Here is a description how I hacked the Nikon SD-8 power pack for the SB-28 flash. It extends the life and speeds repeated flashes. The focus is the SD-8 power pack that delivers power only to the flash unit's capacitor. The internal SB-28 batteries (AA) power the flash's other processes. There are two variations of the SB-28 that use different connectors for the power pack, SB-28 and SB-28 DX. The SB-28, withe the rectangular opening can accept either version of the SD-8, but the SB-28DX will accept only a connector designed for it.
Note the difference in the plug receptacles, one rectangular, the other not.
Nikon SD-8 with the rectangular connector plug
This is a 3rd party version of the SD-8. The view is the other side from the Nikon Version, but they are shaped alike. It is much cheaper and works perfectly.
The Nikon version with one side removed to show the battery compartment and wires for an external battery pack soldered in place. The blue(black) wire to the ground and the red wire to the positive terminal.
The 3rd party version has a few differences in the battery compartment (actually an improvement over the Nikon version). The yellow wire is the ground and the red is the positive terminal. Note the photo is is upside down versus the Nikon version.
5 All the components for extra power to the SB-28. The internal batteries are replace by dummy batteries and a 6v LiPO4 rechargeable battery. (details in this post (https://www.camtrapper.com/viewtopic.ph ... 39#p107239). The SD-8 power is increased by 6 AA (in series) LiPO4 rechargeable batteries. The wiring results in two 6AA battery packs connected in parallel. Note that the Camtraptions receiver is connected by dummy batteries to an external D-cell holder (details here: https://www.camtrapper.com/viewtopic.ph ... 03#p106103) This is an old build that has been scrapped but it illustrates how dummy batteries are use with the older camtraptions receiver that does not have a port for an external battery system.
6 A Harbor Freight 30 caliber Apache ammo case for holding the flash and its power packs. It was built before the latest power pack modifications else the position of the flash could be lower in the case.
7. All components assembled. I like to tape the battery terminals to prevent them from coming off the battery while handling in the field.
Nikon Flash SB-28 and SD-8 external power
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FarmerDan
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Nikon Flash SB-28 and SD-8 external power
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