Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

We recently purchased a Cyber Commander to augment our current setup of CSRB+ receivers and CST transmitter. The CC seems to work flawlessly with adjusting CSRB+ receivers; however, our CST no longer works at any range greater than right next to the CSRB+s.

The problem began when I set up the CC to fire and adjust the lights from the camera location and attempted to use the now spare CST in conjunction with our Sekonic meter in corded flash mode to take a meter reading. Yes, I realize the CC will take metered readings as well, but for now I'm only working on changing one thing at a time so the Sekonic is staying put.

So far we have tried 4 different new CR2450 batteries, new batteries in each of the CSRB+s, new batteries in the Cyber Commander, and each of the 16 frequencies available. Each time the results are the same: the CC will fire and adjust the lights from any normal range; however, the CST will not fire unless placed almost in direct contact with the CSRB+.

I don't see how it could be not having the frequency set as it will fire, just not from a distance, and we have replaced all of the batteries multiple times.

Can anyone shed any light on this problem?

Other settings/steps of note:
CC opened from studio
AB800 strobes
Power/Model set to full for both lights . White hash under both channels
Attempted test fire from CST while CC was set to each channel individually, grouped, and ALL channels selected with no change

Was the CST in regular use up until the Cyber Commander was added? Or, had it been a while since the CST was used?

From what I gather so far, it sounds like a coincidental failure of the CST as the CC was implemented. However, to fully test that, remove the batteries from the Cyber Commander, and connect the CSRB+'s to the lights via the mini phone cords only (not the telephone cord). Test the CST in this configuration to see if the problem persists. If it does (and I suspect it will) the CST will need to be replaced. If not, we will need to look farther.

Should you need warranty service on any of these CyberSync products, please direct emails to David, or ask for David if you call in. This is a rare occurance, and we would like to track this issue.