Bolt VB-11 User manual

VB-11/VB-22
BARE BULB FLASH
User’s Manual
Inspiration strikes
Inspiration strikes

2 |Introduction

Introduction |3
Introduction
Thank you for choosing a Bolt VB-Series Bare-Bulb ash. These ashes are designed for photography
professionals and enthusiasts interested in a portable high-power light source with 360-degree exposure and
versatile light shaping options.
Using the included reector and diffuser, the high output from your VB-Series ash can be focused and
softened to create beautiful contrasted light. The ashes can also accept other various light modiers to create
your ideal shooting conditions. Additionally, the bare-bulb ash units can be attached and secured to a myriad
of stands and mounts, simplifying the setup and use of the device.
• High power (360 W/s on VB-22, 180 W/s on VB-11)
• 1/1 to 1/128 ash output
• User-replaceable ashtube
• Stroboscopic and Slave modes
• Tilt and swivel head: -15° down, 90° up, 135° right,
and 180° left
• Versatile accessory mount
• Five different triggering options
• 1.75” backlit LCD screen
• Auto-focus assist function
• Reector and diffuser included

4 |Contents
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................2-3
Overview ......................................................................................................................................................6-9
Warnings ..................................................................................................................................................10-11
Using the Flash
Installing and Replacing the Flashtube ................................................................................................12-13
Powering the Flash..............................................................................................................................14-15
Mounting the Flash..............................................................................................................................16-17
Setting the Flash Power ........................................................................................................................... 18
Triggering the Flash ................................................................................................................................. 19
AF-Assist Mode ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Audio Function ......................................................................................................................................... 20
Optical Slave Triggering Mode .................................................................................................................. 21

Contents |5
Repeat Mode ......................................................................................................................................22-23
High-Speed Sync Function ....................................................................................................................... 24
Modifying the Light Output
Tilt and Swivel ....................................................................................................................................24-26
Lighting Effects ........................................................................................................................................ 26
Using the Reector and Diffuser ............................................................................................................... 27
Troubleshooting … ...................................................................................................................................28-29
Specications ................................................................................................................................................ 30
Repeat Mode Reference Chart ...................................................................................................................... 31
Recommended Accessories ......................................................................................................................32-35
Limited Warranty ........................................................................................................................36 (Back Cover)

6 |Overview
VB-11
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Overview |7
Overview
1. Umbrella Bracket Mounting Hole
2. Audio Button
3. AF-Assist Button
4. Selection Dial
5. Power Socket
6. Power Button
7. Shoe Locking Wheel
8. LCD Display
9. Mode Button
10. Set Button
11. Test Button
12. Sync Cord Jack
13. Mounting Foot
14. PC Sync Socket
15. Accessory Locking Knob
16. Position Release Button
17. Wireless Control Port
18. AF-Assist Light
19. Accessory Mount
20. Flashtube
21. Flashtube Socket
22. Optical Slave Sensor
Additional VB-22 Parts:
23. AF-Assist Light
24. Optical Slave Sensor
25. Stand Mounting Foot
26. Shoe Mounting Foot

8 |Overview
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Overview |9
LCD:
27. Power Output Indicators
28. Thermal Protection Mode
29. Manual Mode
30. Slave Modes
31. RPT Mode
32. High-Speed Sync Indicator
33. RPT Times Indicator
34. RPT Frequency Indicator
35. AF-Assist Indicator
36. Audio Indicator
Included Accessories:
37. Retaining Ring
38. Diffuser
39. Reector
40. Power Cable
41. Protective Pouch
42. Stand/Tripod Mount

10 |Warnings
Warnings
Please read the following instructions before using this product to ensure safe use and to help prevent damage
to your ash or injury to yourself or others. Keep this manual in a safe place.
• Do not re the ash at close range directly into the eyes of people or animals. This can cause damage to
the retina and may even lead to blindness.
• Do not disassemble or attempt to repair this product yourself. High-voltage components inside can produce
a hazardous electric shock.
• Keep this product and its accessories out of the reach of children.
• Use only the power sources specied in this manual.
• Always switch the ash off before installing or removing a power source.
• Do not use or store your VB-Series Bare Bulb Flash in ammable conditions (such as environments
containing ammable gases or liquid chemicals). This can damage the ash, start a re, or cause an
electric shock.
• Do not clean the unit with agents containing corrosive or ammable substances such as paint thinner,
benzene, or nail polish remover.

Warnings |11
• This product is not water resistant. Keep it away from rain, snow, humidity, and general moisture.
• Should the unit sustain physical damage, do not touch any exposed interior metal parts. If touched, they
may generate an electric shock or cause a malfunction. Promptly remove the power source and take the
product to an authorized service center for repair.
• If you detect excessive heat, smoke, or a burning smell coming from the ash, immediately stop operation
and remove the power source to prevent the product from igniting or melting. Take the product to an
authorized service center for repair.
• Do not drop or otherwise cause a strong physical impact to the unit, as this can cause a malfunction that
may cause it to explode or ignite.
• Remove all power sources from the unit before long-term storage in order to prevent the product from
igniting or leaking corrosive liquids.
• Do not store or use the product at temperatures above 104°F (40°C).
• Keep the power socket clean and free of corrosion and direct. Do not touch it with your ngers. Corrosive
elements on the contacts can damage the unit and prevent it from functioning properly. The power socket
may be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab.
• All images are for illustrative purposes only.

12 |Installing the Flashtube
1 2
Using the Flash
INSTALLING THE FLASHTUBE
Before installing the ash tube, ensure the device is switched off and the power cord disconnected from the
unit. Additionally, remove all accessories connected to the unit’s Accessory Mount.
1. Using white cotton gloves or a clean cloth, line up the dot on the bottom of the ashtube with the one
inside the ashtube socket to ensure correct polarity.
2. With the polarity aligned, insert the ash tube into the ashtube socket on the ash unit using rm, even
pressure until secure.

Replacing the Flashtube |13
REPLACING THE FLASHTUBE
Before removing an old ash tube, ensure the device is switched off and the power source disconnected from
the unit. Additionally, remove all accessories connected to the unit’s Accessory Mount.
1. Using white cotton gloves or a clean cloth, grasp the ashtube using rm, even pressure, and pull the
ashtube from the ash unit.
2. To install the new bulb, follow the Installing the Flashtube instructions above.

14 |Powering the Flash
Powering the Flash
The Bolt VB-Series ash units are powered by an external power pack, such as the Bolt PP-400DR, with a high
voltage cable via a dedicated port on the side of the ash body. The external power source is sold separately.
Connecting to a power pack:
1. Ensure the power pack and ash unit are turned off.
2. Insert one end of the high voltage power cable into the output socket of the power pack, and plug the
other end into the power socket of the ash.
3. Turn on the power pack, and then press the Power button on the ash.
NOTE: Certain power packs, such as the Bolt PP-400DR, will automatically turn the ash on when powered on.

Powering the Flash |15

16 |Mounting the Flash
Mounting the Flash
The Bolt VB-Series ash units include interchangeable mounting accessories. The VB-11 has a built-in shoe
mount and a separate Stand/Tripod Mount. The VB-22 has two interchangeable shoe and stand mounts,
as well as the additional Stand/Tripod Mount. The shoe mount allows the ash to be attached to cameras,
brackets, and the like. The stand mount allows the ash to be attached to lightstands, tripods, and anything
else with a standard ¼”-20 mounting screw.
To install or remove a VB-22 mounting foot, unscrew the four screws from the base of the ash using a Phillips
screwdriver. Carefully install alternate mounting foot and secure by re-installing screws to the unit. If the VB-
22’s primary usage will be on a lightstand, it is highly recommended to use the built-in stand mounting foot.
This will provide a more stable and secure connection than that of the Stand/Tripod Mount.

Mounting the Flash |17
Mounting the Flash on a Shoe or Stand/Tripod Mount
1. If using a VB-22, ensure that the Shoe Mounting Foot is
securely installed.
2. With the unit turned off, loosen the tightening ring on
the mount.
3. Slide the unit into the shoe.
4. Secure the ash by turning the tightening ring
clockwise.
Mounting the Flash on a Stand
1. Holding either the Stand/Tripod Mount or the VB-22
with the Stand Mounting Foot securely installed, place
the threaded socket over the stand’s ¼”-20 installation
screw.
2. Screw in the Stand/Tripod Mount or VB-22 by turning it
clockwise until tight and secure.
3. If using the Stand/Tripod Mount, follow the steps above
to mount the ash on the foot.

18 |Setting the Flash Power
Setting the Flash Power
The VB-Series ashes incorporate manually-controlled power output that can be varied over 8 stops from 1/1
(full power) to 1/128, and is adjustable in 1/3-stop increments. Turn the Selection Dial clockwise to raise the
power level, and counterclockwise lower it.
To avoid overheating and damaging your ash unit, please wait for at least 10 minutes after 75 continuous
ashes at full power. The ash will automatically enter thermal protection mode if it gets overheated. The LCD
screen will display and ash ring will be disabled until the unit has cooled.
NOTE: Turning the ash power output lower than 1/128 until “OF” is displayed will disable ash ring. This
feature is for use with a dedicated remote, such as the Impact ControlSync 16. For more information, see the
Dedicated Remote Control section in Triggering the Flash , on the next page.
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VB-11

Triggering the Flash |19
Triggering the Flash
There are ve different ways to trigger the Bolt VB-11 and VB-22 ash units:
1. Hot Shoe: The ashes can be triggered by any standard hot shoe, such as a camera, off-camera cord or
radio receiver.
2. PC Cord: A PC sync socket can be attached to the ash units to trigger the ash. To use this function,
open the rubber cover on the PC sync socket and insert a PC cord.
3. 3.5 mm Mini Cable: The ash can also be triggered by using a 3.5 mm mini cable ash sync cord.
Simply open the rubber covering on the ash’s sync jack, insert one end into the jack and the other end
into a ash triggering device.
4. Optical Slave: Both ashes can be used as wireless slave units in single or multiple ash congurations.
To use the slave mode, see the Optical Slave Triggering Mode section of this manual on page 21.
5. Dedicated Remote Control: A dedicated remote control, such as the Impact ControlSync 16 Transmitter
and Receiver (sold separately), can control triggering, adjust power levels, and turn the AF-Assist and
Audio modes on and off. To use the remote, plug the dedicated receiver into the wireless control port on
the side of the ash.

20 |AF-Assist Mode
AF-Assist Mode
The VB-Series ashes’ AF-mode assists the user in focusing the camera in low-light situations. The AF-Assist
light on the ash will turn on to illuminate the subject enough for the camera and lens to obtain proper focus.
This mode can be turned on manually pressing the AF button on your ash. The LCD screen will display
when the function has been activated. To disable the AF-Assist function and light, push the AF button again.
Audio Function
The Audio function, indicated as on the LCD screen, is an audible indicator for when the ash unit has fully
recycled its charge and is ready to re. To activate or disable this function, press the Audio button. The icon will
appear on the LCD screen when it is activated, and disappear when it’s deactivated.
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