I'm stupid. Sony off-camera flash: I have a Sony A850 (two, in fact). I'm trying to put together an off-camera flash set-up using either Nice remote triggers or Pixel remote triggers...

coolhoosier Loc: Dover, NH, USA

I have a Sony A850 (two, in fact). I'm trying to put together an off-camera flash set-up using either Nice remote triggers or Pixel remote triggers (I have a set of each). The flash is a Sigma EF-530 DG Super SO-ADI.

I attach either transmitter to the A850 hot shoe and the corresponding receiver to the flash (new batteries in all); channels set as needed. The A850 either doesn't see the transmitter or chooses to ignore it. I have set the A850 to all combinations of Flash mode (Fill-flash, Rear sync.) and Flash Control (ADI flash or Pre-flash TTL).

The result is no flash when the shutter released is pressed.

Now, to be fair, pressing the test button on the trigger transmitter (either pair) generates no flash either.

Clearly, something is missing and I think it's most likely a cockpit error on my part and that it probably has to do with a flash setting.

I'm open to any ideas.

Thanks in advance.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

coolhoosier wrote:

Clearly, something is missing and I think it's most likely a cockpit error on my part and that it probably has to do with a flash setting.

In that case, it's good you're operating a flash and not a plane. :D

Those things can be tricky, but I'm sure someone will have an answer, and then you'll be set forever.

Your first priority should be getting the flash to fire when you press the test button on the transmitter. How about the test button on the flash? If the flash fires with the test button, at least that's working. You have good batteries in the transmitter and receiver - inserted the right way around? Both units are turned on? Do you have directions for the flash triggers?

Let us know how this turns out.

coolhoosier Loc: Dover, NH, USA

jerryc41 wrote:

In that case, it's good you're operating a flash a... (show quote)

Yes, the flash works -- in fact, it works when it's on the camera without any other hardware involved. It's my #1 flash unit.

When it's all hooked up with the Pixel Soldier units I can use their pilot lights to see that they're sort of functioning. In this situation, both the Tx and the Rx show green pilots; when I press the test button on the Tx (or when I press the camera shutter button), the lights turn red and then green quickly afterward.

That's what's got be buffaloed: everything seems to be working individually, but not when connected.

And, no, I don't have directions for the triggers. They wouldn't have helped much. They were in sort of an Anglicized version of Chinese.

RaydancePhoto

coolhoosier wrote:

I have a Sony A850 (two, in fact). I'm trying to ... (show quote)

I shoot Sony Alpha and I have 2 of the Sigma 530 Super flashes and it takes a special flash trigger to fire them remotely. The 530 uses TTL even in remote mode. I have 2 sets of triggers and they will not work with the Sigma 530's. So her is what I settled on for now. I use the trigger with a Yulango flash and set the 530's to slave mode so they fire when they see the flash from the Yulango flash.

This trigger is supposed to work with the Sigma 530 Super.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/360286621282?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I am going to order one soon.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Sounds to me like possibly an issue with the channels. since it doesn't appear that transmitter and receiver are communicating.

coolhoosier Loc: Dover, NH, USA

RaydancePhoto wrote:

I shoot Sony Alpha and I have 2 of the Sigma 530 S... (show quote)

MAGIC!

I also have a Yongnuo flash (a YN560-II). I set up the camera with Pixel Soldier Tx/Rx and it worked like a charm. In fact I didn't even know the flash had gone off until I looked at the LCD and saw a perfectly exposed image.

Thank you very, very much.

My next step is to try it with my two Bower flash units and make a chart showing what works with what so I don't have to go through this again. :P :P

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

coolhoosier wrote:

MAGIC!

I also have a Yongnuo flash (a YN560-II). I set up the camera with Pixel Soldier Tx/Rx and it worked like a charm. In fact I didn't even know the flash had gone off until I looked at the LCD and saw a perfectly exposed image.

Thank you very, very much.

My next step is to try it with my two Bower flash units and make a chart showing what works with what so I don't have to go through this again. :P :P

So it works with the Yongnuo but not with the Sigma?

coolhoosier Loc: Dover, NH, USA

jerryc41 wrote:

So it works with the Yongnuo but not with the Sigma?

That's right. I don't know if the alternative trigger mentioned in a previous post will work, but right now I have a functioning set-up. I can use the Sigma in slave mode to trigger off the Yongnuo's flash to provide accent light behind the subject.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

coolhoosier wrote:

That's right. I don't know if the alternative trigger mentioned in a previous post will work, but right now I have a functioning set-up. I can use the Sigma in slave mode to trigger off the Yongnuo's flash to provide accent light behind the subject.

Great!

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

i missed something, do you have the flash on a extension bar hooked to the camera or is it a few feet way from the camera on a stand?

coolhoosier Loc: Dover, NH, USA

bull drink water wrote:

i missed something, do you have the flash on a extension bar hooked to the camera or is it a few feet way from the camera on a stand?

The remote flash(es) are up to several feet from the camera and one is on the floor. The primary one (the Yongnuo) is (now) triggered by the remote trigger and the other is triggered in slave mode from the flash of the first.

spphoto Loc: Long Island,N.Y.

can you use the flash in wireless mode with out the triggers ?Try using wireless mode