550ex won't set as master. Why?

Hey all, quick question.

I'm trying to sync my dad's 550ex with my 430exii. The 550 is set to master via its switch. But when trying to set all my channels everything on the 550 keeps blinking as if it won't let me lock or finish the settings. Can't get the pilot to light up or anything. It's like it's unusable.

Is the Wide Angle Panel out? That's what the flashing LCD means.

Nope it's in

Managed to solve part of the problem. The head wasn't locked. But now my RATIO setting are still blinking.

Basically, the Ratio values A:B won't stop blinking and I can't even use the flash.

You say the pilot light won't light up...no red or green? Red means it's ready and green means it can do a Quick Flash (partial power).

No light would indicate that the capacitor isn't charging. Easiest thing to check would be the batteries. Get a fresh set and try again.

klr.b wrote in post #13922045
You say the pilot light won't light up...no red or green? Red means it's ready and green means it can do a Quick Flash (partial power).

No light would indicate that the capacitor isn't charging. Easiest thing to check would be the batteries. Get a fresh set and try again.

Will try that, thank you.

Looks like changing the batteries in the 550 helped...but now the 430 isn't firing, not sure if it ever did. HA. I'm just gonna go drink some more Dead Guy and relax. Thanks all.

Make sure the window on the front of the 430exII can see the light from the 550ex. For instance if you're hand holding the 430, make sure you're not covering it. What I usually do is hold the slave pointed at the wall and have the Master fire anywhere else. Indoors the signal will bounce and the slave should be able to see it. Watch the wall and make sure the slave flashes. If it doesn't make sure it's set to Slave and the correct channel.

Perhaps before venturing into master/slave situations you should make sure both flash units work alone.

So I just noticed that all you set was the 550ex to master.... Did you set the 430ex II to slave? (hold down the zoom button for a few seconds)