Radio communication issues.EL-1, 600EXII-RT, 430EXIII-RT, YN686EX-RT, ST-E3-RT Speedlite Transmitter

[ZR]

Hello, Canon. Hi everyone, I've been a professional wedding and event photographer for 25 years, and in the last two years. I have used around six off-camera flash techniques using the six flashes mentioned above. After hundreds of weddings in the previous month, I have connection-linking issues. I read and checked every tutorial possible, and nothing helped.:( I know the menu's sub menus' custom settings, and the only flash linked for hours is the Yonguno YN686EX-RT. All of my Canon brands flash, losing connection after 5-minute. I attached two cellphone photos where you can see the problems after 5-minute. CANON or some of you guys have any idea what's going on? PLEASE HELP ME! Thank you so much. 

 

[apphoto]

Just curious on an update - how have the Yongnuo flashes been working for you over the various events you've worked since your last post with respect to connectivity? (Does it matter if you use it with Yongnuo transmitter vs Canon ST-E3-RT?) I thought I read somewhere that the YN flashes tend to overheat (compared to a  Canon flash) with a lot of event / extended use.  Have you had any issues with that? I took a quick look at the Yongnuo user manual.  It looks very similar to Canon (600EX-RT). Have you found any major differences / "gotcha's"  in functionality?  I've also been considering Radio Popper PX - anyone have any thoughts on those?

[ZR]

Hi, everyone; I was tired of struggling with Cannon flash problems and other autofocus issues, and I switched to Sony a7r5. We are hybrid media creators. For us, it's essential to be able to create professional-level photos and videos too. We now have four Sony cameras and five premium lenses with a Flashpoint flash system. They are not perfect, but 98% yes. 

[amfoto1]

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@ZR wrote:

....The problem is not solved.:) CANON, LISTEN TO THIS!!!.... CANON, WHY IS THIS GOOD FOR YOU???... SORRY CANON, BUT YOU GUYS, UNTIL NOW, NEVER HELPED ME WITH THIS ISSUE. 

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This forum is Canon USERS... it's not a Canon Help Desk with Canon staff answering questions... although occasionally someone from Canon does stop by and contribute.

As a pro shooter, aren't you a member of Canon Professional Services? Have you contacted them about the problems you're having? That would be your best bet to get some help.

***********

Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif., USA
"Walk softly and carry a big lens."
GEAR: 5DII, 7DII (x2), 7D(x2), EOS M5, some other cameras, various lenses & accessories
FLICKR

[apphoto]

- just found out that RadioPoppers only work with ST-E2-RT (RadioPoppers need optical system, not radio; the E3 only supports radio).

Additional question, for any folks who have tried various testing scenarios:   Do you know if the source of the link-drop is specifically the Canon flash - or could it alternatively be the Canon transmitter as well?  (The original post showed an example of the Canon ST-E3-RT maintaining a link with YN686EX-RT over an extended period of time).  I'm wondering if the link would stay up as long as both pieces were not Canon (reason for question:  it would be cheaper to replace one transmitter as opposed to replacing every flash) ...!

[Henchmen360]

I did a test outside. Not sure what was around but assuming there was less RF interference, the setup worked with no issues. In fact it seemed to fire off faster with no delay. Given I have mesh wifi setup at  home,  I think this  is the source of my issues. 

[Henchmen360]

-Moving reply to the correct thread

I did a test outside. Not sure what was around but assuming there was less RF interference, the setup worked with no issues. In fact it seemed to fire off faster with no delay. Given I have mesh wifi setup at  home,  I think this  is the source of my issues. 

[sshahrooz]

I have the same exact issue. ST-E3-RT with any combination of one 600EX-RT and two 430EX III-RT. I also tried 600EX-RT as master and 430EX III-RT as slave. Connection is lost in few minutes and only power cycle can help. I tried an R5 and a 5D mark iV. Same result. Turned off all wifi in the house. Same result. Is Canon going to explain what is going on?

[tiffanyljohnson]

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this too! Two days ago I just tried turning off WiFi at home to see if that was my issue - and it didn't help. I have thousands of dollars worth of flashes that are worthless to me if they mess up at sessions. It gives me so much anxiety going into every single job. 

[sshahrooz]

I find it very unlikely that this is wifi interference. I can't believe that a wifi interferer is so strong that it affects a link when the transmitter and receiver are sitting right next to eachother, I'm also surprised that canon is not all over this already. Seems like a huge issue that will push customer to other brands very very fast.

[apphoto]

I'm currently trying the approach of using a Godox transmitter (XProC-$69) in my camera hot shoe with Godox receivers (X1R-C-$40) attached to each of my Canon (600EX-RT) flashes. My first shoot using these will be over the weekend.   In my experiments, so far, so good.  Easy to set up groups and channels. The flashes are behaving - haven't lost connection (longest "sleep" test I tried was 20 min). Easy to see & change power levels of each group on the transmitter.   Does Godox use the same 2.4GHz spectrum as Canon? Yes; however, it seems that they do a better job maintaining that communication (according to what I've read, the folks I've talked to, and what I've personally seen so far). 

(When I first started doing a lot of inquires, it seemed that the two names I keep hearing was Westcott and Godox.  I initially went with a Westcott transmitter (as the cheapest solution)  but after reading about others' experiences with that (that system really needs Westcott flashes for the increased reliability), I jumped over to pursuing the Godox solution)