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. 

 

[halocastle]

No need to give up your favorite flashes: just purchase some YONGNUO YN622C II transceivers.  Unlike other YN products, these have never let me down and, best of all, they're flash agnostic.  They also come with an AF/assist beam (the utility of which is limited).

No flash system is without faults.  Much of the "fixes" (wink, wink) re the RT system on the forums here came from the frustrated on Godox forums. It's how much Canon charges that make failures so painful and irritating.

[taylorsperring]

I just received an EL-1 in the mail after a long wait to use with my 1-DX Mkiii but before I open it, this thread has me wanting to return it for plenty of T-Max 4x5 while I can. I did demo a Godox model but it could not keep up with my DSLR camera’s shutter. I’ve been repairing old Metz45’s for a while and am still using flashbulbs for my lighting and have Dynalights in my studio. I also used the Strobbies 360 (Godox) with the battery packs and they worked well but eventually had issues with connectors and cables. Modern gear is so much fun isn’t it? My cheap 433mhz triggers never failed me nor did my Vivitar 283/285 or Nikon SB-80 for that matter. *Picks up Graphic and loads a Sylvania Blue-Dot For-Sure-Shots* However Wi-fi interference is a big deal, especially in the 2.4Ghz range….everyone has access-points that are screaming!

[karsch]

I have had exactly the same problem as others with drop outs.

have reset channels, IDs , new batteries etc.. to no avail.

Obviously a serious design flaw that needs to be addressed!

[achugh]

Canon RT Wireless system is using Primary modulation: OQPAK Secondary modulation: DS-SS. This is listed under Communication Method or Modulation System as the heading under technical specifications of every Canon Device supporting Wireless method. I believe this is our problem. If you look at Gordox they use MSK as the Modulation Mode. I am not able to find this information for Westcott system as they have not provided it in their Technical Specifications.

I think Canon does not want to switch their modulation because it will require new wireless hardware modules and they will require worldwide wireless approvals for them like new FCC numbers etc. It will also not be compatible with their current ecosystem of devices. This could trigger a backlash that Canon is more than likely not ready to risk hence we are stuck with the problems of this system. Unless some Canon engineer truly figures out how to make this communication method works, Canon's devices will continue to fail depending on the location having interference issues or not with this modulation.

For those non-technical people, modulation is a way to send 1s and 0s over the radio waves (or wireless signal).

I do not know if the Primary system or the Secondary system is the weak link i.e. if the problem is on OQPAK or DS-SS. You can search about these modulation schemes and you will notice that they are quite old. Hence, I believe they have reached end of life in our modern world with 2.4GHz channel over crowed where they are no longer working. How long Canon will continue to stretch this technology is only up to Canon. They are releasing an updated version of EL-1 also on this technology. So, the sales are still going strong for them to keep using this design they invested heavily on. Unless the sales drop, I have no confidence that we will see a solution. Or Canon engineers may find a solution to make this modulation work in some far away distant future. It is not here so we are stuck with its problem for now.

[dbjsblack]

This is a great technical review of Canon RT Speedlites. I’ve invested heavily into their speedlites over the years and I’m stuck with multiple speedlites that won’t stay connected. 
If the new El-1 version 2 has the same issues why even make a new version. 
great post! 

[Waddizzle]

Has anyone tried switching radio frequencies?

[jhamm15]

Yes, tried changing frequencies, does not fix issue. The simple answer is DO NOT depend on Canon RT system for any sort of reliability especially for paid work.

[Nick55]

The people at CPS were impressed how much Trouble Shooting I, and many here have done on the dreaded situation of “Link Drop”.

Definitely a Hardware Issue.

[Steppy]

It would appear that Canon have attempted to correct this issue on newer devices with a firmware update. I don‘t personally own any of the newer devices myself (I would never consider buying any more Canon flashes) but reports appear positive so far. I‘m assuming they‘ve not modified the modulation (to be confirmed) as this would break compatibility with other devices without the update. Presumably firmware in my 600EX RTs can‘t be updated so I‘m stuck with the mess (and the expense).

At least Canon now appear to have admitted to having a problem, which they‘ve ignored/disputed for years.

[achugh]

Hi Steppy,

Can you please share some information as to where did you find this positive news? While it is encouraging to hear that at least newer products have a solution, you are correct, people like you and me who have older stuff and are still at a loss.

I would really like to find out if all I need is a new MASTER flash unit or do I need newer MASTER and SLAVE units hence I would like to know where did you find out that the fix is now available. If only a new MASTER unit is needed then I can give one last try with Canon and buy their top of the line flash to use as MASTER while using my 600-EX-RT as my SLAVES. If I have to go replace all my flashes then it is a much bigger expense and I would really have to wait for Canon to reduce their prices as they are not competitive at the moment compared to other alternatives for me.