Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

So far, I am totally disappointed with my Cyber Commander. I can not get anything to work.

As per the POOR instructions, geez... terrible.


Anyways, I have 2 ab800, cyber commander, 2 CSR+, 1 CSRB+.

The CSRB is connected to my nikon SB900 with sync cable. ( The TEST button works, but when I connect the CC to my d7000, nothing works.


As for the 2 CSR+, both of which nothing works at all. unless I connect the Sync cable to the CSR+. but still, when the CC is on my d7000 Nothing works.

( as per the so callled directions, I am using the sync cable as a dummy plug. )

Can anyone assist me ?

For a start, make sure that the CC and all the receivers are all set to the same frequency.

Set each receiver to a unique channel - ch 1, 2, and 3 perhaps.

You will then need to tell the CC what kind of lights you have. Do OPEN MEMORY>OPEN ALL FROM STUDIO. That should get channels 1-3 turned on in the CC. Next, go to SPEC LIGHTS and, for each channel, choose the light you're using. You use the left joystick to cycle between the individual channels.

Once you do all that, you should be able to use all of it. Only connect the receivers to the Bees with the phone cord. Plug the sync cable in the sync port on the Bee but not into the Cybersync receiver (dummy plug) as you mentioned. Make sure the power is turned up all the way on the Bees and that all three model lamp buttons are depressed. Make sure all the channel and frequency knobs are set right. Make sure the phone cord is plugged in well - won't hurt to unplug and reinsert it. It helps to plug the phone cord into the bee last after the light is on.

Hope this helps. If you have trouble with specific steps or something else I'll try to help further.

A comprehensive set up would essentially be the manual transcribed. However, we will be more than happy to walk you through a set up via teh phone if you would like to call in. This way, the help and trouble shooting are real time, and would be much faster.

yes, I would like to talk with someone. What time is best to call.

Update: Off Camera, I got 1 AB800 working ( off camera ) with the CSR+. I can press the CC test button AND the receiver test button ... works... but NOT on my Nikon D7000.

Also, I can flash remotely the CSRB+, which is connected to my SB-900 speedlight....

so, I need to get to get 2 things done....

(1) Get the other CSR+ working ( which is connected to another AB800 ).
on this one, nothing works, pressing the test button on the receiver does not work, or remotely.

(2) Get all 3 working with my Nikon D7000

Thanks for your help...

Update: Off Camera, I got 1 AB800 working ( off camera ) with the CSR+. I can press the CC test button AND the receiver test button ... works... but NOT on my Nikon D7000.

Also, I can flash remotely the CSRB+, which is connected to my SB-900 speedlight....

so, I need to get to get 2 things done....

(1) Get the other CSR+ working ( which is connected to another AB800 ).
on this one, nothing works, pressing the test button on the receiver does not work, or remotely.

(2) Get all 3 working with my Nikon D7000

Any time we are open is a good time. M-F 9-5 central. As a time saver, if you could take a photo of the CC's screen and email it to info@paulcbuff.com, we can see the status of the various channels, and that can cut down a lot of trouble shooting. In the email, just say you will be calling in for assistance.

email sent.

There are lots of variables that I'm sure PCB can sort out for you.

Does your camera have a function to disable the hotshoe? I shoot Canon and they have a menu option to disable master flash. If you have something similar that could be why your camera won't trigger correctly.

To troubleshoot, you could swap your CSR+ to the other Bee - that would help you determine if it's a problem with the Bee or with the CSR+.

I'd really look at the channel and frequency settings - won't hurt to turn the dials away and then back to the spots you're intending.

You'd also want to make sure that the channel on the non-functioning CSR+ is active on the CC. That's part of what TS is talking about walking you through. As a test, you could put the non-functioning CSR+ on the same channel as the functioning one. If they both fire when set that way, it's a CC issue that should be easy to resolve.

We got him squared away. A couple of bad components, apparently.

They are shipping me replacement parts, (1) CC and (1) CSR+. If that resolves the firing problem, then all we have to do is attempt to get it working with my Nikon D7000.

Does anyone know if there are supposed to be certain settings for the D7000 to work correctly?