Uneven battery discharge in AF360 flash.
Posted 22/11/2012 - 14:30 - Helpful Comment
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It's not likely to be the flash causing uneven discharge. The batteries are actually single cells that are connected in series to create a battery (of cells). There will undoubtedly be tolerance differences between individual batteries, some having a different electrical resistance from new.
When cells are connected in series, the current flowing through each of them is the same. It's the initial charge state that governs how long each cell will last under any given load conditions. The lower the initial charge, the quicker that charge will be depleted.
Best advice is to switch to pre-charged rechargeable cells (commonly, but inaccurately, known as batteries), like Sanyo Eneloop.
When cells are connected in series, the current flowing through each of them is the same. It's the initial charge state that governs how long each cell will last under any given load conditions. The lower the initial charge, the quicker that charge will be depleted.
Best advice is to switch to pre-charged rechargeable cells (commonly, but inaccurately, known as batteries), like Sanyo Eneloop.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Posted 22/11/2012 - 14:41
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Thanks for that Peter. I couldn't see how one could discharge quicker than the others when connected in series but I said I'd ask the question.
Thanks again,
Gene Stevo.
Thanks again,
Gene Stevo.
Posted 22/11/2012 - 14:50
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Just think of a car battery. It is made up of 6 cells, each having a nominal potential of 2V (approx). We'd all soon get a bit fed up if our batteries suffered early life failure due to one failed cell.
Eventually of course it will be one cell going high resistance that necessitates the (car) battery be changed for a new one.
To address your issue, I think that you'll be on a hiding to nothing trying to prove that one or more cells was defective, after you've used them.
Put it down to experience and move on . . . . to Eneloops.
Eventually of course it will be one cell going high resistance that necessitates the (car) battery be changed for a new one.
To address your issue, I think that you'll be on a hiding to nothing trying to prove that one or more cells was defective, after you've used them.
Put it down to experience and move on . . . . to Eneloops.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Posted 22/11/2012 - 17:19
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It's better to test the batteries under load, but there's
not much point now, because rechargeables are better in a flash
anyway. The Eneloops should work fine.
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not much point now, because rechargeables are better in a flash
anyway. The Eneloops should work fine.
-
Half Man... Half Pentax ... Half Cucumber
Pentax K-1 + K-5 and some other stuff
Algi
Pentax K-1 + K-5 and some other stuff
Algi
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27 posts
17 years
Colwyn Bay
I've been using my AF360 flash for a while now but have recently changed to lithium batteries as recomended by others who say they last much longer though for a higher initial cost (not re-chargeable).
I've contacted the manufacturer who reckons it's possibly my flash, not their batteries.
Has anybody had any similar issues with this flash? The last meter test I did on a recent set showed 3x at 1.61V and 1x at 1.05V. Needless to say the flash wouldn't charge.
Thanks in advance,
Gene Stevo.