YN-460 problems.

I just received my YN-460 and RF-602 triggers and started testing them out today. The flash doesn't fire every time...in fact, I'd say it fires about 30% of the time. I'm getting a little frustrated and I'm trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. My shutter speeds ranged from 1/4 - 1/80, and my Rebel XS says that the flash should fire under 1/200.

I can't find anyone else who has had this problem, so I'm thinking that maybe this is a user error.

Any tips would be great! I am a newb when it comes to strobe stuff so I'm sorry I couldn't be more detailed. I wasn't really trying to take any specific shots, I was just testing it out.

what power setting on the flash are you using? If its at full power or something it could be that its still charging when you want to fire?

some batteries don't work well with theses flashes. get a different type and see if your results vary.

alyssa_armstrong wrote in post #10123964
I just received my YN-460 and RF-602 triggers and started testing them out today. The flash doesn't fire every time...in fact, I'd say it fires about 30% of the time. I'm getting a little frustrated and I'm trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. My shutter speeds ranged from 1/4 - 1/80, and my Rebel XS says that the flash should fire under 1/200.

I can't find anyone else who has had this problem, so I'm thinking that maybe this is a user error.

Any tips would be great! I am a newb when it comes to strobe stuff so I'm sorry I couldn't be more detailed. I wasn't really trying to take any specific shots, I was just testing it out.

I would first isolate the problem, put the flash directly on the camera and see if it fires every time, if it does then the problem may be with the wireless RF-602

+1 for the above posts:

Besides checking/replacing the batteries, make sure that there is a solid connection with the hotshoes on the flash/receiver and the camera/transmitter. Use the test button on the transmitter to check for consistency (you don't even need to have the flash plugged and/or turned on - just watch the light on the receiver).

Someone mentioned different types of batteries - NiMH batteries typically run at 1.2v (alkalines are 1.5v), and some devices will not run at this reduced voltage (I can't use my Maha Powerex batteries in my Nintendo Wii remotes because of this). I have not tested to see if they work in the YN-460 flashes.

Also, what flash power setting are you at? I thought I had a problem with both of my YN460's, but I actually wasn't letting them charge all the way before snapping the picture (I was used to the relatively quick recycle times on my Canon 430EX).

As far as radio interference goes, make sure you keep your cell phone away from the transmitter or receiver (don't keep it in your shirt pocket - 8-12" away from the camera). I know they run on different frequencies (1.8ghz for my phone and 2.4ghz for the RF-602's), but I always had a problem with my phone messing stuff up. In addition to screwing up my flash transmitter, if I leave my phone sitting next to my mouse, I get strange intermittent glitches. Some info here: http://en.wikipedia.or​g …c_interference_​at_2.4_GHz

My own RF-602 and YN-460-II work fine together, see http://lightdescriptio​n.blogspot.com …reless-flash-trigger.html

I haven't tried many variations on location of the receiver relative to the transmitter. I wonder if there is a "bad" location? I'll try some variations.

Good suggestions to check batteries, be sure the YN-460 is charged before attempting to fire it, put the YN-460 on the camera, etc.

So far, the RF-602 seems rock solid to me. I've just "discovered" (think I read it here) that a single receiver can trigger two flashes -- one on the hotshoe and one via cable; I'll be posting that soon.

Why have I never thought of this before.

GordonSBuck wrote in post #10125299
......

So far, the RF-602 seems rock solid to me. I've just "discovered" (think I read it here) that a single receiver can trigger two flashes -- one on the hotshoe and one via cable; I'll be posting that soon.

Thank you so much, everyone.

So far, I've tried switching out batteries and it's still acting finicky.

I placed it in my camera's hot shoe and it works just fine.

I think the problem is that I'm not giving it time to charge. I'll keep experimenting and I'll let you guys know if I continue to have problems.

My main concern is that it is NOT a user error and there's something wrong with the equipment, in which case, I'd like to send it back in a timely manner and get my money back.

Again, thank you all so much!

GordonSBuck wrote in post #10125299
My own RF-602 and YN-460-II work fine together, see http://lightdescriptio​n.blogspot.com …reless-flash-trigger.html

I haven't tried many variations on location of the receiver relative to the transmitter. I wonder if there is a "bad" location? I'll try some variations.

Good suggestions to check batteries, be sure the YN-460 is charged before attempting to fire it, put the YN-460 on the camera, etc.

So far, the RF-602 seems rock solid to me. I've just "discovered" (think I read it here) that a single receiver can trigger two flashes -- one on the hotshoe and one via cable; I'll be posting that soon.

The RF-602 receiver has a light that blinks to green when activated. Just using the transmitter and receiver, I tried many different relative locations (all indoors, medium sized room) but could not find a "bad" relationship.

alyssa_armstrong wrote in post #10126047
Thank you so much, everyone.

So far, I've tried switching out batteries and it's still acting finicky.

I placed it in my camera's hot shoe and it works just fine.

I think the problem is that I'm not giving it time to charge. I'll keep experimenting and I'll let you guys know if I continue to have problems.

My main concern is that it is NOT a user error and there's something wrong with the equipment, in which case, I'd like to send it back in a timely manner and get my money back.

Again, thank you all so much!

I believe you have answered your own question..

Give the flash time to recharge before firing off another shot..

Also allow me to recommend Sanyo Eneloop rechargables in both your flash and RF602 receiver.. For some reason Eneloops work great in my RF-602 receivers and I'm able to get a full 250th second flash sync out of both my 20D and 50D..