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08-10-2011, 04:57 AM   #1
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Can radio triggers handle old Hi voltage flashes?

Hi,

Old flashes have high trigger voltages that can damage modern DSLRs. I use radio triggers for strobist work with my modern flashes and studio monolights. I use the PT-04 triggers, which are the cheaper ones (compared to pocket wizards) you get on eBay. They work great by the way. However, I have some old flashes around I can use as background lights with gels for studio work. Can these radio receivers handle old flashes? I have "googled" it with no luck.

Thanks,

08-10-2011, 05:23 AM   #2
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i know that the Cactus V4 & V5 are built to resist up to 300 volts. Try to see the specification sheets of the product, it might be written on it.

The PT-04 / Cactus V2 work with flash voltage between 12-200 volts (according to gadget infinity.)
08-10-2011, 07:21 AM   #3
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One reason I picked up 4 Cactus v5 triggers was to utilize old Vivtar 285 flashes off, or on camera. Work great and no smoke so far.
08-11-2011, 04:49 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by imtheguy Quote
old Vivtar 285 flashes
I got one of those, and it sports a 7,5 V voltage.

I know the Yongnuo YN-04 II is rated for flashes below 12 volts. I think it's a case-by-case topic.

08-11-2011, 06:29 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by bdery Quote
I got one of those, and it sports a 7,5 V voltage.
Thats good to hear although I too recorded only single digit trigger voltage, there are dozens of net articles saying the voltage is up to 300's if not the HV model. I assumed I either was using wrong pins or multimeter unable to respond fast enough.
08-11-2011, 07:27 AM   #6
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I haven't heard too much about the 285s breaking cameras, but I own an early copy of the 283 so I tested it with a meter and it put out over 500 volts upon flash discharge. I didn't want any problems with triggers or my camera so I bought one of these, I might suggest you do the same if your older flash is testing high: 990560 Wein SSHSHS Safe-Sync Hot Shoe to Hot Shoe with PC Socket.
08-11-2011, 11:37 AM   #7
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I have the Yongnuo 602s, I ordered 2 receivers and the seller accidentally sent 3, I decided I had nothing to lose and had a few old high voltage flashes laying around, so I tested it. I cooked the receiver with an old Vivitar 2800 that was around 150V.

I've been meaning to open it up and see if I can replace the transistor to get it going again, but haven't had time.

08-11-2011, 12:29 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by elliott Quote
.... so I tested it. I cooked the receiver with an old Vivitar 2800 that was around 150V.

Yikes! Sounds like I am glad I went with the Cactus transceivers last year. They are rated to 300v and hopefully actually can handle it. That, plus they double as protection like the Wein device for on-camera use.
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