trigger wont wake up flash

Hi,

Just got my new cactus receiver back after 3 weeks waiting. At least this one works, so I am excited to start shooting off camera.

I have set up my speedlite on a light stand, but after it goes to sleep I have to manually walk over and turn the power on and off again for it to wake up.

Is there something I can do to make it wake up automatically?

Custom function 01-1 the 580EX II will prevent it from automatically powering off.

Thanks Curtis. Is that how most people have it set with off camera flash?

Wont it just drain the battery if left on for an hour?

I don't know of any alternative if you're using a radio trigger. I haven't tested the longevity of batteries in a 580EX II left on, though I think they should last several hours in the absence of significant depletion by using the flash. I generally just turn them off during periods of non-use.

I have played with this issue some, since the flash trigger circuit goes low (voltage drops to zero) when the flash goes to sleep. Bringing one of the 4 data pins on the flash high is what the camera does to wake up the flash...the issue comes in to isolate the two distinct circuits as to allow the flash to fire after it has been woken up!

At the moment, it is cheaper to keep the flash on and replace the batteries during the event, than using a custom mod and double trigger circuit to wake up all the off camera flash units! If it ever gets simpler, I will post again.

Using an external SLA battery pack like those by Al Jacobs ( http://www.aljacobs.co​m/THE%20BLACK%20BOX.ht​m ) will extend the time probably all day!