Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hi,

Here is my setup:

1 x CyberSync CST
3 x CyberSync CSRB
1 x Canon 580EX (modified to have a sync port)
2 x Canon 580EXII

Recently I discovered some misfiring (not firing) when using the CyberSyncs with my 580EXII flashes.

My troubleshooting included:
- Purchasing new sync cables with screw locks
- changing batteries on all receivers and transmitter
- swapping cables between the flash units and also swapping receivers

Both 580EXII units will intermittently not fire.
I found that if I picked up the 580EXII and held it in my hand at various angles, it will start firing again. If I continue to hold it at various angles, it will stop firing.

I found that the 580EX will always fire without fail, even when holding it in various positions.

Now normally I would suggest this was a problem with the 580EXII flash unit, however the symptom is occuring with both of my 580EXII flashes, and one is only recently purchased.

Could this possibly be an incompatibility with the 580EXII? or is there a known issue with the 580EXII sync ports causing it to lose contact with the cable?

Thanks,
Chris

There is sort of a known issue with 580EXII units and the PC connection. The PC connection seems to be flakey, even by PC connection standards. As far as I'm aware it is not unique to any particular brand of trigger/cord. I haven't needed to go this route but I've read that others have remedied the problem with a hot shoe foot adapter for a more reliable trigger connection.

There is no incompatabilty with any OEM flashes to my knowlege, certainly not 580EXII's. Do you have the slave mode off, and the unit in manual mode?

Yes, slave mode off, manual mode for flash power.

I believe the issue is what PowerEngineer mentioned above, that the PC Sync port on the 580EXII is just not very good. It must be losing contact with the cable when I try to fire it at various angles.

I thought that using screwlock Sync cables would resolve the issue, but it looks like this isn't the case.

I thought the same thing! You could try a PC connection conditioner tool I guess but that money is probably better spent on a Speed Light Foot Adapter with 1/8" sync jack. You could also try adding a little strain relief to the connection with some gaf tape when you need the flash at an angle that breaks the connection.

Thanks for the suggestion. I may just use some velcro around the PC connection so the cable is always connected tightly!