Building a Vagabond. WHere is the cheapest place for SLA battery...

[turbodude]

Just purchased a Samlex 300/600w pure sine inverter for 129 shipped, now looking for a 26AH or higher SLA battery for cheap.

Anyone know of any?

[cdifoto]

Got a local battery warehouse?

[turbodude]

hmmm good idea

[cdifoto]

http://www.batteriesplus.com/store_details/344.aspx


They have all kinds of SLAs. http://www.batteriesplus.com/search/products/SLA/p1.aspx

[azpix]

i'm intrigued with this topic.

how technical is it to build a vagabond?

[ueb0258]

Not very technical at all if you are familiar with 12v electrical systems. Several good write ups on the web just google diy vegabond.

[cdifoto]

It's not a big deal to make one. The hard part is putting it together in a convenient, compact, client-friendly manner...ie making it so that you can carry it easily and a client won't get zapped by it. Not that Buff does a whole lot in that respect...it's just an SLA and inverter in a bag.

[turbodude]

man turns out im gonna have to buy online for the cheapest rate. I found a couple 26AH batteries for 65 shipped. so i think im just gonna get that. So pretty much 200 bucks ill have a more powerful Vagabond that lasts longer. Supposedly the vagabond 2 uses a Samlex 150w/300w, and 20AH battery.

[azpix]

Not very technical at all if you are familiar with 12v electrical systems. Several good write ups on the web just google diy vegabond.intersting, and i know nothing about 12v systems though

[Lotto]

The earlier Vagabond 150/300 use the Samplex inverter, I think the Vagabond II uses a new inverter specifically desinged for PCB.

I built one with the same Samplex 300 and a 35AH battery. It was fun and it works great.

Good luck with your build, turbo.

[ueb0258]

Here are some of the resources I used while building mine. Still havent decided on a package to put it in yet.

http://www.adidap.com/2007/01/24/diy-vagabond-power-pack/
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1025&message=22855258
http://www.instructables.com/id/A-Portable-Power-Box-for-Photographers/?comments=all#CY6BAA9FKX1D1GV
The last one I think is the best for showing how to do it and why they are using different pieces. If you decide to build one I wish you good luck. It is fairly easy but then again you have to know a little about 12v electric.

[LBaldwin]

Any reason you guys have not thought about a Pelican case for the inverter and the battery? I would think that would be a great way to go, unless heat buildup is an issue.

I would look at mods to the case that still allow for some weather resistance, but allow for cables in and out as needed. You can often find used Pelicans on CL.

[turbodude]

Any reason you guys have not thought about a Pelican case for the inverter and the battery? I would think that would be a great way to go, unless heat buildup is an issue.

I would look at mods to the case that still allow for some weather resistance, but allow for cables in and out as needed. You can often find used Pelicans on CL.


because then it defeats teh purpose of saving some cash from building your own.

[sheryll]

Just purchased Tronix Explorer XT and got it 3 days after I ordered online. I am excited to use it this weekend.

Here's the website: www.innovatronix.com
They also have a table of compatible lights: http://www.innovatronix.com/compatib.asp

[turbodude]

i used to have one of those :) i liked it alot, but it eventually became too bulky for my tastes

[J Kacey]

I suggest just buying the V2 and getting the best warranty in the industry.
Things to think about.....
Do you need to purchase a battery charger? V2 comes with it built in

Do you need to ground the unit for safety? V2 comes with built in ground fault... No need to ground

Is the recycle time going to be as fast as the V2? V2 is specifically designed to work with PCB products.

I'm not saying building it yourself is a bad idea.... Just some things to ponder


Edit:Looked at the resources listed in this thread and they are outdated.... Vagabond II is a new system and I don't think you will be able to build a system as good for less money
As Lotto said you are comparing to PCB's old system. The New VII is even much less in price than the old Vagabond

[Yeager]

If you are looking for a bag, just buy one from PCB. :D