e-Bay Trigger Problems

[Wendyp]

Hi Everyone,

After reading about the successful use of the radio triggers purchased on E-Bay, I decided to make the $30 plunge (including shipping) and try one.

I followed the set up directions and got to the part where you press the test button and watch the red light on the receiver blink, then trip the flash....only it didn't blink.

The seller exchanged this unit for another one...basically the same except the receiver on this one uses 2AA batteries.

On this one the test button (or the camera for that matter) signals the receiver (the red light blinks), but the flash isn't tripping.

Do I just have a knack for ordering cheap stuff that doesn't work, or am I doing something wrong?

-Wendy
www.photographybywendy.photosite.com

[mattchow]

the flash is in slave mode?

[AndrewCCM]

What flashes are you using? Are they both (transmitter and receiver) set to the same channel? I use the 16-channel model without problems.

[Wendyp]

Originally Posted by mattchow

the flash is in slave mode?

The receiver is plugged into the sync cord jack.

[Wendyp]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

What flashes are you using? Are they both (transmitter and receiver) set to the same channel? I use the 16-channel model without problems.

I assume they are on the same channel. I set both set of switches to the same position.

[Gordon]

You said that the red light lit up on the receiver, when you press the test button on the transmitter, correct ?

If so - the switches are correct and the wireless bit is working. If not, then you need to make sure the switch settings are the same on both units, and that the reciever is switched on (and has real alkaline AAA batteries in it, not rechargeables)

If the test light and receiver light are both working, then the wireless bit is fine and you need to configure your flash properly. What flash unit are you trying to trigger ? Is it in slave mode and powered up ?

[Wendyp]

I have tried it on both my AB800 and my WL1600. I plug the receiver into the sync socket and turn on the light, right? Is there anything else?

[boxofrocks]

Not piling on here, but that's why I finally broke down and bought PWs. I've been through three of those ebay things. I suppose at that price, they're disposable, but I always had to keep a backup handy. The last thing you need is to be on a high dollar gig and have those things take a dirt nap on you.

They're great for fun, but be careful. It's not if they'll fail, but when.

[Sideline]

I found that I was having the same problem... I did not expect that the battery in the receiver would be plastic wrapped.

Check to make sure the battery does not have a removable plastic wrap around it (kinda like a heat shrink wrap).

Mine work great now.

[Wendyp]

Originally Posted by Sideline

I found that I was having the same problem... I did not expect that the battery in the receiver would be plastic wrapped.

Check to make sure the battery does not have a removable plastic wrap around it (kinda like a heat shrink wrap).

Mine work great now.

Hmmmm, maybe that what was wrong with the first one they sent. This current one works on 2AA batteries which I installed, however.

[Gordon]

Originally Posted by Wendyp

Hmmmm, maybe that what was wrong with the first one they sent. This current one works on 2AA batteries which I installed, however.

I don't mean to be insulting, so don't take this the wrong way ;) Are the batteries in correctly ? The triggers I recently got could easily make you think the batteries should be both inserted in the same direction, while the actual markings on the outside show otherwise.

That and make sure the 'on' switch on the receiver is actually switched on (not the channel selection switches) but the actual power switch too.

[Wendyp]

No, your not insulting at all. I just tried it again. There is only one position in which the switches can be and still get the red light to blink on the receiver. I guess I'm just having bad luck and will have to send this one back, too.

[Gordon]

Okay - so you can get the red light on the receiver to blink when you press the 'test' button on the transmitter ?

If so - it is powered up, the batteries are in right and the wireless is working and all you have to do is get the flash to trigger.

I haven't used Alien Bees or White Lightnings for a few years though. Not sure if there is a switch setting required to trigger them via a remote.

Are you just using standard PC sync connections or are these plugged directly into the back of the flash on baynet type fixtures ?

[Gordon]

at least with Alien Bees, if you are using the telephone style RJ45 plug (i.e., the 'remote' connection, not the 'sync' connection) I think you need to also disable the sync/ slave flash trigger with a dummy phono connector.

The manuals at least mention this - it depends on how you are connecting to the strobe though.

[Wendyp]

There is a sync plug on the back of the strobes. There is also a remote plug, but it looks like a telephone jack plug, so that can't be the right one. The sync plug is where is plug in the sync cord that runs from my camera to the light. here is a picture from their site: