Miss fires

valeri

Two events in a row, I had miss fires. Both were group shots at events. Had to abandon on the first shoot because I couldn't get it to reconnect reliably. Second shoot took several tries but I was able to get it going by disassembling and power cycling. Also, second event was stationary on a tripod. Seems like flash to trigger connection has some play, even when properly locked in. Nikon D810, SB700

valeri

Also, using 2 V6s. I've had them for almost 2 months. All firmware is up to date. Do I need to return it for service?

Antonio

Hello @valeri,

I am sorry to hear about this.

1. Did you select the correct flash profile? Nikon > SB-700?
2. What was the distance between the camera and the off-camera flash units? If you are shooting in close proximity, 3-5 meters, you may try setting the work range to SHORT. You set this on the TX unit only.
3. Have you tried switching to other channels? It could be at that particular event there are radio interferences. If you were using Channel 1, try switching to Channel 12. Something radically different.
4. We recommend first power on the flash first and then the V6.
5. Always set the flash to TTL mode.
   

Please let us know if the above checks help.

Thank you.

valeri

Thank you for your suggestions.
Both of my units are matched up with the right flash profile. Always in TTL too.

The first event wasn't in close proximity(large group), but the second was(Santa pics). I had less trouble with the second shoot once I power-cycled and reseated everything, but that setup was stationary.

I'll be at the first venue again on Thurs, so I'll try a different channel. However, it seemed to be working during test shots, but not when I needed it.

I am aware of the need to power on the flash first, so that's what I always do.

I can see the flash make/loose the connection with TX unit if it's
wiggled slightly, which is why I'm concerned about the connection. Is
there a way to make it tighter? The unit seems tight enough where it meets the camera, but there is some play between the flash and trigger.
Thanks again

Antonio

...I can see the flash make/loose the connection with TX unit if it's
wiggled slightly, which is why I'm concerned about the connection. Is
there a way to make it tighter? The unit seems tight enough where it meets the camera, but there is some play between the flash and trigger.
Thanks again

Are you referring to the RX in this case?
Or are you mounting an on-camera flash on the TX unit?

As for the gap, you can try to DIY a better fit - maybe on either side of the hot shoe - just a tiny piece of masking tape maybe.

Please note that when you mount a Nikon flash on a Nikon camera, there's also plenty of gap, but because the hot shoes are made for each other so connection is constant. However the V6 has a mutli-system shoe where it has to fit various systems so we have to strike a balance on the fitment.

Thanks!

valeri

Yes, it's the TX unit on my camera, with a flash on top. I'll try the tape idea.
Thanks!

Mundford

Hi - I purchased 5 V6 Mk 1's a few months ago and didn't really use them - but more recently have been using and have had real problems with flash not firing - they are all up to date on firmware - I have tested with Studio flash as well as with Nissin and Yonguo Speedlights - the activity light on the triggers flashes Green ( sometimes amber ), BUT the flash does not fire - normally starts off ok and then after a few flashes fails as outlined. I've tried them in all kinds of combinations and with all 5 triggers in either TX or Rx mode - also tried with Canon cameras ( 5DMii and with Nikon D800 - results are always the same - I am getting really busy now so really need reliable trigpers - I love the versatility of the V6 BUT just cannot rely upon them at the moment - any ideas please..?

Antonio

@Mundford,

Sorry to hear about this. Please tell us:

1. Please confirm which firmware verion on the V6. Tell us the exact number. (hold down group buttons A and D and switch on the unit)
   
2. Which Yongnuo flash model? What flash profile did you use?
   
3. And also, which Nissin flash model? What flash profile did you use?
   
4. What was the distance between the camera and the flashes?  You may try setting the work range to SHORT.
5. You may also try setting all the units to a different channel. If you were on Channel 2, switch it to something on the other side of the spectrum, such as Channel 13.

Thank you.