Cactus V6 IIs, V6 II User Manual

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User Manual

Wireless Flash Transceiver V6 IIs

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. Co mpatibility 13

8. TTL Pass-through

9. Getting Started

10. Flash Setup 29

11. Flash Triggering 34

12. Remote Manual Power and Zoom 36 Control

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

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 ashes with the MI (Multi-

Interface) hot shoe. Yet when working with the Cactus V6 II, it allows you to command

different brands’ ashes off camera below or

above x-sync speed. The freedom to adjust shutter speed equips you with the most exibility in controlling apertures and power levels. The possibility are endless!

1. Cross-brand wireless manual power and zoom control of Canon, Fujif ilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Pentax

ashes with Cactus V6 II .

2. Specif ically designed for Sony cameras

a n d  a s h e s w it h t h e M u lti-I n t e rf a c e (M I)

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 ash contribution

1.1

Special Features

above the x-sync shutter speed.

4. Multi-master supports up to 20 photographers f iring the same set of

ashes at their own power setting.

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

6. Flash prof ile customization 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 t h e D - T T L (d i g it a l t h r o u g h -t h e -l e n s) protocols from different camera systems and build up a common language between cameras

a n d  a s h e s.

When working with the V6 II, the V6 IIs transceiver is a gateway to sync your Sony

cameras to almost any digital ashes in the

world.

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

1.2

Cactus V6 IIs Core

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, ash 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  a m m a b le g a s e s o r f u m e s.

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: 79 m m (L) x 77 m m (W) x 4 6 m m (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):

Alkaline AA Batteries 1000mAh

Rechargeable NiMH AA Batteries 2500mAh

TX RX TX RX

55 32 65 34

4. Package Contents

Album, Sticker

& Quick Start

Guide

Flash Stand FS-2V6 IIs Transceiver

5. Nomenclature

LCD DISPLAY

HOT SHOE

(FE M AL E)

X-SYNC PORT

MINI USB PORT

MODE SWITCH

AF-ASSIST

LIGHT

LANYARD LOOP

TEST BUTTON/ SHUTTER RELEASE BUTTON

GROUP BUTTONS

HOT SHOE

(M A L E)

HOT SHOE LOCK LEVER

BATTERY DOOR

TRIPOD MOUNT

LED STATUS INDICATOR

MENU BUTTON

OK BUTTON

SELECTION DIAL

6. LCD Panel

(T h e s t a t u s s c r e e n i s a c c e s si bl e b y pr e s s i n g

and holding the Menu button while turning the dial to either the left or right at the same time.)

6.1

TX mode

CAMERA SYSTEM

FLASH PROFILE

FLASH

SYSTEM

SYNC MODE INDICATOR

RELAY MODE INDICATOR

DELAY

TIMER

CHANNEL

POWER LEVEL

POWER LEVEL INCREMENT

BATTERY INDICATOR

GROUP

MAIN SCREEN

StAtuS SCREEN

POWER LEVEL/

ZOOM

Sony Others

6.2

RX mode

WIRELESS

SENSITIVITY

CHANNEL

BATTERY

INDICATOR

FLASH

PROFILE

POWER LEVEL

INCREMENT

POWER LEVEL

DELAY TIMER

RELAY MODE

INDICATOR

FLASH

SYSTEM

6.3

Camera and Flash

Indicators

7. Compatibility

The Cactus V6 IIs is both a wireless ash

trigger and wireless remote control. While

it triggers both portable ashes and studio

strobe lights, it also supports remote

c o n t r o l f e at u r e s w it h s e le c t e d  a s h m o d e l s.

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 Sectio n 17.1.1).

7.1.2 Flash Models for Sony cameras

The Cactus V6 IIs works with ashes 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

A DP - M A A).

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

7.1

Flash & Studio Strobes

• Sony HVL-F60M, HVL-F58AM*, HVL-F43M

• Metz 64 AF-1, 44 AF-1*

• Nissin i40

7.1.3 Studio Strobes

The Cactus V6 IIs triggers studio strobes with the PC sync male port, 3.5mm or 6.35mm

p o r t v i a o p tio n a l c a bl e s (s e e S e c tio n 20).

This includes high trigger voltage portable

 a s h m o d el s, a n d a l l st r o b e m o d el s w it h a

trigger voltage of 300V or less. The Cactus V6 IIs does not provide remote power control

of t h e s e  a s h e s a n d s tr o b e s.

F o r st u d i o  a s h e s t o w o r k w it h h i g h - s p e e d s y n c, t h e y h a v e t o m a i nt a i n a  a s h d u r ati o n

of 1/100 second or longer.

Caution:

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

* requires an appropriate hot shoe adapter

7.2

Cameras

The Cactus V6 IIs works with all cameras

t h at a r e e q u i p p e d w it h (1) t h e S o n y M I s h o e, or (2) t h e l e g a c y S o n y/ M i n o lt a i I S O h ot s h o e 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.

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 ash trigger model, including the

Cactus V4, Cactus V2s, and Cactus V2.

7.3

Flash Triggers

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 ashes.

While the V6 IIs does not wirelessly command

off-camera ashes to f ire according to TTL

metering, it is designed to pass the TTL

signal from camera to ash via the transmitter (TX) and vice versa.

Wit h T T L p a s s -t h r o u g h , t h e T T L  a s h e s

behave as they would when directly connected to the camera hot shoe. The V6 IIs

will work as a wireless ash commander while s u p p o r t i n g a l l t h e a u t o m atic f e a t u r e s (e.g., automatic ash output via TTL metering, AF-

assist light, second curtain sync and high speed sync/FP shutter) provided by the TTL

ash system.

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 ash

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>

m e n u (s e e S e c t i o n 9.7).

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 f r ont.

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

1. Turn the lock lever of the V6 IIs to the

left to unlock the multi-system shoe

(m a l e).

9.1

Installing the Batteries

UNLOCK

LOCK

9.2

Attaching to and

from the Camera

Detaching

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

(m a l e).

4. When detaching the V6 IIs from the

camera’s hot shoe, turn the lock lever to

t h e lef t t o u n l o c k t h e h o t s h o e (m a le). Otherwise, the hot shoe (male) may be

da maged.

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

y o u r w o r k i n g h a bit (s e e S e c tio n s 16.1-16.3).

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

9.3

Buttons and Dial

Group Control (see Section 9.6)

Function Mode LCD Key

Select a group

(e.g., g r o u p A)

for adjusting

parameters (power

le vel/zoo m)

Main screen, when the group is not selected

Hold*

Deselect a group

(e.g., g r o u p A)

Main screen, when the group is selected

Turn on/off a

g r o u p (e.g .,

gr oup A)

Main screen, when the group is not selected

Test f iring a

g r o u p (e.g .,

gr oup A)

Main screen

Group EV Offset in absolute power

m o d e (e.g., t o

gr oup A)

Main screen, in absolute power mode

Change the RX to another group

(e.g., t o g r o u p A)

Main screen

* Hold = Pr e s s a n d h o l d t h e b u t t o n for 2 se c o n d s,

then r elease.

Adjusting Power Level and Zoom (see Sections

12.1 a n d 12.5)

Function Mode LCD Key

Adjust power level/zoom of all groups

Main screen

Adjust power level/zoom of a

si n g l e g r o u p (e.g.,

gr oup A)

Main screen

Hold , then

Adjust power level/zoom of the

on-camera ash**

Main screen

Toggle between the power level and the zoom control panel

Main screen

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

Main screen

** T h e s a m e c o m m a n d i s u s e d t o c h e c k t h e T X s t a t u s

screen.

T T L P a s s - t h r o u g h (s e e S e c tio n 8)

Function Mode LCD Key

Enter/leave TTL pass-through mode

Main screen

Hold

N a v i g ati n g t h e M e n u (s e e S e c tio n 9.7)

Function Mode LCD Key

Enter the menu

TX/ RX

Main screen

Browse through menu items and options

Choose a menu item or option

Leave the menu Menu

D i a l L o ck (s e e S e cti o n 17.2)

Function Mode LCD Key

Lock the dial

Main screen, when the dial is unlocked

Hold

Temporarily unlock the dial

Main screen, when the dial is locked

Unlock the dial Main screen,

when the dial is locked

Hold

Fi r m w a r e (s e e S e c tio n 19.2)

Function

Mode

Key

Check f irmware version

OFF

Hold

+ and switch

on to TX or RX mode

Firmware update mode

Hold

and switch on

to TX or RX 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.

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.

9.4

Choosing the Operating Mode

9.5

Setting the Channel and Radio ID

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.

The group function in the V6 IIs can assign RXs into Group A, B, C, or D, and allows you

9.6

Setting and Selecting the Group

to choose which group(s) to f ire from the

TX u nit.

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

button(s). You can f ire any combination

of A, B, C, and D groups. The LED of the

a ctiv at e d g r o u p(s) w il l t u r n o n.

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

of f t h e g r o u p(s). T h e V 6 I I s R X u n it s t h at h a v e b e e n s e t t o t h e o f f g r o u p(s) w i l l

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.

The conf igurable menu items of the V6 IIs are grouped under categories shown in the followin g se q uences:

FLASH SETUP

PREFERENCES FUNCTIONS

POWER SETUP

RADIO SETUP

FUNCTIONS

PREFERENCES

FLASH SETUP

RADIO

SETUP

To change a menu option:

1. Press

to bring up the f irst menu

c a t e g or y.

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.

9.7

the Menu

Navigating

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 tX RX

- SYNC MODE

- DELAY

- RELAY

- GROUP SEQUENCE

- SPORTS SHUTTER

- TTL PASSTHROUGH

√ √ √ √

√

√ √

√

FlASh SEtup tX RX

- FLASH SYSTEM

- FLASH PROFILE

√ √

powER SEtup tX RX

- POWER MODE

- EV STEP

- LO POWER

√ √ √

RAdIo SEtup tX RX

- CHANNEL

- RADIO ID

- MULTI-MASTER

- WORK RANGE

√ √ √ √

√ √

pREFERENCES tX RX

- A F - A S SI S T (T X/R X)

- BACKLIGHT POWER

- BACKLIGHT TIME

- DAYLIGHT MODE

- SWAP CONTROL

- DIAL DIR ECTION

- TEMPORARY UNLOCK

- SLEEP

- FACTORY RESET

√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

√ √ √ √

√

√ √

10. Flash Setup

The V6 IIs transceiver commands ashes to f ire at a particular output via ash

prof iles. There are three ways to obtain

the correct ash prof iles:

1. Apply the <AUTO> ash prof ile (see

S e cti o n 1 0.1).

2. Choose from the pre-installed ash prof iles in the V6 IIs (see Section 10.2).

3. Customize the auto prof ile in the Cactus Prof ile Editor on a PC or Mac (see S e cti o n 1 0.3).

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

system ashes. To apply the auto prof ile, no

setup is required.

Alternatively, set up the auto prof ile as you

do in choosing a ash-specif ic prof ile in t h e <F L A S H P R O F I L E > m e n u (s e e S e c ti o n 10.2).

10.1

Applying an Auto Flash Proﬁle

Choose the appropriate ash prof ile from the

pre-installed prof ile list for each V6 IIs

R X a s s i g n e d t o a  a s h.

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

L C D s h o w s y o u r  a s h m o d e l (e.g., S O N Y

<F60M>). Press

5. Connect the ash unit to the V6 IIs. S w it c h y o u r  a s h t o T T L m o d e a n d y o u r  a s h w i l l b e r ea d y fo r r e m ot e c o n t r ol. The chosen ash prof ile will be applied until you choose another ash prof ile.

If you wish to f ire and control an on-camera  a s h v i a t h e V 6 I I s T X, f ol l o w s t e p s 2-5 above in the TX mode.

If y o u r  a s h m o de l i s n ot i n clu d e d i n t h e

pre-installed prof ile list but supports digital TTL, apply the Auto Flash Prof ile

(see Section 10.1). To f ine tune the power

level commanded by the Auto Flash Prof ile,

10.3

Customizing a Flash Proﬁle

10.2

Choosing a Flash Proﬁle

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

(s e e S e cti o n 19.2).

3. Input the guide number of your ash at t h e z o o m a n g le of 105 m m (w h i c h i s t h e

benchmark of the pre-installed prof iles in the V6 IIs).

4. Based on your experience in controlling the ash with the Auto Flash Prof ile, 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.

To choose the saved ash prof ile from the

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 c u s t o m  a s h

prof iles from the Cactus Prof ile Editor.

Note: The Prof ile Editor supports prof ile

s h a r i n g b y c o d e s. W h e n c u s t o m i zi n g a  a s h

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.

11. Flash Triggering

To command the ash 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

(s e e S e cti o n 9.4).

2. Set both the TX and RX to the same

c h a n n el (s e e S e ct i o n 9.5).

3. Assign RX unit(s) to A, B, C, or D group a n d a c t iv a t e t h e g r o u p(s) o n t h e T X (s e e

S e cti o n 9.6).

4. Connect the V6 IIs RX to portable ashes

or studio strobes.

5. On the TX, press

completely. The status LED of both the TX and RX should blink in green simultaneously. The p o r t a b le  a s h e s o r s t u d io s tr o b e s w il l f ire at the same time.

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

completely and

simultaneously.

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

o pti o n a l P C s y n c c a b l e (C A -20 0).

8. Press the camera’s shutter release

b u t t o n. T h e  a s h e s o n t h e R X s w i l l f i r e

wirelessly and in sync.

Tips: The V6 IIs transceiver can trigger

p o r t a b le  a s h e s w it h o r w it h o u t r e m ot e

power control. If you wish to wirelessly trigger the off-camera ashes without controlling their power levels, choose

t h e < O T H E R >  a s h s y s t e m i n t h e <F L A S H

PROFILE> menu.

12. Remote Manual Power

Control and Zoom Control

Apart from ash triggering, the V6 IIs can

also command the manual power and manual

z o o m a n g le of y o u r  a s h. O n e a c h R X, c h o o s e the appropriate ash prof ile for each ash

to be connected. The V6 IIs TX will then be

able to command the ash to f ire from 1/128

to 1/1 full power, and at a zoom angle between 16mm and 200mm.

To remotely control the power of your ash

u nits:

1. Connect the ash units to the V6 IIs.

2. Switch on the ash units in TTL mode.

Then switch on the V6 IIs in RX mode.

3. Apply the correct ash prof ile for each

V6 IIs.

4. If you want to command the ash to f ire above the x-sync speed, turn on the HSS

m o d e o n y o u r  a s h u n it s (s e e S e c tio n

13.1).

V6 IIs offers two power def initions for

users to command the ashes’ power in the

most convenient way.

Similar to a common ash display, the V6 IIs

TX indicates the power level of the remote

ashes 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 of a particular slave group.

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

12.1

Relative Power

le v e l. P r e s s t h e g r o u p b u tt o n b r ie  y t o

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 ash that you have mounted on the

V6 IIs in TX mode.

1. Make sure that the TTL pass-through mode

h a s n o t b e e n a c tiv a t e d (s e e S e c t i o n 8).

2. Press

and turn the selection dial

simultaneously to change the power level

of the on-camera ash.

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 ash

is not affected by the multi-group adjustment.

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

S T E P > m e n u (s e e S e c tio n 1 2.3).

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 cho ose.

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

le v e l of a g r o u p w a s 1/16 +3, o n e cl i c k

of the selection dial will increase the

power level to 1/8 +3 or decrease it to 1/3 2 + 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 le v e l s o f t h e r e m ot e  a s h e s (s e e S e cti o n 1 6.3).

If you want to coordinate the light output

of multiple ashes 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 ash model at 1/8 can be higher than that of another, weaker ash

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

12.2

Absolute Power

power output of a ash model.

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

ABSOLUTE LIGHT INTENSITY IN EV

G U I D E N U M B E R S (I N M E T E R S)

+0.0 + 0.3 + 0.5 + 0.7

17 58.0 64.4 69.0 7 3.9

16 41.0 45.5 48.8 52.3

15 29.0 32.2 34.5 3 6.9

14 20.5 2 2.7 24.4 26.1

13 14.5 16.1 17.2 18.5

12 10.3 11.4 12.2 13.0

11 7.2 8.0 8.6 9.2

10 5.1 5.7 6.1 6.6

9 3.6 4.0 4.3 4.6

8 2.6 2.8 3.0 3.2

7 1.8 2.0 2.1 2.3

6 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6

When setting up the absolute power mode, the V6 IIs TX will collect the ash prof iles 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

scales are translated into the absolute power scale.

ABSOLUTE LIGHT INTENSITY SCALE IN EV

RELATIVE LIGHT INTENSITY SCALE OF 4 FLASHES WITH DIFFERENT FULL POWER GUIDE NUMBERS

FLASH AFLASH BFLASH CFLASH

17 GN58

16 1/2 GN41

15 GN29 1/4 1/2

14 1/2 1/8 GN21 1/4

13 1/4 1/16 1/2 1/8

12 1/8 1/32 1/4 1/16

11 1/16 1/64 1/8 1/32

10 1/32 1/128 1/16 1/64

9 1/64 1/32 1/128

8 1/128 1/64

7 1/128

W h e n y o u s et a l l  a s h e s t o 1 1 E V (s e e

italicized section in the above table) in

absolute power mode, all ashes will emit

the same intensity of light notwithstanding the differences in their own relative power

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

mode. Choose the correct ash prof iles

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

s el e c tio n d i a l t o < A B S OL U T E (S E T U P)> a n d

press

to conf irm.

4. The V6 IIs TX will then collect the ash 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

thereafter 1/10 EV.

6. Set all the activated groups to the same power level. Test f ire the off-camera

ashes and determine whether they pr o d u c e t h e s a m e  a s h o u t p u t.

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. F o r e x a m p le, i f t h e  a s h o u t p u t 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

V6 IIs TX will restart in relative power mo de.

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 ashes do not support the f inest EV step of 1/10EV, such setting on the V6 IIs TX can

still command other system ashes (c o n n e ct e d w it h t h e V 6 I I R X) o r t h e R F 6 0 series wireless ash 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

conf ir m.

12.3

EV Step

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

(s e e S e cti o n 1 2.1.3), t h e c o n f i g u r e d E V

step will be replaced by the 1EV step cha n g es.

3. When the EV step conf igured on the TX is f iner than the step supported by the

connected ashes, 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 o u t p u t o f a S o n y s y s t e m  a s h t h a t s u p ports up to 1/3 EV step.

At the Lo Power level, the relative power

output of a ash 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 ash meter, but the extremely short f iring duration helps freeze faster-than-lightning moments and is

12.4

Lo Power

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.

12.5

Zoom

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 – 200m m

In case the zoom angle parameters of the c o n n e ct e d  a s h e s d o n o t m at c h w it h t h e 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

 a s h e s, a  a s h e q u i p p e d w it h 70 m m – 8 5 m m –

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

le v e l. P r e s s t h e g r o u p b u tt o n b r ie  y

to deselect a group.

- Short cut: Press and hold the group

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

13. High Speed Synchronization

Most cameras support normal ash 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

ashes will behave differently. The high

speed sync, which is also known as HSS or FP

s y n c, h a s t o b e e n a ble d o n t h e s y s t e m  a s h in order to synchronize the ash light with

the camera beyond the x-sync shutter speed.

Cactus V6 IIs supports high-speed sync in two w a ys:

1. Normal HSS: It supports the HSS or FP

s y n c c a p a bi l it i e s of t h e s y s t e m  a s h e s.

While it allows user to adjust power

levels, the ash exposure is much lower t h a n t h e n or m a l  a s h s y n c.

2. Power Sync: It syncs with the full power

 a s h p u l s e w it h o ut c o m p r o m i si n g t h e  a s h

exposure. While it does not allow power

le v e l a d ju s t m e n t, t h e  a s h e x p o s u r e is

much higher than in the normal HSS mode.

Tips: H S S  a s h i s c o m m o n l y u s e d o u t d o o r s, especially in sunlight. The faster

shutter speed supported by the HSS ash

allows you to use a wider aperture to achieve shallower depth of f ield while maintaining correct exposure.

When the shutter speed of the camera exceeds its x-sync speed, the normal HSS setting of

t h e V6 II s w il l c o m m a n d t h e  a s h es t o f ire continuous and constant ash pulses

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 ash option on the ash

units.

13.1

Normal HSS

Tips:

1. The continuous light output of a normal

H S S  a s h d o es n o t f r e ez e a m o v i n g o bj e ct a s a n or m a l  a s h d o es. I n st e a d,

it will cause motion blur, much like a continuous light source would. In order to freeze motion using a normal

H S S  a s h, y o u n e e d t o u s e h i g h s h u tt e r

speeds.

2. Increasing the shutter speed in a

n o r m a l H S S  a s h i m pl ie s t h a t t h e c o n tr i b u ti o n of t h e  a s h d e c r e a s e s

accordingly. When changing the shutter

s p e e d, y o u a l s o n e e d t o a d ju s t t h e  a s h

power level if you want to maintain the

s a m e c o n tr ib u ti o n of t h e  a s h .

As an alternative to the Normal HSS, the Power Sync of the V6 IIs syncs with the full

power ash of the remote ashes. Power Sync

yields a much higher exposure than the

n o r m a l H S S  a s h.

To activate the Power Sync mode:

1. On the V6 IIs TX, press

. Turn the

selection dial to <FUNCTIONS> and press

13.2

Power Sync

. 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

v a l u e (t o s h o r t e n t h e s y n c ti m e).

Notes:

1. Since the Power Sync always command the

remote ashes to f ire in full power,

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

a n d b o tt o m of t h e pi c t u r e, t h e  a s h d u r atio n of t h e p o r t a ble  a s h m a y n o t

be long enough to support Power Sync.

3. The ash f ires full power in Power

Sync, so check for any overheat warning o n y o u r  a s h f r o m ti m e t o ti m e. Frequent use of Power Sync may overheat

t h e p o r t a bl e  a s h.

Tip:

Even if there is no dark band in the frame, the Power Sync adjustment can

s h i f t t h e b r i g ht e s t p a r t of t h e  a s h p u l s e

up and down to create your desired effect. You may also achieve an even illumination

b y m o v i n g t h e br i g ht e s t p a r t of t h e  a s h

pulse outside the frame.

14. Camera Shutter Release

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.

14.1

Basic Setup

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.

14.2

Bulb Mode

The relay mode in the V6 series is an economic solution for coordinating the wireless shutter release with ash trigger systems. With relay capability, you need only three transceivers to wirelessly

control both the camera and a ash 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.

14.3

Relay Mode: Camera Shutter + Flash

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 I I s R X s t o t h e  a s h u n it s.

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.

6. By pressing on the TX, both the

camera and ash units will be triggered

and sync with one another. In addition, you will also be able to control the power level of the ashes with your V6 IIs TX.

15. Advanced Operations

The V6 IIs is equipped with an auto-focus (A F) a s s i s t L E D a n d it i s c a p a ble of e m it t i n g 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.

15.1

Autofocus Assist Light

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.

The V6 IIs supports up to 20 TXs working together in a lighting set up. Photographers

c a n s h a r e t h e s a m e s e t of r e m o t e  a s h u n it s

and command them to f ire their desired power output without being affected by the other s.

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 <MULTIMASTER> 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 ash to f ire the conf igured power levels from that speci f i c TX.

15.2

Multi- master

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

wish to f ire the ash a bit later than the

f irst curtain sync to create a different

li g h t e f f e ct (e.g., t o a ch i e v e a s e c o n d

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

15.3

Delay Timer

2. To set a delay time in milliseconds, turn the dial to <SET MS> and press

. Turn

the dial to set each digit, press

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

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).

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 t h e s a m e s c e n e w it h c o n t r a st e d  a s h

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.

15.4

Group Sequence

• S p e e d u p t h e  a s h c y cl e: When you need

to f ire a series of ashes at high power le v e l s, a s s i g n t w o o r m o r e  a s h e s t o

different groups and adjust them to the same power level. Alternately f iring the

 a s h e s w i l l l e t t h e c a p a cit o r s r e c h a r g e

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

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

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

15.5

Sports Shutter

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.

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.

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.

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

16.1

Dial Direction

16.2

Dial Lock

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

d i a l (s e e S e c tio n 1 2.1.1) w i l l b e u n a f fe c t e d.

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

le v e l of t h e c o n n e c t e d  a s h e s a n d t h e

16.3

Swap Control

Cactus RF60 series (see Section 12.5).

• Quick Power Adjustment Mode <QUICK POWER ADJ>: expanding the power adjustment to

1 E V st e p (s e e S e c t i o n 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.

16.4

LCD Options

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

t o t h e R X u n it s (e.g., w h e n s h o oti n g m a c r o),

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.

16.5

Sleep Timer

16.6

Work Range

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.

16.7

Factory Reset

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.

CAMERA

RF60X/

RF60

LV5 EMITTER

LV5 SENSOR

IIs

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

Features Supported

Cross-device Pairing Options

TX RX

Flash Triggering within x-sy nc shutter speed

V6 IIs, V6 II, V6, LV5, V5; RF60X, RF60

V6 II, V6, V5; RF60X, RF60

High Speed Sync: Normal HSS

V6 IIs, V6 II V6 II;

RF60X, RF60

High Speed Sync: Power Sync

V6 IIs, V6 II V6 II;

RF60X, RF60

Group Control V6 IIs, V6 II,

V6; RF60X, RF60

V6 IIs, V6 II, V6; RF60X, RF60

Remote Power Control

V6 IIs, V6 II, V6; RF60X, RF60

Remote Zoom Control

V6 IIs, V6 II, V6; RF60X, RF60

V6 IIs, V6 II; RF60X, RF60

17.1.1 RF60 series as Slave

CAMERA

RF60X

IIs

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 ash.

Note:

The Cactus V6 IIs can specify up to 1/10

E V st e p a n d c o m m u n ic a t e it w it h a n y  a s h of the RF60; however, the ash will only

display the nearest 1/3 EV step.

To control the power level and zoom of the RF60 series in Slave:

17.1

RF60 Series

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

T T L  a s h e s t o f o r m a r e m o t e  a s h c o nt r ol

system. For example, assign a RF60X to group

A, a Canon 580EX II (with a V6 II RX) to g r o u p B, a n d a S o n y H V L -F 6 0 M (w it h a V6 I I s

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.

17.1.2 RF60 Series as Master

RF60 SLAVE

CAMERA

RF60X MASTER

IIs

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 ashes, it would not be able to

support high speed sync capabilities.

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 ash

triggering within the x-sync shutter speed.

17.2

V6 Series

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 assig ne d to.

17.3

V5 and LV5

18. LED Signal Guide

STATUS INDICATOR ON TX INDICATOR ON RX

Flash triggering Green

Shutter triggering Green

Half-press auto focusing

Orange

Power level com ma nd r eceived

N/A Orange

Bulb mode activation

G r e e n (f o r 2 s e c o n d s)

Bulb mode deactivation

Green

Low battery R e d (e v e r y 3 s e c o n d s)

Firmware update mode

R e d (e v e r y 0.5 s e c o n d)

TTL pass-through setup error

R e d (e v e r y 0.2 s e c o n d)

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.

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.

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 irmware version 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

19.1

External USB Power

19.2

Checking and Updating Firmware

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

To perform a f irmware update when available:

1. Switch off the V6 IIs and remove the

batteries inside.

2. Connect it to a computer via the Cactus

m i n i- U S B c a bl e M U -1 (o pti o n a l).

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 upg r ade.

Note:

The mini-USB port can also be used to customize an Auto Flash Prof ile (see Section 10.3). Follow the steps above to get V6 IIs into the f irmware update mode to undergo the customization.

Please visit w w w.cactu s-im a ge.co m/v6iis.html for more information.

20. Optional Accessories

1. Wireless ash RF60X / RF60

2. Wireless ash trigger V6 II

3. Laser trigger LV5

4. Shutter release cables

(Cactus Shutter Cables are available for

most camera models by Canon, Fujilm,

Leica, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Samsung, and Sony. Please visit our website for compatible m o d e l s.)

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

21. Troubleshooting

Before reading this section, ensure that the Cactus V6 IIs transceiver has been set up

c or r e c t l y (fo l l o w i n g t h e i n s tr u cti o n i n

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

1. Wrong Flash Power Fired

LCD DISPLAY POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION

RX displays wrong power levels

More than one TXs are controlling the

 a s h p o w e r of

the RXs

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

- Set all transceivers to another channel

RX displays correct power levels

1. The chosen

ash prof ile

does not match

t h e  a s h m o d e l

Choose the correct

ash prof ile or

customize a new one

2. T he  a s h i s i n

a wrong operating mode

(e.g., M m o d e)

Check and set the

 a s h t o t h e T T L

mode

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

Check and reset the EV offset of the group concerned

2. Unexpected Triggering

LED BLINKS? POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION

TX: No RX: No

Poor hot shoe contact

- Adjust tightness of hot shoe contact

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

TX: No RX: Yes

(Gr e e n)

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

3. Delay Triggering

LED BLINKS? POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION

TX: Yes

(Gr e e n)

RX: Yes

(Gr e e n)

1. Delay timer has been set

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

2. Power Sync has been adjusted to a wrong timing

Use Power Sync adjustment to set the correct sync

ti m e (s e e S e c tio n

13.2)

TX or RX: Yes (R e d e v e r y 3 s e c o n d s)

Insuff icient battery power

Replace batteries and retry

4. Flash Not Triggered / Shutter Not Released

LED BLINKS? POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION

TX: No RX: No

1. Poor battery contact or insuff icient battery on TX

Replace batteries on TX and retry

2. Poor hot shoe contact

- Adjust tightness of hot shoe contact

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

LED BLINKS? POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION

TX: Yes

(Gr e e n)

RX: No

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

Replace the batteries in the RX and retry

2. Channel and group mismatch

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

3. Back g r ou nd radio interference

- Set both transceivers to another channel and radio ID

- Change the setup location as interfere nce ma y come from other equipment in the surrounding area

4. Beyond 100m effective range

Make sure TX and RX transceivers are placed within

10 0 m (3 2 8 f t) of

each other

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

Choose <SHORT> in the work range menu

LED BLINKS? POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION

TX: Yes

(Gr e e n)

RX: Yes

(Gr e e n)

1. Poor hot shoe contact

- Adjust tightness of hot shoe contact

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

2. Flash used is not compatible with the V6 IIs

Check that the  a s h u s e d i s compatible with t h e V6 I I s (s e e Section 7.1)

3. Poor cable connection

- Check the cable connection

- Change the cable

4. Wrong cable is being used

(o n l y w h e n t h e

V6 IIs is used as a Wireless Shutter Release)

Ensure that an appropriate shutter release cable is being used

22. Notices

Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.

F e d e r a l C o m m u n i c a ti o n s C o m m i s s i o n (F C C)

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:

• R e o r i e n t or r el o c at e t h e r e c e iv i n g a n t e n n a.

• I n c r e a s e t h e s e p a r a t i o n b e t w e e n t h e e q u i p m e n t

a n d r e c e iv e r.

• C o n n e c t t h e e q u i p m e n t i n t o a n o u tlet o n a

circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• C o n s u lt t h e d e a le r o r a n e x p e r ie n c e d r a d i o/ T V

technician for help.

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

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

t w o c o n d it i o n s: (1) t h i s d e v ic e m a y n o t c a u s e h a r m f u l i n t e r f e r e n c e, a n d (2) t h i s d e v i c e m u s t

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 M i r r or Fa ct o r y (6t h) I n d u s t r i a l B u i ld i n g , 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 Dir ective: 1999/5/EC.

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

017-160008

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:

fo r a p e r i o d of o n e (1) y e a r f r o m t h e d a t e 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

w it h c o m p a t i ble c a m e r a a n d  a s h e q u i p m e n t, a s t o

which items, Harvest One Limited, shall have no r e s p o n sibi l it y.

This limited warranty covers all defects encountered in normal use of the Wireless Flash Transceiver, and does not apply in any of the

followin g ca ses:

(a) L o s s of o r d a m a g e t o t h e Wi r ele s s F l a s h

Transceiver due to abuse, mishandling, improper packaging by you, alteration,

a c ci d e n t, e l e c t r i c a l c u r r e n t  u c t u ati o n s.

(b) F a i l u r e t o f ol l o w o p e r a ti n g, m a i n t e n a n c e o r

environmental instructions prescribed in Cactus user’s manual.

than Harvest One Limited or authorized dealers.

(d) Wit h o u t l i m iti n g t h e f or e g o i n g, w a t e r d a m a g e,

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

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,

K O O N WA H M I R R O R FA C T O R Y (6 T H) I N D. B L D G.,

7-9 HO TIN ST, TUEN MUN, HONG KONG

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE.

EDITION, BASED ON FIRMWARE VER. 1.1.003)

w w w.cactus-im a ge.co m

Cactus V6 IIs, V6 II User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual