DIY CyberSync Lanyard

I received my Paul C. Buff CyberSync transmitter and receiver last night and I’m happy to say that a little impromptu fooling around with them has shown them to be reliable and useful. Some have questioned the build quality, but I think they are solid and feel durable, so I have no idea what people are complaining about. Perhaps I’ll find out with more use, but so far, so good.

There are two things that maybe could be engineered a little better. First there is really no mounting provision on the receiver. Many have used velcro, or let them hang from the cord (!), but taking a cue from the defacto standard Pocket Wizard, I wanted to at least add some sort of lanyard to hang the device on an umbrella clamp or light stand. The other issue I see right off the bat is that the receiver turns on with the press of a button on its face. It turns off automatically after an hour of non-use. Unfortunately this button protrudes in such a manner that it can easily be triggered in a kit bag. You really need to remove the batteries when not is use (I know, I should regardless) and the battery compartment isn’t all THAT easy to open, given my stubby fingers and lack of nails.

I figured first thing’s first and I’d attack the lanyard issue and check out the button while I was in there.

Warning: I’m sure technically it will violate your warranty by opening the receiver. I’m not drilling or modifying the device in any way, so I’m not too worried that I’m going to cause any damage, but proceed at your own risk nonetheless. Also, I apologize in advance for the crappy iPhone photos, but they illustrate my point.

Obviously the devices are built without user serviceable parts inside. The first clue to this is the use of two Torx T-7 screws that hold the two halves of the case together. I really recommend getting the right tool for the job here, as the self-tapping screws in the plastic case are pretty tight. Loosen slowly so as not to strip the small screw head ad turn with solid even pressure until they break free. It’s not a big deal, but trying to jam some other tool in there and twist would most certainly strip the heads.

There are two screws on the back of the case at the top and bottom. Remove the battery cover and batteries first so you don’t accidentally short the electronics. It will be easier to handle as well.

Once you have the screws out, you can separate the two halves from the circuit board. They should just fall apart.

I scrounged around and found a small lanyard that came with a thumb drive I purchased some time ago. It has the strong, thin attachment cord we need as well as a convenient removable buckle. Anticipating that I was going to do this mod even before the CyberSyncs arrived, I had ordered a package of cell phone lanyards off of eBay from a vendor in Hong Kong. They were only a few dollars for a package of 5 or 6 and came in different colors. I anticipate getting more receivers so they will be useful when I have to perform this mod again, and the different colors will help identify which receiver is which.

The CyberSync conveniently has two small studs internally. This offers a nice solid mounting point to loop the lanyard around. Slide the lanyard over the top post and press it down, angling the string away from the antenna cavity in the case.

Placing the circuit board back in place will hold the string down around the post. There is enough clearance that it should simply drop into place. Don’t force it. If you have to, the string is probably not pressd down around the post and is keeping the board from seating properly.

Place the other half on the front, making sure that it all lines up. The string was thin enough that I could just pinch it between the halves. I slid it to the corner of the case. The string does spread the case ever so slightly. You may want to file a little notch in the edge of the case for the string to exit. I chose to live with it as is for now.

Voila! A hanging lanyard for the CyberSync.

While I was inside, I took a look at the On/Test button and how it was constructed. The button is actually in the circuit board quite a distance from the face of the case and a long post extends through the front of the case.

I am considering filing down the post so that it is just flush with the face of the case. This would prevent accidentally tripping the button in my kit bag and I could activate the button with any pointy instrument, or even, if done correctly, the fleshy point of my finger.

So there you have it. A hanging lanyard on the CyberSync.