Nikon SD-8A External Battery Pack - Reason for PC connection

Does anyone know why the Nikon SD-8A External Battery Pack has a lead to connect to the flash PC port as well as the external battery port? Are both connections needed when using this battery pack with the SB-800 flash unit, or is it only for use with a flash unit that doesn't have the external power connection?

Might be a great question to ask on a Nikon forum.

Of course!
Duh!!
Sorry!

jmb4370 wrote in post #3792031
Does anyone know why the Nikon SC-8A External Battery Pack has a lead to connect to the flash PC port as well as the external battery port? Are both connections needed when using this battery pack with the SB-800 flash unit, or is it only for use with a flash unit that doesn't have the external power connection?

From some of the things I've read about that power pack, it seems like the PC connection is required in order for that pack to work properly. No idea why that is, though.

BTW, you mistype the model as SC-8a instead of SD-8a.

rabidcow wrote in post #3792097
Might be a great question to ask on a Nikon forum.

Don't be silly; lots of Canon shooters use Nikon Speedlights, for lack of decent Canon models before the 580EX II...

PacAce wrote in post #3792649
From some of the things I've read about that power pack, it seems like the PC connection is required in order for that pack to work properly. No idea why that is, though.

This supports PacAce's answer.

I suspect that the Nikon pack goes to sleep to save power after a while without being fired, and receiving pulses from the PC connection keeps it awake - though that's a guess on my part.

David

DavidW wrote in post #3793901
This supports PacAce's answer.

I suspect that the Nikon pack goes to sleep to save power after a while without being fired, and receiving pulses from the PC connection keeps it awake - though that's a guess on my part.



David

I think you're on to something, David. I can't think of any other logical reason for needing the PC connection other than what you just suggested.

In posting this question in some of the Nikon forums, numerous people have used this pack with the PC plug disconnected, and could not tell any difference in recycle times! Using this flash off camera, and trying to sync via a cable you would either need a Y connector, or the PC plug from the battery pack would need to be left disconnected! No one has said anything about the flash or the pack going to sleep mode. The Nikon web site is of no help in this regard...so now waiting for some Nikon users to do some accurate tests.