Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

OK here's the issue using 7D with Mimi/AC3 on camera MC2 on V2 Einstein. All sleep modes turned off. Running current Beta firmware. The camera triggers but the flash doesn't every now and then. If I hit the test button on the Mini the lights fire and the next time I fire the camera the light fires. Yet the next time no flash , fire the camera again no flash. Hit the test button and then it will work for a while. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions about what is going on PW has all ready replaced the mini.

Thanks
Doug

Have you tried to replicate the issue without the remotes? If not, try that as a start to see if thier absence make any difference.

Check the battery on the tt1, sounds like it doesn't have a strong enough signal.

The Strobe is not the problem if I use the sync chord it fires all the time I think it is an issue with the PWs. I have written them as well but was wondering if other users were having this issue.

Yes I have all ready replaced batteries doesn't make a difference

Problem seems to only happen in Control TL mode in standard ch every thing triggers just fine

I too am having a similar problem. I have two Einsteins with PocketWizard PowerMC2. I have a MiniTT1 with an AC3 on top. When I first power up everything according to PW's guidelines (meaning, power up flash/strobe, power up MiniTT1, power on Camera, every thing works fine. Initially when the sleep mode triggers, flash powers down but the MC2 still blinks. I then tried shutter release - no flash. I next tried, powering down the Einsteins with the power button (critical point here - It still had AC power from wall.) No luck. Still would not trigger Einsteins.

I eventually had to 'unplug' the cord from the wall, then replug it back in, and power up in the Pocket Wizard sequence (see above). Worked fine again until Sleep mode hit. In the mean time, I triggered my Nikon SB-900's on another channel and they all worked fine and WOKE up as anticipated. Replaced battery on MiniTT1 - no change.

Upgraded to beta version of MiniTT1 from PW web site - and then reprogrammed the mini trying to 'turn off' sleep mode using the PW utility. This didn't work.

I have not found a beta version for the MC2's. However after readying the forum it seems that this is also happening with the Cyper Commander. I have current firmware on E640's. Is there a beta version someone is working on along with PW tech to solve this problem?

Also sent a note to Pocket Wizard tech support today 8/11/2011. 2-3 day anticipated reply.

Any one have any other suggestions??

TeeWayne

Try changing the sleep mode in the MC2


I am not sure what issue you are referring to here, but there is no sleep mode for Einstein via CyberSync. [/quote]



Pocket Wizard is soley responsible for firmware updates that affect how it works for use with PW (we will test it to ensure it does not adversely affect the basic performance of the light or CyberSync). "We" are not in the process of any FW updates to address PW compatability, Pocet Wizard may or may not be. Pocket Wizard and Pocket Wizard alone knows how thier programming works. We supply some information as needed, but do not affect the programming.

I have changed the sleep settings on the MC2 and it seems to be working - meaning it stays awake all of the time. I have gone back to the MiniTT1 and reset the hibernation to 15 minutes to see if it will go to sleep and then see if I can wake it up via camera shutter trigger. I'll let you know the results.

Thanks for your speedy assiatance.

TeeWayne

OK - final results are that if I activate the Hibernate mode on the MC2 - it really appears to POWERS it down. So, at least I can manage it, but would prefer a real ability to awake on shutter movement like my Nikon SB-900s work.

I'll push Pocket Wizard to come up with a solution. :lol:

Thanks again for your help.