cybersync problem

[samueli]

This past weekend I gave my cybersyncs a good practice run. I set my speedlight on a cheap tripod and used a tiny softbox for some portrait practice. The problem I had with my cybersyncs, is everytime I moved the light and subsequently took another shot, the flash would not fire until I removed and replaced the flash from the hotshoe adapter and unplugged/replugged the the sync cord.

Totally annoying for spending all that money. Should I return everything and get somehting else? I've had them for a few months, but haven't used them much until now.

[Patrick]

Mine work fine. Maybe you have defective units or a problem with the flash or camera. What you described is not the normal operation though.

[Tawcan]

Maybe the sync cord is faulty? Certainly doesn't sound like normal operation.

[k_strecker]

is the hotshoe adapter and sync cord . . . the same thing? straight from Cybersync to hotshoe to trigger flash?

if *not* and your flash is being held up by a hotshoe, and the sync cord's going into the PC plug . . . then make sure the hotshoe adapter that's holding the flash isn't metal and if it is metal, that no metal is touching the hotshoe contacts. Taping the hot shoe to prevent contact is the fix. . .

[bobbyz]

I am having smilar issue with my flash. I think it is the hot shoe adapter or cord.

[Titus213]

This past weekend I gave my cybersyncs a good practice run. I set my speedlight on a cheap tripod and used a tiny softbox for some portrait practice. The problem I had with my cybersyncs, is everytime I moved the light and subsequently took another shot, the flash would not fire until I removed and replaced the flash from the hotshoe adapter and unplugged/replugged the the sync cord.

Totally annoying for spending all that money. Should I return everything and get somehting else? I've had them for a few months, but haven't used them much until now.

Certainly annoying, to say the least. What flash unit are you using? Is it in manual mode?

I've never had an issue with my Cybersyncs - had them for a year or more. I know that Alien Bee customer service is outstanding. Perhaps a call to them?

[Wilt]

Issue may be the assumed polarity of the two contacts in the hot foot of the flash vs. the assumed polarity of the hotshot-to-PC adapter vs. the polarity assumed of the Cybersync PC.

Most flashes don't care, some flashes are picky and won't continue to work. some won't work at all.

It sounds like an issue of the voltage assumed in TTL logic circuitry, getting hung and not reset until all disconnected.

[samueli]

The hotshoe adapter is the one recommended straight from alienbees. It has contacts that match up with my 430ez and 580ex (always manual). It works great over and over again until I move the light.

I'm going to play with them tonight before I call alienbees. Thanks for the replies!

[40Dude6aedyk]

You probably have one of them set in "repeater" mode. That's where the LED is flashing faster than once-per-second. I don't have mine handy, so I can't look, but I think you press the test button down for 3+ seconds to switch between modes.