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Trouble shooting FJ Wireless GearUpdated 2 days ago

Having difficulty with your FJ Wireless equipment? 
This detailed guide includes key troubleshooting techniques and best practices to ensure that your FJ strobe system runs smoothly and efficiently. This article will help you optimize your gear for optimal performance, from checking firmware updates and ensuring appropriate installation to tweaking wireless channels and understanding placement quirks for various camera types. Follow the steps below to fix frequent difficulties and maintain continuous connection between your camera and FJ Wireless equipment, ensuring you receive the best results every time.
 
    Check Firmware: Ensure all your FJ Wireless gear and camera are running the latest firmware.

Verify Mounting: Ensure your FJ trigger or speed light is fully and correctly mounted in your camera's hot shoe.

Perform a Reset: Reset your FJ gear to clear any inaccurate settings that may affect communication.

Check Camera Compatibility and Settings: Camera settings are crucial for optimal performance. Check additional articles in the FAQ section for brand and model-specific recommendations.

Consult User Manuals: Download the user manual for in-depth guidance on setup.

Adjust Wireless Channels: Start at channel 6 and adjust in increments of 5 channels to avoid interference. The settings menu on an FJ trigger lists 3 recommended channel options.

Confirm Wireless Channels and Groups: When using wireless FJ gear through a trigger like the FJ-X3m or and FJ80 flash, be sure the unit on your camera and the flash you wish to trigger are on the same Wireless channel. When both units are on the same channel, you can assign the flash(s) you are triggering to a group you desire. If all unites are on the same group, they will all fire at the same power level or mode dictated by the trigger on your camera. 
When using multiple flashes, its suggested each flash is on its own group within the channel selected. This way you can control each flash independently. 


Firmware Updates

New camera models and firmware releases often require updates to FJ firmware to maintain compatibility. If your system is running well there is likely no need to install the update unless there are functionality improvements listed in the changelog that you would like to use. Check the changelog for updates and ensure all your FJ gear is updated simultaneously to avoid conflicts. If your camera's manufacturer releases an update, do not load it on day one. Allow Westcott to address potential issues with the camera manufacturers firmware. If conflicts arise, redownload and reinstall the firmware from the website. Previous firmware versions are available through Westcott Tech Support at [email protected].


Positioning
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 a FJ trigger or speed light to that camera's hot shoe

  • 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 assure 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 shoe can become dirty over time and prevent proper connections.  Check that the pins are free of dirt and grime


Reset

A reset restores device default settings without rolling back firmware. After a reset, you may need to adjust:


Product Manuals and FAQs

These resources often contain answers and Best Practices for operating FJ gear.


When to Contact Customer Service

If the above steps do not resolve your issue, contact Westcott Customer Service:


The Facebook Westcott Lighting Community can be helpful but verify information from authorized Westcott representatives or Top Pros.


Preparation for Customer Support

Prepare the following information:

  • Camera brand & model
  • Have your camera & FJ Wireless gear ready
  • Firmware version displayed on your FJ gear’s opening screen
  • Details of your setup

Customer Service and Tech Support are available from 9 AM to 5 PM ET, Monday to Friday.

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