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Archive 2009 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

a2rob
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p.2 #1 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

derek walter wrote:
So to use the light meter aspect, do you take the cc off the camera and use it at your subject like a regular light meter?

Hope this answers your question:

16. USING YOUR METER
Stand at the subject position and point the dome on the back of the flashmeter toward the camera.
Press METER (right joystick), This will take a reading of channel 1 only. The yellow dash that corresponds to the scale in yellow along the left side will appear, as will the digital f-stop reading at the top (similar to Screen 16).

Continue this process on each active channel. As you scroll through the channels you will see the metered f-stop from each individual light.

If you now adjust the flashpower of any channel from CyberCommander, its captured f-stop reading will be altered accordingly, as will the position of its yellow dash. This allows you to set the resulting f-stop to exactly what you want by changing flashpower, without the need to re-meter.

Note - after you have captured flashmeter readings, changing the ISO will automatically update each captured reading. Changing the exposure time will not .

Oct 28, 2009 at 03:37 AM

RDKirk
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p.2 #2 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

I should get mine tomorrow, but looking at the images here, I'm kind of thinking I'd rather Paul had been a bit less ambitious and set the screen to show fewer lights with broader bars. Although the old Radio Remote 1 required cycling through each light individually, the big screen was easy to see.

But I'll find out tomorrow whether my fear is ungrounded.

Oct 28, 2009 at 03:42 AM

sbv20
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p.2 #3 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

Does it have a mechanism for locking onto the hotshoe?

Oct 28, 2009 at 03:42 AM

Scott Clark
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p.2 #4 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

If you now adjust the flashpower of any channel from CyberCommander, its captured f-stop reading will be altered accordingly, as will the position of its yellow dash. This allows you to set the resulting f-stop to exactly what you want by changing flashpower, without the need to re-meter.

To me, this alone makes it worth the price of admission. Seems like it would be a real time saver.

Oct 28, 2009 at 04:22 AM

a2rob
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p.2 #5 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

sbv20 wrote:
Does it have a mechanism for locking onto the hotshoe?

No, but it fits very snug just like the Cybersync Transmitter!

Oct 28, 2009 at 04:27 AM

Cementjungle
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p.2 #6 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

a2rob wrote:
derek walter wrote:
So to use the light meter aspect, do you take the cc off the camera and use it at your subject like a regular light meter?

Hope this answers your question:

16. USING YOUR METER
Stand at the subject position and point the dome on the back of the flashmeter toward the camera.
Press METER (right joystick), This will take a reading of channel 1 only. The yellow dash that corresponds to the scale in yellow along the left side will appear, as will the digital f-stop reading at the top (similar to Screen 16).

Continue this process on each active channel. As you scroll through the channels you will see the metered f-stop from each individual light.

If you now adjust the flashpower of any channel from CyberCommander, its captured f-stop reading will be altered accordingly, as will the position of its yellow dash. This allows you to set the resulting f-stop to exactly what you want by changing flashpower, without the need to re-meter.

Note - after you have captured flashmeter readings, changing the ISO will automatically update each captured reading. Changing the exposure time will not .

That's the explanaition I've been waiting for... going to have to get this thing.

Oct 28, 2009 at 05:33 AM

Paul Buff
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p.2 #7 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

The best way to us CC is to always leave a CST on your camera. It will trigger the lights according to the CC setup. This way you don't have to take the CC off your camera to make measurements. Put it in your pocket or cell phone pouch.

CC has a battery life of around 1 year when idle. It's battery life is about 3 hours of LCD-on time (10,000 seconds). If you set the on time to 10-15 seconds in the advanced setup menu, and set the brightness as low as practical this will extend the LCD on time battery life. At 10 seconds, you will have about 1000 adjustment cycles, so battery life depends on the number of adjustments (LCD on cycles) you make per day - 50 per day = 20 day battery life. If you set a long LCD on time, you can put CC to back to sleep by holding in the left button for about two seconds to conserve battery.

If you put CC on your hotshoe the LCD will remain off when you shoot - it acts just like the CST - wakes up instantly, sends a 256usec fire command, then back to sleep, so the batteries will last close to a year. minus the amount of LCD on-time used for adjustments.

The SD card should always remain in the CC as it stores everything you do. But you can take the card out and into a Mac/PC card reader to make backups, etc. You can then burn this data (text file) back to another Micro SD card if you want an SD Card backup.

Edited on Oct 28, 2009 at 06:03 AM · View previous versions

Oct 28, 2009 at 05:57 AM

bacilonur
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p.2 #8 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

There's a 0 missing in your 50 - 20 math, Paul. :-)

BTW, did you run your tests with an alkaline or a 2000-2800 mAh nimh?

Oct 28, 2009 at 06:01 AM

Paul Buff
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p.2 #9 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

bacilonur wrote:
There's a 0 missing in your 50 - 20 math, Paul. :-)

BTW, did you run your tests with an alkaline or a 2000-2800 mAh nimh?

We use AAA alkaline but NIMH will work. No zero missing . . . 50 times 10 seconds = 500 seconds per day times 20 days equals 10,000 seconds

Oct 28, 2009 at 06:07 AM

bacilonur
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p.2 #10 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

My bad, skipped a digit when reading. Cool.

Oct 28, 2009 at 06:10 AM

RMS956
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p.2 #11 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

Paul Buff wrote:
The best way to us CC is to always leave a CST on your camera. It will trigger the lights according to the CC setup. This way you don't have to take the CC off your camera to make measurements. Put it in your pocket or cell phone pouch.

CC has a battery life of around 1 year when idle. It's battery life is about 3 hours of LCD-on time (10,000 seconds). If you set the on time to 10-15 seconds in the advanced setup menu, and set the brightness as low as practical this will extend the LCD on time battery life. At 10 seconds, you will have about 1000 adjustment cycles, so battery life depends on the number of adjustments (LCD on cycles) you make per day - 50 per day = 20 day battery life. If you set a long LCD on time, you can put CC to back to sleep by holding in the left button for about two seconds to conserve battery.

If you put CC on your hotshoe the LCD will remain off when you shoot - it acts just like the CST - wakes up instantly, sends a 256usec fire command, then back to sleep, so the batteries will last close to a year. minus the amount of LCD on-time used for adjustments.

The SD card should always remain in the CC as it stores everything you do. But you can take the card out and into a Mac/PC card reader to make backups, etc. You can then burn this data (text file) back to another Micro SD card if you want an SD Card backup.

Thanks Paul. This is really great info. that can be used and hopefully added to the manual for all to read.

Plus instructions on how to setup an XSeries light that has "Full" and "1/4" modes on only one CSR+.(As two seperate lights).
And....do the lights and CSR+s need to be connected and turned on before the setup is performed? This info. seems to be missing from the manual. But I could be wrong.

Oct 28, 2009 at 02:36 PM

cgardner
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p.2 #12 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

Appreciate the photos. Looks like a Geek's delight

FWIW - I've found Energizer batteries to be the most leak prone brand I've used. I've had better luck with the Duracell copper tops I buy in bulk at Costco.

Oct 28, 2009 at 05:03 PM

derek walter
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p.2 #13 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

Uh Oh, looks like I might have some JrX's up for sale as soon as the Commander is readily available again.
Once you've done adjustments behind the camera, it's hard to imagine doing it the old way again.

Oct 28, 2009 at 06:00 PM

kenyee
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p.2 #14 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

Derek: if you do, let me know...I might be interested in an extra JrX RX/TX for backups. Is the JrX not working that well for you?

Oct 28, 2009 at 06:34 PM

Paul Buff
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p.2 #15 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

derek walter wrote:
So to use the light meter aspect, do you take the cc off the camera and use it at your subject like a regular light meter?

This has already been answered in this thread.

Oct 28, 2009 at 08:03 PM

Paul Buff
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p.2 #16 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

RMS956 wrote:
Paul Buff wrote:
The best way to us CC is to always leave a CST on your camera. It will trigger the lights according to the CC setup. This way you don't have to take the CC off your camera to make measurements. Put it in your pocket or cell phone pouch.

CC has a battery life of around 1 year when idle. It's battery life is about 3 hours of LCD-on time (10,000 seconds). If you set the on time to 10-15 seconds in the advanced setup menu, and set the brightness as low as practical this will extend the LCD on time battery life. At 10 seconds, you will have about 1000 adjustment cycles, so battery life depends on the number of adjustments (LCD on cycles) you make per day - 50 per day = 20 day battery life. If you set a long LCD on time, you can put CC to back to sleep by holding in the left button for about two seconds to conserve battery.

If you put CC on your hotshoe the LCD will remain off when you shoot - it acts just like the CST - wakes up instantly, sends a 256usec fire command, then back to sleep, so the batteries will last close to a year. minus the amount of LCD on-time used for adjustments.

The SD card should always remain in the CC as it stores everything you do. But you can take the card out and into a Mac/PC card reader to make backups, etc. You can then burn this data (text file) back to another Micro SD card if you want an SD Card backup.

Thanks Paul. This is really great info. that can be used and hopefully added to the manual for all to read.

Plus instructions on how to setup an XSeries light that has "Full" and "1/4" modes on only one CSR+.(As two seperate lights).
And....do the lights and CSR+s need to be connected and turned on before the setup is performed? This info. seems to be missing from the manual. But I could be wrong.

I only have 15 hours 7 days a week that I can work. The manual will be expanded over time.

Can't make one light on two channels. The proper way would be to use two different stored setups - one with the X3200 set to Full and another with it set to 1/4. When you choose which setup to use you will have to manually set the 1/4 power switch to agree with the setup.

Oct 28, 2009 at 08:08 PM

derek walter
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p.2 #17 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

Paul Buff wrote:
derek walter wrote:
So to use the light meter aspect, do you take the cc off the camera and use it at your subject like a regular light meter?

This has already been answered in this thread.

Yeah, I know, I asked the question

Oct 28, 2009 at 10:40 PM

derek walter
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p.2 #18 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

kenyee wrote:
Derek: if you do, let me know...I might be interested in an extra JrX RX/TX for backups. Is the JrX not working that well for you?

No I'm not unhappy at all, but I like the extra options the CC has. Although in reality, I might bot switch in any big hurry till the Einstein's are out. Then I might think of going all that way with the built in cybersyncs

Oct 28, 2009 at 10:43 PM

kenyee
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p.2 #19 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

derek walter wrote:
Then I might think of going all that way with the built in cybersyncs

You probably know this already, but in case you don't, you still need a $30 cybersync dongle for the einstein...
Gotta admit the CC is cool...it'd be awesome for studio work

Oct 28, 2009 at 11:42 PM

Two23
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p.2 #20 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

These have caught my eye, but I'm not sure what they'll do for me. What, how, and where I photo is a little different so I'll explain. I take photos of trains at night. I use up to seven Buff monlights (5 are X3200) and sometimes mix in SB-28 flash (I have 9 of those.) Lights can be placed from 10 yards away and strung out to 250 yards or further. I power monolights with 5 Vagabonds. I currently use CyberSync CSRB triggers (8 of them); sometimes in conjunction with 2 PW Plus II for very distant lights. I've been using a Minolta V flashmeter to set exposure when possible, but I can't always get to the spots I need to meter from (such as on top of large railway bridges etc.) Camera is D300. Often it is below zero F when I photo, but never colder than -30F.

My question is what will the Cyber Commander do for me? The ability to set monolight power levels is one advantage. Sometimes my lights are set on the other side of a river, for example. But what else? I need to work quickly and don't want to spend a lot of time fiddling with something unless it will save me time and give me higher percentage of successful photo. I do use X3200 and SB-28 flash mixed in my light set ups often. I've been happy with the CSRB and CST units, although I'd like a lot more range than the 700-800 ft. I get in relay mode. That doesn't go very far out here! For $177 + (8x$20 CSRB+ upgrade) what utility will I get for my money? I've never shot a portrait and never shot indoors.

Kent in SD

This image is copyrighted by the owner

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Oct 29, 2009 at 01:09 AM

cgardner
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p.2 #21 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

Two23 wrote:
I take photos of trains at night. I use up to seven Buff monlights...

A lot of effort to obtain flat lighting. Try putting some rim light behind the train and use the frontal light for fill to create a stronger illusion of 3D.

Oct 29, 2009 at 03:12 AM

RDKirk
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p.2 #22 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

My question is what will the Cyber Commander do for me? The ability to set monolight power levels is one advantage. Sometimes my lights are set on the other side of a river, for example. But what else? I need to work quickly and don't want to spend a lot of time fiddling with something unless it will save me time and give me higher percentage of successful photo.

With remote control, you will have the ability to set your exposure more quickly. Not running around from light to light--especially on location--is an immense aid. Moreover, you can much more quickly and easily with different light ratios.

I started using Buff's earlier Radio Remote 1 years ago, and I wouldn't be without it.

Until tonight.

Oct 29, 2009 at 03:16 AM

RDKirk
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p.2 #23 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

Well, I just spent the last few hours getting to know my CyberCommander. And it did take a few hours for me to get it mostly figured out and save several light set-ups. This is not for people who never got the hang of programming their VCRs.

First, let me say that I certainly like it and will use it happily. I do have a one gripe, though, to get off my chest tonight.

First, I'm an old guy and have gotten farsighted. I liked the very large lcd screen and the large button board of the Radio Remote 1, which was about the size of a 1985 cell phone or a wide, flat cable remote control--you could operate it with gloves on. However, it could only show you the level of one light at a time--you didn't get a simultaneous view of all the light levels.

That's the only bad thing I have to say about it.

This is a trade-off, and I'm sure most people will prefer the tiny size and bright screen. I'll get used to it. One thing I did was to set the flash units at the odd numbered channels to get a bit of visual spread.

Oh, I do wish there was a door to the MicroSD slot.

A very positive thing, though, is that it works very well as a flash meter with the CST on the camera. I haven't wrung that out completely for a long shot, but it will simply my life.

Oct 29, 2009 at 03:34 AM

Paul Buff
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p.2 #24 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

RDKirk wrote:
Well, I just spent the last few hours getting to know my CyberCommander. And it did take a few hours for me to get it mostly figured out and save several light set-ups. This is not for people who never got the hang of programming their VCRs.

First, let me say that I certainly like it and will use it happily. I do have a one gripe, though, to get off my chest tonight.

First, I'm an old guy and have gotten farsighted. I liked the very large lcd screen and the large button board of the Radio Remote 1, which was about the size of a 1985 cell phone or a wide, flat cable remote control--you could operate it with gloves on. However, it could only show you the level of one light at a time--you didn't get a simultaneous view of all the light levels.

That's the only bad thing I have to say about it.

This is a trade-off, and I'm sure most people will prefer the tiny size and bright screen. I'll get used to it. One thing I did was to set the flash units at the odd numbered channels to get a bit of visual spread.

Oh, I do wish there was a door to the MicroSD slot.

A very positive thing, though, is that it works very well as a flash meter with the CST on the camera. I haven't wrung that out completely for a long shot, but it will simply my life.

I'm 73 and had Crystal Lens implants I can read it ok without glasses. Believe me I did the best I could to balance size vs readability. I believe CC is at least on a par with most cell phones and watches and other equipment in the readability department. For hand holding, I agree it could be bigger - but it would suck on the hotshoe - do I dare mention a certain product here? Also, a larger color LCD would add a lot to the cost.

Also, most programming need is eliminated with Einstein once they come out.

RD, I always appreciate your solid feedback - pro and con.

Oct 29, 2009 at 04:10 AM

Two23
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p.2 #25 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

CG--

Not always possible to put lights anywhere I want. Sometimes I'm working on a cliff, sometimes a half mile wide river. Usually I'm in a hurry to set up because a train is coming at me 50 mph. This is harder for me to do in the dark than it would be in a studio with no time limit,

I do what I can with what the scene gives me. I made enough $$ off above shot to pay for one X3200, and that makes me happy.

Kent in SD

Oct 29, 2009 at 04:11 AM


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