

Well I am going to pick you up on that comment , in a friendly way.

Yes improved ISO performance is a benefit to many types of photography, but not at all for studio lit work.

Tell me how using a high ISO can create this effect ?

You could use small dim continuous light sources with high iso... not typical.

pschlute · 10-18-2019, 01:47 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

You could use small dim continuous light sources with high iso... not typical.

That was not really my point, which was that artificial light can be used creatively.

11-02-2018, 12:37 PM - 1 Like	#47
kaseki Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,138	RF60X recharge time measurement A Quantum CZ cable provides access to the flash charge, but only when it is attached to an operating Quantum Turbo Battery (QTB). In other words, the Cactus RF60X supply pins are protected, likely by diodes, so one can only observe the flash capacitor voltage indirectly by measuring the voltage on the output of the QTB when connected to the flash. The QTB used was of the older type. Access to the conductors was provided by a Quantum QT-48 dual output cable accessory, with the other branch connected to a Pentax flash compatible cable (aftermarket QTS-4). The flash end of the Pentax cable was connected to a 10X oscilloscope probe. My observations are based on observing a Hitachi V422 (old school analog) 'scope trace at 0.2 sec/major division. The flash was set to 1/1. Powering the flash with NiMH batteries in the flash and the QTB externally, apparent full charge is reached in about 1.4s. The test light illuminates at roughly 1.8s, while the beep is a few tenths later. A digitizing 'scope would be better for this task, but I don't have one. Observationally, I am convinced that the test light is a very conservative measure of actual charge time at full flash power. All 1/1 measurements, whether performed with little rest time, or significant rest time, showed the same delay between apparent full charge and test light illumination with the QTB. However, at a 1/2 power setting, the test light barely fades before re-illuminating, suggesting that there is a bit of a storage time constant in the lamp circuit that works on both rising and falling flash capacitor voltage. Without the QTB, recharge is longer in the 1/2 setting, and the test lamp full extinguishes before re-illuminating. The beep however, seems to occur at the same time as re-illumination at 1/2 power.

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10-29-2018, 08:50 AM	#46
kaseki Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,138	Relevant link to flash battery performance: BEST BATTERIES FOR YOUR SPEEDLIGHTS: A SHOWDOWN \| Improve Photography

11-04-2018, 03:33 AM - 1 Like	#48
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,639	Originally posted by BruceBanner Thanks everyone for the input, I grabbed the following; A few of these; LADDA Rechargeable battery - IKEA A few of these; LADDA Rechargeable battery - IKEA And one of this; STORHÖGEN Battery charger with storage - IKEA Should do for the time being. I will look at the Godox PB960 when funds allow! I wouldn't recommend the Storhögen charger. It doesn't terminate the charging process safely, so your cells are possibly exposed to overcharge. Review of Charger Ikea Storhogen 603.306.50 What i do recommend is an universal charger whcih allows to recharge NiMh (AA/AAA) and Li-Ion (18650/21500) cells. Most of them even show some more information (voltage, loaded capacity, resistance). Round cell charger index (Universal) Review of Charger Review Charger GyrFalcon All-88 2017 Review of Charger Miboxer C8 Smart charger

11-04-2018, 08:30 AM	#49
sculptor666 Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 675	eneloops.

10-10-2019, 01:58 PM	#50
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,639	Originally posted by BruceBanner Can anyone please advise? Towards which solution/setup changes did this thread lead you?

10-10-2019, 02:15 PM	#51
BruceBanner Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 5,404 Original Poster	Originally posted by angerdan Towards which solution/setup changes did this thread lead you? This is the current thread, have a catchup here if you like; Fully Wired Studio Setup - PentaxForums.com Like all good threads it started off in one direction and has now gone in a completely different one

10-10-2019, 02:21 PM	#52
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,639	So your batteries and chargers are off duty now? Maybe use them inside the AA-tray of the battery grips

10-10-2019, 06:03 PM	#53
BruceBanner Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 5,404 Original Poster	Originally posted by angerdan So your batteries and chargers are off duty now? Maybe use them inside the AA-tray of the battery grips Nah because I am still with the Cactus system also, using the triggers and RF60x units which are all AA's.

10-11-2019, 12:38 AM - 1 Like	#54
morenjavi Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 589	Seriously guys, one thing I loved when I changed my speedlights collection for Godox flashes was to forget about so many AA-sized batteries. Now I use only batteries for my triggers and my metz 48, that is on sale

10-18-2019, 06:06 AM	#55
rogerstg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 1,168	With high ISO available today, I find that I rarely use my flashes (as an experienced, rank amateur). I use Energizer Ultimate Lithium which have a 20 year shelf life. I store them removed from, but with, the flashes.

10-18-2019, 08:05 AM	#56
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,404	Originally posted by rogerstg With high ISO available today, I find that I rarely use my flashes (as an experienced, rank amateur). I use Energizer Ultimate Lithium which have a 20 year shelf life. I store them removed from, but with, the flashes. I have low discharge Ni-MH in all flash grear. I typically keep lithium aa's in the bag as backup.

10-18-2019, 11:22 AM - 2 Likes	#57
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,202	Originally posted by rogerstg With high ISO available today, I find that I rarely use my flashes (as an experienced, rank amateur). Well I am going to pick you up on that comment , in a friendly way. Yes improved ISO performance is a benefit to many types of photography, but not at all for studio lit work. Tell me how using a high ISO can create this effect ?

10-18-2019, 11:52 AM - 1 Like	#58
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by pschlute Tell me how using a high ISO can create this effect ? Yep, the difference is in the purpose. If used to supplement or supplant natural light for creative purpose, ISO is no help. Steve

10-18-2019, 01:21 PM	#59
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,404	Originally posted by pschlute Well I am going to pick you up on that comment , in a friendly way. Yes improved ISO performance is a benefit to many types of photography, but not at all for studio lit work. Tell me how using a high ISO can create this effect ? You could use small dim continuous light sources with high iso... not typical.

10-18-2019, 01:47 PM	#60
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,202	Originally posted by UncleVanya You could use small dim continuous light sources with high iso... not typical. That was not really my point, which was that artificial light can be used creatively.