Quantum Battery and 580EX II

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I managed to get my hands on a brand new Quantum QB1 compact for next to nothing. I spent the $53 on the MB2 connection module where I had the choice to go with the XB2 and the MB2. I chose the more expensive of the two because I generally prefer coiled cords and the cord end on the battery side has a locking end on it. My dilemma, the module MB2 requires you to leave the door of the flash open. This Sucks! and the door can not come off with out taking the flash entirely apart. I am not tech enough to be confident that I would get it back together correctly.
Does anyone have any experience with quantum batteries and 580EX II flashes with either connection modules?
I am thinking about exchanging for the XB2 cord because it looks like the cord is thinner and I think I could rig the door to stay shut with a thinner cord.
Let me know if this is even worth it, I hate the fact the door has to stay open!
If there is no chance in using this battery with the door closed I will sell the battery, return the cord and get either the canon battery pack or spring for a Quantum Turbo compact (ouch)
Thanks
Matt Branscombe

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just a bump.

[viet]

If you like Quantum, get the Quantum turbo and the appropriate cord to plug in the power socket of your 580. The older Quantum is actually no better than regular AAs but you can use it longer.

There's also the CPE-4, I think that's the name, from Canon that lets you stick in 8 NiMHs for a much faster recycle time and much lighter to carry.

You don't have to leave the battery door open to either one of them but they are pricey.

[Titus213]

I believe you'll find some info on this site under open door policy.

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thanks I got it.
After speaking with Canon and realizing there is no way to take the door off with out taking the whole flash apart, I decided to do the unthinkable. I drilled a hole through the body of the flash. I thing I did a decent job as to not completely ruin the flash

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Originally Posted by viet

If you like Quantum, get the Quantum turbo and the appropriate cord to plug in the power socket of your 580. The older Quantum is actually no better than regular AAs but you can use it longer.

There's also the CPE-4, I think that's the name, from Canon that lets you stick in 8 NiMHs for a much faster recycle time and much lighter to carry.

You don't have to leave the battery door open to either one of them but they are pricey.

In my original post I addressed those two options. I wanted to make this work because its a brand new QB1c and the module was $50. I own a brand new turbo but I use that to power my q flash. The canon battery pack was really the only option I considered. I'm really not about to go spend another $400+ on a turbo.
My little construction project worked out well. Lets just hope if I ever have to get it repaired they won't take one look at it and send it back.
Thanks

[wcameron]

any idea which of the quantum cables would hook into the external power source socket on the quantum batteries? It's a much better option than drilling holes in my flash. Quantum has the worst website I've ever seen. Have you ever tried to find cables on their website? It's crazy.

[PacAce]

Originally Posted by wcameron

any idea which of the quantum cables would hook into the external power source socket on the quantum batteries? It's a much better option than drilling holes in my flash. Quantum has the worst website I've ever seen. Have you ever tried to find cables on their website? It's crazy.

If you want to use the external power socket of the flash, you have to get the Quantum Turbo series battery packs. The Quantum Battery series packs will only work with a plug that goes into the battery compartment.

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Originally Posted by PacAce

If you want to use the external power socket of the flash, you have to get the Quantum Turbo series battery packs. The Quantum Battery series packs will only work with a plug that goes into the battery compartment.

I thought I mentioned that.
I have a turbo but it's big and heavy and I use that for my Q flash. I feel like I made the right decision by modifying my speedlight.
I used it today at the Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson, NY. about 200 photos with the flash and the fuel gauge never left full power. That was also it's first charge. The battery was new and anyone who ever owned a quantum battery knows that it takes ten or more charges to get it to full capacity. Basically, I'm happy with the decision to modify my flash and I think I did a half way decent job.