DIY Vagabond / power pack parts list

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Mike,

Can you (or someone else) describe the parts used for the parallel wiring you show in the pics. I'm a wiring noob, so I would like to make sure I do things correctly. I want to make sure I do the quick connects right and I'm wondering how you use the charger with the quick connects, since the charger comes with lug and clamp connectors.

I've ordered all the parts and will visit Radio Shack probably to get the wiring.
I purchased (2) 12V/12Ah batteries for parallel power.

Thanks to anyone that can offer some advice!

--
Stuart Allen
http://www.flickr.com/photos/srallen/
http://www.srallen.com/

Im curios ow many flash pops you get from one of these?

I have 3 AB800. Might be using all at once as wel. Not sure if I want/need the 300 or just the 150 inverter

Joe

Connecting batteries in parallel is as simple as it can be: the + post of battery A connects with the + post of battery B.
Just like we do when "boosting" somebody's car battery.

The 12 volts obtained is exactly the same: but capacity is doubled: twice the reserve of energy, twice the current (amperes). The equipment draws what it needs in terms of amperes, there is no danger of frying up the equipment, as long as it stays 12 volts. You could use as many batteries as you can carry, even auto batteries.
If the batteries were to be connected in series, 24 volts would be obtained.
--
Jean Bernier

All photographs are only more or less credible illusions

I picked up the quick disconnects at Fry's. I can't remember the part number for them, but they're in the section with all the molex connectors. They're commonly used for RC cars so if Radio Shack doesn't have it, try a hobby store.

They come in male/female pairs. I didn't plan on using the charger for anything else so I clipped off the connectors on the charger and soldered on the pins for the quick disconnects.

As far as the wiring goes for parallel, just match it up - positive to positive, negative to negatie.

Stuart Allen said:

Mike,

Can you (or someone else) describe the parts used for the parallel
wiring you show in the pics. I'm a wiring noob, so I would like to
make sure I do things correctly. I want to make sure I do the quick
connects right and I'm wondering how you use the charger with the
quick connects, since the charger comes with lug and clamp
connectors.

I've ordered all the parts and will visit Radio Shack probably to
get the wiring.
I purchased (2) 12V/12Ah batteries for parallel power.

Thanks to anyone that can offer some advice!

--
Stuart Allen
http://www.flickr.com/photos/srallen/
http://www.srallen.com/

Click to expand...

--
Ramen is how I afford my glass
http://www.blindmike.com

Mike,

Thank you again for helping me. Here is my version. I ended up buying another inverter (Samplex). Now I have two one for main light and one for the backgound lights.

This one is similar to yours. I used two 12V 12AH battery.





I bought the connector at Advance Auto Part it's for trailer light connector.



I then splice the cable as shown on this picture. Solder it and use heat shrink to cover the exposed wire.



Here is $4.95 tool box at Home Depot.



As for the other one here's what I did to it. And I'm using for smaller lights, like the AB400, and a couple of Britek strobes.







As for charging, I rig another connector to fit on the battery connector.

I can charged two 12V 12AH as long it's in parallel connection since its still 12Volt but it 24AH. It might take a little longer to charge. I use trickle charge only.

And I still don't know how many flashes it will hold. It's been a couple of weeks and the counts are 63 flashes.

Regards

Cesar

cesar

Is that 150 an "AIMS" inverter. How do you find it's working out?

Any issues

lablover said:

cesar

Is that 150 an "AIMS" inverter. How do you find it's working out?

Any issues

Click to expand...

Yes its the AIMS but it's the 300 watts. This is the one that I have the problem, it won't fire my AB800 that is why I got the Samplex. I did call there Tech Support but he basically told me to buy the 600watt, because the 300 can not hold the 320w/s peak. So instead of returning it I just use it for small wattage stuff. If you are planning to use 300w/s or higher I recommend to use Samlex.

Cesar

Samlex it is. I wish i could find one local. Looks like it's time to order online.

Thanks

I ordered mine online from Fry's (outpost.com) for $130. 2 day shipping was on time.
--
Stuart Allen
http://www.flickr.com/photos/srallen/
http://www.srallen.com/

I picked up a Samlex 300 the other day, hooked it up to a fully charged Coleman Powermate jump starter (the one that has the jumper cables, 12 volt outlets and flourescent light). It is rated as 10 ah.

Hooked up 2 AB800's, running at about 1/8 power, and started flashing! Got to 100 flashes before the little 3 light "idiot gage" on the Powermate dropped out of the fully charged category (2 of 3 lights were lit). BTW, I hit the flash as soon as it recycled, so got thru the 100 flashes in about 10-15 minutes!!! The Samlex had been in my vehicle all day in the sun, and was very warm to the touch. The cooling fan started right up when I hooked up the battery, but by the time I got thru about 30-40 flashes, it had cooled the inverter, and it turned off. Recycle time on the 2 AB800s was around 1-2 seconds, I'm guessing (didn't use a stopwatch). After I stopped flashing, I again checked the jumper battery, and the idiot gage was back with 3 out 3 lights....

Saw a 35 ah 12 v battery at Sams Club today (garden tractor type), 12 volt for $15. So with the Samlex from Fry's Electronics ($129 plus tax = $140), and the battery, the cost should be around $160!!!! A few more $$ should get me the cables.

My local Fry's (Phoenix) had it in stock. Did a post above with a test I did with a 10ah battery and 2 AB800's. Looks like it will work out very well. The only drawback is recycle time....

Outstanding info..looks like I'm gonna get the 300.

Thanks for the info

Joe

I picked up two 300w Samlex inverters from Marketronics.com for $118 each.When I finish putting the kit together I will post some pix of my setup.

Malodave

What exactly are you building that you need 2 inverters?
Care to share with the non-EE types what this will accomplish?

Thanks!

--
Stuart Allen
http://www.flickr.com/photos/srallen/
http://www.srallen.com/

Is 35 amps overkill? Is there any problem with this much current?

kolisekm said:

Saw a 35 ah 12 v battery at Sams Club today (garden tractor type),
12 volt for $15. So with the Samlex from Fry's Electronics ($129
plus tax = $140), and the battery, the cost should be around
$160!!!! A few more $$ should get me the cables.

Click to expand...

--
Michael

wacomme said:

Is 35 amps overkill? Is there any problem with this much current?

Click to expand...

No. The inverters are designed to be connected to vehicule batteries, wich typically can supply 200 amps and over, ( for a short time !). It just will draw the current it needs in order to supply the specified watts.

The battery size can be any size, as long as it is 12 vdc, and that you are willing carry it...

wacomme said:

--
Michael

Click to expand...

--
Jean Bernier

All photographs are only more or less credible illusions

That was 35 ah...amp-hours, not amps

So

Having 2 12v Batteries will give you longer usage time of the Flash units? The more batteries the longer usage time. Am I right?

I wasn't sure what hooking them in parrallel did. I have the samlex ordered, funny how most everyplace had them backordered Now I'm gonna run out and get a batt and charger. I have a swift little idea on hooking it all up. Will post Pics when done. Everyone here has great ideas

Joe