Honestly I'm not sure. I think you still use the Elinchrom ones but you wont be able to adjust your lights from the camera like you can with the RX units. Don't quote me on that though.
Wirelessly controlling flash power is only with the Skyports, and the Elinchrom RX flashes (1200RX packs, 300/600/1200RX monoblocs, Ranger RX lights, thats all).
Yes, PW has a feature like the Skyports to trigger "multiple groups", but only can be done with the Multi-Maxes. Those are aound $250 a peice on FM here.
dave unwin wrote:
Sorry if this is a stupid question, but what about for non-RX elinchrom strobes?
Do you need the Universal set still?
Thanks a lot
Dave
The only difference between the RX and the Universal set is the receiver.
The transmitters are the same, which is good.
For anythging that does not have a RX port you will use a Universal receiver. The set comes with a bunch of cables to hook up to most any compact, even to a RX when it's attached to the standard (non-RX) PC port (but then it will work in trigger mode only, just like other non-RX lights).
The RX receiver on the other hand is extremely small and will only attach to a RX port, which accesses the remote digital control functionality built in to RX packs and compacts only. Our RX receivers are dedicated to individual RX units, as they don't need batteries and do not need to be recharged as the Universals do periodically.
Our Universals are basically floaters or stashed in camera bags, we use them interchangeably with all other lights.
For anyone who is interested, we also use a USB receiver, mainly to zero or max strobes quickly. Haven't gotten into the software too much yet, but if documenting set ups is your thing it looks pretty cool. We we're early adopters of the ERS/USB system. We never really used ithat much though. However I can report that the Skyort EL USB version is far superior. We might actually use it now.
I just got the Skyport universal kit and got it to work with the Vivitar 285HV and an old 285 (20+ years). I had to modify the Vivitar cable that plugs into the camera. I added a 1/8" mono plug onto camera sync end of the cable. This allows the cable to still be used from camera to flash, but now from Skyport receiver to flash also. Don't know if it's critical, but I wired it up so the center connector of the new plug uses the same wire as the existing plug to be safe. The 1/8" mono plug is a standard plug for a small microphone. You can get it from Radio Shack for about $3 for a pack of 2.
I hooked up a receiver to each flash and set for different groups. I was able to trigger each one seperately and together when the transmitter was set to "All". Hope this helps others with 285's.
EricLee wrote:
I just got the Skyport universal kit and got it to work with the Vivitar 285HV and an old 285 (20+ years). I had to modify the Vivitar cable that plugs into the camera. I added a 1/8" mono plug onto camera sync end of the cable. This allows the cable to still be used from camera to flash, but now from Skyport receiver to flash also. Don't know if it's critical, but I wired it up so the center connector of the new plug uses the same wire as the existing plug to be safe. The 1/8" mono plug is a standard plug for a small microphone. You can get it from Radio Shack for about $3 for a pack of 2.
I hooked up a receiver to each flash and set for different groups. I was able to trigger each one seperately and together when the transmitter was set to "All". Hope this helps others with 285's....Show more →
Eric - do you have any pictures of the mod and more detailed explanation? Thanks!
Just got the Skyport. Had to order the paramount Hot Shoe w/ miniphone adapter from Mid West #PW-MHSF1, the cords included with the Skyport had no value connecting to the 580ex..used under fire on a job yesterday with no issues...... only hick up was when we got a gust of wind and the umbrella and 580 went flying to concrete......umbrella did not survive, not sure about the 580.
Thank you all for the assist on this thread so I could get the wireless.
The standard range of Elinchrom's Skyport is 165' indoors and 395' outdoors. However, if you need to go further, get an extra Skyport Universal Receiver and second Skyport Trigger, purchase a 3.5mm to 2.5mm male to male cable, cable the units together and they act as a repeater, stepping and repeating the signal another 165' or 395'.
Product Manager
Elinchrom, Lastolite & Educational DVD's
Bogen Imaging, Inc.
Edited by Mark Astmann on Oct 03, 2007 at 06:55 PM GMT (Reason: Add signature)
Skyport Universal Receiver's cannot currently flash "new" Vivitar 285HV's. It will fire older units. About two years ago Vivitar changed the sync voltage of their units, so if you own an oder version, it should work. For those with a newer Vivitar 285HV, Elinchrom will be releasing a Universal Camera Receiver early next year. This module fires the 285HV with no problem as well as just about every digital camera we have come across.
Product Manager
Elinchrom, Lastolite & Educational DVD's
Bogen Imaging, Inc.
Camera's tend to use a different sync voltage then battery or studio flashes, so I don't believe this will work on most of the camera's out there. A Skyport Universal Camera module is coming out early next year that will do the trick.
Mark Astmann
Product Manager
Elinchrom, Lastolite & Educational DVD's
Bogen Imaging, Inc.
Current Skyport models work with all Metz flashes and most Nikon and Canon flashes. They work with most other manufacturers flashes too. The exception that we currently know about is the Vivitar 285HV which uses a different sync voltage then most other battery powered flashes on the market today.
Mark Astmann
Product Manager
Elinchrom, Lastolite, Educational DVD's
Bogen Imaging, Inc.
Mark Astmann - Concerning the new Universal Camera Receiver, does "early next year" mean before April? Do you know if the cost will be the same as the current models? Thanks for addressing the questions people have here!
We don't have confirmed shipping dates on the Universal Skyport Receiver yet as Elinchrom is testing every major camera they can get their hands on. As the manufacturers are all introducing new models this fall (some have already been announced), Elinchrom wants to be sure the module works with everything.
I believe we will see this module during the 1st quarter of the year, which would put release prior to April. While nothing has been said about pricing, you should expect the Universal Camera module to cost about the same as the current Universal Flash module.
Mark Astmann
Product Manager
Elinchrom, Lastolite, Educational DVD's
Bogen Imaging, Inc.
