Ages ago I did an article on making your own DIY battery pack. I’ll reprise the article here, but also have additional comments and thoughts to add at the end.
I’ve been getting a little fed up with slow recharge and short lifespans on AA batteries in my flash. I’ve a few sets from 1800-2500mAh, which in theory should give long life. Seeing as I’m using the flash on a stand, I figured I would look into external power for my flash. If you’ve researched this yourself, you will know that units such as made by Quantum are extremely expensive. I did a little research and found out that a person I’m in contact with had a tutorial on doing it for his 430ex. I’m using a 550ex and a Sigma 500, so this is based on those, but applicable to any flash. The person is David Burren, who is well known online for his Infrared work.
He recommended that you make fake wooden batteries that attach to a 6V SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) battery. I went shopping in Maplin and got all the bits there.
Parts list: 6v 4.2Ah SLA battery, SLA charger, 2 14mm dowels, 2 female, 1 male power connector. Soldering iron, tape, screws, dremel/drill. Parts cost: under ?35.
