Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Recently I set up my newly replaced Einsteins V2.1 and CSXCV's and synced them with the Cyber Commander via the "Open-from-Studio-Routine". The lights were plugged into grounded power outlets.

I used the Cyber Commander handheld (not as trigger) to adjust the power and I had the CST on my D300. Of course all were set to the same Frequency.

After everything was synced and a couple of frames later, I could hear a pop (almost if the flash fired) and the sync between the Einsteins, Cyber Commander and CST was lost.

After this occurrence I turned the Einsteins off and back on, changed the frequency on the Einsteins, Cyber Commander and CST. Then I synced the Cyber Commander again with the Einsteins.

Of course a couple of shots later - Same thing, a loud pop and sync was lost again? :(

Any ideas on what is going on?

I had the lights set up in a studio space with grounded power outlets, no other remote triggers were in the vicinity.

Thanks

Chris

First, which two frequencies were you using? Also, do you know the battery status of the CST (press the test button, how many times does the LED blink)? The loud pop: can you confirm it was from the flash(es)? Will the same thing happen if you remove the battery from the CST and only use the Cyber Commander?

Last frequency used was 12, previously used frequency was 3 if I remember correctly. CST blinks once after pressing the Test Button.

The pop-noise definitely came from the Einstein, that I can confirm.

Next time I set the lights up I will try using both triggers, and in the event sync is lost then I will remove the battery from the CST and report back with the findings.

Removing the battery from the CST will likely not undo the problem once it happens. The goal here would be to see if the absence of the CST would prevent the occurrence. Ideally, this would be done when trouble shooting can be performed. Alternatively, using a new CST battery would likely yield the same trouble shooting results as not using the CST alltogether, as I am suspecting a low CST battery in this case.

Chris I had a similar issue when I first setup my Einsteins. My setup sounds very similar to yours 4 Einsteins, CST camera mounted and CC for adjustments.

The condition that seemed to cause the loud pop and lack of wireless sync on the Einstein was changing power and trying to meter or use the flash too quickly. The load pop/flash would only happen on one of the four Einsteins in use. Once in a while that Einstein would flash once with a load pop then with sound only it acted as if it was trying to rapid fire or was short circuiting. Cycling the power and opening reset everything.

My CC also went back for the reboot repair. Once it was back from repair I slowed down and gave the lights a chance to catch up to changes issued from the CC I haven’t had the loud pop and lose of sync.

At this point I’m very grateful for the lights and the CC. Once the wait was over and the bugs were worked out the system is working like a dream.

Jason

Today I was on a location shoot and used two Einsteins wtih CSXCV's. Went through the routine set-up and sync via "open from Studio all".

Worked like a charm - for 15 shots, then the lights popped and the Cyber Commander lost sync again. When I looked at the Cyber Commander it was rebooting - with fresh batteries.

When it happend I had all the Einsteins on frequency one. I decided to turn off and on the lights again, switched them to frequency three and DID NOT continue to use the Cyber Commander. The remainder I just triggerd the Einsteins with the CST and ajdusted them manually. That worked without any problems.

Sounds like I have to send in my Cyber Commander. Please advise.

Thanks,

Chris

I got the same probleme as you schweigerphoto. with the same set up. Plus one more problem. Since I move from version 29 on the Cyber Commender to version 32. When I used the Cyber Commander to adjust the power, the Cyber Commander reboot, then I am loosing my set up, and cyber Commander sync with the Einsteins. I got to change all the channels and start again. All my batteries are fresh.

schweigerphoto and dupontphoto,
Both of those Cyber Commanders should come in for repair to address the rebooting. You can visit this page for more details on how to return (it will need to come to the US address)http://www.alienbees.com/contact.html#repair or you may contact us for further information.

Two questions for Tech Support:

1) If there's a repair available to correct a reboot problem, then it should be reasonable to assume that all CC's are subject to having this issue crop up at some point. If this is true, then do you suggest that we send in our CC's as a pre-emptive measure?

2)Is there any type of "trade-up" program for those that have the original CC?

1- there have been few reports overall of units not having the "spontaneous reboot" as addressed by the fix then suddenly having that problem. Typically, it will either be present from early on or not present. This is excepting units that are typically dialed up to a higher backlight.

2- There is no upgrade from a non-antennaed unit to one with an antennae, as the early ones are capable of performing as advertised when purchased. If the unit is not performing as advertised, then it will be repaired under warranty.