Speedlight SB-800

[SUITEFREAK]

What kind of batteries do you all use? Rechargable Nicad, Lithium or??? Do you use the additional 5th battery if so do you need an add on piece of equipment?

[Rooz]

eneloop batteries. by far the best i have used in the sb800. yes, i do use the 5th battery sometimes. the attachment you need is included with the sb800 pack along with the gel filters and "stofen" style diffuser.

[jcon]

Rayovac Hybrids. Similar to the Eneloops Rooz mentioned, but I prefer the Hybrids.


Yes, always use the 5th battery chamber.... why not?!?!?!

[VTEC_EATER]

Ive been using ultra rechargeable NiMH batteries. They work just fine. And yes, I use the 5th battery.

[tim11]

What kind of batteries do you all use? Rechargable Nicad, Lithium or??? Do you use the additional 5th battery if so do you need an add on piece of equipment?

The additional part for 5th battery is included in SB800 package. I advise you take extra care when trying to remove the door - it might break if applying too much pressure from the wrong angle.

[LR Max]

I use NUON rechargables. They are the name-brand for the Batteries Plus store. They are AWESOME, ssssoooo much better than the energizer rechargables.

I don't use the 5th battery. I've never had a need for it. I can use my flash all day on those batteries and probably not kill them. If, for some reason, I do want to swap them, I've always got a 2nd set in my pocket.

Whatever you do, buy TWO sets of batteries. So when one dies, you can pop in the other set and keep going.

[tim11]

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I don't use the 5th battery. I've never had a need for it. I can use my flash all day on those batteries and probably not kill them. If, for some reason, I do want to swap them, I've always got a 2nd set in my pocket.
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The 5th battery option gives you faster flash cycle. Who needs that? :D I use it because it comes with the package.

[Rooz]

as tim said its more about recycle time than batter life cos if you need the additional batteryu life you take another 4 charges batteries as backups. i only use it when i take pics of flying bugs and i need to use continuous shutter and need my flash to keep up. for normal use though you don;t really need it imo.

[TNB]

What kind of batteries do you all use? Rechargable Nicad, Lithium or??? Do you use the additional 5th battery if so do you need an add on piece of equipment?
I use rechargeable NiMH and a Quantum Turbo SC battery power pack. I also carry a set of the Eneloop batteries just as a precaution. However, I don't use the 5th cell, because I figure I have less of a chance of burning out the SB800 running off the power pack.

If anyone is wondering why I use both: A "slight" charge appears to be necessary to complete the circuit within the SB800 when running off the power pack. The power pack also allows me to get hundreds of flashes without changing batteries and it is simplier than charging a half dozen sets of batteries for an event. Of course, there is the expense of the cord and the battery pack itself.

NiCDs can also develope a memory so they should be discharged (but not completely discharged), so they can be fully charged. If not, they will not charge completely. As a result, they won't last as long and may have to be cycled. In short, NiMH should function better than NiCDs.

I have yet to use Li-PO or Li-ION with my SB800 though I have used Li-POs in R/Cs and Li-IONs in other applications.

[LR Max]

The 5th battery option gives you faster flash cycle. Who needs that? :D I use it because it comes with the package.

My SB-800 takes about 6 seconds to recharge to full power. With the 5th battery, it takes about 4 seconds.

Considering how much time I waste on the internet, I think its ok to wait 2 seconds and not have to lug around that ugly 5th battery thingie on the side of my speedlight.

[SUITEFREAK]

Thanks for all the replies. :) Do any of you know what the difference is between one that is advertised as 2000mah vs. one that is advertised as 2500 mah? :confused: And please don't tell me 500mah! ;) I mean, is the higher number one better or ???

[LR Max]

I've only bought 2500 mah batteries. But I do *believe* that the 2500 will perform better than the 2000.

Its worth paying the few extra $$$ for the superior battery.

[TNB]

Thanks for all the replies. :) Do any of you know what the difference is between one that is advertised as 2000mah vs. one that is advertised as 2500 mah? :confused: And please don't tell me 500mah! ;) I mean, is the higher number one better or ???
In simple terms, a 2500mah battery should hold a longer charge than a 2000mah battery. Mah is sort of like a "fuel tank" or "capacity". The larger the number, the more fuel in the tank. Other factors may include actual charge, charge rate, discharge rate, number of charges on the batteries, and age of the batteries. A slow charge should result in a better and longer charge. Some batteries also require several charges before they actually reach their advertised mah rating. Also, overheating the batteries will also shorten the life of the batteries and mah batteries can also explode if charged at too high of a charge rate.

[XaiLo]

buy a good charger:) I use a maha MH-C401FS it


" Charge AA / AAA NiMH or NiCD batteries in 100 Minutes Accurately and Coolly

Unlike other fast chargers, the PowerEx MH-C401FS allows you to recharge AA & AAA NiMH or NiCD batteries accurately and coolly, around 100 minutes (AAA charges in around 1 hour).

Unique FLEX negative pulse charging algorithm allow the battery to accept a more complete charge


Regardless of the of battery’s capacity, if they cannot be fully charged users would not be able to fully realize the potential of the batteries. The PowerEx MH-C401FS delivers the most complete charge for chargers in its class. The new FLEX negative pulse algorithm also significantly enhances battery life.

FLEX Pulse also makes traditional "battery conditioning & cycling" unnecessary as the pulse eliminates the memory effect just by charging the batteries.


Manually Switch between 100 minute fast charge and 5 hour gentle charge

The MH-C401FS is also the first charger on the market to offer the choice between a 100-minute rapid charge and a slower, gentler 5-hour charge, both driven by a microprocessor termination control to prevent overcharge. Accomplished by simply flipping a switch, the 5 hour gentle charge achieves ultra-cool charging when charging time is not crucial.

100 Minute Rapid Charge
Microprocessor Cutoff
Advantage: Extremely fast recharge time

5 Hour Gentle Charge
Microprocessor Cutoff
Advantage: Cooler battery charging and extends overall battery life


Four Independent Charging Circuit

Unlike some ultra-fast chargers on the market, the MH-C401FS charger has four independently controlled channels to charge and monitor each battery individually. This allows each battery to be charged to its full potential without risk of overcharging. The charger can charge one, two, three or four batteries.

Limited Lifetime Warranty"

[TNB]

Unlike other fast chargers, the PowerEx MH-C401FS allows you to recharge AA & AAA NiMH or NiCD batteries accurately and coolly, around 100 minutes (AAA charges in around 1 hour).
That really sounds like a sales pitch, especially since the chargers I own can charge NiCD, NiMH, LiPO, LiON, and/or gell batteries. It also doesn't matter if they are AA or AAA since it depends on the type, i.e. NiCD or NiMH, not size, i.e. AA or AAA. The amperage is also adjustible, so if I really want to charge batteries very quickly, it will do so. For example, at some "mini" races I used to charge AAAs at 3amps instead of a norm of 1amp. This not only charged the batteries a lot faster, but gave them more punch which is what I wanted since I only need the batteries to last for around 10 minutes. The downside is that the batteries may not hold a charge as long, but under those conditions it didn't matter to me. The older Triton in the photo below also discharges, conditions, and has a thermal sensing unit to help prevent and monitor the batteries from getting too hot--this can be a real plus in the LiPo world since they require more care. Conditioning and/or recycling (charge, discharge, charge) is also helpful after batteries have sat unused for a period of time to help "revive" them to their potential.

http://www2.mini-zracer.com/albums/album573/ChgEquip5NT.jpg

The same charger hooked up to my old Corvette.

http://www2.mini-zracer.com/albums/album573/TritonChgr1.jpg

When I'm not in a hurry to charge batteries, I also have an inexpensive Radio Shack charger that charges AAA, AA, and 9volt batteries.

http://www2.mini-zracer.com/albums/album573/ChgEquip4.jpg

[SUITEFREAK]

Also, overheating the batteries will also shorten the life of the batteries and mah batteries can also explode if charged at too high of a charge rate.

TNB, what would cause the batteries to overheat? Thanks!

[erichlund]

Batteries generate heat anytime current is flowing into or out of them. That of course, is the simple answer.

Have you ever noticed that the vacuum cleaner cord gets hot when you use the vacuum cleaner. Wire has resistance to electrical current. It is a minimal resistance, but it still exists. The resistance in wire is essentially a measure of the electrical innefficiency of the wire. As current passes through the wire, it meets resistance, and some of the current is converted to heat. (Yes, an electrical heater is really nothing more than a wire designed to have high electrical resistance to current flow).

The chemical reaction of storing or discharging electricity to or from a battery also has a certain resistance, which results in the generation of heat when the reaction is started by the closing of a circuit. Measuring this heat would give the measure of the innefficency of charging or discharging a battery. Obviously, you can draw the conclusion that it takes more energy to charge a battery than the battery can hold.

Batteries are designed to handle a certain level of current safely. If you raise the current, they become less efficient, and so generate more heat. Raise it too far, and they can burn or explode. That is why it is important to use proper chargers for your batteries.

You should not do what TNB does without a thorough understanding of the limits of the materials you are working with. He knows what he can safely do, and so he uses the batteries to get maximum performance.

[TNB]

Although Eric summed it up very well, below is a link about batteries.

http://www.batteryuniversity.com


Battery University is an on-line resource that provides practical battery knowledge for engineers, educators, students and battery users alike. The papers address battery chemistries, best battery choices and ways to make your battery last longer.
* * * * *
Battery University is organized into three parts. Part One addresses the 'mechanics' of the battery and deals with chemistries, charging, discharging, storing and recycling. Part Two looks at the personalities of different battery systems and describes ways to get the most out of them. Part Three reveals who is behind Battery University and provides links to various products to service your batteries. I hope you will enjoy the reading.

Team Novak also made one of the chargers in the photo as well as the purple power supply. They also have a short Q&A page on their website about batteries and chargers. Although it's helpful, you don't need a Novak power supply or charger like I own just to charge batteries for your SB800--I already owned the Novak and Triton (as well as a Thunder Power) chargers and power supply from my R/C racing days. Chargers and "clean" power supplies can get very expensive. Two prime examples are Competition Electronics and Schulze brands.

http://www.teamnovak.com/tech_info/tech_info/chargers/index.html

[Rooz]

also discharges, conditions, and has a thermal sensing unit to help prevent and monitor the batteries from getting too hot--this can be a real plus in the LiPo world since they require more care. Conditioning and/or recycling (charge, discharge, charge) is also helpful after batteries have sat unused for a period of time to help "revive" them to their potential.

i always thought all that was a bit overdone until i used a friends charger yesterday where he "conditioned" my older eneloops. i shot all day today with flashes going at pretty high levels and they lasted much longer than they normally would. i will be getting the same charger he has. i never realised that chargers can have such an impact on performance. it makes sense but i never realised just HOW sense it made until i saw it myself.

[TNB]

i always thought all that was a bit overdone until i used a friends charger yesterday where he "conditioned" my older eneloops. i shot all day today with flashes going at pretty high levels and they lasted much longer than they normally would. i will be getting the same charger he has. i never realised that chargers can have such an impact on performance. it makes sense but i never realised just HOW sense it made until i saw it myself.
If you ever get a chance, stop by and check out the pits in a major "electric" R/C car race. Some of these guys have $1K+ in charging stations and equipment. Even at a world cup "mini" race I raced in, one guy had four chargers, so that he could hook one charger up to each battery (the car took four batteries). After all, the "pack" is only as good as the "weakest" battery.

[SUITEFREAK]

Thanks guys!

[Rooz]

If you ever get a chance, stop by and check out the pits in a major "electric" R/C car race. Some of these guys have $1K+ in charging stations and equipment. Even at a world cup "mini" race I raced in, one guy had four chargers, so that he could hook one charger up to each battery (the car took four batteries). After all, the "pack" is only as good as the "weakest" battery.

this is the one he has that i was thinking of getting. what do you think ?
http://servaas.com.au/maha-powerex-c9000-wizardone-battery-charger-analyzer-p-52.html?osCsid=8c1f176c26ca2b8a0b08c7fc48ceb2dd

[TNB]

The specs don't look bad, but although I've never used that charger or known anyone who has used that charger, I have tried that brand of batteries and they never seemed to have the punch or hold a decent charge like other rechargeable batteries I have used. Of course, I may have just ended up with a bad set of batteries.

[Rooz]

cool thanks. i'll stick with eneloops for the time being. they have served me well. at least i know someone that has it and its relatively cheap for what it is so i'll probably pick it up.

[erichlund]

The specs don't look bad, but although I've never used that charger or known anyone who has used that charger, I have tried that brand of batteries and they never seemed to have the punch or hold a decent charge like other rechargeable batteries I have used. Of course, I may have just ended up with a bad set of batteries.

That's surprising. There was a time when Maha batteries and chargers were unnassailable on this site, their reputation was that good. I had several sets and chargers. I use them in both my Coolpix 990 and the SB-28 flash, and they seemed to just go on forever. Of course, back then they were like 1800mah, but they had the reputation of outlasting their rating. The batteries and chargers were also stolen in our burglary, and since I don't use flash that much, I've gotten by on a single set of eveready rechareables.

I wonder if they've gone downhill or others have just caught up. I suspect the latter.