Hi I would like to know how to keep and preserve the battery life on these batteries. I've just had a repair bill of $600 for a new set of cells! Whats the best way of using, i:e, complete the full use of the battery to last bar and re-charge for 72 hours? And what should I do, when not in use for a long time?
I have two turbo's and I must say they are a PITA as far as charging goes. I left one of them in the on position so it completely discharged and then proceeded to burn out a charger. They tell you not to let them discharge but hey, its gonna happen once in a while by mistake like with mine. So that means the damn battery has to burn out a charger that they charge you $35 for btw. And now maybe the cells are not good? They are too sensitive to the 'proper' charging method. I would call Quantum to see what they say about the 2x2.
I built something like a Turbo battery pack for my old Vivitar 283. It would woork with almost anything if you ganged them: sealed wet-cell cell phone batteries from Radio Shack, Part# 23-181A. Three together together are about the size of three C batteries and produce 6 volts, 2.H AH. With a charger (4Hour charge time), and wiring, total cost about $25. I built one about 20 years ago, and the 2nd about 10 years ago. Starting to show signs of age (as is my Viv 283!), but still working OK. Price is right, and I suspect with the proper adapters and cables, they could work on any portable strobe. Best wishes, Cliff Moore
I keep on of these with me and love it. It charges quickly and lasts much longer than I ever need it to. I don't do anything special with it: charge it before I head out and it sits (w/o draining) until the next time I need it.
I recently added a second charger as I also use this guy to power Photogenic 320B strobes. Love the versatility here. Second charger gives a VERY quick recharge to the 2x2.
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