S U B S T R O B EB A T T E R I E SA N DC H A R G E R S Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a new NiMH battery pack on my older Substrobe 200 / Substrobe DS-200 / Substrobe DS-125? The new #4063.5 (Substrobe 200 / DS-200) and #4066.5 (Substrobe DS-125) NiMH battery packs CAN be used on older strobes. However, the NiMH cells in these packs require use of the new #4066.1 Smart Charger. The older #4063.1 Smarter Charger may appear to be compatible, but its use can cause irreparable damage to the NiMH cells. The new #4066.1 Smart Charger can be used on older Ni-Cad battery packs. See the new Smart Charger. What makes a Charger "Smart"? The Smart Charger features the latest negative delta-v pulse charge technology to provide more complete charging while keeping the batteries cool for longer battery life. Auto-ranging input operates anywhere with 100-240 volts supply making it ideal for the traveling diver, and this charger is less likely to fail under these circumstances. What products can utilize the "Smart" charger? This charger plugs directly into Substrobe DS-125 and SubStrobe DS-200 NiMH or Ni-Cad packs. It can be used on all Ikelite SubStrobe 150, 225, 300 and 400 packs with the $15 adapter #4063.51. Video-Lite 45 and Modular Super Lite ni-cad packs are now supplied with a second socket to accept the Smart Charger. We also have a Smart Charger for the Pro Video Lite II and SpD Lite series, but this 10-cell charger does not interchange with the Smart Charger for SubStrobes. Will the "Smart" charger damage the batteries? Just the opposite. This charger conditions the cells, prolongs battery life, and usually provides more flashes per charge. Can I use the "Smart" charger on Substrobe Ai and 100A ni-cad packs? The charger is configured to charge packs of SIX ni-cad "C" or "D" cells, but can be used with our Rechargeable RCD Lite and the optional ni-cad packs for Substrobe Ai and 100A because of the diode configuration in these packs. The charger will NOT work with other four-cell packs. Can I use the "Smart" charger on other ni-cad packs? The charger can be used if the pack contains SIX ni-cad "C" or "D" cells. It can be used on our very compact Super C-Lite HRechargeable because this is a six cell pack; and it can be used with the Sea & Sea 300 strobe. It could be used on an SB-104, but our plug is not compatible. It can NOT be used on "AA" cells or other 4-cell packs.

Do the new NiMH cells provide any advantage over Ni-Cads? Our new NiMH battery packs provide more flashes per full charge for the Substrobe DS-125, Substrobe 200, and Substrobe DS-200. NiMH cells are also more environmental-friendly than the older ni-cad cells. How often should I completely discharge my ni-cads? NEVER is the best single word answer. This awful recommendation is an old misconception. Complete discharge may allow one of the cells to reverse polarity, and it may cause the cell to vent and/or cause permanent damage. Batteries should NEVER be subjected to a complete deep discharge. In defense of the complete discharge theory, it may be a necessary procedure for a pack that is not operating correctly. How can I prevent "memory" in my ni-cad pack? This popular misconception does not occur because of the heavy current drains imposed by most diving products. This is an imaginary "problem" that has been touted as an "advantage" for products supplied with inferior gel-cell batteries. How long will my ni-cads last? All Ikelite ni-cad packs are supplied with the finest hi-rate industrial grade matched cells. We receive glowing reports of ten year old packs that operate fine, but this is not a realistic expectation. Frequent use promotes healthy batteries. Expect some loss of capacity by 100 cycles, and considerable loss by 300 cycles. How should I store my ni-cad pack? Like all batteries, they should not be left installed in the device. Ni-cad batteries will loose approximately 2% of their charge per day. Recharging after thirty days will assure a full charge before use. The pack should be charged every two or three months if not used. Do not leave a pack completely discharged. Why would my "Smart" charger not operate? The center contact of the receptacle into which you plug the charger has a split pin that can get squeezed together preventing good electrical continuity. Take something like a small screwdriver and spread the center pin slightly so it provides a snug fit with the plug. The socket is diode protected to only allow electricity "in" so you do not need to worry about a short circuit if you touch the side of the socket. My #4052 Quick Charger failed, can it be repaired? This style charger is less tolerant of voltage fluctuations and does run hotter with 50 cycle input. Unstable input encountered by the traveling diver can cause failure in this style charger. These are sealed units that can not be repaired. Can I replace the ni-cads in my pack? Yes, but you may not have the advantage of matched cells. Use only high-rate industrial grade batteries. Some commercial batteries are lower capacity small cells hidden inside of a big "C" or "D" size can. We are no longer able to re-cell or replace older ni-cad battery packs. New NiMH battery packs are available for the Substrobe 200, DS-200, and DS-125.

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