Vello Flashboss, FB-TTL-N User Manual

FLASHBOSS

TTL TRANSCEIVER

FOR NIKON (FB-TTL-N)

USER MANUAL

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING VELLO

The FlashBoss TTL Transceiver
functions as both a TTL
transmitter and receiver that
take full advantage of
Nikon’s i-TTL flash metering
technologies. Lightweight and
compact, it mounts to a camera
and functions as a transmitter,
sending TTL metering data to
your remote flashes. Attached
to a flash, it’s a slave that
adjusts the output power
of the flash accordingly. The
FlashBoss supports HSS and
allows flash synchronization
of up to 1/8000 of a second.

2

As a transmitter, the FlashBoss
gives you control over your
lighting setup. Each group
can be individually set to
TTL, manual, delayed time
(DT), and o. Controls for
flash zoom and exposure
compensation can be remotely
set for all compatible flashes.

The 2.4 GHz radio signal oers
control from over 300 feet
(100 m) away without line-of­sight positioning. Trigger your
camera around corners or even
through a wall. Thirty selectable

channels assure you of trouble­free shooting without any
interference from other remote
units in the area. A backlit digital
display allows for easy viewing in
all kinds of lighting conditions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Precautions .....................................4

Overview ........................................6

Box Contents.................................9

Installing the Batteries ...............10

Powering on the FlashBoss .......11

Mounting the FlashBoss on a

Camera ..........................................12

Mounting the FlashBoss to a

Stand ..............................................13

Mounting a Flash to the

FlashBoss .......................................14

The Settings Menu ......................15

Transmitter Operation ..............18

Master Mode ................................19

Controlling Flash Coverage

(Zoom) ..........................................21

Slave Mode ....................................22

Remote Shutter Release

Function ........................................24

Firmware Upgrade ......................25

FCC Compliance.........................25

Specifications ...............................26

Troubleshooting ..........................28

One-Year Limited Warranty .....30

3

PRECAUTIONS

• Please read the full manual
before using this device.

• Do not disassemble or
modify. Failure to observe
this precaution could result
in electric shock or product
malfunction.

• Keep this product dry. Do
not handle with wet hands,
immerse in water, or expose
to rain or snow. Failure to
observe this precaution could
result in fire or cause electric
shock.

4

• Do not use in the presence
of flammable gases. Failure to
observe this precaution could
result in fire or explosion.

• Keep out of the reach of
children. This product
contains small parts that
may pose a choking hazard.
Should a child swallow any
part of this product, consult a
physician immediately.

• Turn o immediately should
a malfunction occur. Should
smoke or any unusual smell
come from this product,
shut it o and remove
the batteries immediately.
Continued use may result in
damage or physical injury.

• Do not expose this product
to high temperatures. Do not
leave this product in a closed
vehicle in the sun or other
area subject to extremely
high temperatures. Failure to
observe this precaution could
result in fire or damage to the
casing or internal parts.

• Observe precautions when
handling batteries. Batteries
may leak or explode if
improperly handled.

• Use only batteries listed in
this manual. Do not mix new
and old batteries, or dierent
brands or types of batteries.

• Read and follow all warnings
and instructions provided by
the battery manufacturer.

• Do not attempt to short­circuit or disassemble
batteries.

• Do not put batteries in a fire,
or apply direct heat to them.

• Do not attempt to install
batteries in the reverse
direction.

• Batteries may leak when fully
discharged. To avoid damage
to the product, be sure to
remove the batteries if the
product will not be used for
an extended period of time or
if the battery power is low.

• If fluid from damaged
batteries comes into contact
with skin or clothing, rinse
immediately with fresh water.

• All images are for illustrative
purposes only.

5

OVERVIEW

Device

1. Status indicator

2. Battery compartment

3. Power switch

4. + button

5. − button

6. Set button

7. Zoom/Function button

8. Group/Channel button

9. Mode button

6

1

2

7

8

9

3

4

5

6

10. Test flash/shutter

11. PC/USB ports

12. AF Assist light

13. Hot shoe

14. Locking wheel

15. Mounting foot

10

11

12

13

14

15

7

Transmitter Display

1. Zoom indicator

2. Group mode indicator

3. Output/exposure compensation/
delay time

4. Channel indicator

5. Transmitter/receiver mode indicator

6. Camera communication indicator

7. AF assist beam indicator

8. Battery indicator

9. Sync mode

Receiver Display

10. Zoom indicator

11. Group indicator

12. Channel indicator

13. Receiver mode

14. Battery indicator

8

1

2

4

5

6 7 8149

10

11

12

13

3

BOX CONTENTS

• FlashBoss Transceiver

• Mini stand

• Setup guide

Also Available

• FlashBoss cable for Nikon
10-pin (FB-N1)

• FlashBoss cable for Nikon
DS-2 (FB-N2)

9

INSTALLING THE BATTERIES

The FlashBoss is powered
by two AA batteries.

1. Press down, and slide the
battery compartment door
in the direction of the arrow
to open.

2. Insert the batteries according
to the illustration inside the
battery compartment, and
close the compartment door.

10

POWERING ON THE FLASHBOSS

To turn on the FlashBoss,
move the power switch
to the On position.

The FlashBoss switches to
standby mode after a selected
amount of time, and the LCD
screen goes blank. To resume
operation, press the camera’s
shutter button or the test
button on the FlashBoss.

See the Settings Menu below
to adjust the amount of time
before standby mode.

11

MOUNTING THE FLASHBOSS ON A CAMERA

When mounted to a camera’s
hot shoe, the FlashBoss can
be used as a transmitter.

Make sure the FlashBoss
and your camera are turned
o before proceeding.

12

1. Loosen the locking wheel, and
insert the FlashBoss into the
camera’s hot shoe.

2. Make sure the Flashboss is
fully inserted into the hot
shoe, and tighten the locking
wheel until secure.

3. Turn on your camera
first, and then turn on the
FlashBoss.

MOUNTING THE FLASHBOSS TO A STAND

The Mini Stand

1. Loosen the locking wheel, and
then insert the mounting foot
into the mini stand’s cold­shoe mount.

Mounting to a Light Stand

1. Screw the 1/4-inch receiver
on the bottom of the mini
stand onto the light stand’s
1/4-inch stud.

2. Tighten the locking wheel
until secure.

2. Mount the FlashBoss onto the
mini stand.

13

MOUNTING A FLASH TO THE FLASHBOSS

A flash can be mounted
onto the FlashBoss when the
FlashBoss is attached to the
camera. In this configuration,
the FlashBoss can operate as
a transmitter or receiver.

The FlashBoss TTL pass-through
capability allows the TTL
metering data to flow from the
camera, through the FlashBoss,
and directly to the flash.

A flash and FlashBoss can also be
used for remote operation with
the FlashBoss in receiver mode.

14

Make sure the FlashBoss
and your flash are turned
o before proceeding.

Mount the flash to the
FlashBoss’s hot shoe, and
turn on the flash.

Important! Make sure the flash
is set to TTL mode in order
to function properly with t he
FlashBoss’s operating modes. Refer
to your flash’s manual for enabling
TTL mode.

THE SETTINGS MENU

The Settings menu can be
accessed from any screen.

Settings

Navigating the Settings Menu

• Press and hold the Set button
to access the Settings Menu.

• Press the Mode button
repeatedly to scroll through
the menu selections.

• Press the + or − buttons to
open the submenu for each
setting.

• Use the + or − button to

select the new value in the
submenu.

• Press the Set button to

confirm the submenu
selection.

• Press and hold the Set button

to return to the previous
screen.

15

Settings Menu Items

Menu Item Submenu options Function

Reset RS

Model
(Nikon only)

SP700
551EX
SP690I/II
Others

Backlight On/O

Select RS and press the Set button to return to the factory presets.

Profile 1
Profile 2
Profile 3
Optimized for Nikon speedlights.

Turns the LCD backlight on or o. The LCD screen will remain
illuminated for 15 seconds.

Key Backlight On/O

Select On to illuminate the keys while using the buttons. When
set to On, the buttons will remain illuminated for 15 seconds.

Note: If you reset to the factory presets, you will need to select Other in the Model menu for original Nikon flashes.

16

Menu Item Submenu options Function

Auto Focus

On/O Controls the AF assist light.

(AF)

Standby 15 min./30 min./

45 min./O

LCD Light 5/4/3/2/1/0

Menu selection determines the length of time before sleep mode
activates.

Sets the LCD display’s contrast. 5 is maximum contrast, and 0 is
minimum contrast.

Version

n/a Displays the version number of the FlashBoss’s firmware.

Number (Ver)

Adjust -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 n/a

17

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

To use the FlashBoss as a
transmitter, mount it to
a camera’s hot shoe. The
FlashBoss will wirelessly control
one or more speedlights.

Note: In order to control an
external speedlight, it must be
mounted onto a receiver FlashBoss
that’s set to slave mode, and the
flash must be set to TTL mode.

Setting the Master Channel

The master channel
setting can be accessed in
any operating mode.

1. Press and hold the Gr/Ch
button to select the Master
Channel setting.

2. Press the + or − buttons to
select channel 1 to 30 or
a (all).

Make sure all FlashBoss
units that are operating in
Slave Mode are set to the
same channel. See Receiver
Operation below for more
information on Slave mode.

3. Press the Set button to
confirm the master channel
selection.

18

Master channel

MASTER MODE

Master mode allows you to
set each group’s operating
mode individually. Each group
can be set to TTL, Manual,
Delayed Time (DT), or O.

If the Master menu does not
appear on the screen, press and
hold the Mode button until the
Master Mode screen appears.

Group Mode settings

1. Press the Gr/Ch to navigate
to the group you want to
adjust.

2. Press the Mode button
repeatedly until the desired
operation mode appears.

3. With the group selected, use
the + and − buttons to adjust
the mode’s value.

4. Press Set to confirm.

Master mode

19

• When a group is set to TTL
mode, the flash exposure
compensation (EV) can be
adjusted from −3 to +3 in
1/3-stop increments.

• When a group is set to
Manual mode, the flash
output power can be adjusted
from 1/1 (full power) to 1/128
in 1/3-stop increments.

20

• When a group is set to
Delayed Time (DT mode), the
delay time can be adjusted
from 0 to 5 seconds in
1/10-second increments.

Important! When shooting in
HSS, DT mode delays the time
an external flash fires after it’s
triggered.

• The flash coverage value
can be individually set in
all operating modes. See

Controlling Flash Coverage
(Zoom) below.

DT Mode

Manual Mode

TTL Mode

CONTROLLING FLASH COVERAGE (ZOOM)

The angle of coverage can be
adjusted, or zoomed, so you
can control the light spread for
your image. When the flash
zoom setting is adjusted, the
reflectors inside the flash head
shift position in order to widen
or narrow the angle of coverage.

The available zoom positions
based on your flash are
automatic (AU), 18, 20, 24,
28, 35, 50, 70, 85, 105, 120,
135, 180, and 200 mm.

Setting Focal Length
(Zoom) in Any Mode

1. Press Zoom repeatedly to
highlight each group.

2. Press the + and − buttons
to adjust the zoom for each
group.

3. Press Set to confirm.

Zoom setting

21

SLAVE MODE

1. To enable Slave Mode, press

and hold the Mode button
until the Slave Mode screen
appears.

2. Press the Gr/Ch button to

select the designated slave
group.

3. Use the + and − buttons to

set the channel number.

4. Press Set to confirm the

selection.

22

Note: Zoom cannot be changed in
slave mode. The Zoom value is set
by the transmitter.

Slave Mode

Setting the Channel
in slave mode

1. Press and hold the

Gr/Ch button until the
master channel icon is
highlighted.

2. Press the + or − buttons to

to select the channel.

3. Press Set to confirm the

selection.

Slave channel

23

REMOTE SHUTTER RELEASE FUNCTION

With this configuration, a third
FlashBoss can be used to trigger
a camera and a remote flash.

1. Mount the FlashBoss
transmitter onto the camera’s
hot shoe, and connect it to
the camera with a shutter
release cable (available
separately).

2. Access Group mode, and
make the appropriate settings
for your lighting setup on the
camera-mounted FlashBoss.

24

3. Mount a remote flash to
a FlashBoss that’s set to
receiver mode.

4. Set the third FlashBoss to
transmitter mode. Use the
test/shutter button to
trigger your setup.

With this setup, the test/
shutter button on the third
FlashBoss will trigger the
camera and all communicating
FlashBoss mounted flashes.

Note: Make sure that all flash
settings are entered on the camera­mounted FlashBoss.

FIRMWARE UPGRADE

FCC COMPLIANCE

Go to www.vellogear.com
for information on the latest
firmware version.

Connect the FlashBoss’s
USB port to a computer,
and follow instructions for
downloading and installing
the latest firmware version.

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.

2. This device must accept
any interference received,
including interference
that may cause undesired
operation.

25

SPECIFICATIONS

TTL compatible i-TTL

Channels and groups 30 Channels, 1 auto channel

Groups TTL modes: 3 groups (A, B, C)

Frequency 2.4 GHz

EV range ±3 EV

Antenna Built-in

Maximum range Up to 328 ft. (100 m)

Mounting Hot shoe, 1/4 in. socket

26

Connections Threaded PC sync terminal

USB port for firmware upgrades

Max sync speed 1/8000 sec.

Flash mode TTL, Manual, DT

Sync mode Front-curtain sync, FP sync

Power requirements AA batteries (×2)

Battery life Approximately 120 hr. (in standby)

Dimensions (H × W × D) 2.25 × 2.25 × 3 in. (5.7 × 5.7 × 7.6 cm)

Weight (without batteries) 5.4 oz. (153.1 g)

27

TROUBLESHOOTING

The FlashBoss does
not turn on.

• Replace the batteries.
(Note: If the batteries are
low, replace both batteries at
the same time. Do not use
dierent brands or types of
batteries.)

The slave unit does not fire.

• Check to make sure that all
units are set to the same
channel.

• Make sure all units—
FlashBosses and lights—are
powered on.

• Make sure the flash’s locking
switch is set to the lock
position.

• Make sure each FlashBoss is
operating in the correct mode
(transmitter or receiver).

• Make sure that the batteries
are inserted into the battery
compartment with the
correct orientation.

28

• Check the contact between
the light’s mounting foot
and each FlashBoss’s hot
shoe. Also check the hot­shoe connection between
the camera and FlashBoss
transmitter. Make sure all
mounting feet have been
fully inserted into the
corresponding hot shoes.

The picture is underexposed
or overexposed.

• If the subject looks too dark
or light, change the exposure
compensation value (EV).

• If shooting in HSS mode, the
eective flash range is shorter.
Position the light closer to
the subject.

29

ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

This VELLO 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 specific legal rights, and
you may also have additional rights that vary from state to state.

To obtain warranty coverage, contact the Vello Customer Service Department to obtain a return merchandise authorization
(“RMA”) number, and return the defective product to Vello 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.vellogear.com or call Customer Service at 212-594-2353.

Product warranty provided by the Gradus Group.

www.gradusgroup.com

VELLO is a registered trademark of the Gradus Group.
© 2017 Gradus Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.

www.vellogear.com GG1