Radio Triggers

MJB DIGITAL · 11-24-2009, 12:45 PM

I'm just wondering what you guys use for radios i.e. pocketwizards, radio poppers, cybersynchs etc.

Thanks.

Mitch

kenyee · 11-24-2009, 12:56 PM

put up a poll :-)
I'm on RP JrX's...put up a long review somewhere in this forum.

freeload · 11-24-2009, 01:23 PM

I use the RF-602 triggers, like this:
DealExtreme: $29.99 RF-602 Remote Shutter Switch for Nikon/Fuji/Kodak DSLR Cameras

Wheatfield · 11-24-2009, 09:27 PM

Pocket Lizards.

Adrian Owerko · 11-24-2009, 09:58 PM

My PW setup for wedding work!

K-7 + GRIP + AF 540 FGZ + PRESSLITE VERTEX + PW...

Another photog called me a CYBORG.. when holding this rig up to my eye..

Sync 1\180.... Every time.. Great for Mixing PTTL with manual strobes for Fill light in large indoor enviourments...

amoringello · 11-24-2009, 10:16 PM

Elinchrom Skyports.
Reliable, but otherwise not much better than the eBay remotes that I got for 1/10th the price.
Mostly a waste of money!

Both have limited range, about 20-25 meters. (Elinchrom advertised something like 120 meters)
Both sync to about 1/125 second on a good day. (Elinchrom advertised sync up to 1/1000 sec)

My K10D syncs to 1/180 with PTTL and dumb slave (non-wired) without fail. But with Skyports, 1/100 to maybe 1/125!

I notice that Elinchrom no longer appears to advertise sync speed on the Skyports. I was in "discussions" with their tech support for six weeks over the issue. My first email included math and an attempt to confirm what I found. Finally after six weeks of trying to make the support guy understand simple (and I do mean simple) math, one of their engineers included calculations which pretty much stated my exact findings -- which were that their device could not possibly sync faster than 1/250 sec regardless of their advertising.
Still doesn't explain why I cannot sync above 1/125, but I've told them I'll never buy another Elinchrom product.

My experience with Elinchrom/Bogen D-Lites is another story but re-enforces my decision to leave that company in the dust. They may have been great at one time, but they've got lazy and no longer value their customers. Their products and their support have proven that to me.
I am at a point where I will soon need to upgrade to more serious lighting equipment... I haven't decided which yet, but it will not be Elinchrom.

Sorry for the rant, but for those looking for options... do not get stuck with Elinchrom Skyports.

MPrince · 11-25-2009, 04:45 AM

I use cybersyncs. Reliable, reasonably priced.

alohadave · 11-25-2009, 06:35 PM

I use PT-04TM wireless triggers. Rock solid reliable. I love them.

Class A · 11-26-2009, 10:31 PM

Cactus V4. Cheap. Very reliable. 16 channels. Sync speed of 1/180 is not a problem at all. Work with trigger voltages from 0-300V. Can trigger flashes via hot-shoe or one of three different cable adapters. The receivers can be used as a flash stand and mount on a tripod. Couldn't be happier.

The range seems more like 20m rather than the advertised 30m but I haven't tried all new batteries in trigger and receiver yet.

Class A · 11-26-2009, 10:38 PM

Originally posted by amoringello

Still doesn't explain why I cannot sync above 1/125, ...

Some radio triggers don't want to sync faster than 1/30 with Pentax flashes. The problem in this case was the relatively low trigger voltage of Pentax flashes. The voltage drop needed to be higher to allow faster syncing. The solution in this case was to modify the trigger (extra cable I think from the triggering diode to the battery ground).

Yours might be a similar problem. Have you tried different flashes?

Peter Zack · 11-26-2009, 10:39 PM

Flashwaves. Several members posted results here:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/camera-studio-accessories/31950-those-con...lashwaves.html

I really like these and the main reason is the version I have (current version 2) have a hot shoe on the reveiver. It is reallly easy to connect a flash that does not have a PC socket. Plus you can run more than one flash of one reciever.

Good range, just as reliable and cheaper than PW's. Plus the transmitter is much smaller and does not stand up on the hot shoe (where it could get snagged) like PW's do.

little laker · 11-26-2009, 11:13 PM

I use Flashwaves, they've treated me good.

amoringello · 11-27-2009, 05:02 AM

Originally posted by Class A

Some radio triggers don't want to sync faster than 1/30 with Pentax flashes. The problem in this case was the relatively low trigger voltage of Pentax flashes. The voltage drop needed to be higher to allow faster syncing. The solution in this case was to modify the trigger (extra cable I think from the triggering diode to the battery ground).

Yours might be a similar problem. Have you tried different flashes?

This is seen with all flashes, even the Elinchrom strobes to which the trigger is connected. It is either a synch delay in the product, or some sort of timing issue in the Pentax hotshoe.
Yet... if I stick a 'dumb flash' in the host shoe and slave off that, there is no unwanted delay. The delay is only present with the Skyports, so I am rather confident that the device is to blame... but I do not have an oscilloscope or other sufficient equipment to prove that completely.

GregV · 12-06-2009, 10:16 PM

I use the Alien Bees Cybersynchs with my 540 and they work flawless. Works at 1/180, and has an impressive range. I'm very happy.

MRRiley · 12-07-2009, 12:42 PM

Add another satisfied CyberSynch user here...

11-24-2009, 12:45 PM	#1
MJB DIGITAL Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: st. louis Posts: 1,170	Radio Triggers I'm just wondering what you guys use for radios i.e. pocketwizards, radio poppers, cybersynchs etc. Thanks. Mitch

11-26-2009, 10:31 PM	#9
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Cactus V4. Cheap. Very reliable. 16 channels. Sync speed of 1/180 is not a problem at all. Work with trigger voltages from 0-300V. Can trigger flashes via hot-shoe or one of three different cable adapters. The receivers can be used as a flash stand and mount on a tripod. Couldn't be happier. The range seems more like 20m rather than the advertised 30m but I haven't tried all new batteries in trigger and receiver yet. Last edited by Class A; 11-26-2009 at 11:21 PM.

11-26-2009, 10:38 PM	#10
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by amoringello Still doesn't explain why I cannot sync above 1/125, ... Some radio triggers don't want to sync faster than 1/30 with Pentax flashes. The problem in this case was the relatively low trigger voltage of Pentax flashes. The voltage drop needed to be higher to allow faster syncing. The solution in this case was to modify the trigger (extra cable I think from the triggering diode to the battery ground). Yours might be a similar problem. Have you tried different flashes? Last edited by Class A; 11-26-2009 at 11:18 PM.

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11-24-2009, 12:56 PM	#2
kenyee Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston, PRofMA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,026	put up a poll :-) I'm on RP JrX's...put up a long review somewhere in this forum.

11-24-2009, 01:23 PM	#3
freeload Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Norway Posts: 96	I use the RF-602 triggers, like this: DealExtreme: $29.99 RF-602 Remote Shutter Switch for Nikon/Fuji/Kodak DSLR Cameras

11-24-2009, 09:27 PM	#4
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Pocket Lizards.

11-24-2009, 10:16 PM	#6
amoringello Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,562	Elinchrom Skyports. Reliable, but otherwise not much better than the eBay remotes that I got for 1/10th the price. Mostly a waste of money! Both have limited range, about 20-25 meters. (Elinchrom advertised something like 120 meters) Both sync to about 1/125 second on a good day. (Elinchrom advertised sync up to 1/1000 sec) My K10D syncs to 1/180 with PTTL and dumb slave (non-wired) without fail. But with Skyports, 1/100 to maybe 1/125! I notice that Elinchrom no longer appears to advertise sync speed on the Skyports. I was in "discussions" with their tech support for six weeks over the issue. My first email included math and an attempt to confirm what I found. Finally after six weeks of trying to make the support guy understand simple (and I do mean simple) math, one of their engineers included calculations which pretty much stated my exact findings -- which were that their device could not possibly sync faster than 1/250 sec regardless of their advertising. Still doesn't explain why I cannot sync above 1/125, but I've told them I'll never buy another Elinchrom product. My experience with Elinchrom/Bogen D-Lites is another story but re-enforces my decision to leave that company in the dust. They may have been great at one time, but they've got lazy and no longer value their customers. Their products and their support have proven that to me. I am at a point where I will soon need to upgrade to more serious lighting equipment... I haven't decided which yet, but it will not be Elinchrom. Sorry for the rant, but for those looking for options... do not get stuck with Elinchrom Skyports.

11-25-2009, 04:45 AM	#7
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	I use cybersyncs. Reliable, reasonably priced.

11-25-2009, 06:35 PM	#8
alohadave Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Quincy, MA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,024	I use PT-04TM wireless triggers. Rock solid reliable. I love them.

11-26-2009, 10:39 PM	#11
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Flashwaves. Several members posted results here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/camera-studio-accessories/31950-those-con...lashwaves.html I really like these and the main reason is the version I have (current version 2) have a hot shoe on the reveiver. It is reallly easy to connect a flash that does not have a PC socket. Plus you can run more than one flash of one reciever. Good range, just as reliable and cheaper than PW's. Plus the transmitter is much smaller and does not stand up on the hot shoe (where it could get snagged) like PW's do.

11-26-2009, 11:13 PM	#12
little laker Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,697	I use Flashwaves, they've treated me good.

11-27-2009, 05:02 AM	#13
amoringello Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,562	Originally posted by Class A Some radio triggers don't want to sync faster than 1/30 with Pentax flashes. The problem in this case was the relatively low trigger voltage of Pentax flashes. The voltage drop needed to be higher to allow faster syncing. The solution in this case was to modify the trigger (extra cable I think from the triggering diode to the battery ground). Yours might be a similar problem. Have you tried different flashes? This is seen with all flashes, even the Elinchrom strobes to which the trigger is connected. It is either a synch delay in the product, or some sort of timing issue in the Pentax hotshoe. Yet... if I stick a 'dumb flash' in the host shoe and slave off that, there is no unwanted delay. The delay is only present with the Skyports, so I am rather confident that the device is to blame... but I do not have an oscilloscope or other sufficient equipment to prove that completely.

12-06-2009, 10:16 PM	#14
GregV New Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: So Cal Photos: Gallery Posts: 18	I use the Alien Bees Cybersynchs with my 540 and they work flawless. Works at 1/180, and has an impressive range. I'm very happy.

12-07-2009, 12:42 PM	#15
MRRiley Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sterling, VA, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,275	Add another satisfied CyberSynch user here...