Battery and Weatherproofing Field Guide

The Finnish competition season offers everything: spring rain, summer dust, autumn darkness and winter frost. Timing devices are reliable, but only if batteries and weatherproofing are handled. Here is a field-tested guide.

Battery basics

Charge all cells and the receiver fully the evening before the event. Check the charge level in the morning — not mid-competition. Always keep at least one fully charged spare cell ready. Mark the age of batteries: an old battery loses capacity and surprises you at the worst moment.

Sub-zero operation

Cold significantly reduces battery capacity. At winter events, keep spare cells warm (e.g. in an inside pocket or a heated bag) and move them to the field only just before use. Shorten the charging interval if needed and bring more spare gear than in summer.

Rain and moisture

Quality FDS cells withstand splashes, but in full downpour you should use a cover over the optics and keep connectors dry. Never charge a wet device. The transport case protects gear during moves — always use it.

Dust and arena surfaces

Dust from indoor halls and sand surfaces dirties the optics and can cause false triggers. Clean the lenses with a soft microfibre cloth regularly during the competition day. Place cells slightly above the dust line where possible.

Low sun

Sun shining directly into the optics is the most common source of interference outdoors. Aim cells so the sun does not hit the receiving lens, use a glare shield and account for the sun's movement during the day — a placement that works in the morning may be disturbed in the afternoon.

Checklist for the case

• All batteries charged the night before
• At least one spare cell + spare batteries
• Microfibre cloth for cleaning lenses
• Glare shields and tripod weights
• Weather covers for rain

Good maintenance extends the life of gear by years. Eqilo advises on battery replacement intervals and ships spare parts straight to Finland.