Lighting

[fidgety]

Okay all of you lighting techy buffs, have a question for you. I usually use Canon speedlites when shooting sports and I fire them with Pocket Wizards. I now want to bring my Alien Bee 800s out to some gyms, fire them up and give them a try. What I've found is that the Pocket Wizards won't fire the ABs correctly and it appears to have to do with the cable that attaches from the Wizard to the light. When I plug it into the light all the way it won't fire but if I just slide it in a little bit it seems to work but the problem is that by sliding it in just a bit it won't lock in and falls out easily. Do I need the Buff radio transmitters, different cables, a psychiatrist?

Thanks!

[OldClicker]

Just a guess here, but could it be that you are using a stereo plug (three wire) into a mono one (or visa versa)? - TF

[fidgety]

Just a guess here, but could it be that you are using a stereo plug (three wire) into a mono one (or visa versa)? - TF

I hear of shooters say they use the cables that came with their Wizards to fire their ABs but who knows. Should I try a different type of cable?

[OldClicker]

I really know nothing about the lighting systems so you should probably wait for someone who does. I was just going off the symptom.

Here is a standard 1/8" stereo plug - 3 connections:

http://www.adorama.com/MLAICMINIIP3.html

Here is a mono plug - only the two connections.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ELAID=37892444

Mixing these could give you the problem you described.

TF

[dhyravy]

Chris, I'd try flashzebra.com. Lon and the guys make cables for nearly everything and they likely have what you need or will make it for you. Excellent quality and great price.

[fidgety]

Chris, I'd try flashzebra.com. Lon and the guys make cables for nearly everything and they likely have what you need or will make it for you. Excellent quality and great price.

Thanks, I will definitely check it out.

[fidgety]

Got it resolved, boys, thanks! I was using a stereo audio cable when I should have been using a mono cable. Made the change and bingo, works great.