Vello FWB-R, FWB-C User manual

FREEWAVE
FUSION BASIC

WIRELESS FLASH/SHUTTER
REMOTE TRIGGER

 

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING VELLO

The Vello FreeWave Fusion Basic is your
passport to a new world of photography.
It expands your photographic options
with an easy-to-use radio remote trigger
system that can trigger hot-shoe flashes
or studio lights up to 50 feet away. Or you
can trigger your camera’s shutter up to
50 feet away (for photographing wildlife,
for instance). Whether you’re working
on location or in a studio, the Fusion
Basic frees you from sync cords so that
you can put your flash and your camera
exactly where you want them, producing

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exactly the photograph that you want.

The FreeWave Fusion Basic does not
require line-of-sight alignment, as its radio
waves pass through and around objects
such as walls, windows, floors, and trees.

You can t ake single shots or shoot in
continuous mode. You can use your camera’s
Bulb mode for long-exposure photographs.
The FreeWave Fusion Basic is ideal for
taking close-up or macro shots, too. The
slightest camera movement (even when

the camera is mounted on a tripod) while
shooting these types of photos may cause
blurry images. The FreeWave Fusion Basic
allows you to trip the shutter without
disturbing the camera, so there’s no danger
of camera movement. You can even make
time-delay photos, perfect for when you
want to include yourself in the picture.

Welcome to your new world
of wireless photography.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents ................................................................ 4

Key Features .......................................................... 6

Precautions ............................................................ 8

Overview .............................................................0

Compatible Devices ..........................................2

Before You Begin ................................................ 3

Powering Up ........................................................4

Getting Started ................................................... 5

Wirelessly Trigger a Hot-Shoe Flash ............. 7

Wirelessly Trigger a Studio Flash ................... 9

Using the FreeWave Fusion Basic as a

Remote Shutter Release ...................................2

Trigger your Camera for Single Shots ...........22

Trigger your Camera for Continuous

Shooting ............................................................... 23

Trigger your Camera in Bulb Mode for a Long

Exposure ..............................................................24

Trigger your Camera in Self-Timer (Delay)

Mode ..................................................................... 25

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

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

FCC Compliance................................................29

One-Year Limited Warranty ............................30

3

CONTENTS

Transmitter and Receiver Set (FWB-C, FWB-N, and FWB-S2)

• FreeWave Fusion Basic Transmitter

• FreeWave Fusion Basic Receiver

• 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm sync cord

• 2.5 mm to PC male sync cord

• 3.5 mm to /4˝ phono adapter

4

• Two AAA alkaline batteries

• One 23A 2 V alkaline battery

• Instruction manual

• One-Year Limited Warranty

FWB-C / FWB-N / FWB-S2

FWB-R / FWB-S2R

Receiver set (FWB-R and FWB-S2R)

• FreeWave Fusion Basic Receiver

• 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm sync cord

• 2.5 mm to PC male sync cord

• 3.5 mm to /4˝ phono adapter

• Two AAA alkaline batteries

• Instruction manual

• One-Year Limited Warranty

Also Included With Canon
Set (FWB-C)

• Shutter Remote 2.5 mm to Canon 2.5 mm
Shutter Release Cable (RCC-C)

• Shutter Remote 2.5 mm to Canon 3-Pin
Camera Shutter Release Cable (RCC-C2)

Also Included With Nikon
Set (FWB-N)

• Shutter Remote 2.5 mm to Nikon 0-Pin
Camera Shutter Release Cable (RCC-N)

• Shutter Remote 2.5 mm to Nikon DC2
Camera Shutter Release Cable (RCC-N2)

5

KEY FEATURES

Wireless Hot-Shoe Flash Trigger

System: Trigger a hot-shoe (on-

camera-type) flash up to 50 feet away.

Wireless Studio Flash Trigger System:

Trigger a studio flash up to 50 feet away.

Wireless Control System: Trigger your

camera’s shutter up to 50 feet away.

Flash Sync Speed of up to 1/200s: Tak e

advantage of sync speeds that match the
rating of your camera up to /200th of
a second (compatible cameras only).

6

16 Channels: Multiple channels allow you

to change your transmitter/receiver
settings to avoid interference from
other wireless remote controls.

Multi-Purpose Flash Trigger : Yo u

can use multiple optional receivers
(available separately) to trigger many
flashes with a single transmitter.

Multi-Purpose Shutter Trigger: Yo u

can use the shutter release remote
trigger to trigger multiple cameras,
as well as dierent types of cameras,

by simply swapping out the included
connection cable for a dierent
connection cable (available separately).

LED Indicator Lights: Confirms

communication of trigger system
with pre-focus, shutter release, and
flash trigger in wireless mode.

Dual-Function Shutter Release

Button: Press halfway to focus;

press fully to trigger the shutter.

Long-Exposure Photography: Use

the FreeWave Fusion Basic with your
camera’s Bulb setting to make exposures
as long as the camera will support,
without touching the camera, as even the
slightest touch may cause blurred photos.

Macro Photography: The lightest touch

to your camera, such as pushing the
shutter release button, is magnified when
shooting macro or close-up photos,
resulting in blurred pictures—using the
FreeWave Fusion Basic eliminates the
chance of accidental camera movement.

Compatible: Most hot-shoe lights, studio

lights, and cameras are compatible
with the FreeWave Fusion Basic .

Single Shot & Continuous Shooting

Modes: Allows user to fire the camera

without touching the camera itself,
avoiding possible camera shake.

Wildlife Photography: Use the

FreeWave Fusion Basic to release
the shutter from a safe distance for
photos of hard-to-approach wildlife.

7

PRECAUTIONS

• There are no user-ser viceable parts
inside the devices. Do not attempt to
disassemble or perform any unauthorized
modification.

• Do not operate the FreeWave Fusion
Basic in the presence of flammable gas
or vapors.

• Do not handle with wet hands or
immerse in or expose to water or rain.

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Failure to observe this precaution could
result in fire 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 batteries 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 unit with care.

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

• Turn o the camera’s power before
inserting or removing the remote cord.

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

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

• 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 photos are for illustrative only.

9

OVERVIEW

Transmitter

Confirmation
LED Lamp

Trigger Button

Front Back

Sync Port

Retractable
Antenna

Function
Switch

Channel
Selector

0

Battery
Compartment

Hot-Shoe Flash
Connection

Receiver

Front Bottom Back

Confirmation
LED Lamp

Channel
Selector

Hot-Shoe
Flash Mount

Function/

O Switch

Battery
Compartment

Camera Shutter

Trigger Port

Flash Trigger

Port

Shoe Locking Wheel

with /4˝-20 Mount



COMPATIBLE DEVICES

FWB-C, FWB-N, and FWB-R

These models of the FreeWave Fusion
Basic are compatible with most hot-shoe
flashes, studio lights, and cameras.

Pentax, Sony/Minolta, and Sony Multi­Interface flashes are not compatible.

FWB-S2 and FWB-S2R

This is designed specifically for flashes with
the Sony Multi-Interface shoe (MIS) and is
recommended for use only with devices
that are compatible with this shoe.

2

All FreeWave Fusion Basic Models

The FreeWave Fusion Basic does not transmit
through-the-lens (TTL) settings; therefore,
we recommend using a flash that can be
controlled manually with this device. The
power output must always be set to manual.

All FreeWave Basic transmitters and
receivers operate on the same frequency
and can be used interchangeably. For
example, you can use the FWB-C (Canon)
transmitter to trigger a Sony MIS flash with
the FWB-S2R receiver, and vice versa.

1 2 3 4

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

When you remove the Transmitter and
the Receiver from the box, you will notice
a set of four small numbered switches
on the top of each instrument. These
identical channel selector switches allow
you to change the channel on which your
Transmitter and Receiver operate. Each
of the four switches has two positions.

Note: Make sure that both the Transmitter and
Receiver are set to the same channel.

You can change the channel by moving the
position of one or more channel switches
using a ballpoint pen. In this way, you can
avoid interference from any source. For
instance, if other photographers are working
in the same area as you and using radio
remote controls, you can change the channel
on your FreeWave Fusion Basic Transmitter
and Receiver so that their transmitters
don’t trigger your lights, and vice versa.

5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12

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13

15

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3

POWERING UP

After you’ve set both the Transmitter and
Receiver to the same channel, place the
correct batteries in the devices. Insert the
two included AAA batteries in the battery
compartment of the Receiver, being careful
to orient them with the correct polarity
marked on the inside of the battery cover.
Then, open the battery compartment on
the Transmitter and insert the included
23A battery using the correct polarity.

4

On the side of the Receiver is a switch
labeled Camera/O /Flash. To conserve
battery power, you should keep the switch
in the O position except when the
Receiver is actually in use. Slide the switch
to “Flash” if you’re using it as a remote
flash trigger or to “Camera” if you’re
using the set as a remote wireless camera
shutter trigger. The Transmitter battery
has a life of approximately two years in
standby mode. It has no On/O button.

Note: Many modern flashes and cameras have
a Sleep mode. You must turn o the Sleep mode
in your flash or camera before using the Fusion
Basic. Refer to your flash or camera user manual
for instructions.

GETTING STARTED

The FreeWave Fusion Basic can perform two
major functions (with several variations):
A) It can wirelessly trigger a hot-shoe flash
or a studio flash or B) it can wirelessly
trigger a camera shutter, including single
shot and continuous shooting, long
exposures (Bulb mode), and time-delay.

When using the Fusion Basic to trigger
a flash, follow these instructions.

Note: the shutter release and flash trigger
options cannot be used simultaneously.

Mounting the Transmitter

. With your camera and Receiver O,

loosen the Transmitter’s hot-shoe locking
ring.

2. Insert the Transmitter’s hot shoe into the
camera’s hot-shoe mount.

3. Tighten the Transmitter’s hot-shoe
locking ring.

5

Note: For cameras with a PC connection,
you can use the included 2.5 mm to PC sync
cable to connect to the Transmitter. Mount
the Transmitter on a bracket, plug the PC end
of the cable into the camera’s PC connection
and plug the other end into the Transmitter’s
sync port.

6

Mounting the Receiver

There are two ways you can
mount the Receiver:

. Mount the Receiver to a light stand

using the threaded socket for a standard
/4˝ screw mount on the bottom of the
Receiver.

2. Use the accessory shoe (cold shoe) foot
to mount the Receiver to a cold-shoe
bracket.

WIRELESSLY TRIGGER A HOT-SHOE FLASH

. Check to be sure that both the

Transmitter and Receiver are set to the
same channel.

2. With your hot-shoe flash and Receiver
o, mount your flash onto the hot shoe of
the Receiver.

3. Move the Function Switch on both the
Receiver and on the Transmitter to
“Flash.”

4. Confirm that the camera, Transmitter,
Receiver, and flash are all powered on.

7

5. Set the desired power output on the flash
manually.

6. Fully press the shutter button on your
camera. All lights connected to Receivers
operating on the same channel as the
Transmitter should fire simultaneously.

8

Note: We recommend using a full y manually
controlled flash with this device. The FreeWave
Fusion Basic does not transmit TTL settings, so
you will always need to set the power output
manually.

Note: If the FreeWave Fusion Basic doesn’t
trigger your flash or camera on the first attempt,
try changing the channel on the Transmitter and
the Receiver using the Channel Selectors until you
find a channel that works.

WIRELESSLY TRIGGER A STUDIO FLASH

Using the FreeWave Fusion Basic helps you
to eliminate cord clutter when setting up
studio lights. You can also trig ger multiple
lights by using additional FreeWave Fusion
Basic Receivers (available separately).

To use the FreeWave Fusion Basic
to wirelessly trigger a studio flash,
follow these instructions:

. Check to be sure that both the

Transmitter and Receiver are set to the
same channel.

2. Turn your camera and Receiver O.

3. Use the included studio light (2.5 mm
to 3.5 mm) sync cable to connect to a
studio flash.

4. Plug the 2.5 mm side of the cable into the
Receiver’s flash sync [ ] port.

9

5. Plug the 3.5 mm side of the cable into the
studio flash sync jack.

6. If your studio flash has a /4˝ phono jack,
use the included 3.5 mm to /4˝ phono
adapter.

7. With your camera and Transmitter
o, loosen the Transmitter’s hot-shoe
locking ring.

8. Insert the Transmitter’s hot shoe into the
camera’s hot-shoe mount, and tighten the
hot-shoe locking ring.

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9. Move the Function Switch on both the
Receiver and on the Transmitter to
“Flash.”

0. Confirm that the camera, Transmitter,

Receiver, and studio light are all powered
on.

. Fully press the shutter button on your

camera. All lights connected to Receivers
operating on the same channel as the
Transmitter should fire simultaneously.

USING THE FREEWAVE FUSION BASIC AS A REMOTE SHUTTER RELEASE

Using the FreeWave Fusion Basic, you can
trigger the shutter on your camera wirelessly.
You can shoot in normal modes (single shot
and continuous shooting), long-exposure
(Bulb) mode, and time-delay mode from
up to 50 feet away from your camera.

To use the remote shutter release function,
you will need to use a compatible FreeWave
Fusion Basic shutter release cable.

Note: the FreeWave Fusion Basic can also be
used with other cameras. See the enclosed
Camera Compatibility Insert .

2

TRIGGER YOUR CAMERA FOR SINGLE SHOTS

. Set your camera to single shot mode.

2. Attach the appropriate shutter release
cable to the shutter release [ ] port on
the Receiver and to the camera.

3. Mount the Receiver to the camera’s hot
shoe.

4. Set the Function Switch on the Receiver
to “Camera”.

5. Set the Function Switch on the
Transmitter to [ ].

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6. Hold the Transmitter in your hand with
the antenna extended.

7. Press the trigger button on the
Transmitter halfway to focus.
Confirmation LEDs on both the
Transmitter and Receiver should turn
blue.

8. Press the trigger button all the way—the
LED will turn red, and the shutter will be
triggered. The LED on the Receiver also
turns red when the shutter is triggered.

TRIGGER YOUR CAMERA FOR CONTINUOUS SHOOTING

. Set your camera to continuous shooting

mode.

2. Attach the appropriate shutter release
cable to the shutter release [ ] port on
the Receiver and to the camera.

3. Mount the Receiver to the camera’s hot
shoe.

4. Set the Function Switch on the Receiver
to “Camera.”

5. Set the Function Switch on the
Transmitter to [ ].

6. Press the trigger button halfway to select
your focus point. Press and hold the
trigger button down on the Transmitter,
and the camera will shoot continuously.

7. If you hold the button for  to 3 seconds,
the camera will stop shooting when you
remove your finger from the button.
If you hold the button down for more
than 3 seconds, the camera will continue
shooting when you take your finger o
the button. To stop taking photos, press
the trigger button again.

TRIGGER YOUR CAMERA IN BULB MODE FOR A LONG EXPOSURE

. Set the camera to Bulb mode.

2. Attach the appropriate shutter release
cable to the shutter release [ ] port on
the Receiver and to the camera.

3. Mount the Receiver to the camera’s hot
shoe.

4. Set the Function Switch on the Receiver
to “Camera.”

5. Set the Function Switch on the
Transmitter to [ ].

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6. Half-press the trigger button on the
Transmitter to focus the lens on the
camera.

7. Full-press the trigger button to open
the shutter. Releasing the trig ger button
within 3 seconds, will close the shutter. If
you hold the button down for more than
3 seconds, the shutter will remain open
when you remove your finger from the
button, and it will close only when you
press the trigger button again.

TRIGGER YOUR CAMERA IN SELF-TIMER (DELAY) MODE

. Set the camera to single shot mode.

2. Attach the appropriate shutter release
cable to the shutter release [ ] port on
the Receiver and to the camera.

3. Mount the Receiver to the camera’s hot
shoe.

4. Set the Function Switch on the Receiver
to “Camera”.

5. Set the Transmitter Function Button to
[

].

6. Half-press the trigger button on the
Transmitter to focus.

7. Full-press the trigger button and the
confirmation LED on the Receiver will
begin to blink red. The shutter will be
activated 5 seconds from when you first
pressed the trigger button to take the
picture.

Tip: When using the FreeWave Fusion Basic
to trip your camera shutter, if the camera
is set to autofocus, the shutter will only be
triggered if the autofocus mechanism is
locked onto a focus point. For this reason,
it’s best to use manual focus when using the
remote controls to trigger the shutter.

SPECIFICATIONS

Transmitter

Dimensions (L×H×W)

2.5 mm to 3.5 mm sync cable

2.5 mm to PC straight sync cable Approximately 2˝ (30.5 cm)

Frequency 433 MHz

Channel settings 6 possible channels

Shutter modes Single Shot, Continuous Shooting, Bulb, Self-Timer

Confirmation LEDs 2 color—blue and red

3.62 × . × .37˝

(92 × 25.4 × 34.92 mm)

Approximate coiled length 3˝ (33 cm)

Approximate uncoiled length 26˝ (66 cm)

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3.25 × .50 × .38˝

(82.5 × 38.2 × 35 mm)

Receiver

Transmitter

Power  × 23A 2 V alkaline battery 2 × AAA alkaline batteries

Battery life (in stand-by mode) 2 years Approximately 300 hours

Range Flash trigger up to 50´ (5.24 m) / Shutter trigger up to 50´ (45.7 m)

Weight . oz. (3.8 g) .5 oz . (42.52 g)

Receiver

27

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problems with the FreeWave Fusion Basic
can usually be traced to the following causes:

• Check the contact between the flash’s
hot-shoe foot and the Receiver’s hot shoe
to be certain that the flash is properly
seated. Make sure the light’s locking
switch is set to the lock position when
mounted in the Receiver’s hot shoe .

• Make sure that the Receiver is powered
on and at the correct setting.

• Check that the shutter release cable and/

28

or studio light cable are in good condition
and properly connected.

• If you encounter any interference on
the initial setting, remove the batteries
from the Transmitter and Receiver, and
change the channel by rearranging the
channel selector switches to a dierent
combination. Take care to ensure that
both the Transmitter and Receiver are
set identically. Then replace the batteries
and proceed.

• When using the FreeWave Fusion Basic

as a shutter release, your camera may not
be able to release the shutter if the lens
is set to Auto Focus and focus cannot be
achieved on a subject. Switch your camera
to manual focus and focus the camera to
ensure proper shutter release.

FCC COMPLIANCE

This device complies with Part 5 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:

. This device may not cause harmful

interference.

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

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 () 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.

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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 22-594-2353.

Product warranty provided by the Gradus Group.

www.gradusgroup.com

VELLO is a registered trademark of the Gradus Group. © 205 Gradus Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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www.vellogear.com All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © Copyright 205 Gradus Group

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