Question on triggers

Hi all, I just recently got a lighting kit of the internet. 2 softboxes 1 umbrella and a wireless trigger system.

Now when I set up the lights I have the trigger on my hotshoe and a reciever on one strobe. I then have the other strobe set to flash mode and not model/flash.

The problem I am running into is getting all the lights to fire at once in any position. So right now I can only get a fill light (with reciever behind the camera) and a key light (at 45 degrees so it can "see" the flash from the fill to fire).

It seems that the strobe without the reciever will only fire when the back of the strobe is in plain site of the master flash. Should they not all fire at once? Or do I need a multi channel trigger system?

I guess that doing so much reading and research about this stuff kinda got me confused and I would like some input on what I am missing or any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Adam

The second flash has a photosensor to trigger it, yes they should all fire at once. The sensor position (back of the flash in your case)does have to see the main flash light. Sometimes you can help it see with a reflector that catches the main light and throws it on the sensor. Also see if there is a sensitivity selector on the photocell.

There is no sensitivity adjustment on the back of the flash.

But if I had a multichannel trigger system, would that fire all at once without being in the line of the "light". So basically I could position them anywhere and they will go off?

could I just get another radio reciever to trigger the other strobe?

Yes, they should all be set to the same frequency. The multichannel feature allows you to change frequencies if you encounter interference in the channel you are using.

You don't have to buy another receiver. Go to radio shack and get a y cable, then plug the receiver into that and run a cable to each strobe.


multi channel allows you to have another set of flashes set up and then switch to them quickly.

Bob

BaumannPhotography wrote in post #2798759
There is no sensitivity adjustment on the back of the flash.

But if I had a multichannel trigger system, would that fire all at once without being in the line of the "light". So basically I could position them anywhere and they will go off?

Multiple radio receivers would be the best choice for versatility.

Depending on pricing, you have other options as well.

For example, you could purchase a Wein Peanut slave (one for each optically slaved flash) and put it (each one) on the end of a PC cord with the other end of the cord plugged into the flash, and aiming the Peanut slave(s) at the primary flash unit. I have done this when working outdoors and it worked just fine. The built-in slaves were not aimed correctly and there was not the reflection of the flash as you get in a studio environment.