Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

So i've narrowed it down to the CSR+, because I've moved it to different B800s and the problem stays consistent throughout, and it's getting frustrating, since I use my lighting for class half the time, and I need my equipment to function as it should so I can meet deadlines.

Anyway, the problem is this, and it changes from time to time. First off, I use everything w/ B800s and a CyberCommander. I have three lights total, two being CSRB+ and one CSR+.
Sometimes, or on some strobes, or whatever, the CSR+ seems to lock up and keep the dump light at red. It won't track with Commander commands, it won't trigger. This happens on and off, and most of the time it works itself out, but for 2 hours today it was stubborn, and wouldnt trigger, or go to Green unless I unplugged the CSR+ , and when I plugged it in again, it would get locked on Red. I checked my commander settings, and it's not on standby, modeling lamp is set to track, everything on the B800 was full power, with tracking button pressed in, etc.

So, I thought I'd try it on another B800, to make sure it wasn't the actual strobe. Now on THIS strobe, the green "ready" light comes on on the strobe, but the strobe refuses to track with commands from the commander...BUT what's interesting is that the CSR+ seems to convey the lower/higher flash settings fromt he commander when I change them, because when I "meter" from the Commander, the flash power will vary depending on what I put on the COmmander, it just refuses to track the modeling lamp based on the power set on the Commander. What I noticed though is that when i turn down the power, the dump light turns red, but if I meter, itll reset it to green. But if I RAISE power, it stays green.

Anyone have any help? I've been through the Commander settings a million times, and it seems just fine. I changed channels on the CSR+ just in case, and it was just the same.

Anyone have any experience or help to offer with both issues? The red dump light getting stuck, or the refusing to track? I'm going nuts here.

This specific characteristic is not bothersome in and of itself. This would be expected since the flash unit has to dump power. If it NEVER returns to green, then there is something else going on, but it would need to be timed to be sure.

First, are your power sliders on the light units set to the full position? If not, the results can be unpredictable.

Second, what channel is the suspect reciever on? Do you have a vertical blue bar appear in the channel collumn?

Have you reseated the channel and frequency dials? Have you swapped the telephone cords to ensure there is not an issue with them?

I would suggest calling in tomorrow, you can ask for David. I also find it helpful if you can photograph the CC screen and send it in an email. There is a lot of info on there, and alot can be determined just by looking at it.

stuck on RED dump light <-- i have the same problem.
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=3611

i know all the settings are correct, because when i swap the CSR+ with
CSRB+ (keeping everything else the same), it works fine.

i've tested 2 different CSR+ on 2-AB400 and 1-ABR800, and i just cannot
get a green light. this is driving me crazy too.

I have replied to your other post. It would be preferable to keep it to one thread.