ALPA 12 FPS User manual

ALPA 12 FPs
ALPA Silex Mk II
instruction manual
REL-5.11
15 OCTOBER 2019

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
The ALPA 12 FPS (focal plane shutter) opens the door into a new dimension: from the modular
camera platform to the open toolbox. The ALPA 12 FPS acts as a shutter module when used to-
gether with another ALPA 12 camera. However, it is also an independent camera when combined
on its own with a back, a lens, and a suitable adapter. This exibility opens up the use of brand-new
or fond old lenses from dozens of different optical systems manufacturers – with or without a cen-
tral shutter and with or without manual or electronic aperture control. Plus, a free choice of format
is only limited by the lens’s image circles and sensor sizes.
The ALPA Silex Mk II is the modularized “brain” of the ALPA 12 FPS without the focal plane shut-
ter. This control element shares the numerous functionalities of the ALPA 12 FPS. Together with
the ALPA Electronic Lens adapter (ELA), all ALPA Lens Modules can be operated identically on all
standard ALPA bodies. It can control the Sinar/Leica/Rodenstock eShutter 125 and 250.
The ALPA 12 FPS and Silex Mk II open up the eld of shift/tilt/swing/stitch in a wide range of variants
and with the corresponding accessories to a whole new world which had previously hardly been
possible, if at all. A continuously expandable rmware controls the whole system in a concept that
includes all previous ALPA 12 models, many lenses, and almost all digital backs produced in the past
ten years. A previously unknown variety of possibilities and combinations is opened up – a toolbox
that the user can equip and utilize according to their own needs or while using already existing tools.
ALPA 12 FPS and alpa Silex Mk II

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
overview ALPA 12 FPS
k4k4k4k4k4k4k4
K3K3K3K3K3K3K3
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k5k5k5k5k5k5k5k5
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A
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B
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C
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D
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
E
batbatbatbatbatbatbatbatbat
BAT
batbatbat
rj45
usbusb
k1k1k
k2k2
k2
k2k2
DO NOT TOUCH/POKE THE SHUTTER!
DO NOT BLOCK GATE WHEN OPEN!
displaydisplay
ALPA ADJUSTABLE ADAPTER H1A USERS:
PLEASE CHECK DEPTH OF RELEASE PIN FIRST
IN ORDER TO AVOID DAMAGE. CONTACT
YOUR DEALER OR ALPA FOR HELP IF NEEDED.
DO NOT MANIPULATE OR OPEN CAMERA BODY.
MANIPULATION AFFECTS CALIBRATION AND PROPER
FOCAL PLANE DISTANCE. OPENING DETECTION IN PLACE.
k3
k4
k5
k6
RJ45
USB
k1
DIS-
PLAY CS
csc

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
overview ALPA 12 FPS
FPS: CONNECTORS
CONNECTORS
ALemo 14pin for external electronic leaf shutter systems
like Sinar eShutter.
BFlash connector PC type for synchronization of digital
backs and/or ash control, alternative sync port
CLemo 1pin for synchronization of digital backs, main sync
port
D
Lemo 3pin for hand grip trigger, starting the camera, cable
remote trigger or triggering by Pocket Wizard, e.g., acts
as [k1] ➔activate for 2 seconds to turn the camera on,
releases the shutter and activating for 5 seconds will turn
the camera off
ELemo 4pin for external power supply in and out (no auto
switch-off)
BAT Release button for battery, push and slide battery out
RJ45 Ethernet port for remote control via LAN/WiFi
USB Port for rmware upgrades and uploading sync programs
CS Cold shoe, accessory adapter
FPS: CONTROL ELEMENTS
control-element
k1
Switch-on by pressing 2 sec/off 5 sec, auto switch-off af-
ter selected time of inactivity when battery powered, see
also (D)
k1
Release button, start/stop T exposure, [k5] & [k1] see
upgrade process
k2 Turn left/right ➔increases or decreases value depending
on wheel conguration
k2 Push ➔tab /// long ➔ key lock (except [k1]), push long
again for unlocking
k3 Program page left
k3 Push long ➔activates LCC offset mode (see page 21)
k4 Program page right,
Push long for activate/deactivate bracketing
k5 Open/close focal plane or leaf shutter
k5 Push long ➔ turns the camera off, [k5] & [k1] see upgrade
process
k6
Closes the aperture to the preset value, toggles between
open and close (only Canon EF, Nikon E, Hasselblad H,
Contax 645, Rollei 6000 lenses)
k6 Push long ➔ switching display illumination off/on
k2 &
k1 Cancels a running bracketing or self timer program
k5 &
k1
Firmware upgrade when switched off, see upgrade pro-
cess

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
overview ALPA Silex Mk II
k4k4k4k4k4k4k4
K3K3K3K3K3K3K3
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k5k5k5k5k5k5k5k5
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
A
bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb
B
ccccccccccccccccc
C
ddddddddddddddddddddddd
D
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
E
batbatbatbatbatbatbatbatbat
BAT
batbatbat
rj45
usbusb
k1k1k
k2k2
k2
k2k2
displaydisplay
k3
k4
k5
k6
RJ45
USB
k1
DIS-
PLAY CS
csc
Connect the ALPA Electronic Lens
Adapter (ELA) with connector A in
order to operate ALPA lens modules
[ALPA article no 450.010.817].
Lenses in eShutter 125 & 250 can get
connected directly on the ALPA Silex
Mk II via LEMO socket in front.

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
overview ALPA Silex Mk II
Silex Mk II: CONNECTORS
CONNECTORS
ALemo 14pin for external electronic leaf shutter systems
and ALPA Electronic Lens Adapter (ELA).
BFlash connector PC type for synchronization of digital
backs and/or ash control, alternative sync port
CLemo 1pin for synchronization of digital backs, main sync
port
D
Lemo 3pin for hand grip trigger, starting the camera, cable
remote trigger or triggering by Pocket Wizard, e.g., acts
as [k1] ➔activate for 2 seconds to turn the camera on,
releases the shutter and activating for 5 seconds will turn
the camera off
ELemo 4pin for external power supply in and out (no auto
switch-off)
BAT Release button for battery, push and slide battery out
RJ45 Ethernet port for remote control via LAN/WiFi
USB Port for rmware upgrades and uploading sync programs
CS Cold shoe, accessory adapter
Silex Mk II: CONTROL ELEMENTS
control-element
k1
Switch-on by pressing 2 sec/off 5 sec, auto switch-off af-
ter selected time of inactivity when battery powered, see
also (D)
k1
Release button, start/stop T exposure, [k5] & [k1] see
upgrade process
k2 Turn left/right ➔increases or decreases value depending
on wheel conguration
k2 Push ➔tab /// long ➔ key lock (except [k1]), push long
again for unlocking
k3 Program page left
k3 Push long ➔activates LCC offset mode (see page 21)
k4 Program page right,
Push long for activate/deactivate bracketing
k5 Open/close focal plane or leaf shutter
k5 Push long ➔ turns the camera off, [k5] & [k1] see upgrade
process
k6
Closes the aperture to the preset value, toggles between
open and close (only Canon EF, Nikon E, Hasselblad H,
Contax 645, Rollei 6000 lenses)
k6 Push long ➔ switching display illumination off/on
k2 &
k1 Cancels a running bracketing or self timer program
k5 &
k1
Firmware upgrade when switched off, see upgrade pro-
cess

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
display
d9d9d
d6
d1d1d
d1
d2d2d
d2
d3d3d3
d3
d4d4d4
d4
d4d4d4
d5
d10 d9
d7
d8
d7d7d7
d8d8d8d8
d12d12d1
d11d11d11
ddddd
d12
d11
d9d9d9
d10d10
d10d1
d10d1

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
DISPLAY ELEMENTS
DISPLAYELEMENTS
d1 key lock - all elements except release button are blocked
d2 shutter status - a dark rectangular indicates a closed shutter, a light framed
rectangular indicates an opened shutter
d3 aperture status - a light framed circle indicates an open aperture, a dark
doughnut-like cirlce indicates a stopped down aperture
d4
multi-exposure / bracketing status (bracketing can be switched on and off
by long pressing arrow right [k4]
shows “LCC” if this mode is activated by long pressing [k3]
d5 self-timer
d6 battery level / power supply
d7 chaining exposure time & aperture
d8 tab selector (on the respecitve interface page/widget)
d9 info area (sync mode; shutter priority see settings)
d10 menu page indicator - the black tab indicates the position in the menu
d11 aperture value
d12 exposure time
DISPLAY

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
FOCUS
CONTROL BRACKET- ING EXPOSURE SELF
TIMER
CONFIGU-
RATION
ENTER
STEPS
START
operation menu
CONFIGURA-
TION
EXIT
TCP/IP
CONFIG
SER-
VICE
ENTER
EDIT
SYNC
SYNC TCP/IP
DHCP
BAT
TIME
OUT
WHEEL
& DISP
▶
▶
▶
▶
SHUTTER
PRIO
BLACK
REF
press
▶
▶
CONFIGURA-
TION
EXIT
DATE &
TIME
LENS
ACT
SHTTR
COUNT
EXPO-
SURE
SHTTR
LATENCY
MAC
ADDRESS
CASE
STATE
press
press
press
READ ONLY READ ONLY READ ONLY READ ONLY
LEVEL 3 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 1
PAGE 13 PAGE 16-20PAGE 14-15 PAGE 22-25, 21 PAGE 28 PAGE 29 PAGE 29
PAGE 30-31 PAGE 32 PAGE 34 PAGE 35 PAGE 35 PAGE 36-37 PAGE 36-37 PAGE 29
PAGE 32

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
MENU ELEMENTS
menu elements
0-0 Start screen
1-1 Steps in EV for aperture and shutter speed
1-2 Focus control
1-3 Bracketing and multi-exposure programs
1-4 Exposure
1-5 Self timer
1-6 Shutter priority mode
1-7 Enter conguration menu (level 2)
2-1 Select sync programs
2-2 Manage sync programs
2-3 Battery Time Out
2-4 Enter service menu (level 3)
2-5 Enable/disable black reference
2-6 Wheel conguration (+/- or -/+)
2-7 Congure TCP/IP or read received values depending on the DHCP status
2-8 Dene DHCP conguration (IP via DHCP or xed)
2-9 Exit conguration level (back to level 1)
operation menu

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
0-0 start screen
ALPA FPS
9999
FPS/Silex V5.00
d15
d20d20d20
d16
d21d21
START SCREEN
start screen
d15
Actual number of actuations of
the internal focal plane shutter.
The factory delivery counter
shows 100 actuations of the
focal plane shutter. Not relevant
for ALPA Silex Mk II.
d16
Indication of the FPS/Silex Mk
II rmware release successfully
installed on the camera.

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
steps
STEP VALUES
step values
Select the increments for exposure time (and aperture, if available) in value steps of 1, ½, ¹⁄ ³ , ¼ as you like.
HINT: If you change the STEPS and navigate back to EXPOSURE the value can jump to 1/4000 (Silex Mk II and leaf
shutter lenses = the shortest exposure time available) if the previously selected value is not available in this step table.
turn

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
focus control
d30
d35d
d31
d32
d33 d34
d35
d36
d30d30
d32d32
d331
d33d
d34d
d36d36d
DISPLAY ELEMENTS
Display elements
Select the function [d30, d31, d33, d34] by clicking the turn-wheel (k2) for tabbing and turn for executing. At
the moment only CANON EF lenses are supported.
d30 change focus “superne” by one step, dened by specic lens
d31 change focus “ne” by 2 % of focus hub of the specic lens
d32 indication for controlled focus (CF) or manual focus (MF), the latter mode is reecting the focus status
of the specic lens (manual switch on various lenses)
d33 change focus “coarse” by 10 % of focus hub of the specic lens
d34 turn lens to stop at close focus distance or innity (and beyond)
d35 indication of the focus sector in meters, availability of this information and accuracy is dened by the
specic lens
d36 indication of the lenses focal length (xed) or the actual focal length (zoom) in millimeters, indication of
the actual pre-dialed aperture, all indications dened by the specic lens. Only if provided by the lens.
press
&
turn

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
Select the focus step by pressing the turn-wheel for tabbing. Turn for
activating. The focus motor follows the direction as indicated with
the “close focus” and “innity” signs, therefore turn left for focusing
towards close focus and turn right for focusing towards innity.
HINT 1: Depending on the Wheel conguration the effect might be
inverse, see page 33.
focus control
The status “MANUAL FOCUS” is shown when a manual focus lens
or an auto focus lens set to “MF” is detected. A focus range in me-
ters is shown if available by the specic lens. Precision and spread is
determined by the lens.
HINT 1: The status area shows the status of the lens (CF, MF or emp-
ty) in the status area in every menu screen.
HINT 2: Do not touch the lens until it has performed the complete
turn from close to innity focus, ending in the middle position. Oth-
erwise mount a different (Canon) lens, let the camera perform the
focus calibration and re-mount the original lens. Wait until the cam-
era has performed the focus calibration again.
If no or a not supported lens is attached the screen shows FOCUS
CONTROL being “NOT AVAILABLE”.

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
bracketing over time
The rst variable allows to set up the number of images to be taken.
The values range from 0 to 9 frames, where the setting “0F” disables
the compete program. All other settings remain stored also after
switching the camera off for a comfortable reactivation. The order
or sequence of the complete program is dened in the next setting.
Always push the turning knob and tab to the next variable.
The sequence denes in which order the frames get taken. Possible
values are +/-, -/+, +, -. A setting “+/-” starts with the frames with
longer exposure, then the base setting followed by the shorter expo-
sures. The indication “B19” expresses 9 images “+” in exposure, the
base setting and then the 9 images with “-” exposure. A “9F” with “-”
sequence equals 10 images (9 plus base). The variation is defined by
the increment in the next setting.
The increments range from ¼ to 9 EV. The bracketing program will
add/deduct the given steps for each number of images. Therefore 9
frames in +/- mode and a step of 2 EV would start with 18 EV cor-
rection for the rst, 16 EV for the second shot etc. A setting of “0”
allows an automatic sequence of shots based on the setting in the
timing eld. The next variable denes the type of program.
d20
d20
d232d3
d22d22
d21d2
d21
d22
d24
d23 press
&
turn
DISPLAY ELEMENTS
d20 frames per sequence
d21 sequence
d22 increment
d23 program type
d24 timing
d25 total frames
d24
d25
d25d25d25

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
Apart from the standard bracketing program for HDR et al, the
ALPA 12 FPS also allows digital multiple exposures. For a better iden-
tication the count in the info header changes from “B99” to “M99”
(a running program is indicated when these values blink).
For a closer look at the multiple exposure see the specic section on
page 16.
The timing variable denes the way how the program sequences gets
executed. Available values are “m”anual (user triggers next release),
1 to 9 seconds (automatic release). The waiting time for the black
reference is added automatically and in addition if BLACKREF is ON,
see page 33.
bracketing over time
A prepared bracketing program is visible in the info header on every
menu screen.
During th execution of a bracketing program the indication in the
info header blinks with the remaining number of frames to go. The
main info area shows timer/exposure (here 5s until the next frame is
taken) and the status like frame 1 of 3. The footer info area shows the
exposure time of the next frame.
HINT 1: Test for the best timing with your digital back and typical
storage medium in use in advance. Mind the typical writing speed of
your personal back/storage combination.
HINT 2: Interrupt a running self timer program by swiftly click/holding
the turning knob and pushing the release button at any time.
FPS & Silex Mk II: CONTROL ELEMENTS
control-element
k4
Press and hold to enable/disable
the bracketing program. An activa-
ted program is indicated by „Bxx“
in the upper display area.

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
multiple exposure
ME: MULTIPLE EXPO-
SURE
MES: MULTIPLE EXPO-
SURE SEQUENCE
MF: MULTIPLE FLASH
USE
Multiple exposures with digital backs. Ease of
use via bracketing menu. For artistic or tech-
nical photography.
Primarily technical photography in daylight
situations.
Technical or artistic photography in studio sit-
uations; visualization of movements, e.g.
OPERATION via bracketing menu via XML, sample see appendix via XML, sample see appendix
DI SPL AY shown in upper status area like “M19”, blink-
ing when program is running
only via exposure program name shown in
lower status area
only via exposure program name shown in
lower status area
SHUTTER TIME
LIMITATION
none, apart from 1/125 sec as shortest ash
sync time for the focal plane shutter when
ash lights are used
none, apart from 1/125 sec as shortest ash
sync time when ash lights are used; if com-
bined with multiple ash, see MULTIPLE
FLASH
must be longer than the complete program
duration; FPS terminates the program if
shutter time elapsed before program is com-
pleted; audible delay of the re-cocking of the
shutter is indicating the override
FLASH SYNC
LIMITATION
FPS: 1/125 sec as fastest shutter time
Leaf shutter lenses: all shutter times
FPS: 1/125 sec as fastest shutter time
Leaf shutter lenses: all shutter times
FPS: 1/125 sec as fastest shutter time
Leaf shutter lenses: all shutter times
COMBINA-
TIONS
can be combined with Bracketing, combi-
nation with MES and MF via sync programs
possible but not recommended
can be combined with Bracketing, combi-
nation with MES and MF via sync programs
possible but not recommended
can be combined with Bracketing, combi-
nation with MES and MF via sync programs
possible but not recommended
PROGRAM
ABORT
any time by swiftly pressing the turning knob
down and activating the release button; im-
age is written down after program abort too
any time by swiftly pressing the turning knob
down and activating the release button; im-
age is written down after program abort too
any time by swiftly pressing the turning knob
down and activating the release button; im-
age is written down after program abort too

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<ProgramSequence version="100" Name="Multi 2x">
<Action delayTimeUSEC="200">SETSYNCHLEMO</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="50000">CLEARSYNCHLEMO</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="200">SETSYNCHLEMO</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">OpenIShutter</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="5000">RunDelay</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VSetFlash</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VClrFlash</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">CloseIShutter</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">OpenIShutter</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="5000">RunDelay</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VSetFlash</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VClrFlash</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">CloseIShutter</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">CLEARSYNCHLEMO</Action>
</ProgramSequence>
This mode allows multiple exposures with a high repeat accuracy. The XML les can consist of as many shutter
cycles as needed. Timing is determined in microseconds. Please store the le with an .fps ending and UTF-8
encoded.
A combination with multiple ash is possible (within a complete shutter cycle). Please mind the fastest recycling times
of your ash devices. The program can be used with all exposure times but the fastest ash sync time for normal
operation is 1/125 sec. Please use a “RunDelay” of 5000 microseconds before ring the ash. The sample res the
shutter twice (one right after the other, delays can be timed with the “RunDelay” command).
MES:multiple exposure sequence
XML

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ALPA 12 FPS and silex instruction manual REL-5.11 - copyright alpa 2019
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<ProgramSequence version="100" Name="Flash6Pac">
<Action delayTimeUSEC="200">SETSYNCHLEMO</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="50000">CLEARSYNCHLEMO</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="200">SETSYNCHLEMO</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">OpenIShutter</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="5000">RunDelay</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VSetFlash</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VClrFlash</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100000">RunDelay</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VSETFLASH</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VCLRFLASH</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100000">RunDelay</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VSETFLASH</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VCLRFLASH</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100000">RunDelay</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VSETFLASH</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VCLRFLASH</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100000">RunDelay</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VSETFLASH</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VCLRFLASH</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100000">RunDelay</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VSETFLASH</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">1VCLRFLASH</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">CloseIShutter</Action>
<Action delayTimeUSEC="100">CLEARSYNCHLEMO</Action>
</ProgramSequence>
This mode allows multiple ash triggering with a high repeat accuracy. The XML les can consist of as many
ash cycles as needed. Timing is determined in microseconds. The shortest ash recycling time depends on the
brand and make as well as the output power set. Please store the le with an .fps ending and UTF-8 encoded.
The multiple ash sequence can be programmed in microseconds with highest repeat accuracy. Please mind the
fastest recycling times of your ash devices and the FPS’ fastest ash sync time for normal operation of 1/125 sec.
The exposure time should be at least as long as the complete cycle. Otherwise the FPS cuts the execution after the
exposure time has elapsed. An audible delay of the re-cocking of the shutter can be heard in this case. The sample
triggers the ash 6 times every 1/10 sec.
MF:multiple flash
XML