Just discovered...

[setiprime]

I bought a SanDisk CF card yesterday (256 Ultra ll) and decided to format it and check it out.

I normally remove my batteries between shooting sessions as a reminder to keep them charged.

I was in a hurry so I slipped just one battery into the pistol grip. The camera fired up just fine and I took a few shots (including flash).

The upshot is that the pistol grip seems to work fine with only one battery installed.

Oh yeah, I put it in the left compartment. Not that it matters.

[Flyball Rebel]

Hi setiprime, funny you should say that, when I read the instructions of the BG they were worded in such a way that suggested you could do that, but I never got around to trying it! now I know. Thanks.

[where1]

I use the same CFs. I bought two for the camera, and CF reader when I bought the camera. When I bought my new computer for at home, it came with a CF reader built in.
Here is my discovery part. I carried data back and forth between work and home on a Zip disk. Instead of buying another Zip drive for the new computer, I purchased another CF card and I use it for carring my work files back and forth (the reader went to work). The CF goes with me in my pocket just about everywhere, and I constantly back it up, so if I'm out and need a 3rd card, I have no hesitation to format and use it. Plus it holds 2.56 times the data.

[setiprime]

Yup - a lot of people think there is something special about CF cards that make them only usable in their cameras.

Actually they are just passive data storage devices, and can be used for any kind of data transfer.

I have a "Data Stick" that I use for the same purpose. It has a 128Mb. capacity. The device has a USB connector at one end and plugs into my USB hub for up/downloading. Has a Lockout switch for write protect. Comes in real handy between home and work.