Question about Lumedyne power pack

[CruiserBill]

Hi folks - just came across this forum and joined up. Looks like a lot of knowledge floating around in here.

I did a search but am coming up empty for my question.

I have a Lumedyne minicycler that I used several years ago with my EOS 1N. I am trying to see if it still works, and want to use it with my 5D and 580EX II. This should be a simple thing, but I can't remember if I need to replace my double-A's in the 580 with a dummy module when I use the power pack. I know it won't work with "nothing" in the flash, but I just don't remember if it's designed to run the circuit through the batteries without harming them or if I need the dummy module.

Can anyone jog my memory for me?
Thanks.

[tim]

Welcome to POTN :) There's lots of knowledge here, but there's not so many old school photographers with older equipment.

Based on this (http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?topic_id=23&msg_id=000vaI) and [/url]http://www.labellecameras.com/products.cfm/PhotoAccessories/Batteries--Power-Equipment/Batteries---All-General-Types//Lumedyne--052c-Minicycler-Battery-Pack-14088.html]this[/url] it looks like the minicycler puts out 330V DC. You'll need to see if the Canon flashes can accept this voltage.

You'll DEFINITELY have to plug it into the high voltage port, if it's compatible. You'll still need AA cells in your flash to power the electronics.

[CruiserBill]

Thanks for the fast response, Tim. I had checked the Lumedyne site to make sure it was compatible with the 580, so that part is OK. And I have the right cable to plug into the HV port. So, I think I'll charge her up, plug her in, hold my breath and give it a shot. If you guys never hear from me again, you'll know it exploded or vaporized and took me with it. LOL

[tim]

no need of the es-2 energy saver dummy battery

you set the flash (with CFn # 12 set to 1) to use only the external power to recycle.

but in any case I do use the dummy, also because it makes the flash lighter .

with the old 580EX the CF to set is the #7

they say to use alkaline (not rechargeable) , but I use rechargeable with no problem with a mini and a tiny

What are you using dummy batteries for? You need proper AA cells in the flash to run the electronics even if you use a high voltage pack.