Comments on: Quick and dirty radiopopper mod for Canon strobes (that won’t void your warranty!)

By: Danny Bates

Danny Bates — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:21:13 +0000

OK, I need to share my experience – now that I’ve tried your solution.

First let me say I am probably not the craftsman you are because I left the unit attached to the back of the flash and, when I came in this morning, the radiopopper had fallen to the floor. In the process, it removed the little plastic tubing with the bead in it. So the fiber optic cable came apart from the little tube with the bead.

I was able to put it back on and it seems to work just fine, but I don’t feel that my version of your design is secure.

So I opted to mount the radiopopper on top of the flash head with strong velcro. This feels more secure because gravity is helping and the surfaces are flatter, resulting in a more solid feel.

I do still use the strap for securing the cable to the sensor portion of the flash though, and the ‘channel’ for the bead keeps it perfectly in place – thanks to you.

Also – the fiber optic cable curves more naturally over the back of the flash and the length is perfect. So there’s no tension caused by the cable.

IMPORTANT : I am willing to not use the swivel functionalities of the flash (Canon 550EX) because it’s on an umbrella mount. Since the umbrella mount swivels back and forth 180 degrees, that’s better than the 90 degree (up/down) adjustment on the flash anyway. And if I want to swivel left or right, it’s easier to adjust the stand than the flash head. I consider it a win/win.

Thanks again for sharing your idea, Ed!

By: Ed Z

Ed Z — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:11:44 +0000

Hi Danny,
I have not noticed any reliablity issues – as long as you have the bead positioned properly, it seems to work as well as the recommended “black gaffers tape” solution, but I’ve only been using them like this for a couple of weeks, so we’ll see how it goes.

By: Danny Bates

Danny Bates — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:08:27 +0000

This looks like a clean solution. I’ll be anxious to try this when my poppers arrive next week.

I know comments (on many blogs) usually go without response from the blog’s author, but I have a question.

Is the reliability compromised in any way by mounting it like this?

I would assume it is more reliable. Just curious what your experience has been.

And thanks for sharing the idea!