Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hi- I'm using up to 4 PCB e640's in my studio during any given shoot. 0, 1, or 2 backdrop/hair lights, and always 2 up front (main and fill). The fill is camera left and has issues syncing and/or triggering during every shoot. The only work around is to recycle the power of the e640. This issue only happens on my camera left e640 which happens to be on channel A. I've rotated the e640's and switched power outlets, etc.. but it only comes down to the camera left e640 on channel A.
It happens with both the Nikon D700 and D800.
I use Pocketwizard MC2's on each e640 (yes I've rotated those as well).
I have the latest e640 firmware installed.
I trigger with the Pocketwizard minitt1 and AC3.
The only thing I haven't tried is switching the camera left e640 to channel b or c, as I couldn't imagine this would be the issue....
Has anyone experienced something similar? Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance,
JS

If I read this correctly, different lights in the same location have the same problem. Different MC2's in the same location have the same problem. Correct?

Is there another light that is simultaneously set to Zone A? If so, is there a problem with that light?

Try the same light in a Zone that is known to work, like B or C. Does the problem persist?

Check to ensure that Zone A is not set to be off.

Try a different channel altogether in an attempt to dial out of interference.

This sounds like an issue in the PocketWizards, as each light tends to work fine in other locations. If you need further assistance, we will need to defer you to LPA (makers of PocketWizard) for additional help, as they know the system. They can be reached at at 802-658-0038 x572.

Yes you read this correctly, I will try using a different zone and channel. I'll also contact PW.
Thanks
JS

I use this set up with a Canon 7D and every thing works fine all the lights need to be on the same channel if you are using the A, B or C groups with the AC3. Or you can let a light be on a standard channel and the others be on a Control channel it should fire but you will have to adjust the power at the light don't know if this helps

For what it's worth... I've ditched all of my Pocket Wizard TTL gear for cyber commanders due to reliability issues.

Thanks, I've used many different systems and like PWs the best it's just this one quirk I can't reproduce it since I updated my e640 firmware so maybe that was the issue

I'm using the PW system with the latest updates for both the PW's and my E640's no issues they work as they should.. I have found that when in the Control TL mode I have to depress the shutter release half way and give the camera and the PW's time to communicate not like using a standard channel were it is a simple trigger and instantaneous