Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Apologies if this issues has been gone over before, but I've searched and can not find a DEFINITE answer using this configuration.

I think I know what the answer will be, as I've done numerous test with different configurations.

PROBLEM CONFIG:
Vagabond Mini
AB800 (or AB1600) - set to full power with all model buttons depressed
CSR+ (inserted via phone jack AFTER AB is powered on - per instructions)
Cyber Commander using firmware v4

RESULT:
AB will fire fine (full) on first attempt (essentially a dump), but will not fire proper power (faint "spark" in flashtube) after each subsequent firing attempt regardless of power setting shown on CC.

I've tried 3 different CSR+, 2 AB800, an AB1600, numerous known working cables, and 2 different Vagabond Minis - all yield the same result (described above).

WORKING CONFIG:
SAME AS ABOVE - EXCEPT I USE AC (WALL) OUTLET

RESULT:
ABs work fine and power adjustments work fine (as issued by CC). Using exact same combinations/configurations as above (sans VBM).

I've used the setup order outlined in the manual, used numerous cable/AB/CSR+/VBm combinations, all yielding the same result (and succeeding on all configs when I switched over to AC/outlet power).

ALL CSR+s work great when on AC/outlet power (and as "dumb" triggers using monoplugs on both AC and VBM power).

CONCLUSION:
Based on my testing, I'm assuming the Cyber Commander can not control the output power of the ABs when plugged into Vagabond Minis (as it was the sole variable in all my tests that failed versus AC/outlet power)? If so, why?

Is there a special configuration or setting I need to have on the CC to be able to control AB power output via CC when using VB Mini for power?

Thank you for your time and assistance.

On the back of the AB, does the dump light keep flickering red?
If so, I think you'll need to switch to CSRB+ instead. I had a similar problem w/ Radiopopper JrX's a while back, but it only happened to one B1600...

No, it is only red momentarily while the power cycles on the AB on the initial full power pop, then it goes green (when on Vagabond Minis). As mentioned before, everything works fine when on AC/outlet power.

So far the only variable I can see is the use of the Vagabond Minis (where problem exists) and AC/outlet power (no problems at all).

After the initial full power pop, it goes straight to green, as it does the low power "spark" in the flash tube deal.

I hope I don't have to use the CSRB+, as I went with the CSR+ to avoid having to use batteries.

Are the model lamps switched off via the cyber commander?if so, turn them to track, then back to off. Alternatively, turn them on via the CC and switch them of via the head when using the VML.

Yes they were. This did not seem to remedy the issue.

On the other hand, this:

Seems to be working when powered through the VMLs. Set my model lights to "Track" in the CC 'Light Settings' and "OFF" on the actual AB itself.

Another question is why does it work when set to OFF on the light itself versus set to "off" via the CC? The modeling light is off regardless of method, but only when its a "hard off" via the buttons on the AB seems to work when powering through the VMLs.

Regardless, I am very grateful and appreciative of everybody's assistance in helping me find the workaround for this issue.