FJ80 Not Triggering Other Flashes (Host Mode)

When working with the FJ Wireless system, ensuring proper functionality and connectivity is essential for a seamless shooting experience. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps with your FJ80, FJ80 II M, FJ80 II S, FJ80 SE M, and FJ80SE S.

By following these steps, you can quickly identify and resolve any challenges, helping you maintain consistent performance across your FJ Wireless Speedlights. This comprehensive guide is designed to educate and assist you with your FJ Wireless gear.

Topics on this page:

1. Test Fire

Use the On-Flash test button to test fire all other FJ Wireless flashes you are trying to trigger. This button has a lighting bolt and should be green when ready to test fire. Confirm all wirelessly connected flashes are firing. If you find one of your units is not firing, press the test fire button on that unit. If you find a flash is not firing when pressing the onboard test fire button, select the FJ Wireless gear you want to troubleshoot.

If it appears other flashes are not being triggered but are firing when pressing their onboard test fire button, check the wireless connections in section 2 below.

2. Check Wireless Connections and Modes

FJ80 and FJ80 II M (S)

Channel
- In host mode, confirm what channel the unit is on. This is displayed at the top of the FJ80II.
- Then, confirm the other FJ Wireless flashes you wish to control are on the same channel. If you need to change the channel, simply touch the CH button and use the arrows at the bottom to select your desired channel
- Note: Westcott suggests the use of a channel between 5 and 15 as a starting point. these channels appear to offer the best connectivity.
Group
- Once the channel matches all the units you desire to control, notice what flashes are connected to what group (GR). The FJ80 II is the Host and will control the groups under it. For example, if all your lights are under group A, then the power output or setting that is set on the FJ80 II within group A will be applied to all those lights connected to that group.
Sleep mode (SLP)
- You will be able to cycle between M, TTL, and SLP within the groups. SLP mode will keep the units connected but that group will not fire. You must put the group into M or TTL mode for a fire signal to be sent.
- To change this on the FJ80 II, touch the box next to the group that contains one of the three options to cycle through the settings.
Standby Mode (STDBY)
- This mode disengages the hot shoe and will not send or receive any fire signals.
  In host mode, notice the STDBY button at the top right of the screen.
  - Green: The unit is in standby mode and will not fire.
  - Gray: Standby mode is disabled and flash will resume normal function.

FJ80 SE

Channel
- When in host mode (The FJ80 SE is in Host mode when you see groups A B and C displayed. Press the M button until Host mode is displayed) confirm what channel the unit is on by looking at the top of the LCD screen and looking next to CH.
- Then, confirm the other FJ Wireless flashes you wish to control are on the same channel. If you need to change the channel, navigate to Menu 3 and press the button corresponding with CH.
- You then will be able to use the wheel control to change the channel.
- Note: Westcott suggests the use of a channel between 5 and 15 as a starting point. These channels appear to offer the best connectivity.
Group
- Once the channel matches all the units you desire to control, notice what flashes are connected to what group (GR). The FJ80 SE is the Host and will control the groups under it. For example, if all your lights are under group A, then the power output or setting that is set on the FJ80 II within group A will be applied to all those lights connected to that group.
Sleep mode (SLP)
- You will be able to cycle between M, TTL, and SLP within the groups. SLP mode will keep the units connected but that group will not fire.
- You must put the group into M or TTL mode for a fire signal to be sent. To change this on the FJ80 SE, select the group you wish to change with the control wheel. Under menu 1, press the button corresponding to MODE. This will cycle the group through the 3 mode options.
Standby Mode (STDBY)
- In host mode, If STDBY is enabled it will be displayed under the camera manufacturer in the top left.
- To toggle this setting, navigate to menu 3 and press the button corresponding to STDBY.

Canon RT Connections

When triggering Canon RT flashes, be sure “Canon-RT” is selected as the manufacturer at the top left of the screen.

Along with confirming and matching the Channel, the RT ID must both match the FJ80 II and the Canon Flash you are using. The RT ID can be selected within the settings menu of the FJ80 II.

Please refer to Using FJ Triggers with Canon RT Speedlites: Setup and Tips

3. Verify Mounting

In some instances, the manufacturing of a particular model or camera unit can result in the need for the user to pay special attention to the mounting process when attaching an FJ trigger or speed light to that camera's hot shoe.

Checking The Quality of Connection

FJ80 & FJ80II
When autofocusing or metering for exposure with your camera, the manufacturer selection at the top left of the screen should be solid green. This signals there is a good connection between the camera and flash.
FJ80II SE
When autofocusing or metering for exposure with your camera, a "link" or "chain link" icon (two circles intertwined) will be displayed under the selected manufacturer in the top right.

Positioning Tips

Fuji: A small lip at the hot shoe may need a little extra force forward to mount fully.
Canon R series: added pins at the front of the hot shoe may give the impression that the FJ gear is fully mounted when in fact a small nudge forward may be needed to ensure a full mount and proper contact
Nikon Z series: Rarely have issues, but older DSLRs may need a backward nudge before locking down.
Sony: Align the pins at the base and the front of the hot shoe with the contacts and ensure they are clean. The Sony pins at the front of hot shoes can become dirty over time and prevent proper connections. Check that the pins are free of dirt and grime
See Properly Connecting FJ Gear to Your Camera (HSS and TTL) for more information.

4. Distance from Host

Ensure that the flash you desire to trigger is within range of the host trigger or master unit. The effective wireless range can vary depending on your shooting environment, and obstructions like walls can reduce the signal strength.

5. Update Firmware

Check Firmware

Ensure all your FJ Wireless gear and camera are running the latest firmware. You can check what version your equipment is on by looking at the bottom right of the screen when powering on. To download the latest firmware and follow along with detailed instructions, refer to our Firmware page.

Reinstall firmware

In some cases, firmware can be uploaded to your unit with an error causing odd issues like the screen powering on but using the touch screen to power it on does nothing.

Delete any downloaded firmware on your computer
restart your computer
redownload the current firmware version and follow firmware installations as instructed.
1. Firmware and Instructions
Eject the connected unit before unplugging it.
Power on the unit

6. Canon RT Triggering

In the event you are using the Canon RT system, please refer to our Using FJ Triggers with Canon RT Speedlites: Setup and Tips

Important Update on Canon RT Compatibility in the FJ Wireless Flash System

Contact Westcott Support if the options above do not solve your issue.

FJ80 Not Triggering Other Flashes (Host Mode)Updated 5 days ago