Sekonic L-358 problem?

[cerveza4lu]

I'm having a problem with my Sekonic meter and was wondering if anyone might have an answer as to what is wrong.

I purchased the radio module along with the meter so I can control my Pocket Wizards from the meter itself. The problem only occurs when I'm trying to take a reading using the radio control for the PWs. What happens, or rather doesn't happen, is the PW's fail to fire.
Yet, if I use the test button on one of the PWs themselves they fire just fine. I have 3 PWs and it doesn't matter which one is connected to the flash. Just to make it more difficult the problem happens intermittently although recently it has gotten worse.

I've tried removing the radio module and reinstalling it but no luck. Oh, as for what flashes I use, it has happened with both my 430EX and a SB-26 (I know it N****, but I got it cheap off of eBay).

signed,

"I've got the Sekonic-PW blues"

[PacAce]

Do you have the earlier version of the PW or do you have the PW Plus II? If you have the Plus II, have you tried using one of the other units set to Tx mode to fire the strobes? Also, have you checked the channels to make sure the meter and the PW units are all on the same channel?

[TMR Design]

Hi Leo,

I'm thinking that it could be something in the meter or the PW transmitter module. The OP said that it is intermittent and as long as that is the case and there was no confusion as to when it was working and not then I don't see how it could be channel related.

Perhaps you can take the meter to a local photo shop that might have either a meter or module for you to try out to determine where the problem lies.

[MrScott]

I know what your talking about ,10' from a softbox/strobe and the dang thing will only fire 1/5 of the time. I found that I got much better results when the PW was moved away from the strobe. Not much farther, but my reliability went way up when I teathered the PW lower on the stand and not next to my AB.

Honestly, I'm surprised that Robert didn't link to his DIY Pocket Wizard Mount (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=312199), but I will because I think it may just provide the distance to make your metering more reliable.

Please correct me if I'm wrong here guys, but I had the same issue, now I'm wondering if there's a cheapo batch of Sekonic wireless modules out there...

Scott

*****haha not sure how I mixed the Alien Bee solution into your speedlight situation, but anywho.******

[TMR Design]

Hi Scott,

This is what I'm currently doing.
I revamped the way I attach the Pocket Wizard to the light stand because the other way(s) prevented me from having a light all the way up at the ceiling.
I have no trouble firing with the PocketWizards below and right next to the B800. My studio is small so I could probably have them anywhere, pointing in any direction and they would work fine.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=3266923&postcount=20