Metering with the ABR800 ring flash

I continue to debate the Ray ringflash vs the Orbis vs the ABR800. Regarding the latter and using it handheld, I'm wondering how to get the correct exposure. First, let's say it's the only light source. Do folks just use the histogram and test shots to get the right exposure? What if using it as the fill light and something else as the main light. How would you use a meter to trigger both and get the lighting ratio you want? I guess what's throwing me off is that it's on-camera and often hand-held with the camera. Thanks.

I would use a hand held flash meter, it's no different that metering any other light source. Meter your key light and adjust power to reach the desired f-stop then meter your fill and adjust output to your wanted ratio.

Use your meter and meter as you would any other light source, whether main or fill.

EDIT: sorry Mark. Looks like we posted at almost exactly the same time.

No worries, if the advice I give is up to your standards I am very happy

So I normally use PW's on my light sources and trigger them with my Sekonic 358 meter. For the
ABR800, I wasn't sure if people typically use a PW (or equivalent) between the camera and ring flash or just a synch cable. I guess I could use a PW, put the camera/ABR800 on a tripod or have my subject hold the light meter to trigger the flash. I'm not sure why I'm having a hard time getting my head around this!

I would say if you can find a good way to mount the PW on the ABR then go that rout I never trust sync cords if I can help it.

Sdipirro,
Meter the ABR800 at something like 1/8 power at 8 ft. Now you have a reference.
Then when you move closer you can quickly slide the power down. If moving farther away slide the power up.

Just to confirm the power relationships, do a test at 8 ft, 11 ft and 5.6 ft to see if the light is a stop stronger or weaker.

With this information its relatively easy to set the ABR based on the main light exposure requirement.