Off camera flash - cables can be the weak link

Over the past couple months, my OCF setup has been frustratingly unreliable. I use Cybersync CST transmitters and CSRB receivers.

It took me quite a while to troubleshoot what the problem was, but I think I have finally narrowed it down to cable problems.

The first round of symptoms:

I would be firing a flash (usually a 580exII) off camera. It would work for a little while, and then stop. Sometimes I might be able to get it to fire again - and then not. I tried switching CSTs, switching CSRBs, fresh batteries... still inconsistent. Eventually I tried a different cable. I use screwlock cables from FlashZebra, so I knew the cables weren't loose. (ALthough I did also try the cable that comes with the cybersync, and it would only work if I secured it tightly with gaffers tape.)

For a while the second cable worked. Then the same thing.

I spoke with tech support at Alien Bees. They recommended taking a needlenose pliers and squeezing on the end of the cable where it connects to the flash. I did this, and could tell right away that the connection was tigher after doing so. And my flash did fire consistently after that. Yay!

But...

The second round of symptoms:

I was shooting a wedding reception. Here I like to have a flash in the hotshoe as well as one off camera, so I connect the CST to the camera via a PC cord. Again, the OCF worked for a while, and then suddenly wouldn't fire when I pressed the shutter. However if I pressed the test button on the CST, it would trigger the flash. I didn't have a pliers with me, so I tried placing pressure on the cord with my left hand. That did work for a little while, and then not.

So, when I got home, I again squeezed the cable with a pliers. Voila! It worked again.

So - the moral of this very long story is - if your flashes aren't firing, check your cables. It could just be a little tightening is all they need.

(And now I will keep a set of pliers in my bag. Plus I've also bought screwlock cables to connect the CSTs.)

Ninety-four views and not one acknowledgement.

It's always a good idea to have a few basic tools with you. I probably would have used a hammer to sort out this annoying problem.

I adhere to the policy of always checking the cables first if there is a problem. If it's not cables I check the batteries.

Some tips - don't use PC connections, use the screw-lock type. If you you can get a hot shoe with a built in cable buy it - it eliminates one cable connect/disconnect point.

I switched over to 1/8" mini jack after a couple of months of frustration with PC sync.

I've added mini jacks to all of my flashes as I just can't be bothered with troubleshooting every time I set up.

I didn't go with hotshoes with cables built in as I would prefer to be able to switch out cables quickly and easily if there are ever issues.

I use skyport receivers and attach them to the aide of my speedlights with Velcro so they don't move. I use flashzebra screw PC cords and coil them up and tape the coils so they stay out of the way. Occasionally one of them stopps working and I have to retighten the PC connector, would love to have 1/8" jacks in my 580EXII's.

Jannie wrote in post #10553112
I use skyport receivers and attach them to the aide of my speedlights with Velcro so they don't move. I use flashzebra screw PC cords and coil them up and tape the coils so they stay out of the way. Occasionally one of them stopps working and I have to retighten the PC connector, would love to have 1/8" jacks in my 580EXII's.

Do it.

http://michaelbass.blo​gspot.com …h-auxillary-sync-mod.html

Or use this:

http://www.flashzebra.​com/products/0138/inde​x.shtml

I do even with my 580ex II. Much better than PC connection.

I've been down that hotshoe route. Ended in tears when the hotshoe casings came apart and my flashes nearly took a tumble.

This is what I use now, with a jack cable straight into my flash from my cybersyncs

http://www.flashzebra.​com/products/0200/inde​x.shtml

tumblew33d wrote in post #10553352
Do it.

http://michaelbass.blo​gspot.com …h-auxillary-sync-mod.html

Excellent site. I hadn't seen that before.

Didn't see this mentioned...but is the auto power off on the 580EXII disabled?

Thanks for the feedback.

Titus213 wrote in post #10552020
Some tips - don't use PC connections, use the screw-lock type.

I'm not sure what you mean exactly - because I don't think these are mutually exclusive. I have screw-lock cables that are PC connections, both that go into the camera as well as into the flash. It was two of these screw-lock cables that went bad that started all this trouble for me. And one of the replacement screw-lock cables (from the PC port on the flash to the Cybersync CSRB) also was bad. I've replaced the cables that go from the PC port on the camera to the transmitter with screw-lock cables also. So far so good there.

tumblew33d wrote in post #10554180
I've been down that hotshoe route. Ended in tears when the hotshoe casings came apart and my flashes nearly took a tumble.

This is what I use now, with a jack cable straight into my flash from my cybersyncs

http://www.flashzebra.​com/products/0200/inde​x.shtml

This link goes to an umbrella bracket adapter?

OWSIU wrote in post #10558867
Didn't see this mentioned...but is the auto power off on the 580EXII disabled?

Yes, it is disabled on all of my flashes.

Christina wrote in post #10570097
This link goes to an umbrella bracket adapter?

Correct. With a stroboframe style coldshoe. This is what I mount each of my flashes on whether I'm using an umbrella or not. I plug my cybersyncs straight into my flashes, which I have modified so that they all have a 1/8" (3.5mm) minijack socket (as pictured in one of my replies above).