User Manual

Wireless

Flash

Transceiver

V6 IIs

2

Table of Contents

1. Getting to Know the Cactus V6 IIs 4

2. Cautions and Warnings 6

3. Major Specif ications 7

4. Package Contents 8

5. Nomenclature 9

6. LCD Panel 11

7. Compatibility 13

8. TTL Pass-through 16

9. Getting Started 18

10. Flash Setup 29

11. Flash Triggering 34

12. Remote Manual Power and Zoom 36

Control

3

13. High Speed Synchronization 50

14. Camera Shutter Release 55

15. Advanced Operations 60

16. Personalizing the V6 IIs 67

17. Working with Cactus Gear 72

18. LED Signal Guide 78

19. USB Connection 79

20. Optional Accessories 81

21. Troubleshooting 82

22. Notices 88

23. Warranty 91

4

1. Getting to Know the Cactus

V6 IIs

Thank you for purchasing the Cactus

Wireless Flash Transceiver V6 IIs.

The Cactus V6 IIs is specially designed for

Sony cameras and flashes with the MI (Multi-

Interface) hot shoe. Yet when working with the Cactus V6 II, it allows you to command different brands’ flashes off camera below or above x-sync speed. The freedom to adjust shutter speed equips you with the most flexibility in controlling apertures and power levels. The possibility are endless!

1.1

Special

Features

1. Cross-brand wireless manual power and control of Canon, Fujif ilm,

Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Pentax flashes with Cactus V6 II .

2. Specif ically designed for Sony cameras and flashes with the Multi-Interface (MI) shoe.

3. Two cross-brand high-speed sync modes:

Normal HSS and Power Sync .

- Normal HSS supports shutter speeds up to 1/8000s.

- Power Sync boosts flash contribution

1.2

Cactus

V6 IIs

Core

5 above the x-sync shutter speed.

4. Multi-master supports up to 20 photographers f iring the same set of flashes at their own power setting.

5. AF-assist light assists focusing in low light environments.

6. Flash prof ensures accurate power output.

7. Work seamlessly with the RF60 series to support HSS and Power Sync.

8. Plenty of useful features inherited from the V6 : including Lo Power, Absolute

Power, TTL Pass-through, Group Sequence,

Sports Shutter, Remote Shutter, Relay

Mode, and Delay Mode.

Both V6 IIs and V6 II transceivers compile the D-TTL (digital through-the-lens) protocols from different camera systems and build up a common language between cameras and flashes.

When working with the V6 II, the V6 IIs transceiver is a gateway to sync your Sony cameras to almost any digital flashes in the world.

Ready to go? Let’s get started and see what the V6 IIs can do!

6

2. Cautions and Warnings

Before using your V6 IIs, read the following safety precautions to ensure correct and safe use:

1. Turn OFF all your equipment (e.g., Cactus units, flash units, cameras, etc.) before changing batteries. Observe the correct polarity when changing batteries. There is a danger of explosion if the batteries are installed incorrectly.

2. Switch off the transceiver and remove batteries during storage.

3. Do not permanently store the product in a high temperature environment (i.e., under strong direct sunlight, near cooking stoves/oven).

4. The Cactus V6 IIs should never be submerged in liquid or exposed to heavy rain unless it is properly protected.

5. Do not operate the device in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.

6. Do not disassemble.

7. Do not crush the V6 IIs and do not expose it to any shock or force such as hammering, dropping, or stepping on it.

3. Major Specifications

• Working radio frequency: 2.4 GHz

• Number of channels: 16

• Number of groups: 4

• Support sync speed up to 1/8,000 second

• AF-Assist LED: 1W

• Maximum effective distance: 100 meters

• Operating temperature: -20°C to +50°C

• Camera voltage handling: up to 6V

• Flash voltage handling: up to 300V

• Dimensions:

79mm (L) x 77mm (W) x 46 mm (H)

• Weight: 89g

• Power input: 2 x AA batteries, 3V, 50mA,

0.15W; mini USB 2.0, DC input 5V

• Estimated battery life in hours

(with LCD backlight on):

7

Alkaline AA

Batteries 1000mAh

TX

55

RX

32

Rechargeable NiMH AA

Batteries 2500mAh

TX

65

RX

34

8

4. Package Contents

V6 IIs Transceiver Flash Stand FS-2

Album, Sticker

& Quick Start

Guide

9

5. Nomenclature

TEST BUTTON/

SHUTTER RELEASE

BUTTON

HOT SHOE

(FEMALE)

LCD DISPLAY

LANYARD

LOOP

AF-ASSIST

LIGHT

GROUP BUTTONS

X-SYNC PORT

MODE SWITCH

MINI USB PORT

10

TRIPOD MOUNT

HOT SHOE

(MALE)

HOT SHOE

LOCK LEVER

BATTERY DOOR

SELECTION DIAL

OK BUTTON

LED STATUS INDICATOR

MENU BUTTON

6.1

TX mode

6. LCD Panel

BATTERY INDICATOR

CHANNEL POWER LEVEL

POWER LEVEL INCREMENT

MAIN SCREEN

FLASH PROFILE

POWER LEVEL/

ZOOM

FLASH

SYSTEM

11

GROUP

SYNC MODE

INDICATOR

RELAY MODE

INDICATOR

STATUS SCREEN

DELAY

TIMER

CAMERA

SYSTEM

(The status screen is accessible by pressing and holding the Menu button while turning the dial to either the left or right at the same time.)

12

6.2

RX mode

BATTERY

INDICATOR

FLASH

PROFILE

POWER

LEVEL

POWER LEVEL

INCREMENT

FLASH

SYSTEM

CHANNEL RELAY MODE

INDICATOR

6.3

Camera and Flash

Indicators

Sony Others

DELAY

TIMER

WIRELESS

SENSITIVITY

7.1

Flash &

Studio

Strobes

13

7. Compatibility

The Cactus V6 IIs is both a wireless flash trigger and wireless remote control. While it triggers both portable flashes and studio strobe lights, it also supports remote control features with selected flash models.

7.1.1 Cactus RF60X / RF60

With the built-in Cactus V6 module, the

Cactus RF60 series can be remotely commanded and triggered by the V6 IIs (see

Section 17.1.1).

7.1.2 Flash Models for Sony cameras

The Cactus V6 IIs works with flashes that come with either (1) a Sony MI shoe, or (2) a legacy Sony/Minolta iISO hot shoe with an appropriate hot shoe adapter (e.g., Sony

ADP-MAA).

Flash prof iles pre-installed in the V6 IIs include:

14

• Sony HVL-F60M, HVL-F58AM*, HVL-F43M

• Metz 64 AF-1, 44 AF-1*

• Nissin i40

* requires an appropriate hot shoe adapter

7.1.3 Studio Strobes

The Cactus V6 IIs triggers studio strobes with the PC sync male port, 3.5mm or 6.35mm port via optional cables (see Section 20).

This includes high trigger voltage portable flash models, and all strobe models with a trigger voltage of 300V or less. The Cactus

V6 IIs does not provide remote power control of these flashes and strobes.

For studio flashes to work with high-speed sync, they have to maintain a flash duration of 1/100 second or longer.

Caution:

Flashes or strobes with reversed polarity connectors DO NOT WORK with the Cactus V6 series.

7.2

Cameras

15

The Cactus V6 IIs works with all cameras that are equipped with (1) the Sony MI shoe, or (2) the legacy Sony/Minolta iISO hot shoe with an appropriate hot shoe adapter (e.g.,

Sony ADP-AMA).

To use the V6 IIs as a wireless shutter release, specif ic cables are required. For the list of optional accessories, see

Section 20.

7.3

Flash

Triggers

The Cactus V6 IIs in TX mode works seamlessly with Wireless Flash Transceiver

V6 II in RX mode.

The Cactus V6 IIs is compatible with the

Wireless Flash Transceiver V6, V5, and Laser

Trigger LV5. See Sections 17.2 and 17.3 for details.

The Cactus V6 IIs is NOT compatible with any other flash trigger model, including the

Cactus V4, Cactus V2s, and Cactus V2.

16

8. TTL Pass-through

The V6 IIs transceiver comes with a pair of hot shoes that supports TTL pass-through with Sony cameras and Sony system flashes.

While the V6 IIs does not wirelessly command metering, it is designed to pass the TTL signal from camera to flash via the transmitter (TX) and vice versa.

With TTL pass-through, the TTL flashes behave as they would when directly connected to the camera hot shoe. The V6 IIs will work as a wireless flash commander while supporting all the automatic features (e.g., automatic flash output via TTL metering, AFassist light, second curtain sync and high speed sync/FP shutter) provided by the TTL flash system.

17

To enable the TTL pass-through in the V6 IIs

TX, press and hold for 2 seconds. The LCD will show the TTL pass-through indicator at the left bottom corner where the channel indicator used to be.

In TTL pass-through mode, the V6 IIs TX cannot control the power level of the flash attached.

To disable the TTL pass-through mode, press and hold for 2 seconds. The TTL passthrough indicator will be replaced by the channel indicator on the LCD.

Alternatively, the TTL pass-through mode can be enabled or disabled in the <FUNCTIONS> menu (see Section 9.7).

18

9.1

Installing the

Batteries

9. Getting Started

Open the battery door by pushing it backward. Flip open the latch and insert two

AA batteries using the correct polarities.

Then close the battery door by pushing it to the front.

9.2

Attaching to and

Detaching from the

Camera

UNLOCK

LOCK

To mount the V6 IIs on a camera’s hot shoe mount:

1. Turn the lock lever of the V6 IIs to the left to unlock the multi-system shoe

(male).

19

2. Slide the V6 IIs into the camera’s hot shoe.

3. Turn the lock lever of the V6 IIs to the right to lock the multi-system shoe

(male).

4. When detaching the V6 IIs from the camera’s hot shoe, turn the lock lever to the left to unlock the hot shoe (male).

Otherwise, the hot shoe (male) may be damaged.

9.3

Buttons and Dial

The V6 IIs control panel is equipped with a

Menu button , an OK button , and a selection dial for quick access to different functions and the conf iguration menu.

The selection dial has a built-in push-in button that serves as a quick OK button.

You may conf igure how the dial works to suit your working habit (see Sections 16.1-16.3).

Major functions of the V6 IIs listed below are easily accessible by the buttons and dial.

20

Group Control (see Section 9.6)

Function

Select a group

(e.g., group A) for adjusting parameters (power level/zoom)

Deselect a group

(e.g., group A)

Mode LCD Key

Main screen, when the

Hold* group is not selected

Turn on/off a group (e.g., group A)

TX

Main screen, when the group is selected

Main screen, when the group is not selected

Main screen Test f iring a group (e.g., group A)

Group EV Offset in absolute power mode (e.g., to group A)

Main screen, in absolute power mode

+

+

Change the RX to another group

(e.g., to group A)

RX

Main screen

* Hold = Press and hold the button for 2 seconds, then release.

21

Adjusting Power Level and Zoom (see Sections

12.1 and 12.5)

Function

Adjust power level/zoom of all groups

Mode LCD

Main screen

Key

Adjust power level/zoom of a single group (e.g., group A)

Main screen

+

Hold , then

Adjust power level/zoom of the on-camera flash**

Toggle between the power level and the zoom control panel

TX

Main screen

Main screen

+

Toggle to and from the quick power adjustment (needs conf iguration in menu beforehand)

Main screen

** The same command is used to check the TX status screen.

TTL Pass-through (see Section 8)

Function

Enter/leave TTL pass-through mode

Mode

TX

LCD

Main screen

Key

Hold

22

Navigating the Menu (see Section 9.7)

Function

Enter the menu

Mode LCD

Main screen

Key

Browse through menu items and options

Choose a menu item or option

Leave the menu

Menu

TX/

RX

Menu

Menu

Dial Lock (see Section 17.2)

Function

Lock the dial

Temporarily unlock the dial

Unlock the dial

Mode

TX

LCD Key

Main screen, when the dial is unlocked

Hold

Main screen, when the dial is locked

Main screen, when the dial is locked

Hold

Firmware (see Section 19.2)

Function

Check f irmware version

Mode Key

Hold + and switch on to TX or RX mode

OFF

Firmware update mode

Hold and switch on to TX or RX mode

23

9.4

Choosing the

Operating

Mode

The Cactus V6 IIs is a wireless transceiver that is capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals. Set the V6 IIs transceivers to the correct mode

(transmitter to “TX”, receiver to “RX”) by sliding the mode switch to the correct position. This will automatically power on the transceivers.

9.5

Setting the

Channel and

Radio ID

The Cactus V6 IIs transceivers communicate with one another via radio frequency. There are 16 channels available. Always make sure that all of your V6 IIs transceivers are set to the same channel:

1. To set both the TX and RX to the same channel, press . Turn the selection dial to <RADIO SETUP> and press . The

LCD will show <CHANNEL> and the default channel number. Press and turn the selection dial to the preferred channel number. Press to set other menu items or press to exit.

24

2. The selected channel number will be displayed on the LCD display.

Use the wireless sensitivity indicator on the RX LCD display to check the strength of the wireless signal from the TX in the selected channel. The wireless sensitivity ranges from excellent to poor .

Change your V6 IIs to another channel when the sensitivity is poor.

To protect your setup from interference from other Cactus devices, assign all your

V6 IIs to a specif ic radio ID. Press and turn the selection dial to <RADIO SETUP>.

Press and turn the selection dial to

<RADIO ID>. You may then set up a 4-digit key by turning the dial and pressing for each digit.

9.6

Setting and

Selecting the Group

The group function in the V6 IIs can assign

RXs into Group A, B, C, or D, and allows you

25

TX unit.

1. All V6 IIs transceivers must be set to the same channel.

2. Assign RX units to Groups A, B, C, or D by pressing one of the group buttons. Each

RX can only be assigned to ONE group.

The LED of the selected group will turn on.

3. Command the TX to f ire any combination of groups by pressing the group of A, B, C, and D groups. The LED of the activated group(s) will turn on.

4. To change the power level of a specif ic group, press and hold an activated group button. Quickly pressing the group button again will de-select the group.

5. Pressing the group button(s) of activated groups again on the V6 IIs TX will turn off the group(s). The V6 IIs RX units that have been set to the off group(s) will not f ire.

6. The V6 IIs will memorize the group selection in both TX and RX when it is switched off.

Next time you switch on the

V6 IIs it will start up with the saved setting.

26

9.7

Navigating the Menu

The conf igurable menu items of the V6 IIs are grouped under categories shown in the following sequences:

TX

RX

FUNCTIONS FLASH

SETUP

POWER

SETUP

RADIO

SETUP

PREFERENCES

FUNCTIONS FLASH

SETUP

RADIO

SETUP

PREFERENCES

To change a menu option:

1. Press to bring up the f irst menu category.

2. Dial right or left to scroll through each menu category. Press or the push-in button once to access a menu category.

3. Dial right or left to scroll through each menu item. Press or the push-in button once to access a menu item.

4. Dial right or left to scroll through each option of a menu item. Press or the push-in button once to select the option.

27

The conf iguration of the menu item will change immediately.

5. Press to leave and go back to the main screen, or dial right or left to the next menu item in the sequence.

Check the list of menu items in each category below:

FUNCTIONS

- SYNC MODE

- DELAY

- RELAY

- GROUP SEQUENCE

- SPORTS SHUTTER

- TTL PASSTHROUGH

FLASH SETUP

- FLASH SYSTEM

- FLASH PROFILE

POWER SETUP

- POWER MODE

- EV STEP

- LO POWER

RADIO SETUP

- CHANNEL

- RADIO ID

- MULTI-MASTER

- WORK RANGE

√

√

√

TX

√

√

√

√

√

TX

√

√

TX

TX

√

√

√

√

RX

√

√

RX

√

√

√

RX

√

√

RX

28

PREFERENCES

- AF-ASSIST (TX/RX)

- BACKLIGHT POWER

- BACKLIGHT TIME

- DAYLIGHT MODE

- SWAP CONTROL

- DIAL DIRECTION

- TEMPORARY UNLOCK

- SLEEP

- FACTORY RESET

TX

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

RX

√

√

√

√

29

10. Flash Setup

The V6 IIs transceiver commands flashes to f ire at a particular output via flash prof iles. There are three ways to obtain the correct flash prof iles:

Section 10.1).

2. Choose from the pre-installed flash

3. Customize the auto prof ile in the Cactus

Section 10.3).

10.1

Applying an Auto

Flash

Profile

The Auto Flash Prof ile in the V6 IIs is the default prof ile that works with all Sony setup is required.

Alternatively, set up the auto prof ile as you the <FLASH PROFILE> menu (see Section 10.2).

30

10.2

Choosing a Flash

Profile pre-installed prof ile list for each V6 IIs

RX assigned to a flash.

1. Switch on the V6 IIs in RX mode.

2. Press , and then turn the selection dial to <FLASH SETUP>. Press .

3. Turn the selection dial to <FLASH

PROFILE>. Press .

4. Turn the selection dial until the

LCD shows your flash model (e.g., SONY

<F60M>). Press .

5. Connect the flash unit to the V6 IIs.

Switch your flash to TTL mode and your flash will be ready for remote control.

If you wish to f ire and control an on-camera flash via the V6 IIs TX, follow steps 2-5 above in the TX mode.

10.3

Customizing a Flash

Profile

If your flash model is not included in the pre-installed prof ile list but supports digital TTL, apply the Auto Flash Prof ile level commanded by the Auto Flash Prof ile,

31 you may customize it in the Cactus Prof ile

Editor available for a PC and Mac.

1. Download the Cactus Prof ile Editor from the Cactus website.

2. Follow the f irmware update procedures to connect the V6 IIs with your computer

(see Section 19.2).

32

3. Input the guide number of your flash at the zoom angle of 105mm (which is the benchmark of the pre-installed prof iles in the V6 IIs).

4. Based on your experience in controlling input the power adjustment you would like to achieve in each of the reference power levels.

5. Enter the prof ile name using a maximum of 6 digits in letters or numbers.

6. Press STORE PROFILE button. The custom prof ile will be loaded to the connected

V6 IIs. The LCD display on the V6 IIs will return to the main screen.

prof ile list, see Section 10.2. All custom prof iles will be stored in the <FLASH

PROFILE> menu.

Each V6 IIs can save up to 10 custom flash prof from the Cactus Prof ile Editor.

33

Note: The Prof ile Editor supports prof ile sharing by codes. When customizing a flash prof ile, the editor will generate a code representing the changed parameters. You can share this code with others, or simply enter the code received from other users in the SHARE CODE column to generate a new customized prof ile in a second.

34

11. Flash Triggering

To command the flash units in different groups to f ire:

1. Set the V6 IIs transceivers to the correct mode (transmitter to “TX”, receiver to “RX”). This will automatically power on the transceivers

(see Section 9.4).

2. Set both the TX and RX to the same channel (see Section 9.5).

3. Assign RX unit(s) to A, B, C, or D group and activate the group(s) on the TX (see

Section 9.6).

4. Connect the V6 IIs RX to portable flashes or studio strobes.

5. On the TX, press completely. The status LED of both the TX and RX should blink in green simultaneously. The portable flashes or studio strobes will f ire at the same time.

6. Test f ire a particular group by pressing the group button and simultaneously.

completely and

7. Attach the TX to the camera’s hot shoe.

If your camera does not have a hot shoe, connect the TX to the camera using an

optional PC sync cable (CA-200).

8. Press the camera’s shutter release wirelessly and in sync.

Tips: The V6 IIs transceiver can trigger portable flashes with or without remote power control. If you wish to wirelessly trigger the off-camera flashes without controlling their power levels, choose the <OTHER> flash system in the <FLASH

PROFILE> menu.

35

36

12. Remote Manual Power

Control and Zoom Control

Apart from flash triggering, the V6 IIs can also command the manual power and manual zoom angle of your flash. On each RX, choose to be connected. The V6 IIs TX will then be to 1/1 full power, and at a zoom angle between 16mm and 200mm.

To remotely control the power of your flash units:

1. Connect the flash units to the V6 IIs.

2. Switch on the flash units in TTL mode.

Then switch on the V6 IIs in RX mode.

V6 IIs.

above the x-sync speed, turn on the HSS mode on your flash units (see Section

13.1).

V6 IIs offers two power def initions for users to command the flashes’ power in the most convenient way.

12.1

Relative

Power

37

Similar to a common flash display, the V6 IIs

TX indicates the power level of the remote flashes in proportion to full power in relative power mode (i.e., 1/1 for full power, 1/2 for half power, etc.). Upon switching on the V6 IIs in TX mode, the LCD will show the relative power levels of all activated groups.

Note that the small single digit indicates the increment between major power levels.

12.1.1 Single Group Power Adjustment

There are two ways to adjust the power level

1. Press and hold the group button until the power level of the chosen group is highlighted on the LCD. Turn the selection dial to the desired power

38 level. Press the group button briefly to leave the group selection.

2. Short cut: Press and hold the group button and turn the selection dial simultaneously. Once the adjustment is f inished, release the group button.

You may also adjust the power level of the on-camera flash that you have mounted on the

V6 IIs in TX mode.

1. Make sure that the TTL pass-through mode has not been activated (see Section 8).

2. Press and turn the selection dial simultaneously to change the power level of the on-camera flash.

12.1.2 Multi-Group Power Adjustment

To adjust the power level of ALL active groups, simply turn the selection dial left or right to the desired power level.

Note: The power level of the on-camera flash is not affected by the multi-group adjustment.

39

12.1.3 Quick Power Adjustment Mode

By turning the dial left or right one

“click”, the power level of the chosen groups will increase or decrease by one step. The EV step in the V6 IIs factory setting is 1/3 EV. The EV step can be conf igured to 1/2, 1/3, or 1/10 in the <EV

STEP> menu (see Section 12.3).

If you wish to quickly change the power level using a larger interval, use the quick power adjustment mode.

1. Switch on the V6 IIs in TX mode. Press and turn the selection dial to

<PREFERENCES>. Press and turn the selection dial to <SWAP CONTROL>. Press

, turn the selection dial to <QUICK

POWER ADJ> and press to choose.

2. In the main screen of the V6 IIs in TX mode, press once to enter the quick power adjustment mode.

3. In this mode, each click of the dial will increase or decrease the power level for 1EV to and from the original value, respectively. For example, if the power level of a group was 1/16 +3, one click

40 of the selection dial will increase the power level to 1/8 +3 or decrease it to

1/32 +3.

4. Once you have f inished the quick change, press once again to leave the quick power adjustment mode. Each click of the dial thereafter will increase or decrease the power level in accordance with the setting you have made in the <EV

STEP> menu.

Note:

By conf iguring the button to toggle to and from the quick power adjustment mode, you will not be able to adjust the zoom levels of the remote flashes (see

Section 16.3).

12.2

Absolute

Power

If you want to coordinate the light output of multiple flashes with different maximum power outputs, the regular power ratios such as 1/4 or 1/8 may not be as helpful. The output of one powerful flash model at 1/8 can be higher than that of another, weaker flash model at 1/4. For this reason, the V6 IIs offers an Absolute Power mode in which EV numbers can be used to specify an absolute light intensity, independent of the maximum

41 power output of a flash model.

The power levels in guide number have been rescaled to the absolute power scheme in EV as below:

ABSOLUTE LIGHT

INTENSITY IN EV

13

12

11

10

17

16

15

14

7

6

9

8

3.6

2.6

1.8

1.3

GUIDE NUMBERS (IN METERS)

+0.0

+0.3

+0.5

+0.7

58.0

41.0

64.4

45.5

69.0

48.8

73.9

52.3

29.0

20.5

14.5

10.3

7.2

5.1

32.2

22.7

16.1

11.4

8.0

5.7

34.5

24.4

17.2

12.2

8.6

6.1

36.9

26.1

18.5

13.0

9.2

6.6

4.0

2.8

2.0

1.4

4.3

3.0

2.1

1.5

4.6

3.2

2.3

1.6

When setting up the absolute power mode, the being selected by the RX units in the same channel and rescale them to the unif ied light intensity scale. The following example shows how the model-specif ic relative power

42 scales are translated into the absolute power scale.

12

11

10

9

18

17

16

15

14

13

8

7

6

ABSOLUTE LIGHT

INTENSITY

SCALE IN EV

RELATIVE LIGHT INTENSITY SCALE

OF 4 FLASHES WITH DIFFERENT FULL

POWER GUIDE NUMBERS

FLASH

A

FLASH

B

FLASH

C

FLASH

D

GN29

1/2

1/4

1/8

1/16

1/32

1/64

1/128

GN58

1/2

1/4

1/8

1/16

1/32

1/64

1/128

GN21

1/2

1/4

1/8

1/16

1/32

1/64

1/128

GN41

1/2

1/4

1/8

1/16

1/32

1/64

1/128

When you set all flashes to 11 EV (see italicized section in the above table) in absolute power mode, all flashes will emit the same intensity of light notwithstanding the differences in their own relative power

43 scale. For instance, at 11 EV, Flash A is f iring the amount of light equal to its 1/16 power, while Flash C is f iring equal to its

1/8 power.

To change the V6 IIs system to the absolute power mode:

1. Switch on the off-camera V6 IIs in RX for each of the V6 IIs RX.

2. Switch on the V6 IIs that you would like to be the commander in TX mode. Make sure it is on the same channel as the RX units.

3. Press . Turn the selection dial to

<POWER SETUP> and press . Turn the selection dial to <ABSOLUTE (SETUP)> and press to conf irm.

4. The V6 IIs TX will then collect the flash prof iles from the V6 IIs RX units and set up the absolute power level scheme. Once the setup is f inished, the LCD display will return to the main screen again and show the absolute light intensity of the four groups.

5. Adjust the power level as you do in relative power mode (see Section 12.1).

Each f igure before decimal place represents 1 EV and the smaller f igure

44 thereafter 1/10 EV.

6. Set all the activated groups to the same power level. Test f ire the off-camera flashes and determine whether they produce the same flash output.

7. If the initial set up is not accurate enough, you may offset the absolute power scale of each group. Press any group button and simultaneously to get into the offset mode for that group.

For example, if the flash output of group A is slightly stronger than the other groups at the same absolute power levels, press and simultaneously.

The LCD display will show <GROUP A

OFFSET>. Turn the selection dial left or right to adjust the power scale from -1EV to 1EV. Press to return to the main screen.

Note: The absolute power set up will not be saved upon switching off the V6 IIs TX. The

12.3

EV Step

V6 IIs TX will restart in relative power mode.

45

The control panel of the V6 IIs TX offers three EV step options: 1/10 EV, 1/3 EV, and

1/2 EV. The conf iguration applies to both relative and absolute power modes.

Please note that while the Sony system of 1/10EV, such setting on the V6 IIs TX can still command other system flashes

(connected with the V6 II RX) or the RF60 series wireless flash in the setup.

To adjust the EV step:

1. Switch on the V6 IIs in TX mode.

2. Press . Turn the selection dial to

<POWER SETUP> and press . Turn the selection dial to <EV STEP> and press .

3. Turn the dial to the desired increment level (1/10, 1/3, or 1/2). Press to conf irm.

46

Notes:

1. The selected EV step will be memorized upon switching off and will be applied when switching on again.

2. In the quick power adjustment mode step will be replaced by the 1EV step changes.

3. When the EV step conf igured on the TX is f iner than the step supported by the connected flashes, adjusting the power levels on the TX by one step may not affect their power output. For example, on the V6 IIs TX that is set to 1/10EV step, you need to adjust 3 or 4 steps of power level to cause a change in power output of a Sony system flash that supports up to 1/3 EV step.

12.4

Lo Power

At the Lo Power level, the relative power output of a flash triggered by the V6 IIs is roughly equal to 1/256. The difference between 1/128 and 1/256 power outputs may hardly be detected by flash meter, but the extremely short f iring duration helps freeze faster-than-lightning moments and is

12.5

Zoom

47 ideal for high-speed photography.

To enable Lo Power:

1. Switch on the V6 IIs in TX mode and press . Turn the selection dial to

<POWER SETUP> and press . Turn the selection dial to <Lo POWER> and press

. Turn the selection dial to <ON> and press .

2. Once Lo Power is enabled, it will be shown as <Lo> at one step below 1/128 power in the relative power mode, or one step below the lowest power of each group in the absolute power mode.

3. To disable the Lo Power output, follow step 1 to enter the <Lo POWER> menu. Turn the selection dial to <OFF> and press .

On the main screen of the V6 IIs, press to get into the zoom angle control panel.

48

In each group, the zoom angle can be conf igured to one of the following options:

16mm – 20mm – 24mm – 28mm – 35mm – 50mm –

70mm – 80mm – 105mm – 120mm – 135mm – 180mm

– 200mm

In case the zoom angle parameters of the connected flashes do not match with the options above, they will be adjusted to a zoom angle that is closest to the conf igured option. For example, if the V6 IIs is conf igured to 80mm for a particular group of flashes, a flash equipped with 70mm – 85mm –

105mm zoom angles will be adjusted to 85mm.

Adjust the zoom angle as you do to adjust the power level (see Section 12.1):

1. Multi-group: Simply turn the selection dial to change the zoom angle of all activated groups.

2. Single group:

- Press and hold the group button until the zoom level of the chosen group is highlighted on the LCD. Turn the selection dial to the desired zoom level. Press the group button briefly to deselect a group.

- Short cut: Press and hold the group

49 button and turn the selection dial simultaneously. Once the adjustment is f inished, release the group button.

3. On-camera Flash: Press and hold and turn the dial simultaneously. Once the adjustment is f inished, release .

50

13. High Speed Synchronization

Most cameras support normal flash sync up to its x-sync shutter speed (commonly between

1/160 second and 1/250 second). Beyond this shutter speed, the cameras and the system flashes will behave differently. The high speed sync, which is also known as HSS or FP sync, has to be enabled on the system flash in order to synchronize the flash light with the camera beyond the x-sync shutter speed.

Cactus V6 IIs supports high-speed sync in two ways:

1. Normal HSS: It supports the HSS or FP sync capabilities of the system flashes.

While it allows user to adjust power levels, the flash exposure is much lower than the normal flash sync.

2. Power Sync: It syncs with the full power flash pulse without compromising the flash exposure. While it does not allow power level adjustment, the flash exposure is much higher than in the normal HSS mode.

51

Tips: HSS flash is commonly used outdoors, especially in sunlight. The faster shutter speed supported by the HSS flash allows you to use a wider aperture to achieve shallower depth of f ield while maintaining correct exposure.

13.1

Normal

HSS

When the shutter speed of the camera exceeds its x-sync speed, the normal HSS setting of the V6 IIs will command the flashes to for the full duration between the f irst curtain opening and second curtain closing of the shutter.

To activate the normal HSS mode:

1. On the V6 IIs TX, press . Turn the selection dial to <FUNCTIONS> and press

. Turn the selection dial to <SYNC

MODE> and press . Turn the selection dial to <NORMAL HSS> and press . On the status screen, the normal HSS icon

will be shown.

2. Turn on the HSS flash option on the flash units.

52

13.2

Power

Sync

Tips:

1. The continuous light output of a normal

HSS flash does not freeze a moving object as a normal flash does. Instead, it will cause motion blur, much like a continuous light source would. In order to freeze motion using a normal

HSS flash, you need to use high shutter speeds.

2. Increasing the shutter speed in a normal HSS flash implies that the contribution of the flash decreases accordingly. When changing the shutter speed, you also need to adjust the flash power level if you want to maintain the same contribution of the flash.

As an alternative to the Normal HSS, the

Power Sync of the V6 IIs syncs with the full power flash of the remote flashes. Power Sync yields a much higher exposure than the normal HSS flash.

To activate the Power Sync mode:

1. On the V6 IIs TX, press . Turn the selection dial to <FUNCTIONS> and press

53

. Turn the selection dial to <SYNC

MODE> and press . Turn the selection dial to <POWER SYNC> and press . On the status screen, the Power Sync icon

will be shown.

2. Switch the camera shutter beyond its x-sync speed and take a picture.

3. If the frame is not illuminated from top to bottom, go back to the <SYNC MODE> menu (repeat step 1). Press and hold , turn the selection dial simultaneously to access the <POWER SYNC ADJ> panel.

When you see a dark band at the top of the image, adjust the sync time to a larger value (to delay the default sync time). When the dark band appears at the bottom, adjust the sync time to a smaller value (to shorten the sync time).

54

Notes:

1. Since the Power Sync always command the the power level cannot be adjusted. The power levels on the main screen will be executed when the shutter speed is within the x-sync.

2. If dark bands appear at both the top and bottom of the picture, the flash duration of the portable flash may not be long enough to support Power Sync.

Sync, so check for any overheat warning on your flash from time to time.

Frequent use of Power Sync may overheat the portable flash.

Tip:

Even if there is no dark band in the frame, the Power Sync adjustment can shift the brightest part of the flash pulse up and down to create your desired effect.

You may also achieve an even illumination by moving the brightest part of the flash pulse outside the frame.

14.1

Basic

Setup

14. Camera Shutter Release

55

Note:

This function requires the use of a separately purchased shutter release cable for connection between the transceiver and camera. This cable is

NOT included in the V6 IIs transceiver package.

A minimum of two Cactus V6 IIs transceivers is required to operate Cactus V6 IIs as a wireless shutter release.

56

14.2

Bulb

Mode

1. Connect the V6 IIs RX to your camera using an appropriate shutter release cable.

2. Set both the V6 IIs TX and RX to the same channel. On the V6 IIs TX, activate the group assigned to the V6 IIs RX.

3. Half-press on the TX to test the auto focus. The status LED on both the

TX and RX will turn ORANGE to indicate auto focus. Press completely on the

TX for shutter release. The status LED on both transceivers will turn GREEN to indicate shutter release.

1. Set the camera to Bulb.

2. Press completely and hold on the

V6 IIs TX. The status LED on the V6 IIs

TX and V6 IIs RX will turn GREEN at f irst and go off after approximately

2 seconds. The LCD display will show

<BULB MODE ON>.

3. Release on the V6 IIs TX. The camera’s shutter is now in a continuous open state.

4. To close the camera’s shutter, press completely and release on the

V6 IIs TX again. The green status LED on both the TX and RX will blink simultaneously.

57

14.3

Relay

Mode:

Camera

Shutter +

Flash

The relay mode in the V6 series is an economic solution for coordinating the wireless shutter release with flash trigger systems. With relay capability, you need only three transceivers to wirelessly control both the camera and a flash unit at one time.

1. Make sure that all the V6 IIs units are set to the same channel.

2. Set the V6 IIs you would like to use as the handheld remote as TX, then all others as RX.

58

3. Mount one of the V6 IIs RXs onto the camera’s hot shoe, and also connect the

V6 IIs RX to the camera’s shutter release port with an appropriate shutter release cable (optional). Connect the other

V6 IIs RXs to the flash units.

4. Set the on-camera V6 IIs RX to relay mode. Press . Turn the selection dial to <FUNCTIONS> and press . Turn the selection dial to <RELAY> and press .

Turn the selection dial to <ON>. Press

to conf irm and then press to return to the main screen. The relay mode indicator <REL-C> will appear on the main screen.

5. In the handheld V6 IIs TX unit, press .

Turn the selection dial to <FUNCTIONS> and press . Turn the selection dial to

<RELAY> and press . Turn the dial to

<ON> and press . Then press to return to the main screen. The relay mode indicator will replace the channel indicator at the lower left-hand corner.

59

6. By pressing on the TX, both the camera and flash units will be triggered and sync with one another. In addition, you will also be able to control the power level of the flashes with your

V6 IIs TX.

60

15.1

Auto- focus

Assist

Light

15. Advanced Operations

The V6 IIs is equipped with an auto-focus

(AF) assist LED and it is capable of emitting an AF-assist light in accordance with the camera’s command. The power of the AF-assist light can be adjusted in either TX or RX mode to best suit your working environment.

To conf igure the AF-assist LED:

1. Switch on the V6 IIs in TX or RX mode.

Please note that the set up will be applied to that operating mode only.

2. Press and turn the selection dial to

<PREFERENCES>. Press .

3. Turn the selection dial to <AF-ASSIST> and press . You will then be able to turn on and select the power of the

AF-assist LED.

Each V6 IIs will memorize the AF-assist light setting in the TX and RX independently. In a setup when the AF-assist light of both the TX and RX are turned on, the AF-assist light on both devices will light up simultaneously when the camera commands the TX to do so.

15.2

Multi- master

Note:

The V6 IIs TX completely replicates the

AF-assist signal commanded by the connected camera. If the camera does not support an AF-assist signal via the hot shoe, the AF-assist LED will not be activated.

61

The V6 IIs supports up to 20 TXs working together in a lighting set up. Photographers can share the same set of remote flash units and command them to f ire their desired power output without being affected by the others.

To activate the Multi-master:

1. Switch on the V6 IIs in TX mode.

2. Press . Turn the selection dial to

<RADIO SETUP> and press .

3. Turn the selection dial to <MULTI-

MASTER> and press . Select <ON> and press .

When any of the photographer in a group presses the shutter, the V6 IIs TX will trigger the RXs and command the flash to f ire the conf igured power levels from that specif ic TX.

62

15.3

Delay

Timer

Note:

If two TXs are triggering at the same time, the RXs may interfere with each other. Avoid triggering at the same time.

Every V6 IIs is equipped with a delay timer that is conf igurable in either the TX or RX mode. The delay timer delays the trigger response for the time period set. If you f irst curtain sync to create a different light effect (e.g., to achieve a second curtain sync), set an appropriate delay time from 1 millisecond to 99 seconds.

To set up the delay timer:

1. Switch on the V6 IIs in TX or RX mode and press . Turn the selection dial to

<FUNCTIONS> and press . Turn the selection dial to <DELAY> and press .

63

2. To set a delay time in milliseconds, turn the dial to <SET MS> and press . Turn the dial to set each digit, press to conf irm, and move to another digit.

3. To set a delay time in seconds, turn the dial to <SET SEC> and press . Turn the dial to set each digit, press to conf irm, and move to another digit.

4. The status screen of V6 IIs TX and main screen of the V6 IIs RX will show the status of the delay timer (see Section 6).

15.4

Group

Sequence

There may be some situations in which you would like to f ire the slave groups in a very short sequence such as:

•

Post-production of high dynamic range

(HDR) photos: In burst mode, photographers can take two pictures of the same scene with contrasted flash power levels very quickly. The resulting pictures can be very handy in the postproduction of HDR photos.

•

Evaluating the individual contribution of the slave groups: Taking a series of pictures in burst mode will allow you to review the contribution of each slave group individually.

64

•

Speed up the flash cycle: When you need ire a series of flashes at high power levels, assign two or more flashes to different groups and adjust them to the same power level. Alternately f iring the flashes will let the capacitors recharge during the longer interval, ensuring enough charge for the next high power output.

The V6 IIs offers two group sequence modes for selection:

A-B-C-D: The f irst trigger in a series will f ire group A, then group B, and so on. The f ifth trigger will f ire group A and start the cycle again. Another series will restart at group A when there is no triggering event in 2 seconds.

AB-CD: The f irst trigger in a series will f ire group A and B together, then group C and D. The third trigger will f ire group A and B, and start the cycle again. Another

65 series will restart at group AB when there is no triggering event in 2 seconds.

15.5

Sports

Shutter

To select a group sequence mode:

1. Switch on the V6 IIs in TX mode. Press

. Turn the selection dial to

<FUNCTIONS> and press . Turn the selection dial to <GROUP SEQUENCE> and press .

2. Turn the selection dial to <A-B-C-D> or

<AB-CD> and press .

3. Depending on the group sequence mode you set, one or two cursors will point to the group alphabets on the main screen, indicating which group(s) will be f ired next.

The sports shutter is designed for burst mode triggering. In the setup, the V6 IIs transceivers are used as a wireless shutter release. The remote camera is triggered by a master camera in burst mode (or high speed

66 continuous shooting mode).

In sports photography when the subject is in quick successive motion, photographers may shoot in burst mode to capture as many images as possible. The sports shutter in the V6 IIs is designed to maximize the frames per second (FPS) of the slave camera in this setup.

When the sports shutter is activated, the

V6 IIs RX will treat a series of triggering signals that are faster than three times per second as one triggering event. It would then command the slave camera to shoot continuously at its own burst mode setting, until the shutter of the master camera is released.

To activate the sports shutter:

1. Switch on the V6 IIs in RX mode.

2. Press . Turn the selection dial to

<FUNCTIONS> and press .

3. Turn the selection dial to <SPORTS

SHUTTER> and press . Select <ON> to activate, or <OFF> to deactivate the sports shutter.

67

16. Personalizing the V6 IIs

You may conf igure a number of personalized options in the <PREFERENCES> menu of the

V6 IIs to suit your needs. Press , turn the selection dial to <PREFERENCES>, and then press . Turn the selection dial again to scroll through all the personalized options.

16.1

Dial

Direction

In <DIAL DIRECTION>, the selection dial of the V6 IIs can be conf igured to operate in a

<CLOCKWISE> or <ANTI-CLOCKWISE> direction.

To increase the power level in the main screen, for example, you would have to turn the selection dial to the left in the clockwise setting, or turn it to the right in the anti(counter)-clockwise setting.

16.2

Dial Lock

To prevent unintended turning of the selection dial and its consequence of affecting the power levels, the dial can be locked in the main screen of the TX mode:

1. To lock the selection dial, press and hold the selection dial or for

68

16.3

Swap

Control

2 seconds. The LCD will show at the upper left-hand corner.

2. To temporarily unlock the selection dial, press the selection dial or once. Alternatively, press and hold any group button to select a group for power level adjustment. The LCD will show to indicate the temporary unlock status.

The dial will be locked again when no button or dial is pressed or turned in

2 seconds.

3. Temporary unlock can be enabled or disabled in the <TEMPORARY UNLOCK> menu.

4. To permanently unlock the selection dial, press and hold the selection dial or for 2 seconds.

Note: The short-cut for adjusting the power level of a single group by simultaneously pressing a group button and turning the dial (see Section 12.1.1) will be unaffected.

In the main screen of the V6 IIs TX, pressing

or the push-in selection dial once will change it to one of the following modes:

• Zoom Control <ZOOM>: controlling the zoom level of the connected flashes and the

16.4

LCD

Options

69

Cactus RF60 series (see Section 12.5).

• Quick Power Adjustment Mode <QUICK POWER

ADJ>: expanding the power adjustment to

1EV step (see Section 12.1.3)

The option can be conf igured in <SWAP

CONTROL>.

The LCD display of the V6 IIs can be conf igured in the following ways:

1. LCD Backlight Auto Off: The LCD backlight of the V6 IIs will turn on whenever ,

, the selection dial, or any of the group buttons has been pressed or turned. In order to conserve energy, there is a timer setting that automatically turns off the backlight.

In <BACKLIGHT TIME>, choose from <OFF>,

<5 SECS>, <15 SECS>, or <STAY ON>.

2. LCD Backlight Power: In <BACKLIGHT

POWER>, conf igure the brightness of the

LCD display from 1 to 9.

3. LCD Daylight Mode: Enable <DAYLIGHT

MODE> if you work under direct sunlight.

The LCD display will replace the reversed fonts with black fonts on white background.

70

16.5

Sleep

Timer

16.6

Work

Range

To conserve energy when you forget to switch off the V6 IIs after use, the sleep timer will switch the V6 IIs to the sleep mode after a specif ied period. In <SLEEP>, choose from <OFF>, <15 MINS>, or <60 MINS>.

To wake up the V6 IIs from sleep mode, press any button or turn the selection dial once.

Local triggering via a hot shoe or x-sync port also awakens the V6 IIs.

Note: Wireless triggering will not wake up the V6 IIs RX units remotely.

The working distance of the V6 IIs can be customized to suit your shooting purpose.

In <WORK RANGE>, choose <SHORT> when you need to place the V6 IIs TX units very close to the RX units (e.g., when shooting macro), or choose <LONG> for normal shots. While the

<SHORT> option will reduce the maximum effective distance of the V6 IIs by approximately 70 percent, it will eliminate the interference caused by placing the

V6 IIs TX and RX units in close proximity.

16.7

Factory

Reset

71

To set the V6 IIs back to the original manufacturing setting, use Factory Reset.

In the <FACTORY RESET> menu, press and turn the dial to <YES>. The screen will show

<CONFIRM?>. Press to conf irm.

72

17. Working with Cactus Gear

The V6 IIs transceiver is compatible with the Cactus Wireless Flash RF60 series,

Wireless Flash Trigger V6 II, V6, V5, and

Laser Trigger LV5.

V6 IIs

V5

CAMERA

LV5 SENSOR LV5 EMITTER

V6

RF60X/

RF60

V5

73

Check the table below for the supporting features of all the possible pairing options:

Features

Supported

Flash

Triggering within x-sync shutter speed

High Speed Sync:

Normal HSS

High Speed Sync:

Power Sync

Cross-device Pairing Options

TX RX

V6 IIs, V6 II,

V6, LV5, V5;

RF60X, RF60

V6 IIs, V6 II

V6 IIs, V6 II

V6 II, V6, V5;

RF60X, RF60

V6 II;

RF60X, RF60

V6 II;

RF60X, RF60

Group Control

Remote Power

Control

Remote Zoom

Control

V6 IIs, V6 II,

V6;

RF60X, RF60

V6 IIs, V6 II,

V6;

RF60X, RF60

V6 IIs, V6 II,

V6;

RF60X, RF60

V6 IIs, V6 II,

V6;

RF60X, RF60

V6 IIs, V6 II,

V6;

RF60X, RF60

V6 IIs, V6 II;

RF60X, RF60

74

17.1

RF60

Series

17.1.1 RF60 series as Slave

V6 IIs

RF60X

CAMERA

With the built-in Cactus V6 module, the

Cactus RF60 series can be remotely commanded and triggered by the V6 IIs TX, within or beyond x-sync speed. The RF60 series in this set up would support both normal HSS and Power Sync flash.

Note:

The Cactus V6 IIs can specify up to 1/10

EV step and communicate it with any flash of the RF60; however, the flash will only display the nearest 1/3 EV step.

To control the power level and zoom of the

RF60 series in Slave:

75

1. Set the V6 IIs and the RF60 series to the same channel.

2. Activate the group assigned to the RF60 series slave on the V6 IIs TX.

3. Adjust the power level and zoom of each group as you do with the V6 IIs RX.

You may also combine the RF60 series with

TTL flashes to form a remote flash control system. For example, assign a RF60X to group

A, a Canon 580EX II (with a V6 II RX) to group B, and a Sony HVL-F60M (with a V6 IIs

RX) to group C. The V6 IIs TX will be able to trigger them all, set their power levels in either relative or absolute power mode, and adjust their zoom angles.

76

17.1.2 RF60 Series as Master

RF60X MASTER

RF60 SLAVE

V6 IIs CAMERA

You may assign the RF60 series as master on the camera’s hot shoe and let it trigger and command other RF60 series in Slave and

V6 IIs RX units. While the RF60 series in

Master can control the power and zoom levels of slave flashes, it would not be able to support high speed sync capabilities.

17.2

V6 Series

The Cactus V6 IIs in TX mode can work in pairs with V6 II in RX mode to support high speed sync capabilities, but not vice versa.

The Cactus V6 IIs can work in pairs with the

V6 to support remote power control and flash triggering within the x-sync shutter speed.

17.3

V5 and

LV5

77

The Cactus V6 IIs transceiver can work in pairs with the Cactus V5 or LV5 for wireless triggering without group control. They all share the same 2.4GHz, 16-channel platform.

Since the V5 and LV5 do not support groups and remote power control, the V6 IIs TX will trigger all V5s, independent of which group it considers active. Similarly, both V5 and

LV5 will trigger any V6 IIs RX, independent of which group the V6 IIs RX has been assigned to.

78

18. LED Signal Guide

STATUS

Flash triggering

Shutter triggering

Half-press auto focusing

Power level command received

Bulb mode activation

Bulb mode deactivation

Low battery

Firmware update mode

TTL pass-through setup error

INDICATOR ON TX INDICATOR ON RX

Green

Green

Orange

N/A Orange

Green (for 2 seconds)

Green

Red (every 3 seconds)

Red (every 0.5 second)

Red (every 0.2 second)

79

19. USB Connection

The V6 IIs transceiver comes with a mini-USB port that serves two purposes: providing external USB power and for f irmware updates.

19.1

External

USB

Power

Apart from AA batteries, the Cactus V6 IIs can also be powered by a 5V DC external USB power device. Check with the specif ications of your USB power device to determine the compatibility with the V6 IIs transceiver.

Note: External USB power cannot charge the rechargeable batteries inside the V6 IIs battery compartment.

19.2

Checking and

Updating

Firmware

Cactus will release new f irmware for the

V6 IIs from time to time. Update your V6 IIs via the USB connection.

To check the f of the V6 IIs, press and hold and , then switch on the

V6 IIs in TX or RX mode at the same time. The

LCD display will show the f irmware version installed in the unit. Release the buttons

80 and the LCD display will return to the main screen after 3 seconds.

To perform a f when available:

1. Switch off the V6 IIs and remove the batteries inside.

2. Connect it to a computer via the Cactus mini-USB cable MU-1 (optional).

3. Press and hold , then switch on the

V6 IIs in TX or RX mode at the same time.

4. The V6 IIs is now in f irmware update mode. The status LED blinks red rapidly.

The f irmware update program will then recognize the connected V6 IIs and start the upgrade.

Note:

The mini-USB port can also be used to

Section 10.3). Follow the steps above to get V6 IIs into the f irmware update mode to undergo the customization.

Please visit www.cactus-image.com/v6iis.html for more information.

81

20. Optional Accessories

1. Wireless flash RF60X / RF60

2. Wireless flash trigger V6 II

3. Laser trigger LV5

4. Shutter release cables

(Cactus Shutter Cables are available for most camera models by Canon, Fujifilm,

Leica, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus,

Panasonic, Pentax, Samsung, and Sony.

Please visit our website for compatible models.)

5. Sync cables and adapters

- PC Sync Cable CA-200

- 3.5mm Plug Cable w/6.35mm Plug adapter

CA-360

6. USB to mini USB cable MU-1

7. Lanyard CL-1

82

21. Troubleshooting

Before reading this section, ensure that the

Cactus V6 IIs transceiver has been set up correctly (following the instruction in

Section 8-14 of this manual). If the problem persists after conducting the troubleshooting steps, contact your seller directly for further assistance.

83

1. Wrong Flash Power Fired

LCD DISPLAY

RX displays wrong power levels

RX displays correct power levels

POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION

More than one

TXs are controlling the flash power of the RXs

- Set Radio ID to prevent the RX from receiving unintended commands by other TXs

- Set all transceivers to another channel

1. The chosen flash prof does not match the flash model

Choose the correct flash prof one ile or customize a new

2. The flash is in a wrong operating mode

(e.g., M mode)

Check and set the flash to the TTL mode

3. A wrong EV offset has been set in the absolute power mode

Check and reset the EV offset of the group concerned

84

2. Unexpected Triggering

LED BLINKS?

POSSIBLE CAUSE

TX: No

RX: No

TX: No

RX: Yes

(Green)

Poor hot shoe contact

SOLUTION

- Adjust tightness of hot shoe contact

- Clean the hot shoe contacts of the V6 IIs with a clean cloth

Background radio interference

- Set both transceivers to another channel and radio ID

- Change the setup location as interference may come from other equipment in the surrounding area

85

3. Delay Triggering

LED BLINKS?

POSSIBLE CAUSE

TX: Yes

(Green)

RX: Yes

(Green)

TX or RX:

Yes

(Red every

3 seconds)

1. Delay timer has been set

2. Power Sync has been adjusted to a wrong timing

Insuff icient battery power

SOLUTION

Turn off the delay timer or adjust the delay timer to a correct sync time

Use Power Sync adjustment to set the correct sync time (see Section

13.2)

Replace batteries and retry

4. Flash Not Triggered / Shutter Not Released

LED BLINKS?

POSSIBLE CAUSE

TX: No

RX: No

1. Poor battery contact or insuff icient battery on TX

2. Poor hot shoe contact

SOLUTION

Replace batteries on TX and retry

- Adjust tightness of hot shoe contact

- Clean the hot shoe contact of the V6 IIs with a clean cloth

86

LED BLINKS?

POSSIBLE CAUSE

TX: Yes

(Green)

RX: No

1. Poor battery contact or battery out of power on RX

2. Channel and group mismatch

3. Background radio interference

SOLUTION

Replace the batteries in the

RX and retry

Ensure both transceivers are set to the same channel and the group assigned to the RX has been activated on the TX

- Set both transceivers to another channel and radio ID

- Change the setup location as interference may come from other equipment in the surrounding area

4. Beyond 100m effective range

Make sure TX and

RX transceivers are placed within

100m (328 ft) of each other

5. TX and RX transceivers are placed too close to each other

Choose <SHORT> in the work range menu

87

LED BLINKS?

TX: Yes

(Green)

RX: Yes

(Green)

POSSIBLE CAUSE

1. Poor hot shoe contact

SOLUTION

- Adjust tightness of hot shoe contact

- Clean the hot shoe contacts of the V6 IIs with a clean cloth

2. Flash used is not compatible with the

V6 IIs

Check that the flash used is compatible with the V6 IIs (see

Section 7.1)

3. Poor cable connection

- Check the cable connection

- Change the cable

4. Wrong cable is being used

(only when the

V6 IIs is used as a Wireless

Shutter

Release)

Ensure that an appropriate shutter release cable is being used

88

22. Notices

Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Radio Frequency Interference Statements.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Changes or modif ications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.

89

HARVEST ONE LIMITED AND THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS

WIRELESS FLASH TRANSCEIVER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE

FOR ANY RADIO OR TV INTERFERENCE CAUSED BY

UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS TO THIS EQUIPMENT.

SUCH MODIFICATIONS COULD VOID THE USER AUTHORITY

TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.

IIs

FCC ID: VAAWFTV6IIs

MADE IN CHINA

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC

Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

R&TTE Declaration of Conformity (DOC)

We, Harvest One Limited, 11D, Block 2, Koon Wah

Mirror Factory (6th) Industrial Building,

7-9 Ho Tin Street, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, declare under our own responsibility that the product:

Cactus Wireless Flash Transceiver V6 IIs is in conformity with the essential requirements and other relevant requirements of the R&TTE

Directive (1999/5/EC).

This product, Cactus Wireless Flash

Transceiver V6 IIs, is in conformity with the provisions of EU Council

Directive: 1999/5/EC.

90

The crossed-out wheeled bin means that within the European Union the product must be disposed separately at the end of the product cycle. Do not dispose this product with other municipal waste.

NCC Warning Statement

Article 12

Without permission, any company, f irm or user shall not alter the frequency, increase the power, or change the characteristics and functions of the original design of the certif ied lower power frequency electric machinery.

Article 14

The application of low power frequency electric machineries shall not affect the navigation safety nor interfere a legal communication, if an interference is found, the service will be suspended until improvement is made and the interference no longer exists.

CCAE16LP0670T9

Japan Electrical Safety Approval

R

017-160008

91

23. Warranty

The limited warranty set forth below is given by Harvest One Limited in the world with respect to the Cactus brand Wireless Flash Transceiver purchased with this limited warranty.

Your Cactus Wireless Flash Transceiver or other contents, when delivered to you in new condition in its original container, is warranted against defects in materials or workmanship as follows: for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase, defective parts or a defective

Wireless Flash Transceiver returned to our authorized dealers, as applicable, and proven to be defective upon inspection, will be repaired with new or comparable rebuilt parts or exchanged for a new Wireless Flash Transceiver as determined by Harvest One Limited or the authorized dealers.

This limited warranty shall only apply if the

Wireless Flash Transceiver is used in conjunction with compatible camera and flash equipment, as to which items, Harvest One Limited, shall have no responsibility.

This limited warranty covers all defects encountered in normal use of the Wireless Flash

Transceiver, and does not apply in any of the following cases:

(a) Loss of or damage to the Wireless Flash

Transceiver due to abuse, mishandling, improper packaging by you, alteration, accident, electrical current fluctuations.

92

(b) Failure to follow operating, maintenance or environmental instructions prescribed in

Cactus user’s manual.

(c) Receive services performed by someone other than Harvest One Limited or authorized dealers.

(d) Without limiting the foregoing, water damage, sand/corrosion damage, battery leakage, dropping the transceiver, scratches, abrasions or damage to the body, or damage to the hot shoe or PC cables, will be presumed to have resulted from misuse, abuse or failure to operate the Wireless Flash Transceiver as set forth in the operating instructions.

NO IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED

WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A

PARTICULAR PURPOSE, APPLIES TO THE WIRELESS FLASH

TRANSCEIVER AFTER THE APPLICABLE PERIOD OF THE

EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY STATED ABOVE, AND NO

OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY OR GUARANTY, EXCEPT AS

MENTIONED ABOVE, GIVEN BY ANY PERSON OR ENTITY

WITH RESPECT TO THE WIRELESS FLASH TRANSCEIVER

SHALL BIND HARVEST ONE LIMITED. HARVEST ONE

LIMITED SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF REVENUES

OR PROFITS, INCONVENIENCE, EXPENSE FOR

SUBSTITUTE EQUIPMENT OR SERVICE, STORAGE

CHARGES, LOSS OR CORRUPTION OF DATA OR ANY OTHER

SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES

CAUSED BY THE USE OR MISUSE OF, OR INABILITY TO

USE, THE WIRELESS FLASH TRANSCEIVER, REGARDLESS

OF THE LEGAL THEORY ON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED,

AND EVEN IF HARVEST ONE LIMITED HAS BEEN ADVISED

OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT

SHALL RECOVERY OF ANY KIND AGAINST HARVEST ONE

LIMITED GREATER IN AMOUNT THAN THE PURCHASE

PRICE OF THE CACTUS WIRELESS FLASH TRANSCEIVER

SOLD BY HARVEST ONE LIMITED OR ITS AUTHORIZED

93

DEALERS AND CAUSING THE ALLEGED DAMAGE. WITHOUT

LIMITING THE FOREGOING, YOU ASSUME ALL RISK AND

LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGE OR INJURY TO YOU AND

YOUR PROPERTY AND TO OTHERS AND THEIR PROPERTY

ARISING OUT OF USE OR MISUSE OF, OR INABILITY TO

USE, THE CACTUS WIRELESS FLASH TRANSCEIVER NOT

CAUSED DIRECTLY BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF HARVEST ONE

LIMITED. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT EXTEND

TO ANYONE OTHER THAN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF

HARVEST ONE LIMITED, OR THE PERSON FOR WHOM IT

WAS PURCHASED AS A GIFT, AND STATES YOUR

EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.

Corporate Office:

HARVEST ONE LIMITED

11D, BLK 2,

KOON WAH MIRROR FACTORY (6TH) IND. BLDG.,

7-9 HO TIN ST,

TUEN MUN, HONG KONG

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER FOR

CUSTOMER SERVICE.

© HARVEST ONE LTD. 2017

(2 nd EDITION, BASED ON FIRMWARE VER. 1.1.003)

www.cactus-image.com