omrobison@xxxxxxxxx writes:
<< Hi All, I just purchased a vivitar 283 used and was
wondering if any of the list members would know if I
could power it with a 4C or 4D battery pack routed
through a dummy battery holder. The voltage would
still be 6v, but of course the amps would be higher. I
wonder if this would be safe for the unit >>
John,
this should work just fine and is essentially what happens with the
Quantum battery packs. Except they use lead acid batteries which can produce
much higher current still. Check their website:http://www.qtm.com/
You could even buy one of the Quantum battery cables and dummy cells
designed specifically for your flash. (283,4600 etc needs MA2 or XA2). This
connects with a coax connector which you should be able to get from Radio
Shack. (You need the correct internal and external diameter connector, which
vary for different voltage Quantum packs, but these are available.)
With Lead acid cells it may be possible to cycle the charger rapidly
enough that in sequence shooting you overheat the flash-tube/or transistors.
Quantum actually has suggested rest time between shots for this reason. (see
instruction manuals on website) With conventional Alkaline Leclanche cells
this may be less likely since the recycle time will tend to be longer anyway.
Interestingly the larger Alkaline cells often do not produce *much*
higher current on the first few cycles but will be better over many cycles
where the small cells become polarised quickly. The small inter electrode
distance of the smaller cells keeps the initial current relatively high
despite the smaller volume and plate area. Lead acid gel cells can produce
large currents until they are largely depleted. This makes them more
consistent in heavy use and is why the wedding photographers and other pro's
etc like them.
If you buy a Quantum cable/adapter and make your own battery box
don't buy the "Turbo" cables by mistake, they are for high voltage use only.
Regards,
>>>Tim Hughes<<<
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