Trouble with ebay triggers.

[shooterman]

I'm using the cheap ebay triggers, These (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=273624). I set my camera on 1/250 shutter speed, ISO 100, and aperture depending on the exposure. Sometimes...alot, actually, when I take a shot, all I get is a black screen. The flash is definitely firing. Something isn't syncing correctly. I thought my camera was going nuts but narrowed it down to the ebay trigger/receiver, as I stuck the flash and umbrella next to a desk lamp and fired a shot and all I picked up was the ambient light from the desk lamp. Any ideas? Just the nature of cheap triggers? Should I send it back to Gadget Infinity and ask for a new one?
Oh, and sometimes it works fine.

thanks, Randy

[cosworth]

The sync speed is not as advertised. Try 1/200th and slower.

[Inspired Photography]

Yeah i agree. Many are actually 1/125th or something like that...

I use Alienbees triggers (want PWs but the AB ones work), and don't have any trouble at all.
Can't say anything about the eBay triggers, but Strobist people rave about them.

Rob

[moshe3242]

I use the same ones and i shoot at 1/250.
never had any problem with them regarding sync. I use 30D and very happy with this trigger.

[Lotto]

I know that when my eBay set drops the the sync speed below 1/100, it's time to change batteries.

[FlashZebra]

I'm with Lotto,

This MIGHT be the problem.

Check the battery in the transmitter. A marginal transmitter battery often causes the sync speed to creep slower and slower. But, it could be something else also.

Here is a short tip on how to change the transmitter battery.

http://flashzebra.com/tips/batterychangeradioslavetransmitter/index.shtml

Enjoy! Lon

[colincapurso]

I've got a few of these, can't get anything better than 1/160

[ueb0258]

If you are using the batteries that shipped with them I would suggest changing them with new ones. I dont have the same ones. I bought the 4 channel set but the batteries that were supplied with them were completely shot. I couldnt get them to work at all.

[Jim M]

I have a four channel one that I got about a year-and-a-half ago. Low batteries in the receiving unit will do exactly what you describe. With fresh batteries I can shoot at 1/250th, although I don't just to be safe. With old batteries, I'm lucky to get a sync at 1/60. Also, remember that just because it's new, doesn't mean it's right. That can apply to anything, including batteries and Ebay radio control receivers.

[Titus213]

These are brand new so hopefully the battery in the transmitter is still good. I also have 2 receivers and playing around again last night the problem only occurs with the one reciever. I think will change the batteries in it and see what happens. If that doesn't take care of it I'll send it back for a new one. Thanks all.

I've read many posts about these units arriving with near dead batteries.

[GordonSBuck]

With Canon G3, 1/500 second and sometimes a little bit quicker.

[bdavisx]

Can't say anything about the eBay triggers, but Strobist people rave about them.

Rob


I think you'll find strobists both rant and rave about them depending...
Not everyone is a fan.

[tim]

I thought the Canon advertised sync speed is with a speedlite, or a wired strobe. Radio signals incur latency, so you need a slightly slower shutter speed. Go with 1/125th.