Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Wondering if anyone else has come across the same problem.

I have 2 alien bee 800's purchased at the same time. They have been my backup and have not seen much use. I went to use them the other day and both have the same problem: they simply won't fire. The light turns green but will not fire at all. I have tried using Buff transmitters, sync cords and the slave function but with no luck. I have also tried new flash tubes, modeling lamps and different ways to fire the flash and nothing. I find it very strange that both units are having the same issue at the exact same time as I have 2 other units that have had 0 issues.

Has anyone else experienced the same issue?

Even though you have changed tubes, be sure they are fully seated and there are no visual breaks. Otherwise, it does sound like the units will need to come in for repair.

I have made sure that the tubes are seated properly and no visual breaks.

I guess i'm a little worried that both units stopped working in the exact same way within a few days of each other. Is this a common occurrence as I am contemplating buying more units?

I guess they will need to be sent in.

Thanks for the help

Do you have anything plugged in to the remote control jack . . . a CSRB+ for example?

Nope.

Would that bypass the signal from the B800 unit itself to control power output and firing?

It can (will) bypass the power setting on the back panel, and if certain settings are applied, can bypass the receiver's ability to trigger the light, though it should still fire at whatever the stored power setting is.

I have the exact same story. Mine is brand new and behaves the exact same. Sounds like defective production of this unit.