NIMh batteries and triggers.

Phil V

Phil V

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I've been reading that NIMh batteries are less suitable for triggers than Alkalines due to the lower voltage. Does anyone have real world problems with this, or is it just 'theoretical'?

I know that the triggers will become unreliable when the voltage drops (to about 1.1v), but my understanding of the NIMh batteries is that they have a very flat power output curve, so whilst they are actually around 1.2v fully charged, they tend to just about die suddenly.
 
simonbarker said:
To date I've never had any problems but I'm not sure how useful an answer that is.
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Me neither, which is why I'm asking. Is it a real world problem or is it a theoretical issue?
 
I did a test a few years ago with RF 602's, used for triggering the shutter not flash, when I first bought Eneloops and the range is reduced, Not a huge problem as I'm now used to it.
 
I use 'Eneloop' style NiMh batteries for my triggers and flash units, all work fine - but I think it does depend on the specific model.
My Pixel Kings specify NiMh are OK, but I have read posts on other forums where triggers would only work with Alkaline.
I would guess it's down to the specific circuity design - one of the things we do at the company I work for is redesigns of old PCB's for spares where components have gone obsolete, and I know the electronics specialist has to adjust a number of things as many devices are ~3v now compared to ~5v 10 years ago - so it woudl not surprise me if some older designs assumed batteries would be 1.5v, and dropping this to 1.2v were enough to stop things working.
 
Phil V said:
I've been reading that NIMh batteries are less suitable for triggers than Alkalines due to the lower voltage. Does anyone have real world problems with this, or is it just 'theoretical'?

I know that the triggers will become unreliable when the voltage drops (to about 1.1v), but my understanding of the NIMh batteries is that they have a very flat power output curve, so whilst they are actually around 1.2v fully charged, they tend to just about die suddenly.
Click to expand...

I've been using Eneloops in 622c's for some months. I find they need to be well charged or they won't fire the trigger. Fine for 200+ shots though. I'm going to get the Elinchrom Skyport trigger to avoid the problem, which will give me control of the strobes, too.
 
JennyGW said:
I've been using Eneloops in 622c's for some months. I find they need to be well charged or they won't fire the trigger. Fine for 200+ shots though. I'm going to get the Elinchrom Skyport trigger to avoid the problem, which will give me control of the strobes, too.
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That number is fine for my general use, and of course I carry spares too.
 
Phil V said:
That number is fine for my general use, and of course I carry spares too.
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Yeah, same here, and nothing to spot you sticking a sync cable in the bag just in case.

I had a shoot recently where two sync cables failed, that was fun, lol
 
JennyGW said:
Yeah, same here, and nothing to spot you sticking a sync cable in the bag just in case.

I had a shoot recently where two sync cables failed, that was fun, lol
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I mostly use the 622's with speedlights. So a sync cable isn't a realistic plan B. And I use the Lencarta trigger with the Safari2, I can use the 622s with that as a spare.
 
Phil V said:
I mostly use the 622's with speedlights. So a sync cable isn't a realistic plan B. And I use the Lencarta trigger with the Safari2, I can use the 622s with that as a spare.
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Ah, gotcha. I've not had any problems at all with the Eneloops when used with 622Cs and Yongnuo / Canon Speedlites.
 
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