Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Ever since the firmware update, my Einsteins and Cyber commander don't seem to work the same.

I turn on the Cyber Commander, open "Studio" memory, it finds my Einstein, use the CC to turn on the light, light powers on.

At this point, the CC won't fire the light, the test button won't fire the light, etc.

I can power off the light manually, power it back on manually, and it still doesn't work.

If I change the settings on the light it still won't fire, if I press the Function key on light sometimes it will beep and now the light is ready to use.

Video example here: http://vimeo.com/82382800

Is this the new firmware, or am I doing something wrong/different than everyone else?

Thanks for any assistance.

It appears you are doing this plugged into a VML. If this is correct, can you use an AC mains outlet and see if the problem persists.

Also, at the end of the video, it was hard to see. Did the model lamp turn on? If so, how (i.e. did you mean to do it?) Did the unit start to work after the model lamp came on?

I've done both with VML and plugged in.
The model lamp finally does come on by itself.

Here is another example video - http://vimeo.com/82556041

The model light claims to be on when powered on, yet I cannot fire the flash with either the CC or the test button, if I move around on the menus for the Einstein and select different settings, the model light comes on low power and then finally comes on full power.

Appreciate the help. This sure seems like firmware issues since I never had this problem prior to update.
BTW - you replaced my CC because the firmware update failed on it (B&W flashing screen).

There is a remote possibility that there was a latent and light specific hardware issue that is being affected by the new firmware. But, it is unlikely to be a firmware programming issue, as we are not able to replicate the problem.

Ultimately, the light will need to come in for repair. I do wonder, however, what happens if the remote is not installed, and you manually turn on the light? Does the ready indicator stay red? Does the flash fire?

Ok, more testing and it seems like a hardware issue. I've got 4 Einsteins (3 are in serial number order, so I assume if it's firmware issue it would effect them all).

It seems very slow to be "ready" when powered on, and I can't get a flash pop at the very low settings. The model lamp does dim and return when I fire it off at low settings though.

I've got videos of the oddities if you care to see them, but I assume I need to send in for repair.

Yes, it will need to come in for repair.

Have the same issue! What was the problem?