Hereās a detailed summary of the Tether Tools Relay Camera Coupler CRND4 for Nikon ENāEL18 batteries ā what it is, how it works, compatibility, and things to watch out for.
Tether Tools Relay Camera Coupler ā Nikon ENāEL18 (CRND4)
What It Is
The CRND4 is a dummy battery insert designed to replace Nikon ENāEL18 / ENāEL18a batteries in compatible Nikon camera bodies. Tether Tools+2Polyline Corp+2
It does not contain a battery or store power. Instead, it serves as a power conduit, allowing an external 5āÆV source (via the Tether Tools Case Relay Camera Power System, CPS) to continuously power the camera. Polyline Corp+2Tether Tools+2
Key Features & Specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | CRND4 Polyline Corp+2Tether Tools+2 |
| Compatible Battery | Nikon ENāEL18 / ENāEL18a Tether Tools+2Polyline Corp+2 |
| Compatible Cameras | Cameras that use ENāEL18 battery, including: Nikon D3, D2H, D2X, D2Xs, D3s, D3X, D4, D4S, D5, D200 Tether Tools+2acephoto.net+2. Note: For some bodies like D4/D4S and D5, a separate Nikon EPā6 coupler might be required for compatibility. Tether Tools+1 |
| Cable Length | ~āÆ10ā³ (āāÆ25.4 cm) from the coupler. Polyline Corp+1 |
| Total Cable Run with CPS | When connected with the Relay system cable, around 50ā³ (āāÆ127 cm) total run. Tether Tools+1 |
Advantages / What It Enables
Continuous Power: Enables long shoots, timeālapses, video, or liveāview sessions without needing to swap out batteries. Polyline Corp+1
Hot Swapping External Power Sources: Because the Case Relay system has an internal buffer (backup) battery, you can swap the external power supply (e.g. power bank) without losing power output to the camera. Tether Tools+1
Use of NonāProprietary Power Sources: You can use common 5V USB power banks, AC adapters etc., which are more universally available and often costāeffective. Polyline Corp+1
Limitations & What to Check
The coupler does not have its own power storage; if both external power and buffer battery are unavailable or depleted, camera will lose power. Tether Tools+1
Battery door closure is essential; you must be able to fully close the door and route the coupler cable through the rubber trapdoor or cable port so the door can close properly. Failure to do so can cause poor fit, mechanical stress, or damage. Polyline Corp+1
For some models (notably D4, D4S, D5), additional ādummy battery adaptersā (such as Nikonās EPā6 coupler) may be needed in conjunction for proper fit or safe use. Tether Tools+2Polyline Corp+2
Ensure your external power source provides stable current and voltage for camera usage, especially during high draw modes (video, bursts, extended live view). Cable quality and connectors matter, as voltage drop over distance or poor builds can cause issues.