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V6 IIs
Quick Start Manual
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User Manual
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User Manual
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Cactus V6 IIs User Manual

Table of Contents
1. Getting to Know the Cactus V6 IIs
2. Cautions and Warnings
3. Major Specifications
4. Package Contents
5. Nomenclature
6. LCD Panel
8. TTL Pass-through
9. Getting Started
10. Flash Profile: Auto Detect and Customization
11. Flash Triggering
12. Remote Manual Power Control
13. High Speed Synchronization
14. Camera Shutter Release
15. Advanced Operations
16. Personalizing the V6
17. Working with Cactus Gear
18. LED Signal Guide
19. USB Connection
20. Optional Accessories
21. Troubleshooting
22. Notices
23. Warranty
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 Alpha and Nex 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 the best flexibility in
controlling apertures and power levels – the possibility are endless!
1.1 Special Features
1. Cross-brand wireless manual power control of Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus,
Panasonic, and Pentax flashes with Cactus V6 II;
2. 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 above x-sync shutter;
3. Rear curtain sync and slow sync supported;
4. Multi-master supports up to 16 photographers firing the same set of flashes at
their own power setting;
5. AF-assist LED illuminates focusing blind spot when needed;
6. Flash specific profiles with calibrated power levels for many current and previous
flash models;
7. User calibration of flash profiles to ensure accurate power output;
8. Lo Power mode fires the flash for extremely short lengths of time;
9. Absolute Power mode benchmarks the power output of different flash models to
the same light intensity;
10. TTL pass-through with Sony system flashes;
11. Group control allows you to control up to four groups;
12. Relay mode triggers the camera shutter and flash in sync;
13. Delay mode is configurable from 1 millisecond to 999 seconds;
14. Mini-USB port for optional power supply and firmware update;
1.2 HSS and Power Sync Capabilities
Most cameras supports normal flash sync up to its x-synchronization shutter speed
(commonly between 1/160 seconds and 1/250 seconds). Beyond this shutter speed,
the cameras and the system flashes will behave differently. The high-speed sync,
which is also known as the 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.
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 compromises on the
flash exposure. While it does not allow power level adjustment, the flash
exposure is much higher than the normal HSS mode.
1.3 Auto and Model-Specific Flash Profiles
Each flash model has its individual power level characteristics. In V6 IIs, we have
profiled them in two ways:
1. System-specific Auto Flash Profiles: The default ‘Auto’ profile of the V6 IIs will
work with all Sony flash models with the MI hot shoe;
2. Model-specific Profiles: For more accurate power output, users can choose from
the V6 IIs menu the flash profile that would work perfectly with the specific flash
model.
With this unique feature, photographers can remotely control the flash power of
various flash models, even of different brands!
For flash models that have not been included in the profile list, the V6 IIs can still
work with it by the auto flash profiles. Users could further calibrate the flash profiles
in the Cactus Firmware Updater to produce more accurate power outputs.
Whether built-in or calibrated from the firmware updater software, the flash profile
stored in the V6 IIs can virtually command the flash to produce ANY power level
within the maximum output, and even exceeds what the flash menu allows you to
do:
1. Finer increment scales: The V6 can adjust the power level of flash to 1/10 EV
step, a much finer increment level than the flash menu itself allows (see Section
12.3 for setting up the EV step).
2. Extremely short firing time: In Lo Power mode, the V6 can f ire flashes for very
short lengths of time at extremely low power levels (roughly equal to 1/256),
which is beyond the standard flash power range (see Section 12.4 for enabling
the Lo Power output).
3. Unified power level scale for different flash models: The V6 benchmarks the light
intensity output of different flash models in your set up and commands them to
fire at the same power scale (see Section 12.2 for adjusting absolute power).
Ready to go? Let’s get on board and see what the V6 II can do!
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 or making connections. 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 dissemble.
7. Do not crush and do not expose the V6 IIs to any shock or force such as
hammering, dropping, or stepping on it.
3. Major Specifications
y Working radio frequency: 2445.80-2480.99MHz
y Number of channels: 16
y Number of groups: 4
y Support sync speed up to 1/8,000 second
y High-speed sync modes: Normal HSS, Power Sync
y Maximum effective distance: 100 meters
y Operating temperature: -20°C to +50°C
y Camera voltage handling: up to 6V
y Flash voltage handling: up to 300V
y Dimensions: 72mm (L) x 72mm (W) x 42 mm (H)
y Weight: 84g
y Power input: 2 x AA battery, 3V, 50mA, 0.15W; mini USB 2.0, DC input 5V,
500mA~1A
y 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
(image) V6 IIs Transceiver
(image) Flash Stand FS-2
(image) Album & User Manual
5. Nomenclature
TEST BUTTON/ SHUTTER RELEASE BUTTON
MULTI-SYSTEM SHOE (FEMALE)
LCD DISPLAY
LANYARD LOOP
X-SYNC PORT
MINI USB PORT
MODE SWITCH
GROUP BUTTONS
AF ASSIST LIGHT
TRIPOD MOUNT
MULTI-SYSTEM SHOE (MALE)
HOT SHOE LOCK LEVER
SELECTION DIAL
OK BUTTON
MENU BUTTON
LED STATUS INDICATOR
BATTERY DOOR
6. LCD Panel
6.1 TX Mode
BATTERY INDICATOR
GROUP
CHANNEL
POWER LEVEL
POWER LEVEL INCREMENT
6.2 RX Mode
BATTERY INDICATOR
GROUP
POWER LEVEL
POWER LEVEL INCREMENT
SELECTED FLASH PROFILE
WIRELESS SENSITIVITY
CHANNEL
DELAY TIMER
RELAY MODE INDICATOR
SLAVE MODE INDICATOR
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 Flash & Studio Strobes
7.1.1 Cactus RF60x / RF60
With the built-in Cactus V6 module, the Cactus RF60 series can be remotely
commanded and triggered by V6 IIs TX (see Section 17.1.1).
7.1.2 Flash Models with Sony MI hot shoe, including:
- Sony HVL-F60M, HVL-F43M, HVL-F32M, HVL-F20M,
- Metz 64 AF-1 for Sony
- 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 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 under.
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
The Cactus V6 IIs works with practically all cameras that come with either (1) a Sony
MI hot shoe.
To use the V6 II as a wireless shutter release, specific shutter cables are required. For
the list of optional accessories, see Section 20.
7.3 Flash Triggers
7.3.1 Cactus V6 II
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.
7.3.2 Other Flash Triggers
The Cactus V6 II is NOT compatible with any other flash trigger model, including the
Cactus V2, Cactus V2s, and Cactus V4.
8. TTL Pass-through
The V6 IIs transceiver comes with a multi-system shoe that supports TTL pass-
through.
While the V6 IIs does not command slave flashes to fire TTL exposures wirelessly, it is
designed to pass TTL signal from camera to flash via the transmitter (TX) and vice
versa.
The hot shoe supports TTL pass-through of Sony systems. Make sure that camera and
flash unit belong to the same TTL system.
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, AF assist light, second curtain sync, high speed sync/FP shutter)
provided by the TTL flash system.
To enable 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.
(image)
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
pass-through indicator will be replaced by the channel indicator on the LCD.
9. Getting Started
9.1 Installing the Batteries
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
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 hot shoe (male).
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 hot shoe (male).
4. When detaching the V6 IIs from the camera’s hot shoe, turn the lock lever to the
left to unlock the multi-system 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 configuration
menu.
The selection dial has a built-in push-in button that serves as a quick OK button. You
may configure how the dial works to suit your working habit. (see Sections 16.1 –
16.6).
Major functions of the V6 IIs listed below are easily accessible by the buttons and
dial.
Group Control (see Section 9.6)
Function
Mode
LCD
Key
Select a group (e.g., group
A) for adjusting
parameters (power level /
zoom)
RX
Main screen, when the
group is not selected
Hold*
Deselect a group (e.g.,
group A)
Main screen, when the
group is selected
Turn on / off a group (e.g.,
group A)
Main screen, when the
group is not selected
Test firing a group (e.g.,
group A)
Main screen
+
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.
Adjusting Power Level and Zoom (see Sections 12.1 and 17.1)
Function
Mode
LCD
Key
Adjust power level of all
groups
TX
Main screen
Adjust power level of a
single group (e.g., group
A)
Main screen
+
Hold ,
then
Adjust power level of the
Master flash
Main screen
+
Quick power
adjustment
Main screen
Zoom (Cactus) mode
(needs conf
iguration in
menu beforehand)
Main screen
Navigating the Menu (see Section 9.7)
Function
Mode
LCD
Key
Enter the menu
TX/RX
Main screen
Browse through menu
items and options
Menu
Choose a menu item or
option
Menu Leave the menu
Menu
TTL Pass-through / Flash Lock (see Sections 8 and 10.1)
Function
Mode
LCD
Key
Enter / leave TTL pass-
through mode
TX
Main screen
Hold Unlock the slave flash
RX
Main screen
Hold
Dial Lock (see Section 16.2)
Function
Mode
LCD
Key
Lock the dial
TX
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
Firmware (see Section 19.2)
Function
Mode
Key
Check firmware version
OFF
Hold + and switch on to TX or RX
mode
Firmware update mode
Hold and switch on to TX or RX
mode
9.4 Choosing the Operating Mode
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