Where's all the CyberCommander's?

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

Paul Buff
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p.3 #1 · 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.3 #2 · 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.3 #3 · 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.3 #4 · 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.3 #5 · 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

Oct 29, 2009 at 01:09 AM

cgardner
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p.3 #6 · 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.3 #7 · 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.3 #8 · 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.3 #9 · 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.3 #10 · 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

derek walter
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p.3 #11 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

kenyee wrote:
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

Oh yeah, that I knew, I wasn't talking about costs. But apparently the einsteins will just be plug and play, the CC will recognize them automatically

Oct 29, 2009 at 11:11 AM

dbaphotography
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p.3 #12 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

I got mine yesterday and had an hour or so to get acquainted with it last night. I had already read the online instructions, and was able to get my simple setup with two AB1600's working nicely. (I mainly use these for indoor sports.)

Overall impressions - very cool, not hard to get the hang of, and it works. I'm looking forward to some Einsteins. :-)

One suggestion though. I seriously doubt I'll ever use anywhere near 16 lights at once, which leaves a lot of the screen area wasted. I wonder if a future version of the software could allow the user to limit the maximum number of displayed channels to 8, 4, or 2, and display those channels in a larger format? That would be a lot easier on my old eyes. ;-)

Oct 29, 2009 at 02:07 PM

derek walter
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p.3 #13 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

I have no idea how complicated that would be to change, probably very, but what do I know? That's the one and only thing I've heard negative so far, "hard to read".
If the screen only showed the currently used channels, that would make alot of sense.
Again, not a criticism, Paul, but an idea.
Man, I'm getting jealous.

Oct 29, 2009 at 06:07 PM

derek walter
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p.3 #14 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

What's the current backorder status at the moment?

Oct 29, 2009 at 06:09 PM

Paul Buff
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p.3 #15 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

It's not impossible that we could consider attempting an auto-fit method of sizing the bars to fit the number of channels used in the future. We considered this in development. But here are a lot of programming and ergonomic considerations to make this work properly. Unlike the Apples and Microsofts, we have limited engineering resources when you consider a product like CC sells in the thousands VS the millions.

Regarding the plug in transceiver, the costs are about the same whether we do a plugin VS building it in. Had we built it it the cost of the light would be higher for those who just want the light alone. The bigger consideration is potential future improvements in the transceiver system and troubleshooting. If the transceiver is built in and should develop a problem or a problem should develop the whole light would have to be repaired or upgraded. Remember those all in one stereo systems with built in 8 track cassettes? Along comes CDs and the whole system is obsolete.

Regarding back orders, we are only about two weeks order time at this point.

Oct 29, 2009 at 06:12 PM

RDKirk
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p.3 #16 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

derek walter wrote:
I have no idea how complicated that would be to change, probably very, but what do I know? That's the one and only thing I've heard negative so far, "hard to read".
If the screen only showed the currently used channels, that would make alot of sense.
Again, not a criticism, Paul, but an idea.
Man, I'm getting jealous.

What will mitigate this to some degree is the extensive ability to create saved setups. Doing all the intial work is rather eye-blurring and will definitely give you the feeling "this is 'way too small." But then again, I get the same feeling with cell phones, PDAs, and DSLRs...the initial setup is eyepain.

But after you've got your basic setups done, using them is much less stressful on the ojos. Here is a suggestion: A way to name the setups. Also, being able to set the flash power increments from the current 0.1 stop to third or half stops would help. The old RR-1 could make full stop jumps, which was handy.

Using the flashmeter--that's going to take some practice and thought. With the integration into the flash control and the use of saved setups, it becomes a one-step process. I can see it will take a bit of change to the traditional meter methodology to get the best use out of it.

Oct 29, 2009 at 07:40 PM

Paul Buff
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p.3 #17 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

To repeat the words of a wise and experienced product development person who worked for us for a while but had to leave for a heart transplant "First, you make it work, then you make it elegant."

RD - you (and me) need to find the fountain of youth . . . I think it's in Florida someplace.

As for naming setups, I agree - but that would involve a whole new and complex layer of interface to allow typing characters into the system . . . display alpha numerical keyboard, click to "A", select, click to "B", select . . .stuff like that. Would drive me nuts, and we all know I'm already nearly there.

Easy for Apple with 10,000 programmers and engineers, not easy for us. Now if we start selling millions of CCs, sure - anything's possible. But first we have to find millions of potential customers and then I'm a corporate CEO instead of a mad scientist. I like being a mad scientist better.

Oct 29, 2009 at 08:21 PM

RDKirk
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p.3 #18 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

There was a suggestion that the CyberCommander would not work reliably with the Vagabond because of the RJ-11 connector. I never had any trouble with the earlier Paul C Buff Radio Remote-1 remote control (which used the RJ-11 connector).

After quite a bit of testing, I'm not having any trouble at all with the CyberCommander and either my two Vagabond "classics" or my Vagabond 2. "Working as intended."

Oct 31, 2009 at 06:12 PM

RDKirk
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p.3 #19 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

One of my philosophies is that any tool worth using is worth modding. I've tested my CyberCommander enough at this point to declare it usable, so I made my first minor mods to it.

I drilled a hole through the hotshoe foot and forced a split-ring through it so that I can wear it on a belt keeper. It's on the belt keeper that used to keep my old Radio Remote-1. I also wrapped a silicon wristband around it as a slight bumper.

That's the RR-1 controller and an RR-1 receiver in the background. Notice how much larger they are than their Cyber descendants. I had also modded the RR-1 controller--I removed the stub antenna and attached a rubber-jacketed wraparound antenna.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rdkirk/4066257677/sizes/o/

Nov 02, 2009 at 02:23 AM

Paul Buff
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p.3 #20 · Where's all the CyberCommander's?

Cell phone or point and shoot camera pouches with belt loop work good for CC. They are $5 to $20 at Walmart, etc.

Nov 02, 2009 at 05:52 AM

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