So the AcuteB battery isn't exactly long-winded in # of pops, but its adequate for most of my uses. I'd still like to get a 2nd battery, but at $250 its a little much.
I can get the actual battery at a local electronics store for $30, but then I take the 4 screws off and exchange the battery. Is the $200 cassette really worth the hassle? It took me about 5 minutes to remove the screws, replace the battery, and screw it back on. I don't mind doing this in the field if necessary, but does anyone else do it?
I was looking at it, and the area where the battery connects to the pack, could you just put some alligator clips on that, and connect it to a battery?
I took apart the Acute battery cassette, very very simple array of cords. Interesting. Anyone else thought of this?
It's not the simplest thing (but I don't foresee a usable DIY version), but after looking at the internal prongs, I would bet that connecting a 12v 12ah battery would be a cinch with some alligator clips. At least the opportunity is there.
Anyway, I ordered 2 12v 5ah (the standard AcuteB battery size and rating) for $15 each, a bargain.
You know, I think I could turn a nice tidy profit making the sleds and selling them with batteries. If I bought 20 batteries I could probably get them for $10 each
Okay, just got back from Walmart where I picked up some battery clips. The wires are the same gauge as seen in the cassette above.
Powers on and fires just fine, but . . . I had a fresh battery charged, green light. Plugged the battery in via the alligator clips (30" wire) and it gave me a yellow light. Fired of a couple of lower power pops, red light. Fired off a full power, turns off, then turns back on. Granted the alligator clips don't route through the 40a fuse like the battery cassette, they appear to be identical. Anyone know why this is? Once I plugged the battery back in via the proper way (with cassette) it showed a full charge.
I'm really liking the idea of using a 12v 15ah battery when needed, that would yield a near 700-800 pops. This just doesn't make sense. What is making the current drop on this? From what I can tell, there is no circuitry in this at all.
Spoke with an electrical engineer buddy of mine, looks like it might just be the crappy alligator clips. The slots receptacles are pretty large, so the surface area of the clips just might not be enough.
UPDATE: Got the right electrical connectors and new cable, seems to be working just as it were plugged into the pack. You can easily put the whole pack into a small back, along with a much larger battery now. Very easy. Or, just keep 2 5ah batteries around. With the wiring coming out of the bag, you could put the batteries in individual pouches, attached to the bottom of the stand to add some weight to it. I'm liking this idea.
12v is the standard for lead acid batteries, you dont want to change the voltage rating. the "aH" rating is how long its going to last. The PCB Vagabond is a 20ah battery, which lasts a LONG time. So, the 5aH battery of the AcuteB will give you around 250 full power pops. A 10ah should theoretically give you near double. 15aH even more, but the weight doubles too
Just got that battery from batteries plus tonight, $24, some heavy guage wire.....I knew in theory the $249 for the cassette was ridiculous, but now after seeing what you are paying for, its insane. I have always been ok with profoto prices, but that cassette is wicked robbery.
Hopefully someone can jimmyrig a cassette here and sell em, i will buy a few
Reverse polarity protection.
Fuse close to battery positive terminal.
Connections soldered not crimped.
Mechanical connection at both ends.
More flexible wire with loom protecting it from abrasion.
You will have no problem charging 5AH batteries. What is your charging strategy for larger batteries?
I think you are on the right track but keep safety in mind. 12V batteries can very quickly become bombs spewing lead shrapnel and sulfuric acid.
witek wrote:
You need to engineer some safety into this setup.
Reverse polarity protection.
Fuse close to battery positive terminal.
Connections soldered not crimped.
Mechanical connection at both ends.
More flexible wire with loom protecting it from abrasion.
You will have no problem charging 5AH batteries. What is your charging strategy for larger batteries?
I think you are on the right track but keep safety in mind. 12V batteries can very quickly become bombs spewing lead shrapnel and sulfuric acid.
Witek.
But I am all good buying the same batt (the $24 one) to replace the profoto one right?
(Yes, I am electronically stupid).
