Difference between revisions of "Batteries"

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(MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 Status LED: Changed the embedded video to not autoplay and not display other videos.)
(MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 Status LED)
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;LED Blink:                                                   
 
;LED Blink:                                                   
:<span style="color:green;">Green</span> = Good battery
+
1 <span style="color:green;">Green</span> blink = More than 50% remaining
:<span style="color:orange;">Amber</span> = Warning – battery low
+
 
:<span style="color:red;">Red</span> = Very low battery – change immediately
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2 <span style="color:orange;">Amber</span> blinks = Warning – less than 50% remaining
 +
 
 +
3 <span style="color:red;">Red</span> blinks = Less than 25% remaining – change immediately
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These battery levels are tuned for alkaline batteries in the FlexTT5 and a standard Lithium coin cell
 +
in the MiniTT1. Other battery chemistries can work, but their battery level may not be reported
 +
accurately.
  
 
== MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 Battery Meter in the PocketWizard Utility ==
 
== MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 Battery Meter in the PocketWizard Utility ==

Revision as of 13:40, 2 July 2013

Next recommended reading: Status LED

Some PocketWizard radios require batteries.

CAUTION

Turn OFF your equipment (PocketWizard units, electronic flash units, cameras, etc.) before making connections or changing batteries.


Battery Chemistry

FlexTT5s will operate reliably using just about any pair of ~1.5 volt AA batteries, regardless of the type of battery chemistry. Alkaline, lithium, nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, and other battery chemistrys may vary somewhat in total life expectancy, but all are compatible. PocketWizard radios will report the most accurate remaining battery life using Alkaline batteries, since other chemistrys have a slightly different voltage discharge curve, which is how the remaining life is measured.

Regardless of the particular battery chemistry, the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 regulate the batter power which gives excellent performance throughout the entire life of the batteries. The unit will continue to function normally until the batteries are nearly exhausted.

The voltage regulation in our radios is very efficient. There is usually only a small benefit when using lithium (non-rechargeable) batteries. Lithium batteries are designed for the quick burst high current draw found in cameras and portable flash devices. Expect only a 10-20% longer battery life (approximate) over alkaline batteries when using lithium batteries.


FlexTT5, Canon or Nikon

Note proper polarity

Install 2 fresh AA (IEC:LR6) batteries into the FlexTT5 Transceiver. Make sure to note proper polarity.

Alkaline batteries are recommended. Rechargeable or other chemistry batteries will also work, though life expectancy may vary.

Life expectancy = approximately 60 hours with alkaline batteries.

MiniTT1, Canon or Nikon

Note proper polarity

The MiniTT1 saves batteries by automatically entering an extremely low power state when the camera enters sleep mode, or if not on a camera and TEST is not pressed for 10 seconds.

Install a fresh CR2450 coin cell battery into the MiniTT1 Transmitter. Make sure to note proper polarity. When the battery is in the radio, you should be able to see the + sign.

Life expectancy varies based on usage profile, as well as camera and flash models. When using a CR2450:

  • Canon MiniTT1 = 100’s of hours/thousands of triggers
  • Nikon MiniTT1 = approximately 30 hours of camera awake time


Basic Trigger Mode consumes the coin cell battery more quickly and is not recommended when using the MiniTT1 for Nikon on a Nikon camera, or when using the MiniTT1 for Canon on a Canon camera.

Low temperature can significantly affect coin cell performance. Always use fresh batteries in cold temperatures. Make sure to read the Safety Warnings about temperature.

MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 Status LED

Look at the normal Status LED blink to determine battery level, or use the PocketWizard Utility.

LED Blink

1 Green blink = More than 50% remaining

2 Amber blinks = Warning – less than 50% remaining

3 Red blinks = Less than 25% remaining – change immediately

These battery levels are tuned for alkaline batteries in the FlexTT5 and a standard Lithium coin cell in the MiniTT1. Other battery chemistries can work, but their battery level may not be reported accurately.

MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 Battery Meter in the PocketWizard Utility

To see your battery level in the PocketWizard Utility, make sure your MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 are turned on (set to C.1 or C.2) before you connect the USB cable. Hover your mouse cursor over the battery icon to get an exact voltage and battery status.

Storage

For all PocketWizard products,the storage temperature range, without batteries, is above -30° C (-22° F) and below 85° C (185° F).

Always remove batteries during storage.


Battery Warnings

WARNING – To avoid battery leakage, follow these guidelines:

  • Always remove the batteries when the unit is not in use for extended periods of time, or during shipping or long distance travel.
  • Never mix old and new batteries. Always use a fresh pair of matched batteries.
  • Always change batteries promptly at the first indication of low battery operation.
  • Do not use or leave the unit in extreme temperature or humid environments.