Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I'm using four CSR+ wih a CC. Two of the CSR+ are connected to the same number of Alien Bees B1600, while the remaining two CSR+ are connected to two B800.

While testing the system, I realized the f/ numbers in the meter mode of the CC didn't match the readings in my Sekonik L-358, but then I found the issue wasn't a calibration problem, but a power level range problem: When I raise the level in the B1600s, the level is the same one I can get when manually setting the unit to full power, but when I lower the level to the minimum with the CC, it actually corresponds to the level I get when manually adjusting the level to 1/8th of the power, and not to 1/32th of the power. So maybe the f/ reading in the meter mode is an issue of the flash unit not going to the expected power level when remotely decreasing the power. Is the full range of power level supposed to be available when using the CC with a CSR+?

The instructions manual mentions some of the CC functions are only available when using the Einsteins, which I don't have, so I would like to know if is it possible to remotely turn off the modeling lights of my Alien Bees?

And finally, when testing I found the triggering wasn't as reliable when using the RJ11 as it was when using the sync cord, so I connected the CSR+ to the Alien Bees with both the RJ11 and the sync cables, are there any known issues to using this setup?


Thanks!

Have you used your Sekonic meter to compare full power to minimum power flashes while using the CC? And at what range?

You can turn off your model lamps by going to SETUP> LIGHT SETTINGS>MODEL MODE>OFF

There should not be any issuses arising from using the sync cord and RJ11 together. However, IF you can adjust but not fire or vice versa, try reseating the cahnnel and frequency dials. Typically this behavior is a result of minute misalignment of the dials.

Yes, I did use my Sekonic to compare while using the CC. I actually tried using the CST connected to the Sekonic while setting up the levels whith the CC, and then connected the CC directly to the Sekonic.

I don't clearly understand what you mean with "range", so here's the setup: A B1600 with a medium softbox is some 10 ft from the metering position, with just one light turned on. Using the CC to control the power level, I turned the flash to the maximum power, and metered (don't remember the exposure right now). The reading with both the Sekonic and the CC are similar (a few tenths of a stop away). Then turned down the level using the CC, the exposure reading before re-metering goes to certain level, then take a reading and the CC shows a way different exposure level than the one expected (several stops away). A reading with the Sekonic is again similar to the reading with the CC, but is higher than the minimum level I used to get before using the CC. I unplug the RJ11 cable and repeat the testing, getting the same maximum level I got with the CC, but a much lower minimum level. Manually adjust the level in the B1600 until I get a similar reading of the minimum level I got controlling the level with the CC and find it close to the 1/8th mark in the lever. Repeat the reading several times to avoid recharge status and other discrepancies, but the results are similar.

I tested with another B1600 connected to a different CSR+ and got the same result.

I may repeat the testing to document it for you and send the results by email if the actual readings may shed a better light on this than just remembering the reading was or wasn't what I expected. I may also test with the B800 or interchange receivers to find if the issue in a flash unit or a receiver.

As the issue regarding the lights not flashing every time I triggered them with the RJ11 cable was found in every light, I should also reset the frequencies and channels on al the CSR+ to discard an error when adjusting the dials.

Thanks also for the instructions to turn off the model lights, I'm almost sure I tested it, but will make sure when back home.


Thanks again!
Ruben

I'm sorry, I am not sure what exactly you are asking or telling me here. For assurance, I would reseat all dials.

If you could email us written meter results, it may help us understand this a bit better. When you dial to minimum or maximum-on the CC, does this mean you dial up or down as far as the CC will let you, or do you see the actual Ws rating in the horizontal flash bar? Also, you are firing once to dump the excess flash charge after the change, correct?