Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Is it possible to use two 6v SLA batteries wired in series hooked up to a Vagabond II unit? Are there any specs I should look out for it I were to do this other than the amp hour ratings of the batteries?

You can, but you will want to ensure that both batteries are equal in output, otherwise, the bad battery will pull the good battery down. very similar to how house hold electronics tell you not mix battery types and to not mix old and new batteries.

Well...I'm more than frustrated by the V2. I know I've had it for a little over a year...and I bought it directly from the store in Nashville. No one told me it had to be treated like a newborn baby at the time of purchase. Infact, no one said much about it at all when I picked it up...just brought it out and I was on my way.

I have followed the guidelines, charging it the first of every month...I may have gone longer, just one time. The past two shoots it has started to beep in the middle of my shoot. The first time it took me a few minutes to figure out the battery was trying to tell me something. Now, after it did the same thing a second time, I know it is not holding the charge like it should.

I'm in WA state now...can't just bring it in. What should I do? First time to be disappointed in a Paul Buff product.

All batteries have a finite life span, which can vary from battery to battery, even of the same type. Sealed Lead Acid batteries, such as those used in the VII and virtually every other AC flash power system, do need to maintain a full charge at all times when not in use. If the battery is used and not recharged immediately, then the battery can sulfate, rendering a portion of the battery unchargeable. This process is cumulative. So, if you used the VII early in the month, but did not charge it until the first of the following month, this could damage the battery. Leaving the battery to charge longer is not problematic, as the inverter portion of the VII will regulate the charge going to the battery. Also, even "perfectly" maintained batteries will eventually fail, some faster than others.

My next thought is, if this was the first and only time so far this has happened, and the battery seemed to drain especially fast, it is possible the modeling lamp(s) of your lighting was on. While one or maybe two model lamps would not necessarily damage the battery or the inverter, it will consume more power, and drain the battery faster. Very fast, in fact, if they are set to a high power combined with higher power flashes.

If you do suspect the battery, you can charge it fully, then remove the battery and have it tested by most auto parts stores (advance, auto zone, etc.).

If the battery is bad, you can replace just the battery either through us or sourced locally.

As always, you can send the unit to us for inspection. Within a year, the whole thing is covered. Under two years the inverter is covered, should anything be wrong with it.

Hi there, recently I've been having an issue with my Vagabond II. After 10 hours of charging, I can't power any AB's. The battery was sitting for about 3-4 months without being touched so I'm assuming the battery is drained. After charging and I put on Slow, a long beep occurs, stops and starts again.

Any ideas?

Not only is the battery drained, it is also probably sulfated. Once sulfated, a battery can no longer hold a charge, and will need to be replaced. Replacement batteries can be found through us here: http://www.paulcbuff.com/vagabondparts.php or you may be able to find one locally.

It is important to keep a full charge on the VII battery at all times. This not only means charging immediately after use, but also periodically topping off the charge, as all batterys will drain even when not in use. We recommend topping off every 2-3 weeks.

I just bought a used Vagabond II. I have charged it for 12 hours and the charge indicator led never went from red to green.

When I unplug from the wall the led is green and I can use the VII with my AB800 just fine.

The question is - with the charger plugged into 110 VAC does the led ever turn green? OR will you only see the green (or red led) after it is unplugged from the 110VAC?

Thanks John C :geek:

The green LED should come on once fully charged. However, sometimes if the battery is fully depleted it may take longer, or if the battery is not up to snuff, the LED may not change.

There is a possibility of the charge output being low, and not able to fully charge the battery (thus the LED will not change).

I would first rule out the battery. If after charging, the battery swells, has a crack, is extremely hot, or otherwise abnormal, then it is the battery. You may also have the battery checked under load at a battery retailer or auto parts store.

I took the battery out and it is pregnant. In fact, it may be twins!

It is time for a C section.

Thanks for the help.

John :shock:

I have a Vagabond II and I had to replace the carrying bag that it's housed in.

After doing so, the battery life is almost nothing now. It only lasts for about 15 minutes.

Could I have hooked up something wrong while putting it in it's new carrying bag? Everything appeared to be put back as it was before.

Or does it sound like just a coincidence that the battery has reached it's life term and is simply wearing out?

For the record, I keep it plugged in and charging all the time. It's never not plugged in unless I'm using it, which isn't often.

Also, I have not used this heavily. Maybe only moderately. Maybe.

When I unplug the power cord, both red and green lights remain on.


Thanks in advance.