Tips And Troubleshooting - Tamrac MicroSync II User Manual

Tips and Troubleshooting

Instant, automatic on/off power management
There are no on/off buttons on the transmitter or receiver because they fea-
ture an automatic power management system. Both units remain in a state
of 'sleep' until the instant they are used.
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My MicroSync II won't fire
The most common reason is unsynchronized channels. Test the strobe inde-
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pendently to be sure it is firing. If the strobe works, but the MicroSync II
doesn't, turn the strobe off and on again with the receiver connected.
Within 10 seconds after the strobe is turned on, synchronize the channels
(transmitter must be within three feet of receiver). The transmitter's LCD
screen will confirm the channel selection. The receiver's LCD screen should
display the same channel.
Low Batteries
The transmitter and the receiver have a low-battery indicator on the LCD
screens. If so indicated, replace the batteries, observing polarity.
I can't get enough range
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The MicroSync II has been tested to 200 feet (60 m). Radio reflections and
obstructions may reduce the range significantly, so observe the following
guidelines to achieve the best range: Position the receiver antenna
vertically, and as high as possible. Keep your hands from covering the
transmitter antenna. Avoid having metal, concrete, or water obstructions
between the transmitter and receiver. Relocate the receiver to avoid
possible local reflections. Moving the transmitter a few feet will often
solve the problem.
Some strobes (particularly Canon's 580EX and 580EX II) generate interfer-
ence that prevents the receiver from receiving a signal from the transmitter.
Channel 16 has been designed with less sensitivity to compensate for the
interference from these strobes. Because of the reduced sensitivity of
Channel 16, the maximum range of this channel is approximately 20 feet.
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