Impact PSL-N, PSL-C, PSL-R User manual

PSL-C / PSL-N / PSL-R

PowerSlave Transmitter / Receiver

INSTRUCTIONS

Table of Contents

Introduction ��3

Key Features ��4

Precautions ��5

Overview ��6

Contents Include ��8

Compatible Devices ��10

Battery Installation ��11

LED Indicator Lights ��12

Channel Selection ��12

Connecting the Transmitter to the Camera ��13

Mounting the Receiver on a Light Stand ��14

Mounting the Receiver to a Studio Flash ��15

Mounting the receiver to the Impact Quickbox ��16

Wirelessly Triggering Your Hot-Shoe Flash ��18

Wirelessly Triggering Your Studio Flash ��19

Wake-Up Feature ��19

Using as a Camera Trigger ��20

Speciﬁcations ��22

Troubleshooting ��23

2

Introduction

Thank you for choosing Impact.

Congratulations on the purchase of your Impact PowerSlave Transmitter for Canon / Nikon with Wake-Up feature. This 2.4 GHz wireless system opens up a new world of options for beginners and advanced users alike who wish to trigger their devices from a distance. This product is especially useful for those who want to trigger their ash inside an Impact Quikbox or other softboxes using a radio signal, eliminating the need for line-of-sight wireless connections. It’s also a great solution for photographers interested in controlling the camera shutter from a wired or wireless trigger.

The Impact PowerSlave’s built-in wake-up function frees the user to remotely wake a device from a sleep mode to a ready-to-be-triggered state without having to walk back to the device. The 16 user-selectable channels help avoid interference from others. The Impact PowerSlave allows ash sync speeds of up to 1/200 of a second on compatible cameras, enabling you to take advantage of sync speeds that match the rating of your camera.

The Impact PowerSlave transmitter wake-up function is available in separate dedicated models for Canon or Nikon cameras. To make full use of the device, use only the dedicated hot-shoe ashes that are compatible with your camera brand.

3

Key Features

• Sixteen user-selectable channels: Multiple channels allow you to change your transmitter/receiver settings to avoid interference from other wireless remotes�

• Flash wake up: Allows the user to wake a ﬂash device after it has entered sleep mode by half pressing the shutter release button�

• Universal receiver: The PowerSlave receiver is universally compatible with both Canon and Nikon versions of the transmitter companion device and can be used with either the dedicated Canon or Nikon transmitter�

• Multiple triggering options: Can be used to trigger a hot-shoe ﬂash, studio ﬂash, or camera shutter release�

• 2.4 GHz radio signal: Using a radio signal allows you to trigger a studio ﬂash with less interference�

• Wireless triggering: Cable-free wireless triggering allows you to trigger a device from up to 150-feet (50 meters) away�

• Flash sync speed up to 1/200s: Take advantage of sync speeds that match the rating of your camera up to 1/200 of a second (compatible cameras only)�

4

Precautions

• Please read and follow these instructions and keep this manual in a safe place.

• There are no user-serviceable parts inside the devices. Do not attempt to disassemble or perform any unauthorized modication.

• Do not operate the Impact PowerSlave units in the presence of ammable gas or vapors.

• Do not handle with wet hands or immerse in or expose to water or rain. Failure to observe this precaution could result in re or electric shock.

• Keep out of reach of children. This device contains small parts which may pose a choking hazard.

• Observe caution when handling batteries. Batteries may leak or explode if improperly handled. Use only the batteries listed in this manual. Make certain to align the battery with the correct polarity.

• Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged. To avoid damage to the product, be sure to remove the batteries when leaving the product unattended for prolonged periods or when no charge remains.

• Handle the units with care.

• Do not use or leave the devices in conditions of extreme heat, severe cold, or high humidity.

• Turn off the power on your camera and ash units before inserting or removing the remote cord.

• Dispose of used batteries, packaging, and old devices in accordance to appropriate local environmental regulations.

• Clean the unit with a soft, dry cloth.

• Use only parts provided by the manufacturer.

• Make sure the item is intact and that there are no missing parts.

• All images are for illustrative purposes only.

5

Overview

PowerSlave Transmitter

1� Indicator/Conﬁrmation Light 2� Test Button/Shutter Release 3� Hot Shoe 4� On/Off Switch

1

2

3

6

5� Channel Selector Switches 6� Battery Compartment 7� Hot-Shoe Mount 8� 2�5 mm Input Port

8

7

5

6

4

Overview (Continued)

PowerSlave Receiver

1� Indicator/Conﬁrmation Light 2� On/Off Switch 3� Channel Selector Switches 4� Hot Shoe

6

7

5� Cold Shoe 6� Battery Compartment 7� 1/4”-20 Light-stand Mount 8� 2�5 mm Output Port

1

2

3

4

8 5

5

8

7

Contents Include

PSL-C / PSL-N

1� Dedicated transmitter speciﬁc for

Canon or Nikon hot-shoe mount

2� Receiver with 1/4”-20 light stand

socket and universal shoe mount

3� 2�5 mm to PC sync cable

4� 2�5 mm to 1/4” monoplug sync

cable

1

2

8

5� 2�5 mm to 3�5 mm sync cable

6� Elastic light stand cold-shoe

mount

7� 1 × 23A 12-volt alkaline battery

8� 2 × AAA batteries

3

8

4

6

7

5

Contents Include (Continued)

PSL-R

1� Receiver with 1/4”-20 stand

socket

2� 2�5 mm to 1/4” monoplug sync

cable

3� 2�5 mm to 3�5 mm sync cable

1

4� Elastic light stand cold-shoe

mount

5� 2 × AAA batteries

5

2 3

4

9

Compatible Devices

We recommend that you use a fully manual-controlled ash with this device. Since the PowerSlave does not transmit TTL settings, the power output must be set manually.

The PowerSlave is compatible with most cameras, ash units, and studio lights. However, for ash wake-up functionality, the camera, ash, and PowerSlave transmitter must be compatible.

To take advantage of the ash wake-up feature using a Canon camera, the ash must be Canon compatible and the PowerSlave model for Canon must be used. Likewise, the PowerSlave for Nikon model must be employed in order to take advantage of the ash wake-up feature using a Nikon camera.

Note:

• If the ash does not have a wake-up function, the sleep

mode may have the option to be disabled. Refer to your ash’s manual for instructions.

• The Sony/Minolta, Pentax, Sony Multi-shoe cameras and

ashes are not compatible with the PowerSlave system.

10

Battery Installation

Before You Begin The Impact PowerSlave system transmitter requires one 23A 12-volt

alkaline battery (included). The receiver requires two AAA batteries (included).

To install the batteries:

1. Turn all devices off.

2. Loosen the shoe locking wheel, and remove the battery compartment door from the back of the unit.

3. In each unit, insert the required batteries in the battery compartment. Be sure they are installed using the correct polarity as indicated inside the compartment.

4. Replace the battery compartment doors.

To turn on the transmitter or receiver, move the On/Off switch to the On position. Do the opposite to turn off the device.

11

LED Indicator Lights

The PowerSlave transmitter and receiver each contain an LED indicator light. The lights display their device status slightly differently.

Transmitter:

• Power on: one green ash

• Auto-focus: green while trigger button half-pressed

• Trigger: red while trigger button fully pressed

Receiver:

• Power on: one red ash

• Auto-focus: green while transmitter trigger button half pressed

• Trigger: red while transmitter trigger button fully pressed

Channel Selection

The PowerSlave uses Channel Selector switches to set the communicating signal channel between devices. The transmitter and receiver have four switches, providing the user with 16 channels. Please reference the illustration below for selecting a channel. Make sure that both the transmitter and the receiver are set to the same channel.

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

12

Connecting the Transmitter to the Camera

Connecting to a Hot Shoe

1. Turn off all devices.

2. Slide the transmitter’s hot-shoe foot into your camera’s hot shoe.

3. Turn the locking wheel to secure the transmitter to the camera.

Connecting to a camera bracket (wired)

1. Turn off all devices.

2. Mount the transmitter and camera on a bracket (available separately).

3. Connect a 2.5 mm to PC cable between the transmitter and camera. Plug the 2.5 mm end into the input sync slot (PC socket) on the transmitter and the other end to the PC port on your camera.

Note: Some camera models do not have PC ports. To use an off-camera wired connection, a universal hot-shoe PC adapter is available separately.

13

Mounting the Receiver on a Light Stand

The receiver has a 1/4”-20 threaded socket for secure mounting to compatible light stands.

1. Turn the device over a compatible threaded light stand stud until tight.

NOTE: An umbrella bracket with an adjustable ash shoe is available separately.

Connecting the Receiver to a Flash

To a Hot-Shoe Flash

1� Slide the ﬂash’s hot-shoe foot into the receiver’s hot shoe�

2� Tighten the locking ring to secure the devices�

3� Attach the ﬂash/receiver assembly to a light stand or tripod

using the receiver’s 1/4”-20 threaded socket�

14

Mounting the Receiver to a Studio Flash

To a Studio Flash

1. Use the adjustable elastic light stand cold-shoe mount to secure the receiver to a studio ash or stand. The receiver ts into its cold-shoe mount.

2. Using the included 2.5 mm to 1/4” monoplug sync cable, or the 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm sync cable, connect the receiver to the studio ash.

Make sure that both the transmitter and the receiver are set to the same channel.

15

Mounting the receiver to the Impact Quickbox

The following instructions are for mounting the PowerSlave receiver to the Quickbox. For more information about Impact’s Quickbox and the Speed Ring Flash Bracket, refer to the user manuals included with those products.

Preparing the Speed Ring Flash Bracket

1. Slightly loosen the bottom thumb screw.

2. Hold the thumbscrew and the three washers in place while unscrewing and removing the cold shoe from the bracket.

3. Align the threaded socket of the receiver with the top of the exposed screw and screw in the receiver until secure. Tighten the locking wheel until it is secure.

16

Mounting the receiver to the Impact Quickbox (Continued)

Note: Depending on the height of the receiver and/or ash head, the three disc-shaped washers located under the cold shoe are removable to create an optimal t for the receiver and ash assembly.

4. Fasten the ash head directly onto the cold shoe of the receiver.

5. Adjust the height of the bracket by loosening the side adjustment thumb screw and moving the bracket so that the ash is centered in the opening.

17

Wirelessly Triggering Your Hot-Shoe Flash

1. With the device turned off, connect the transmitter to the camera (see setup instructions in “Connecting the Transmitter to the Camera” on pg. 13).

2. With the hot-shoe ash turned off, connect the ash to the receiver. Tighten the ash’s locking lever to secure the devices.

3. Mount the connected receiver and ash to a light stand or secure it into the desired position.

4. Synchronize the channels on the transmitter and receiving devicest.

5. Switch on the receiver and ash devices.

6. Press the on-camera shutter release button or the test button on the transmitter to re the ash.

Wirelessly Triggering Your Studio Flash

1. With both devices turned off, connect and secure the transmitter to your camera (see setup instructions in “Connecting the Transmitter to the Camera” on pg. 13).

2. With the studio ash turned off, connect the receiver to the studio ash (see setup instructions in “Mounting the Receiver to a Studio Flash” on pg. 15) using the included cable.

18

Wirelessly Triggering Your Studio Flash

3. Synchronize the channels on the transmitter and receiver. See channel selection instructions on page 12.

4. Turn on the camera, transmitter, receiver, and studio ash.

5. Press the shutter release button on the camera or the test button on the transmitter to trigger the ash.

NOTE: A household male to 1/4” female adapter is available separately.

Wake-Up Feature

Some devices will enter sleep mode after a period of inactivity. If the ash has a wake-up function, the Impact PowerSlave system has an easy-to-use function that wakes up the ash after it has entered sleep mode.

To wake up a device, half-press the camera’s shutter release button.

TIP: If the ash does not have a wake-up function, the sleep mode may have the option to be disabled. Refer to your ash’s manual for instructions.

19

Using as a Camera Trigger

Triggering Your Camera with a Wireless or Wired Connection

Connecting the receiver to the camera

1. Slide the receiver’s cold-shoe foot into the camera’s hot shoe.

2. Tighten the locking ring to secure the devices.

3. Connect the devices with the appropriate 2.5 mm to camera shutter release cable (not included). Insert the 2.5 mm sync cable into the receiver’s output and the other end into the camera’s shutter release port.

NOTE: See insert for compatible Shutter Release Cables. Single-Shot Mode:

1. Turn off all devices.

2. Connect the receiver to the camera using the hot shoe or with the appropriate shutter release cable (see “Mounting the Receiver on a Light Stand” on pg. 14).

3. Wireless mode: Synchronize the channels on the transmitter and receiver.

4. Turn on the transmitter, receiver, and camera.

5. Set the camera to single-shot mode.

6. Half-press the Test/Shutter Release button on the transmitter to autofocus the camera. The camera and lens must be set to auto-focus for this function to work.

7. Press the Test/Shutter Release button on the transmitter to trigger the camera’s shutter.

20

Using as a Camera Trigger (Continued)

Continuous-Shot Mode:

1. Turn off all devices.

2. Connect the receiver to the camera using the hot shoe or with the appropriate shutter release cable (see “Mounting the Receiver on a Light Stand” on pg. 14).

3. Wireless mode: Synchronize the channels on the transmitter and receiver.

4. Turn on the transmitter, receiver, and camera.

5. Set the camera to continuous-shot mode.

6. Half-press the Test/Shutter Release button on the transmitter to autofocus the camera. The camera and lens must be set to auto-focus for this function to work.

7. Press and hold the Test/Shutter Release button on the transmitter to continuously trigger the camera’s shutter. Release the button to stop.

Wireless Bulb Mode (Long Exposure):

1. Turn off all devices.

2. Connect the receiver to the camera using the hot shoe or with the appropriate shutter release cable (see “Mounting the Receiver on a Light Stand” on pg. 14).

21

Using as a Camera Trigger

3. Wireless mode: Synchronize the channels on the transmitter and receiver.

4. Turn on the transmitter, receiver, and camera.

5. Set the camera to Bulb mode.

6. Half-press the Test/Shutter Release button on the transmitter to autofocus the camera. The camera and lens must be set to auto-focus for this function to work.

7. Press and hold the Test/Shutter Release button on the transmitter to trigger the camera’s shutter. The shutter will stay open as long as you

hold the button down. Release the button to close the shutter.

Specications

Frequency 2.4 GHz

Number of channels 16

Transmitter connection 2.5 mm input sync port

Receiver connections 2.5 mm output sync port

Operating range Up to 150’ (50 m)

Sync Speed Up to 1/200s

Transmitter dimensions 2.7” x 1.8” x 1.2” (6.8 x 4.5 x 3 cm)

Receiver dimensions 3.1” x 1.4” x 1.4” (7.8 x 3.5 x 3.6 cm)

Transmitter Weight 1.7 oz. (48 g)

Receiver Weight 2.1 oz. (59 g)

Transmitter power 1 x 23A 12v alkaline battery

Receiver power 2 x AAA batteries

22

Troubleshooting

• Make sure that all devices are set to the same channel.

• If your rst choice of channel doesn’t work due to interference, try different channels until you nd one that works.

• Make sure that all cables are installed correctly.

• Make sure that the power source for each device is properly installed and carrying a sufcient charge. Weak batteries can reduce the distance over which a transmission works.

• Make sure the devices are connected using the correct cable and make sure the cable is connected to the correct input/output port.

• Make sure that the communication conrmation light appears when sending or receiving a signal.

• Verify that ash and camera equipment are operating properly.

• Make sure the devices are within the maximum operating range.

• Verify that your camera and ash are compatible with this device. Please reference the Device Compatibility section of this manual (pg.

10) for more information.

FCC DISCLAIMER:

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.

Made in China

23

One-Year Limited Warranty

This IMPACT product is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal consumer use for a period of one (1) year from the original purchase date or thirty (30) days after replacement, whichever occurs later. The warranty provider’s responsibility with respect to this limited warranty shall be limited solely to repair or replacement, at the provider’s discretion, of any product that fails during normal use of this product in its intended manner and in its intended environment. Inoperability of the product or part(s) shall be determined by the warranty provider. If the product has been discontinued, the warranty provider reserves the right to replace it with a model of equivalent quality and function.

This warranty does not cover damage or defect caused by misuse, neglect, accident, alteration, abuse, improper installation or maintenance. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, THE WARRANTY PROVIDER MAKES NEITHER ANY EXPRESS WARRANTIES NOR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. This warranty provides you with specic legal rights, and you may also have additional rights that vary from state to state.

To obtain warranty coverage, contact the Impact Customer Service Department to obtain a return merchandise authorization (“RMA”) number, and return the defective product to Impact along with the RMA number and proof of purchase. Shipment of the defective product is at the purchaser’s own risk and expense.

For more information or to arrange service, visit www.impactstudiolighting.com or call Customer Service at 212-594-2353.

Product warranty provided by the Gradus Group.

IMPACT is a registered trademark of the Gradus Group.

www.gradusgroup.com

GG1

Impact PSL-N, PSL-C, PSL-R User manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual