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FAQs - Remote Controls

My CyberSync™ system is misfiring, what can I do?

First try swapping both the CyberSync™ Trigger Transmitter or Cyber Commander™ and all receivers to a new frequency than the one you are currently using to rule out interference. If that does not work, try new batteries on all the components that require them.

What is the x-sync speed of the CyberSync™ system?

The x-sync speed is determined by the camera and radio tripper (in the case of the CyberSync™ system, either the Cyber Commander™ or CyberSync Trigger Transmitter). The delay time of the CyberSync™ system is 1/4000 second. It can sync up to 1/2500 second on capable cameras and flash units. Most modern DSLR cameras max around 1/160 - 1/250 second, either with a sync cord or with a CyberSync™ component.

The red LED on the CyberSync™ Trigger Transmitter is flashing multiple times when used. Is something wrong?

This flashing red LED indicates that the battery is low or has a weak connection. You will need to replace the battery.

When using the CyberSync™ Trigger Transmitter or Cyber Commander, my flashes suddenly start firing as fast as they can recycle. Is something wrong?

Rapid firing can be caused by a very low battery in the transmitter. You will need to replace the battery.

My CyberSync™ receiver is not responding to my CyberSync™Transmitter or Cyber Commander™. Is something wrong?

First, make sure that both the transmitter or Cyber Commander™ and the receiver(s) are on the same channel / frequency. On the CSRB+, the gray arrows on the frequency / channel dial are pointing to the correct number. On the CSRB, CSR, and CSR+, make sure that the dark notch on the frequency / channel dial is facing the correct number. On the CyberSync™ Trigger Transmitter make sure the red arrow on the frequency dial is facing the correct number.

My CyberSync Trigger Transmitter or Cyber Commander™ has a limited distance, what’s wrong?

The transmitter's effective range can be affected by the state of the battery in the transmitter. If your range seems to drop under familiar conditions, it may be time to change your battery. Range can also be influenced by objects too near the CST2 antenna or by solid objects obstructing the line of sight path to the receiver's antenna.

Is my CyberSync™ product compatible with other transmitters and receivers?

The CyberSync™ receivers and transmitters will only work with each other. This is because the CyberSync™ system operates on a different frequency band than say a PocketWizard® or Radio Popper. For example, you could plug in a PocketWizard® into the sync jack of an AlienBees™ unit and plug in the CSR+ into remote jack (RJ11) of the same unit. Because they operate on separate frequencies you could trigger the light with your PocketWizard® and adjust your AlienBees™ unit using a Cyber Commander™ or LG4X™.

How can I mount my CSRB or CSRB+ to my flash unit?

To mount a CSRB to your flash unit, you can use Velcro on the side of the unit housing. Others have used a rubber band around the receiver, attached to the handle on the light mount.

Do I have the most up-to-date firmware on my Cyber Commander™? How do I upgrade the firmware?

Check the firmware upgrade page to find out which version of the firmware is the latest and most up-to-date. If you need to update your firmware, you will find instructions for downloading and installing an update. All you will need to perform the update is a new MicroSD card (2GB or smaller), a computer with internet access, and a card reader capable of reading and writing to the MicroSD card. For help and information with firmware updates please contact customer service.

When using my Cyber Commander™ or the retired LG4X™ remote, the red dump light stays on and the unit has minimal flash. Is something wrong?

Before you connect your CSR+, CSRB+, or LG4X™ into the flash unit, ensure that the flash unit is turned ON. Also ensure that all modeling lamp switches are in the ON position and the sliders are on full power. On the Cyber Commander™ unit, ensure that the flash unit assigned to each active channel is in the ON position (and not set in STAND BY position). This setting is in the LIGHT SETTING MODE of your Cyber Commander™. Make sure that the output level is above minimum. You will also want to confirm that the Cyber Commander™ is on the same channel as the receiver as it is very easy to accidentally change channels when changing screens.

My Cyber Commander™ has suddenly lost one channel. What happened?

This could be the result of a low battery. It could also be in STANDBY mode. Remember, if the channel is in STANDBY mode in the Cyber Commander™, the white block on the bottom of the selected channel will be gray. If you’ve confirmed that the unit is not in STANDBY mode, you’ll want to replace the batteries. The batteries in the Cyber Commander™ are standard AAA batteries. Replacements can be alkaline or lithium batteries. Rechargeable batteries are not recommended for replacement. Always be sure to observe polarity when replacing batteries.

My Cyber Commander™ locks up after installing a new SD Card. Is something wrong?

Installing an SD card larger than 2GB can lock up the Cyber Commander™. Ensure that your Micro SD card is smaller than 2GB in size.

Can the frequencies used by your transmitters be used legally in other countries?

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) defines the band of frequencies lying between 2400 MHz and 2500 MHz (2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz ) as an ISM band. This means that license-free radio devices may operate in this band of frequencies in any country that recognizes the ITU. This includes the United States, Canada, Central and South America, all of Europe, Pacifica (N.Z., Australia, etc.) most of Asia and Africa as well. WLAN and Zigbee wireless data networks also share this band, but the chances of any interference occurring among the CyberSync™ and the other low power wireless equipment in this band is very, very slim. The CyberSync™ systems conform to FCC, Industry Canada, and European Harmonized Accords covering operation in this band of frequencies. It is certified under FCC Rules Part 15, and Industry Canada.

Can the CyberSync™ system be used with flash units and speedlites by other manufacturers?

We do not maintain a complete list of speedlites that are compatible with our CyberSync™ products as the CyberSync™ system was designed to work specifically with Paul C. Buff™ products. The CSRB, however, will work with a wider range of lights on the market than the CSR version, including most hot shoe-mounted, speedlite types. The CSR+ and CSRB+ will also trigger a variety of lights made by other manufacturers via the 3.5mm sync jack located on the side of the housing. The CSRB+ has the highest compatibility with flashes by other manufacturers.

I am using speedlites with my CyberSync™ system and I am experiencing misfires occasionally, typically after a break in shooting (30 seconds or more). Is something wrong?

This type of misfiring issue is typically not due to the remotes, but rather due to a standby function in the speedlite. Some speedlites are set to go into standby mode after 30 seconds of inactivity (default times will vary by manufacturer). Typically, firing the remotes once will not yield a response, but it will wake the speedlites, and subsequent attempts will fire the lights. You may be able to prevent this issue as most speedlites (though not all) allow adjustment of auto standby in a custom menu. Please refer to your instruction manual for details.

I have a speedlite connected to your CyberSync™ via an adapter on the foot, but the flash will not fire. Is something wrong with the connection?

Several things could cause this, but first check the bottom of the foot to see how many contacts it has. More than one contact means it is a dedicated flash (or one specifically designed to work with one particular brand of camera). If you have a dedicated flash, make sure it is the “M” mode (and not in TTL, i-TTL, etc.). Also, make sure any slave/master mode is turned off. You will also want to inspect your adapter. The shoe (the part that the flash slides into) should have a square metal piece with a round metal piece in the center. These two pieces should be insulated from each other with plastic. Our SLFA has this characteristic and will work as an adapter. In contrast, our HSA adapter has the square piece, but only plastic in the center and therefore will not work (it is designed for sync cord connection, not speedlite connection). Lastly, some dedicated flashes not made by your camera’s manufacturer will not work. Some flashes have reverse-engineered or altered the original design so that it works when connected to the camera, but will not trigger from the customary contacts and will not work with most (or any) radio remotes.

Will a Sekonic meter with the PocketWizard® module trigger CyberSync™ receivers?

No. The Sekonic meters with the PocketWizard® Module will not trigger CyberSync™ receivers. These can only trigger a PocketWizard® as the frequencies and coding are proprietary to PocketWizard®. 

I’m having trouble with my PocketWizard MC2, how do I get support?

For questions related to your PocketWizard MC2 or other Pocket Wizard remotes please contact them directly. Since they are the manufacturer of those remotes they will be better suited to provide you with the best technical support. info@pocketwizard.com or 1-877-393-0045

Safety notice from PocketWizard® regarding their PocketWizard® PowerMC2 Receiver

PowerMC2 Safety Notice

We have identified a potentially hazardous issue with the PocketWizard® PowerMC2 Receiver when used in combination with the Paul C. Buff Einstein™ E640 flash units, especially the CE/433 MHz version sold in Europe. You may have received a previous message from Paul C. Buff, Inc. regarding this issue.

In rare circumstances, if the PowerMC2 is connected to the Einstein flash and the Einstein flash is connected to a power outlet, exposed metal components like the USB port or antenna spring on the PowerMC2 can become electrified, posing a potentially serious shock hazard. If the PowerMC2’s antenna cover is broken, removed, or in any way damaged, DISCONTINUE USE IMMEDIATELY and contact PocketWizard.

Customers in the United States may continue to safely use the Einstein flash and PowerMC2 with the power cord supplied by Paul C. Buff and a properly wired USA-style three-pronged power outlet (NEMA 5) or with the Vagabond battery pack. If a properly wired NEMA 5 power outlet is unavailable in your location, ALWAYS UNPLUG THE FLASH PRIOR TO HANDLING THE POWERMC2.

The issue has been corrected for all PowerMC2 units sold by PocketWizard’s authorized distributor in the USA after February 15, 2014. Customers owning affected units are advised to immediately contact PocketWizard Technical Support toll free at +1 877-393-0045 or via our inquiry page to arrange for the return of affected units for free servicing to reduce the risk of electrical shock. We urge you to contact us regardless of the condition of your PowerMC2. We greatly apologize for this inconvenience.

Affected units:

All units with the CE logo on the back, or any serial number beginning M2Cxxxxxxx are affected and correctable.

Units with the FCC logo on the back and with a serial number M2U192000 or lower are affected and correctable.

Units sold by Pocket Wizard’s authorized distributor in the USA after February 15th, 2014, or have serial number M2U194000 and higher, already have corrective safety features and warnings installed. Identifying features are “www.pwpatents.com” on the serial number sticker, and a yellow warning label.

Thank you,

PocketWizard Technical Support Manager

info@pocketwizard.com
www.pocketwizard.com