Silly Question Time

**ekkl** · 13th May 2009

Hi all. Took this picture a few days ago and spotted the lead coming out of the flash. Now I take it that must be some kind of power lead but on my Speedlight where this one is plugged in it says it is the 'Bracket Mounting Hole. On the other side of the flash is the battery cover.

Can anyone explain what it is please If it is a power lead where does it end up etc etc!

Thanks.

**BertRoot** · 13th May 2009

You can get offboard power packs that plug into an outlet but can't see it being one of them. Would have thought it was a cable from the port on the side but cannot see the use unless she has it linked to another flash, i.e. a sync lead.

**[wingnut]** · 13th May 2009

The flash unit in question is a Speedlight 580EXII and a very smart peice of kit it is too I might add.
What the lady has done is hooked the flash unit up to an external power pack, probably mounted on her side like a bum bag. (how 80's does that sound) so she can shoot all day without having to replace 4 AA batteries every 15 mins. Couldn't tell you what make the power pack was but it would be from someone like Elichrom, Quantam or suchlike.

**ekkl** · 14th May 2009

Hi guys thanks for the replies.

I thought it may be the power pack, have just seen them on ebay for about 120 notes.

On my Speedlight where her lead is plugged in there is only the hole for the mounting bracket. Nothing there for the lead to plug into unless it is used for both. Anyone know?

Thanks again

**[wingnut]** · 14th May 2009

What speedlight are you using?

**ekkl** · 14th May 2009

The 430 EX II.

On the right of mine there is nowhere to plug a lead into. All that is there is the mounting bracket thing. On the other side is the battery cover.

I am now thinking if you buy the external power pack then it might go into the battery compartment or something like that.

**[wingnut]** · 14th May 2009

You can't attach an external power pack as far as I know to the 430exII. It's only it's big sister that you can.

Honestly would you use your flash that much that you need a battery pack? I reckon you would get 150+ full power shots from decent AA batteries. I din't even use a full set of batteries on the my larger weddings.