Will Vivitar Flash work with GI Triggers?

I was at the Camera shop the other day, looking for a cheap manual flash to add a second light to my setup. The guy at the camera shop pulled out a used Vivitar flash, similar to this one: http://www.amazon.com …ional-Flash/dp/B00004TVSP

He made sure to tell me that the voltage output would be too much to use on my Canon EOS digital. I asked him if it would have any effect on the set of GI Cactus triggers I just ordered, and he told me he didn't think it would harm them, but he wasn't sure.

I also have an old Minolta Auto 32 that works great, but I know I can't use it with my Canon, but would make an excellent background strobe. Does anyone know if these flashes will effect the triggers? No sense getting the Vivitar if it'll burn them out. Thanks.

If you're worried about trigger voltage, put a voltmeter between the flash contacts and see what it registers. Wein makes a device called a "Safe Sync"which can be used to "step down"trigger voltage to the 6 V that older EOS SLRs needed. Since, IIRC, the 20D, a trigger voltage of around 250 V has been safe; before then it was 6 V.

Thanks for the reply Jon, I won't be using the flash on my camera, but on one of the GI Cactus triggers, and I'm having trouble finding any info on whether or not the extra volts will mess up the electronics in the trigger itself. I don't want to pick up the flash if it will burn out the triggers, but if it will be safe, he's only asking $30 for it, so I want to get it.

-Matt

Well, a Safe Sync between flash and trigger would still do the trick.

OK, just found them online, will have to see if I can find them cheaper somewhere. If I was using pocket wizards instead of poverty wizards, I could justify the $85 cost to save a $200 receiver, but for an $18 receiver and $30 flash I don't know that it's worth it.

Jon wrote in post #10291356
If you're worried about trigger voltage, put a voltmeter between the flash contacts and see what it registers. Wein makes a device called a "Safe Sync"which can be used to "step down"trigger voltage to the 6 V that older EOS SLRs needed. Since, IIRC, the 20D, a trigger voltage of around 250 V has been safe; before then it was 6 V.

The safe sync is about the cost of a new YN flash so it doesnt make much sense to buy one for this purpose