Adding PC Sync to a Deal Extreme Flash Trigger
I've modified my DX flash triggers to be able to trigger with PC Sync, versus mounting the flash to the hot shoe on top of the trigger.
A few reasons why I did so:- The trigger isn't very sturdy. When the trigger is mounted to an umbrella swivel and with a flash on top, the nut and bolt can't support the weight and will sometimes slip. It could cause damage to your expensive flash.
- Having the trigger and the flash mounted raises your flash up around 4 inches. This prevents the flash from shooting into the center of your umbrella or other light modifier.
- With the trigger hanging down it is easier to make adjustments to the power and frequency switches.
- The connection between the circuit board and the hot shoe are not very good. I've already had to repair two of my triggers after they had broken. I assume it has something to do with the flimsiness of the product.
- I love tinkering with electronics.
What you need:
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DX Flash Trigger -
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13089 I assume you have one of these already. The last set I bought from DX already had a PC Sync on the side, but did not include a PC-PC cable.
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PC Sync Cable -
http://www.flashzebra.com/short_pc_sync/0053.shtml 12 inches long with PC Male on one end and bare ends on the other.
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Hot Shoe Adapter -
http://www.flashzebra.com/hotshoes-shoes/0064.shtml It has a hot shoe top and bottom, male and female pc sync ports and a test fire button. There are others available without all the features, but they are about the same price.
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Tools - Precision Phillips Screwdrivers
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Wire Cutters
- Wire Strippers
- Soldering Iron
- Solder
Modification:I don't have exact photos since I took them after I had already done the modification. If I modify another one, I will try to get photos of it.
1. Dismantling the trigger.
- Take the batteries out and cut the two wires connecting the hot shoe to the circuit board.
- Remove the nut and bolt holding the mounting bracket in place. You won't need it any more.
- Remove the two screws holding the circuit board in place. One can be seen in the photo above, underneath the blue wire. The other is on the opposite end of the board.
- Pull out the circuit board. You don't have to take the battery contacts out from the bottom and you probably shouldn't, as it may not be secure after you put it back in.
- Cut the connectors from the hot shoe as short as possible. You don't want them to move and short on anything. I took the time to push out the center pin completely.
2. Adding the PC Sync Cable
You could add a PC Sync Port versus a cable hanging out the side of the trigger, but it was very difficult to find a source for them. Secondly, they are not very reliable and having less of them is probably better.
- Desolder the points where the hot shoe previously connected to the circuit board. You will want to clean it up so you can easily solder the wire from the PC Sync cable on later.
- Run the bare end of the cable through the hole that previously held the mounting bracket in place. Tie a knot in it to act as a strain relief.
- Solder the bare ends of the PC Sync Cables to the circuit board. The blue wire is the center and should be soldered to the patch above the positive battery terminal. The ground can be soldered directly to the negative battery terminal.
3. Put everything back together!
- Make sure the strain relief is doing it's job.
- Check that none of the wires will short on anything.
UsageIf you have Nikon flashes with PC Sync built in, you don't need the hot shoe adapter. You can plug your new sync cable directly into your flash and it will work just dandy.
If you have Canon flashes, minus the 580EXII, you will need to use the adapter as shown above.
The PC Sync Cable connects to the Hot Shoe Adapter. The Hot Shoe Adapter connects to the 420EZ (in this case). The Hot Shoe Adapter also connects to the to your umbrella swivel. And what do you get? A flash secured for you to do with as you please.
I'll try to get some photos of them in action after I get my broken window fixed.
Pretty straight forward. Have fun!
14/06/09 - Updated with link to DX trigger. The website was down earlier.
