Battery Dilemma...

[BigJeff]

Dear Ike Staff,

I am trying to decide what to do with my DS-161 strobe batteries, hopefully you can answer a few questions for me.

They currently have NimH cells, which after approx. 1000 cycles are now showing their age and lasting only 1/2 the charge time of my SLR battery.
This is not unexpected, so my question regards upgrade/replace - I'm also in Thailand so postage time and lack of batteries in this time is a factor (not under your control).

If I Send the strobes and/or batteries for service what is the cost to replace the NimH cells for new ones, and is there a possible upgrade path to the new Lithium II cells and charger?

When will the Lithium II be available for sale? August is a long month...

Thanks


p.s. I do like the Ike TTL system, takes a lot of the work out of capturing subjects.
~

 

[Ikelite Staff]

Dear Ike Staff, I am trying to decide what to do with my DS-161 strobe batteries, hopefully you can answer a few questions for me. They currently have NimH cells, which after approx. 1000 cycles are now showing their age and lasting only 1/2 the charge time of my SLR battery. This is not unexpected, so my question regards upgrade/replace - I'm also in Thailand so postage time and lack of batteries in this time is a factor (not under your control). If I Send the strobes and/or batteries for service what is the cost to replace the NimH cells for new ones, and is there a possible upgrade path to the new Lithium II cells and charger? When will the Lithium II be available for sale? August is a long month... Thanks p.s. I do like the Ike TTL system, takes a lot of the work out of capturing subjects. ~

We are expecting new packs available by the end of this month (August). Cost to replace NiMH with new NiMH is $125.00.

Can I exchange my 1st Gen Li-Ion battery pack for a 2nd-Gen battery pack? We do offer a reduced replacement price for non-warranty 1st Gen battery packs which are not accepting a charge or not holding a charge. We do not offer a reduced price to exchange a working pack for a new 2nd Gen battery pack. Due to the time involved and likelihood of damaging the original components, we do not re-cell or refurbish lithium ion battery packs.

Can I exchange my working/non-working NiMH battery pack for a Li-Ion 2nd Gen battery pack at a reduced price? Sorry, no.

MSRP: $250 for battery pack + FREE charger with exchange (total value $500)

Best Regards, Brett Foster - Ikelite