Replacing/building Ikelite SS200 batterypack?

Dear users of Ikelite SS200

I would like to know if anyone here has ever replaced the elements in the batterypack for the SS200 substrobe? I'm leaving for a trip to the Red Sea in about 2weeks and it will probably not be possible for me to get a couble of new original packages (The old ones seems to be close to worn out) in time.

When I look at the package, it doesn't seems possible to open it right away, but I presume it can be done in some way.... If so, I don't expect it to be a big deal to replace the elements and resample the package in some way... IF it's possible to get suitable elements with the right physical size and mAh.

It might also be possible to build a couble of packages from scratch with six 1.2V elements and a couble of wired connectors, which would be nice to have, after switching to digital were quite a lot of the shots to adjust the output will use up the power quickly!

Experiences and advices are very welcome.

Regards and thank you very much in advance form Kim Meineche!

I have replaced the batteries off my SS300 and it was no problem. Just open the case, replace, solder and close.

Ikelite will be shipping NIMH replacement packs within the next 2 or 3 weeks...

Thank You Guys!

I've ordered 12 x 1,2V 3300mA, Ni-Mh elements (Sub-C) and a charger from www.Ansmann.de

The elements should fit inside the black battery-packs and should give me enough power for a dive or two.

I'm told that the Anamann charger is powerfull enough to refill one of the batteripacks in 1,5hours which i see as a big advantage over the original Ni-Cd packs which take about 8hours to recharge (I do NOT have the smartcharger).

If everything goes right, I'll receive the elements and the charger in 10 days!

Best regards and Thank You very much so far!

Kim! :-)