Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

If I set the modelling light to full on it does one flash and resets back to tracking?? If I have it set at an eigth power as my centre point using pocket wizards and AC3 Controller on 0 for each zone (have 2 Einsteins, one in Zone A and one in B), I find one or sometimes both lights going to full power in mid-session for no apparent reason. Also sometimes I have success with the power compensation with the AC3 and others no response, even though I have adopted the same methodology each time. The local Australian distributor has asked me to post here as he hasn't come across these issues before.

I am using Canon 5DMkIII and 1DMkIV with Mini TT + AC3 on camera and MC2's on flash. Both Einsteins under 3000 flashes recorded. Issues appear to be camera independent. Also have changed to new battery in Mini in case that had any bearing.

It appears the root is a settings issue in the Mini. The Einsteins are reacting to the signals given by the transimitter via the reciever. Unfortunately, the system is convoluted by nature due to differences in firmware (camera, transmitter, reciever, and in some cases the light), as well as differences in camera model to camera model. Since we really have zero participation in the TT1/TT5, we are not qualified to trouble shoot, and any attempt by us would probably make things worse :D

I would recommend contacting LPA (the manufacturer of Pocket Wizard remotes). They are the ones who know the system best.

I know you are in a different hemisphere, so calling may not be ideal, but here is their number just in case: 1-802-658-0038 x572

They can also be reached via these methods as well.
http://www.pocketwizard.com/contact/inquiry/
info@pocketwizard.com

Thanks, I might try a factory reset on the Mini to start with, and then rebuild and test from there. Then if the issue still persists I'll pass the ball to LPA. Not easy when three manufacturers are in the mix.

Understandable. As a general rule, if a light is changing settings for any reason, this means it is being told to by the remotes, whether they are ours or others' (as long as they have a settings control function). The only exception is if a button got stuck, but that would happen immediately. If the light functions normally wothout the remote, and if the light fires from the MC2 test button, and CH/Zone appear on the screen, the problem is very unlikely to reside in the light.

With your system, the camera can play a role, but I would expect the same outcome with two different cameras to be less likely the camera, and more likely the common factor of the remotes.

Given the complexity of the remote systems, I would be inclined to make them (or, specifically, a setting in them) my primary suspect.