Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

So I love my MiniTT1 to FlexTT5 with my Nikon SB900 in iTTL, but every time I place a CST transmitter on top of the MiniTT1 to incorporate an einstein with a CSXCV on it, the Einstein flickers like crazy.

Is there anything I'm missing that would make this problem stop? It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, it's very annoying. I've tried using a cable between the CSXCV and the SB900 to pop the einstein from there (which works) but then I lose my i-TTL from the MiniTT1 to the SB900 (with a FlexTT5 on it)

I also bought the PowerMC2 for the Einstein's (which does solve the problem), but I am not happy with the PowerMC2's, because they just don't seem to be as reliable as the CSXCV's are.

Anyone have any ideas for me?
Thanks,
Joe

"every time I place a CST transmitter on top of the MiniTT1 to incorporate an einstein with a CSXCV on it, the Einstein flickers like crazy."

You're joking, right?

I'm not sure if you are being a jerk or have interest in my problem.
I should add that the Einstein's are updated with v29 firmware and the PowerMC2's are also updated with the latest firmware.

I've been using these lights since they came out and have never had this problem.

Its not as crazy at it seems. If you are mixing speedlites and E640's, the the PW can run the speedlites and the the CyberSync system can run the monolights, an often asked question.

As to the OP, I have not seen this on the Canon side, which is what we have for the in house camera. I will see if I can rustle up a Nikon and reproduce the problem, as well as try on the Canon side with the specific set up. When you say "flicker", is that from the flash tube or model lamp?

The flash tube is flickering. I tried again at home for a few minutes and it was fine, but after 40-50 clicks it started flickering again.
Thanks for your help on this.

While I conduct my tests, I have a few more questions.

Every time the E640 flickers, do you notice a red blink of the CST's LED?

When you take a photo, the E640 is firing as it is supposed to and at the appropriate power?

When you press the test button on the CST, The LED should blink red once. How many times is yours blinking?

I just tested it. When placed on the MiniTT1 alone it does not have a problem.
As soon as I slipped it on my Nikon D3s it started flickering and yes the light on the CST was constantly flashing red.
It did seem to have a proper exposure, but I had my einstein on the lowest possible power while testing it, so it didn't take much to recycle.

When I press the test button on the CST it does blink only once, unless the einstein is flashing repeatedly and then it keeps flashing.

Hope that helps.
It definitely seems to be something with the camera signal once attached to the MiniTT1

But a CST directly mounted to the camera does not do this, correct?

Correct

I just tested the same set up, but with a Canon and Canon model TT1. I could not replicate the problem. I am still working to get a Nikon.

The rapid firing from the CST is an indication of a low battery, but the other low battery indicators are not present. Even still, I am suspicious of the CST battery. Also, there is a situation where things can go funny if a CST is plugged into an SB800 (probably an SB900, too) and the CST battery is low-ish, but not exhausted. I wonder if one or more of teh remote batteries is causing this as well.

If the battery in the CST is approaching a 8 months year old, I would try swapping it out. If this is the case, it would be hard for us to force into repeating.

If your schedule permits, you are more than welcome to swing by and we can swap compoinents to see if we can find a culprit. I will still continue to research.