MORE POWER!!!

Ok- the heading is misleading, you won’t actually get more power, but this might help you keep better track of it. This weeks tip is a continuation of last week. Batteries, AA and AAA the rechargeable kind. Flashes, Pocket wizards, Light Meter, Wireless Remote, they all use power and eat up batteries.
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When you need fresh batteries do you reach into the pile and hope for the best?

Here’s possibly a better way.
First get yourself some cheap ebay/amazon/whatever battery cases.
These plastic cases hold four AA or AAA, I think I paid $3.99 for 10 including delivery.

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“Ok, so … I have the cases, now what?”
Now we add a little Sharpie. Choose one corner of your new cases and mark it with the “+” symbol.
New batteries, or freshly charged batteries are now placed into the case with the Positive end towards the + symbol.
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Simple- Now you know which batteries are fresh.
When they no longer fire your flash or other device, place the used batteries with the positive side away from your + symbol
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Straight forward enough.
Now here is an added bonus. If you forgot to charge your rechargeables and use a fresh set of Duracells don’t send them off to be recycled when they no longer power your flash. The flash uses a lot of energy, your batteries will likely still have plenty life in them for devices such as a keyboard, mouse, TV remote etc..
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To keep the used batteries from getting mixed up I mark them with a slash.

Much like used batteries, over time your rechargeables will loose their oomph… when they no longer hold enough power I find they still work in other devices, just charge and go. Again I mark them with a line.
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To avoid further confusion when a battery just won’t power anything I mark an X across the base.
At that stage it is ready to be recycled.
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Hope that helps you keep your batteries organized.

Thank you to all who have supported me over the years.
We have decided to remain closed for the duration of COVID. 
I am spending time with family. Once Vaccine roll-out is complete we will re-assess and consider re-opening spring 2022.