This is a video tutorial on adding an 1/8” mono audio jack to the Vivitar 285HV. The 1/8” is a much more secure connection than a PC sync which is on the metal hot shoe I added to the Vivitar. I use the Vivitar’s off camera and fire them using a pocket wizard (now Cyber Syncs) which use an 1/8” jack.
This is a video tutorial of how I modified my Canon 580EX. Whenever I was shooting and I wanted to use my on camera 580 as well as some off camera flash unit (vivitar 285HV or alien bees) I would fire the off camera with a pocket wizard. The Canon 580 does not have a sync port on the unit so I would have to use my PC sync on my camera to connect my PW. I’ve never been a fan of the pc sync. Its not a very secure connection. I was constantly pulling my hair out because I would always bump the pc connection out or it would just fall out by itself resulting in missed shots. (always at the worst possible time!!) So I modified my Canon flash with an 1/8 inch mono jack. Problem solved. Never have a problem with that connection coming out again.
This video explains how I did it. This will void your warranty and there is a slim possibility of shock (some say death- :) If your not comfortable with this modification, I would be more than happy to modify it for you. You can go here if your interested: http://www.shopscottwatt.com/store/index.php?sid=52