Here’s a detailed product‑overview for the Tether Tools Relay Camera Coupler CRN5 for Nikon EN‑EL9 / EN‑EL9a batteries, with specs, use‑cases, and what to watch out for. If you like, I can also draft a customer‑friendly description or compare it with similar couplers.
Tether Tools Relay Camera Coupler CRN5 — Nikon EN‑EL9 / EN‑EL9a
What It Is
The CRN5 is a dummy‑battery coupler that replaces a Nikon EN‑EL9 / EN‑EL9a battery in compatible cameras. It’s part of the Case Relay / ONsite Relay Camera Power System. The coupler itself does not contain a battery — it simply provides a path for continuous external power to the camera via the Relay power system.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model / SKU | CRN5 Polyline Corp+2B&H Photo Video+2 |
| Battery Replaced | Nikon EN‑EL9 / EN‑EL9a Polyline Corp+2Tether Tools+2 |
| Compatible Cameras | Nikon D3000, D5000, D40, D40x, D60 B&H Photo Video+2Tether Tools+2 |
| Coupler Cable Length | ~ 10 inches (≈ 25.4 cm) from the battery chamber to the input jack B&H Photo Video+2Polyline Corp+2 |
| Combined Length (with Relay System Cable) | ~ 50 inches (≈ 127 cm) total when attached to the Relay power cable Tether Tools+2Glazer's Camera+2 |
| Connector / Input Type | Barrel / coaxial female input (for the external 5 V or Relay system feed) B&H Photo Video+2Tether Tools+2 |
| Warranty | Limited 90‑day warranty from the manufacturer Tether Tools+1 |
What It Enables / Benefits
Continuous powering: Allows long shooting sessions (time‑lapse, video, Live View) without having to swap out EN‑EL9 batteries.
Hot‑swappable external power: With the Relay system’s internal buffer (backup) battery, you can swap external power sources (like a power bank) without shutting the camera off. Tether Tools+1
Use of non‑proprietary power sources: Useful for using standard USB power banks or AC power rather than relying solely on battery packs.
Cost‑saving: Less need to own many EN‑EL9 batteries if you often shoot long or in places where charging is inconvenient.
Things to Watch Out For / Limitations
| Limitation | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No built‑in battery | The CRN5 doesn’t store power; if external power fails and if the Relay buffer is drained, the camera will lose power. Tether Tools+1 |
| Battery door / closure issues | The camera’s battery door must close fully with the coupler inserted, and the cable must exit via the rubber trapdoor (if provided) or a proper cable port. If the door is forced or not closed correctly, it can damage the cable or compromise sealing. Polyline Corp+1 |
| Power draw under load | In modes like video, continuous Live View, or high frame‑rate burst shooting, power consumption is higher. The external power source and cables must handle the demand. Voltage drop or weak sources may cause instability. |
| Cable strain / durability | Vigilance needed to prevent wear at the cable exit, especially with movement, pulling, or tight bends. Proper strain relief helps. |
| Compatibility check | Even among EN‑EL9 cameras, check your specific model to ensure things like door design, trapdoor, or firmware do not interfere with using the coupler properly. — for example, models like D40, D60, D3000 etc. are confirmed compatible. B&H Photo Video+2Polyline Corp+2 |
Summary
The CRN5 coupler is a solid option if you have a Nikon camera with EN‑EL9/9a battery and need reliable continuous power for extended sessions. It does what couplers should: enable constant external power, reduce battery dependency, support hot‑swapping of sources. However, paying attention to cable routing, power source quality, and battery door closure will avoid common pitfalls.
If you like, I can also draft a marketing‑friendly product description for this CRN5, or show how it compares (features/cost) with something like an EN‑EL14 or EN‑EL15 coupler.