SB-900 triggering another Flash

[playlens]

Hi All,
I have a situation where my SB-900, in wireless slave mode, is mounted behind an umbrella. However, I find the SB-900 too weak even at full power. Is is possible for the SB-900, in wireless slave mode, to trigger another Flash ( like the Vivitar 285HV ) via a PC Cord. Someone told me that can be done. However, I am unable to find any info on this on Web or in the SB-900 manual. Please help me out if you have any information on this.

Thanks,
Playlens.

[catchlights]

you mention you set the SB900 at wireless slave mode, is that in SU-4 mode?

[jnet6]

if your vivitar 285HV can be trigger via PC cord it should be able to trigger by the SB900.
Or alternative can use optical trigger for yr vivitar flash.

[playlens]

Originally Posted by catchlights you mention you set the SB900 at wireless slave mode, is that in SU-4 mode?

I simply turn on to Remote. Is that under SU-4 mode? From what I read, you need to turn on the SU-4 mode option. What is the different between Remote and SU-4 mode? Thanks.

[catchlights]

Originally Posted by playlens I simply turn on to Remote. Is that under SU-4 mode? From what I read, you need to turn on the SU-4 mode option. What is the different between Remote and SU-4 mode? Thanks.

in Remote moe3, the SB900 will work as a remote flash, the flash mode and power can be set by master flash, or camera remotely,
in SU-4 mode, the SB900 is act as a slave flash, only A mode and manual mode available and the power output are to be set on the flash itself. all these are writen in your flash owener manual.

[catchlights]

back to your intial question, if you find one SB900 is inadequate power, add another unit is only gain ONE stop, and if you need have two stops more, you need total four units.

and if you decided to add a Vivitar 285HV, if via optical slave on the Vivtar, your SB900 has to be in SU 4 mode, it will not work in TTL, as the master flash will have pre flash to trigger the Vivitar prematurely, if via PC cord, SB900 is still have to be SU-4 manual mode, else the power output of SB900 maybe inconsistent.

[catchlights]

I would suggest you bring your main light closer to your subject, or use higher ISO, or use bigger aperture, or just shoot without the umbrella.

adding additional lights may make the whole set up complicated, unless you are very sure what to do.

[playlens]

Thank you for all your input , Catchlights. This is what I need to know, especially on the diff between SU-4 and Remote. For some reason, I did not recall reading that in the SB-900 manual. Thanks once again! Playlens