Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I'm getting periodic extra flashes from one of my 1600's. I'm using PW Flex/AC9 to trigger it and every so often I'll get a extra "glitchy" mis-flash. Sometimes the first flash is at the proper power, and sometimes it isn't.

I typically have two plugged into the same outlet and it is only the one that is having the problem so I don't think it is a line noise issue. I do need to try switching the which Pocket Wizard I'm using on it but for the first few shoots where I saw it (I thought it was overheating,) I wasn't being meticulous about keeping the same trigger/strobe combo so I don't think it's a trigger issue.

Could it be a flaky flash tube? It does happen after I've been shooting for a bit so could it be overheating? Is there a way to check?

I would try a different circuit. Also, if you are using an extension cord or power strip, remove or replace those and see if the condition improves. Swap components one at a time to see if you can isolate the problematic component. You will also want to contact LPA to see if there is any known issue on the PW side.