I got tired of waiting for Radiopopper to add support for Einsteins to their JrX triggers so I thought it might easier to add the functionality on the CyberCommander side

After a bit of hardware hacking, I came up w/ this:

It's an RPCube adapter for a CSRB+ (the CSRB+ also has a mod to allow it to be powered off completely too). You tell the CyberCommander that an AB400 is hooked up (wish I could choose an AB120 which is more what a speedlight can produce for light) so you an adjust power. The adapter connects to the CSRB+ and has a stereo miniplug for an RPCube that you plug a quench-enabled flash into.

Power is supplied by a coin cell battery (1225 or 1232). The MSP430 microcontroller that's used is miserly with power so it should easily last a year. You use the CSRB+ RJ11 cable to connect to the CSRB+ and the combination becomes a "JrX Studio" for CyberCommander use.

Size is limited by the coin cell battery and RJ11 jack and 3.5mm connector. The last two items are needlessly duplicated within the CSRB+ so ideally, this functionality should be in the CSRB+ (I've asked the PCB folks but they aren't interested in doing this even if I give them my design). It might be possible to hack a tiny board into the CSRB+ and graft into the parts inside the CSRB+, but this would definitely void any warranty on the CSRB+ so I haven't pursued this further :-(
But this solution no longer requires you to bring a separate light meter on shoots since the CyberCommander can function as one (within .1 stop of my Sekonic 758).

Anyways, I need a few (around 3) testers, a.k.a. guinea pigs, to see whether this is worth taking to the next stage (probably KickStarter). If interested, leave a reply below. Cost is $30 for parts/shipping that can be applied towards the cost of a retail version if there's enough interest...I need to get some serious testing feedback. Obviously, testing will be easier if you already have a Radiopopper JrX and Cybercommander trigger system...

1. ken06/27/2013 15:50:33

@George:
Unfortunately, the Metz won't work. Their quench pin doesn't work unless it's connected to a real SLR body. I have a Metz CL-4 hammerhead that I had to hack a Nikon adapter for to get it to work (the Metz Nikon adapter needed a few resistors soldered into it so it was a PITA )

2. George06/27/2013 14:38:25

I use the CC & CSRB+'s. I have a Metz 58, Pentax 360, & Viv 285. I would be interested to see if I could change the power levels for at least the Metz with your mod. I assume the RPCube is needed for this? A regular hot shoe adapter will not work as it doesn't have enough contacts?

Thanks,

George

3. Craig06/26/2013 04:10:23
Homepage: http://www.craigwasselphotoart.com/portrait_and_event_photography/main.htm

Oh, yes - definitely very interested. Einsteins are my go-to keylights indoors and outdoors, and I mix in Nikon speedlights as auxiliary/rim/hairlight on a regular basis by firing them with PCB CSRB+ receivers.

Craig

4. Sean Setters06/26/2013 04:06:57
Homepage: http://www.seansetters.com

I'm interested in testing. I have the Cyber Commander and 4 CSRB+ receivers that I use with (4) Ultrazap 1600s, an x1600, and 4 Canon 580EX flashes (not at the same time, obviously - I optically trigger flashes when necessary).

I don't currently own any RPCubes, but I'll purchase them for use in testing as needed.

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Sean

5. Kenny Brackett06/25/2013 14:53:48
Homepage: http://none

I have both systems. I use Canon camera with YN-568EX speedlights. I have AB400, AB800, WL600, WL1200. Would love ONE system to control them ALL. Would love to test. Can you accept Paypal?

Kenny