Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Is the sync speed affected by the EMI in the current Einsteins? I'm unable to reliably sync at higher than 1/100th with my Flex connected. Just wondering if I have a Flex configuration issue or if I'll have to wait for the EMI fix.

it is unlikely that the signal would be delayed, however we cannot answer that with absolute certainty at this moment. What camera are you using? Also, do you have any other lights you could trigger (even speed lites set to manual) with all other factors the same?

I'm using a 7D, triggering flexes with a mini-ttl.

I do have some AB1600's that I can test tonight and I'll update with what I find out.

I tested with my AB1600's and they sync fine (past 1/250 even.) My Einstein starts to show the shutter at 1/125 the majority of the time. Sometimes it is a clean frame. I can duplicate the results using my XSi.

I changed batteries in the flex even though they weren't reporting low but I don't have a spare for my mini to change it out. I also did a factory reset on the flex & mini. Neither of which helped.

I have not heard of this, so i will look into it to see if we can duplicate teh issue here. About how close are you to the light when doing these tests? Do you see a difference moving closer or farther away?

Within 4 feet of the light. If I was too close I would sometimes get no trigger. I figured that was the EMI. Otherwise I didn't see any change in behavior.

Just tried the TT1 and TT5 connected to a rebel Xs and E640, respectively. With the settings in the remotes where they were from a previous test, the camera synced at about 1/800 at full (i did not test higher). I connected the TT1 to the computer and turned off "force HSS". I could now go as high as 1/200. I repeated this test starting about 2' from theh receiver, which was resting on top of the light. Then again at about 4', 10', and incrementally to about 30' which is out of my office and down the hall, not line of site. At no time could I replicate the issue of 1/100 max sync. I was using the same iteration of E640 as you are. I did verify the firmware for the TT1 was the latest. I honestly am just learning the TT system myself, so i cannot trouble shoot the remotes at all. Are the two remotes used the only two with power in the vicinity? are you using any other flash Like your speedlite) in the vicinity?

They were the only powered on remotes in the area. I wasn't using my speedlights and I was only using one strobe (E640 or AB1600) at a time. I'm going to try to get the TT5 as far away from the E640 and get some more working room so the transmitter is further away to see if that is better. Plus I'll try a TT5 as the transmitter to see if that's any better.

The results are even more confusing after further testing. Flex 4' away from and slightly lower than the E640 using a 6' cable. Tried it with flex located between camera & light and flex on other side of light from camera.

* TT5 as TX - one clean frame at 1/160 (first shot) then sync issues on any shutter faster than 1/100

* Change from beta firmware to release firmware - no trigger 9/10 times on any shutter faster than 1/100 (much worse behavior)

* try released firmware with XSi instead of 7D - sync issues down to 1/40 no trigger higher than 1/100.

Switched back to beta 5.008 PW firmware:

* 430EX2 in manual mode - no sync issues

* AB1600 - syncs fine up to 1/250

* Using EBay pt-04 triggers sync fine up to 1/250.

Seems like my PW's & E640 combination has a unique problem since you guys can't reproduce it and nobody else has reported the same issue. I happy to use my other triggers until the power supply fix is available. Unless there is anything else I can try?

for now, i do not have any other ideas, but i will be looking into it.