Help!!

[Phil]

I have a YS-110 and a Coolpix 5700 in a Ike#6191 hse.connected via sync.
I followed the setup as per the ike manual inc.the forced flash etc.
Ifollowed the setup for the strobe also.
The strobe only occassionaly fires when in slave.I cannot get it to fire via the sync.
Any suggestion would be very welcome
Phil

[Mike W]

Hi Phil,

First, I don't use your setup, but I do use an Ike housing and synch cable, so I hope the following is of some use!

First - synch as a slave. I've found this very unreliable except in confined spaces, and when I used a housed compact could only get the strobe to fire when a fibre-optic cable was attached. My personal opinion is that the built-in sensor of an external strobe just won't trigger reliably from the built-in flash when the camera is housed and underwater.

The synch cable is another matter entirely and should be totally reliable. The Ike housings have a two-position switch for their own DS51 and DS125 strobes - not sure where this needs to be for Sea and Sea strobes, but I assume you've tried both? Other than that, I had a synch cable that would fire dry but not wet - does your strobe fire at all? - and I've had sych cords where the internal cores have broken. It's possible to repair these, but in the first place just try another cord if you can - was yours new or used? Can you see or feel any kinks in it, usually where the cable comes out of the housing connector?

And last but not least - you have connected the camera to the flash and made sure the external flash is enabled (If the Coolpix has such a setting) haven't you? Sorry to ask such a dumb question...

[Cussy]

I have Ikelite, both housing and strobes. Only thing I can suggest to try is the order you switch things on. I have to make sure my strobes are on before I power up the camera or odd things happen.

The only other thing is are you 100% sure it's the right cable? I'm ignorant on this, but there are issues with different types.
Rob

[KenByrne]

It's difficult to diagnose this sort of problem without seeing the kit. Also unfortunately the manual for your housing is not available online.

If I understand correctly you have an Ike housing with your camera installed and the hot shot cable inside the housing pushed fully into the hot shoe in the direction of the arrow. You then have a Sea & Sea strobe connected to the strobe port on the housing by a Sea & Sea to Ike cable part number
4118.1

When you set the strobe to manual and the slave switch to off the strobe doesn't fire when you press the shutter. However if you set the slave switch to on then the strobe will sometimes fire.

If this is how you've got it setup the fact that it fires in slave mode proves the slave is working. Youu can test this outside the housing by setting the strobe to slave and pointing the camera flash at it. This means that the most likely problem is the cable. There is some information on testing Ike cables here SYNC WIRING it may help but doesn't include information on the Sea & Sea bulkhead. It should allow you to test fire the strobe though.

[Phil]

The Strobe will fire every time on manual 2 and slave "on" when the camera faces the strobe and is out of the case. so I'm guessing the housing is partly shading the popup.This wouldn't matter if the Sync. cord worked.
I've checked the conntiuity and 3 cores seem to be broken in the cord AND 1 seems to be broke between the bulkhead and the hotshoe.I wouldn't mind having ago at either.Are they straight forward to open or should I just send them back.
The case was repaired last dec so I don't want the hassle and expense of sending it back again.Would they have check the shoe then ?
The cord is only about 2months old and was never in the water.I don't know how it could have got damaged at home but I have 2 small kids so I can't rule them out.
Phil

[Mike W]

The cables are relatively straightforward to sort - just unscrew the nut - you'll need atwo open ended spanners or a spanner and pliers - and take everything apart carefully. I've a diagram of my own showing which core goes to which pin or socket on the plug so I don't get confused. You'll need a soldering iron to disconnect and reconnect the cores.

I've done this three or four times to my own cable and apart from it getting an inch or two shorter each time never had any issues.

No idea about the interior cable, though...

[Cussy]

That's a lot of breakages and unless you've been really careless then I can't see how you'd end up with that problem. If you have a digital volt meter then use that to check the continuity of the wires. If you don't have a DVM then they cost very little and you'll need one at some point. If the kids have broken it then sell them; you have to make severe sacrifices to be a good underwater photographer and while you're at it, if you have any pets have them shot as they tend to shed a lot of flood causing hair. (only kidding)

One thing to remember is that the cable is the weak link. If you aren't 100% careful then water can then get into either your housing or your strobe. This may either short circuit things and fry the electronics, or could end up in a small flood that kills the camera. So I was told that if you do have to take the cable apart to have a thorough dunk test in fresh water - if fresh water gets in you are better off than with saline.

Rob

[Phil]

I'm sending the cord back to cameras underwater as they say they will sort it as it was never used.Far play!
I'm going to attack the hot shoe myself.
I appreciate the advice,The kids are on ebay,but I could never sell the dog.
He's the only one in the house who never holds agrudge.Is always pleased to see me and doesn't hold me responsable for everything from the weather to George W's foreign policy.
Phil

[Mike W]

Originally Posted by Phil

The kids are on ebay,but I could never sell the dog.
He's the only one in the house who never holds agrudge.Is always pleased to see me and doesn't hold me responsable for everything from the weather to George W's foreign policy.
Phil

Yup!

[Phil]

Just to update those who took the time to reply to my question.
I got in touch with Kevin in Cameras underwater,who told me to return the Sync.
Apperantly 3 of the cores are not used anyway but there had been a strain relever fitted to both ends of newer cords so he changed it FOC.
The strobe now fires evertime on manual2.
I should mention that I also sent the housing to Kevin last Oct. as it was leaking.
It had to be sent back to the States to be repaired.
When it eventually came back Kevin only charged me P&P as I had waited so long.
I can't speak higly enough of the costumer service I experianced with
Cameras underwater.
Phil