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08/03/2008 10:21:45 AM · #1 |
I've got over 30 NiMH batteries kicking around now for my various Speedlights, all "AA" and "AAA" size. I'd really like a way to organize them, some kind of case or holder that I can keep in the drawer or throw in my bag when I need them, preferably that holds then in sets of 4.
I've recall seeing a device like this before, either here or at Strobist, but I can't seem to find the page again. As I recall, someone posted a link to an electronics store that was selling these cheaper than the link I found. Someone else chimed in later and mentioned that outdoor stores sold something similar for hunters, for holding shells that happened to be the same size as "AA" batteries. Anyone else remember this?
Or, alternately, what do you use to keep your batteries organized?
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08/03/2008 11:52:29 AM · #2 |
At 5 dollars each, that's kind of steep I find. I have little cases that hold four batts. that I received when I bought my NiMh's about 5 years ago. I'm due to renew my inventory.
These are what I have. They sell the cases I mentioned for 99 cents and have larger ones too. Scroll down the page if it isn't already there. dumb thing to say, sorry
Powerex Batteries
Message edited by author 2008-08-03 11:53:33.
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08/03/2008 12:00:26 PM · #3 |
I have a battery case made by tamrac. It holds 24 AAs and can be dropped into my bag or clipped to one of the straps on the outside of the bag for quick access. I fill it before every off-site event.
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08/03/2008 12:08:31 PM · #4 |
I buy my batteries in sets, I use them in sets, I charge them in sets, I throw them away as sets. To me, it's very important to keep all four batteries together as a unit because once one goes out, the others (all being the same age, of course) probably aren't far behind.
So I use these battery holders to keep the 4 batteries together. And I have lots of these so that I can keep cycling through batteries.
And while we're on the subject of batteries, I use the MAHA MH-C801D to charge my batteries. It holds 8 batteries at a time, but it charges each one individually according to the power characteristics of the individual battery. It can be set for a fast charge, a slow charge, or a reconditioning charge (to try to resurrect dying batteries before deciding to throw them out). It has an LCD screen which gives you some idea as to the condition of the batteries as you put them into the charger. Since, as I said, I use them in sets ... it is very revealing when sticking four batteries into the charger and seeing one of them "more spent" than the others. That's a first sign up trouble and signals for me to keep an eye on that set. (I'll try a reconditioning charge on that set and watch it after that)
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08/03/2008 12:32:10 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by Jac:
At 5 dollars each, that's kind of steep I find. I have little cases that hold four batts. that I received when I bought my NiMh's about 5 years ago. I'm due to renew my inventory.
These are what I have. They sell the cases I mentioned for 99 cents and have larger ones too. Scroll down the page if it isn't already there. dumb thing to say, sorry
Powerex Batteries |
I thought $5 was steep, too. Thanks for the link, that's much more the item (and price) that I was looking fore.
 dwterry, I too have all my batteries broken down into the sets the came in, each set labeled with a letter so I don't get them mixed up. I use this charger, which looks like it does the same things as yours, just with four batteries at a time.
Thanks for the input!
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08/03/2008 12:41:31 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:
I use this charger, which looks like it does the same things as yours, just with four batteries at a time. |
Cool, I like the display on that charger. The one I have is really hard to read... especially if you're over 45!
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08/03/2008 12:44:32 PM · #7 |
battery caddies
they also have packs that hold less batteries... |
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08/03/2008 01:19:16 PM · #8 |
I also keep them in sets of 4. They're all marked in different symbols.
How do you know which are charged and which are spent while in their cases? I place the ones that are charged in their case exactly as they are placed in the charger, that tells me they're fresh. When I take them out of the flash or whatever gadget I have, I place them as they were in the flash, that tells me they're spent. I guess maybe everyone does this and i'm just blowing some wind... ;\
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08/03/2008 01:52:03 PM · #9 |
Call me crazy.....
Ammo belt
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08/03/2008 02:03:03 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Jac:
I also keep them in sets of 4. They're all marked in different symbols.
How do you know which are charged and which are spent while in their cases? I place the ones that are charged in their case exactly as they are placed in the charger, that tells me they're fresh. When I take them out of the flash or whatever gadget I have, I place them as they were in the flash, that tells me they're spent. I guess maybe everyone does this and i'm just blowing some wind... ;\ |
The battery caddies I mention below come in a variety of colors - you can use the color coding to differentiate between fresh and spent. For myself, I also put spent batteries in a different location in my equipment bag - usually designate some one pocket for such things, so I know whatever has made it into that pocket is due for a charge. |
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08/03/2008 02:10:41 PM · #11 |
In the past, I've kept mine in the little cardboard Energizer boxes they came in (which fall apart real quick). Good batteries went in with the + side facing up, dead batteries went in with the + side facing down. Since they stayed in batches, it made it easy to see as soon as I opened the top flap on the boxes.
I'll probably use the same system on the little plastic cases I'm about to order, perhaps even using a sharpie to make notes on the front covers about up being good and down being dead.
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08/03/2008 04:51:53 PM · #12 |
I've got the battery caddy and they're great. Intall batt + side up and you know they're charged, put em back in - side up and you know their dead. Maybe not the cheapest thing out there, but they work and very well made. comes in colors too!
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08/03/2008 05:58:57 PM · #13 |
I've got some little plastic cases that cost $1 apiece at Fry's electronics. They make them in a version that holds 2 AAA's as well.
I also have a zipper wallet from Caselogic that holds 4 AA's and a bunch of memory cards, but I actually use that one at work to hold firmware cards and flashdrives.
Interesting. While looking on Caselogic's site for a picture of that accessory case, I noticed they now have a slingpack similar in design to the Lowepro slingshot. |
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