I just got some questions. Isn't the 4 AA rechargeable batteries totals to 4.8 volts (1.2 volts each cells) compared to the 6 volt cell you connected as external battery pack? Doesn't it cause the flash unit circuitry to heat up than normal? How about using an old 7.2 Ni-Mh battery pack from an old Sony videocam? - Would it cause overvoltage damage to the this Vivitar flash?
That is true. But 6v should be OK because the unit will be designed to take 1.5v alkaline anyway. 7.2v might overheat it if you fired too fast - I wouldn't like to try it.
This is an excellent video which gets to the point. I used 285's for years. Could I suggest adding a second test where you reverse the power sources to eliminate any suspicion that one flash might have been less powerful to begin with? We need more videos like this one.
@kungamord, the HV in the title is the part of the model of the flash unit ... 285HV. You can easily increase charging rate by getting the same battery unit and run them in parallel to give out more amps. we do that all the time, make it 3 parallel 6v, and see quickly the flash charge up. I even use that pack attached to 3 flash head units, just use thicker wires of couse. its all about common sense.
my apology for previous post, i what another video similar to this one by a seller claiming that their ext. power can fire fast. You can do like this guy with much lower cost
it's misleading completely. You can fire with even 3 but it's not a full power firing! (at least can't verify here). I can just buy a portable acid led batt from Lowes and other local stores and do it!
Well not misleading, but he is just demonstrating the bleedin obvious - that a big external battery (even of the same voltage) will have lower internal resistance so will recharge quicker. He could use a 6v motorbike battery fo even faster. but it gets heavy.
I just got some questions. Isn't the 4 AA rechargeable batteries totals to 4.8 volts (1.2 volts each cells) compared to the 6 volt cell you connected as external battery pack? Doesn't it cause the flash unit circuitry to heat up than normal? How about using an old 7.2 Ni-Mh battery pack from an old Sony videocam? - Would it cause overvoltage damage to the this Vivitar flash?
That is true. But 6v should be OK because the unit will be designed to take 1.5v alkaline anyway. 7.2v might overheat it if you fired too fast - I wouldn't like to try it.
This is an excellent video which gets to the point. I used 285's for years. Could I suggest adding a second test where you reverse the power sources to eliminate any suspicion that one flash might have been less powerful to begin with? We need more videos like this one.
@kungamord, the HV in the title is the part of the model of the flash unit ... 285HV.
You can easily increase charging rate by getting the same battery unit and run them in parallel to give out more amps. we do that all the time, make it 3 parallel 6v, and see quickly the flash charge up. I even use that pack attached to 3 flash head units, just use thicker wires of couse. its all about common sense.
What size gauge wire did you use?
Hi there!
Cool video. I took a look at your blog, but was unable to find the DIY for the battery pack. can you point me in the right direction?
This is misleading, it all depends on the Discharge Rate of a Battery. It does't mean that if its external, it will be better.
my apology for previous post, i what another video similar to this one by a seller claiming that their ext. power can fire fast. You can do like this guy with much lower cost
Is power packs for Vivitar 285 hv in India..?
it's misleading completely. You can fire with even 3 but it's not a full power firing! (at least can't verify here). I can just buy a portable acid led batt from Lowes and other local stores and do it!
Well not misleading, but he is just demonstrating the bleedin obvious - that a big external battery (even of the same voltage) will have lower internal resistance so will recharge quicker. He could use a 6v motorbike battery fo even faster. but it gets heavy.