Canon 600EX II-RT drops link- HELP!

[Phillyphoto]

Scenarios I have tried: 

Using Canon Transmitter ST-E3-RT as the master and (2) 600 EX II-RTs as slaves.

Using A 600EX as master and B 600EX as slave.

Using B 600EX as master and A 600EX as slave. 

I get the same result of the slave dropping link. The time varies. Sometimes it drops link in 4 mins, sometimes 10mins, sometimes 20 or more minutes. The only way to relink them is by turning everything off and back on.

All channels are the same. Yes, I have scanned for the best connection as well as every other channel and AUTO.

All IDs are the same. 

Not near a wifi-router or airport, I'm in a row home in Philadelphia. 

Using NiMh rechargeables and using freshly charged batteries for every test. Batteries are about 2 years old. 

I have spoken to 2 Canon service reps and neither of them has any idea what the problem is. I really don't have the money to spend on sending everything in for "repair". 

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!

[MMCphoto86]

A firmware issue with the Godox receiver and transceiver not connecting to the R5 or R6; it appears to have been resolved according to comments. I am waiting for them to arrive to test but here's a link: https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Controller-Receiver-Compatible-Smartphone/dp/B07W1JG2GC/ref=sr_1_22_...

[crlyhds]

I have been "trying" to use an ST-E3-RT (v2) transmitter and 4 600exII-RT flashes. They all connect at first. After the 5 minute timeout, some reconnect, varies which ones, and how many varies. Without having any kind of repeatability it is very difficult to troubleshoot. I turned off my wi-fi router but that didn't help. But there are lots of wi-fi in the neighborhood. I spent considerable time troubleshooting with Canon about this and they said it was the transmitter. Got a new one, same result. If there is a short time between shots, less than a minute, all works great. Once the timeout happens, everything goes to crap. Hopefully there is a genius in here that can give some guidance. I prefer not use infrared.

[crlyhds]

UPDATE: I went to a totally dead wi-fi zone this morning. Flashes and tx worked as they should. Timed out after 5 mins. and reconnected when I pushed test flash on the tx. I shoot water drops in my garage. I can shut down my wi-fi but I can't shut down the neighborhood. Other than building as RF shield in my garage, anybody have any suggestions? Does Canon even care?

[crlyhds]

I understand maybe trying a different manufacturer. I have 4 600EXII-Rt flashes and the ST-E3-RT transmitter. That is a $2400 investment. With no guarantee that a different mfg would not have a similar problem, I need would prefer a different solution.

[silverdoggg]

You CAN use the Godox trigger and receivers flawlessly with your 600exII's thats what I have switched to

[crlyhds]

Here is some info which you may or may not, find helpful. I made a "tent" of rf shielding fabric for me, flashes and the transmitter (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BDZGXHT?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1). Under the fabric the flashes all worked as they should. With auto shut off on they all came back after hitting the test button on the transmitter. With auto shut off off, the flashes held link for over 10 minutes. For most of you this is not a practical solution. All it does is prove that wi-fi networks interfere with the flashes and transmitter. Interesting caveat; my network showed up on my phone under the tent, but didn't interfere with flash operation. One of my neighbors has a "dirty" wi-fi signal. The only way this will get resolved is if Canon takes note and investigates the problem. Until then, good luck to all

[RoxannaRouleau]

Thank you, for the link for this RF fabric. I hope this helps. My flashes keep dropping at weddings, so I am eager to order these and see if it helps. 

[crlyhds]

Remember the flashes and transmitter all need to be under the fabric. Don't see how it could possibly work at a wedding. What we need is a transmitter that works on optical as well as rf

[RoxannaRouleau]

So you haven’t had any interference issues when using the godox brand? 

[tseager]

Excellent idea. Thanks for the suggestion. May work in studio setups.