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Alienbees Newbie - Nikon SB900/800 user
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Author:  RickD [ Sat Aug 28, 2010 8:03 am ]
Post subject:  Alienbees Newbie - Nikon SB900/800 user
Just got a pair of Alienbees 400 for a gift and it came with a one Cybersync transmitter and receiver.

I have alot of questions on the configurations. I am used to the Nikon CLS systems with an SB900 and SB800.

1. With the setup I have, I am assuming that one of the flash units are acting as an optical slave to unit with the receiver. Am I correct?

2. How can I use the AB400 together with my Nikon CLS system? In this configuration do I setup the transmitter on my Nikon D300 hotshoe, setup the D300 in master mode, and set everything else as a slave?

3. Is there a reference guide that shows the different configurations?
Author:  Liquid Rhino [ Sat Aug 28, 2010 4:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Alienbees Newbie - Nikon SB900/800 user
Congrats on your new lights, Rick.

RickD wrote:
1. With the setup I have, I am assuming that one of the flash units are acting as an optical slave to unit with the receiver. Am I correct?

If you have only one CS receiver (and are planning to do this all wirelessly), then Yes one AB unit will be triggered via optical slave. Make sure to turn off pop-up flash & CLS.

RickD wrote:
2. How can I use the AB400 together with my Nikon CLS system? In this configuration do I setup the transmitter on my Nikon D300 hotshoe, setup the D300 in master mode, and set everything else as a slave?

You can't really mix the two. They're two different 'languages' over different communication 'formats'. That said, You can certainly use the AB's in conjunction with other speedlights, but not over CLS as you 'normally' would with speedlights alone. You'll basically have to pick which triggering system you'd like as you're master (CLS or CS Triggers)and go from there, but there are some caveats (see below) There are a few ways you can go about this:

1. AB's as 'masters' using CS (best bet):
- You can use your CS transmitter on your hotshoe. Make sure to set CLS to OFF (no preflashes & close your pop-up flash).
- Next connect the CS receiver to one of the AB's (disabling the optical slave as needed) and make sure your channels match on both transmitter & receiver. Test fire.
- Set your additional AB to optical slave. Test fire.
- Set your additional Speedlights to manual power and set them as Optical Slaves using remote SU-4 mode for SB-800 & 900's (not avail on SB-400 or SB-600). Test fire.
You'll need to set the flashpower on every AB and Speedlight by hand (as CLS does not come into play here).

2. SB's as masters using CLS (not recommended at all, but 'kinda-sorta' possible):
- Same as above but don't use the CS transmitters and set both AB's to optical slave. Use your Pop-Up flash and CLS to dial your SB's settings and power. SB's should set off any AB's in optical mode.
Note: Bee's don't ignore CLS preflashes, so this may not be the most 'ideal' or useful way to trigger them, but you'll be able to set your SB's powers remotely. AB's will still have to be set manually. If you're gonna go this route, try to flag or block your pop-up flash from the 'sight' of the AB's slave so that the pre-flashes don't set off the AB's.

RickD wrote:
3. Is there a reference guide that shows the different configurations?

Hmmm, dunno.. but browse around this forum, there's alot of really useful info here! :)

Anyway hope this makes sense & helps a little. Good luck with your new Bees!
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