Bowens RC3 User manual

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Other Functions
Changing the IR Channel
Number Remotely
This function is only available on the Esprit DX and the
Esprit 750PRO.
The channel number of any Esprit DX or 750PRO can be
changed remotely providing the REMOTE function is
switched ON. Use this facility with care as remote control
of individual units may be lost, requiring the channel
number to be set manually. It should be remembered that
if more than one unit(s) is set to the same channel number
as the RC3 or if the RC3 is set to ALL, then all units within
range will be simultaneously altered.
To change the IR channel number remotely set the RC3
to the channel number of the Esprit DX or 750PRO you
want to change. Press the remote control function button
until Channel ‘X’ is displayed (X being the channel you
wish to you use), then use the MASTER + or MASTER -
buttons to change the channel number. If no further
adjustments are attempted within 4 seconds then the
display will revert to the default ‘FLASH’ mode. The new
channel number will now be selected.
The RC3 also allows the user to reset either the Esprit DX
or 750PRO to their default settings. To do this the RC3
must be set to the correct IR channel. Point the RC3 at
the unit to be reset and press and release the SELECT
button. Then within 2 seconds, press the POWER
(RESET) button. All of the units functions will be reset to
the conditions stated. See table below:
FUNCTION STATE AFTER RESET
Cell Off
Bracketing Off
Sound Off
Flash Power Min
Power 750
Lamp Independent Min
Int / Cont. Off
Lamp Off
Pulsar / Litelink Remote Trigger
Radio Transmitter
The RC3 will also act as a Pulsar or Litelink Radio
Transmitter to enable remote triggering of one or more
flash units or a camera equipped with a Pulsar or Litelink
receiver. The camera or other flash trigger source such
as a light meter should be connected to the RC3 via the
jack socket using the supplied sync cord. If the RC3 is
being used with a Litelink then the RC3 must always be
set to Studio ‘F’.
Radio Trigger Restrictions
Due to the way radio signals are transmitted, moving a
few centimetres in any direction can affect the signal. If
difficulty occurs in a signal being transmitted / received
try experimenting with the positioning of the units and the
RC3.
Radio systems are far less directional than IR and can
work reliably with a number of units that are spaced far
apart but well within range. At greater distances or where
there are walls in between, or metal objects close by then
the operation / signal may not be as reliable.
Using Channel & Studio Settings
(Assumes all Pulsars / Litelinks are in range and switched
to ‘Receive’).
The Studio setting can be used to isolate users /
equipment within a single or separate studios. It can also
be used to set up a number of completely different
lighting options within a single set-up by changing the
studio select switch.
An RC3 with the channel set to ‘ALL’ will trigger any
Pulsar regardless of its channel setting providing the
studio setting is the same as the RC3.
An RC3 set to a specific channel will only trigger a Pulsar
set to the same channel or ‘ALL’, providing the studio
setting is the same as the RC3.
Summary of IR Remote Control
Channel Operation
The following summary assumes that ‘REMOTE’ on all
compatible units has been switched ‘ON’ and that they
are all within range of the RC3.
IR Remote Control Description of Operation
1, 2, 3, 4 Controls ALL units that
are within range and set
to the same channel as the
RC3 or set to ALL/0.
ALL Controls ALL units within range of RC3 regardless
of channel number.
Specifications
Part Code BW-7805
Recommended
Batteries
(x2)
High quality, 1.5V,
Single Use,
(Non-rechargeable)
Alkaline, Size AA/R6
Expected Battery Life
(Average Life)
12 - 24 Months
Typical IR
Control Range
10m
Typical Radio
Control Range
10m
Dimensions Length - 175mm
Width - 65mm
Height - 30mm
Weight 100g
Due to our policy of constant product improvement Bowens Int Ltd reserves the
right to change equipment specification at anytime and without notice.
RC3 REMOTE CONTROL INSTRUCTIONS
BWL-0435/1 (07/07)
BOWENS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
355 Old Road
Clacton on Sea
Essex CO15 3RH UK
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.bowens.co.uk
OOPPEERRAATTIINNGGIINNSSTTRRUUCCTTIIOONNSS

Control Panel Guide
I
A
B
F
H
D
M
R
S
O
L
C
G
J
E
K
Q
P
A. Transmit Indicator B. Socket 1 - 4
C. Master + & - D. Channel A - C
E. Lamp On / Off F. Cell
G. Sound H. Radio
I. Bracket J. Lamp Mode
K. Menu L. Select
M. Done N. Directional Pad
O. Power (Reset) P. Test
Q. Channel Selector R. Studio Selector
S. Sync Input
- 2 -
Testing the Control
Your RC3 Digital Remote Control, will have been fitted
with new batteries at the factory. Bowens cannot accept
liability for the condition of the batteries which may
require replacement before use.
Check that the control operates by pressing any button
and confirming the Transmit Indicator flashes.
N.B. Although this indicates that the remote control is
operational it cannot guarantee that the unit being
operated has received the transmission.
If the Transmit Indicator flashes slowly three times after a
key is released or does not light at all then the batteries
should be changed at the earliest opportunity. Batteries
in a poor condition will result in the RC3 having a reduced
operational range.
Battery Fitting
See specifications for recommended battery type.
To fit new batteries remove the rear cover by removing
the 4 fixing screws with a suitable sized pozidrive
screwdriver. Hold the PCB within the top cover and
carefully prise the old batteries out of the battery holder
and dispose of them responsibly. Always fit new batteries
in pairs. Never mix new and used batteries or use
different makes and types together. Clip the two new
batteries into the battery holder ensuring that they are
fitted with the correct polarity. Reassemble the remote
control taking care not to over tighten the fixing screws.
The control is now ready for use.
- 3 -
IR Remote Control Restrictions
The RC3 is able to control Bowens Infra Red (IR) Remote
capable units, Bowens Radio Trigger capable units and
separate Bowens Pulsar and Litelink Radio Triggers. The
following assumes that you are familiar with the operation
of the equipment being controlled. Read the unit manual
in conjunction with this user guide if you are unsure about
the use of any of the controls. Accessible functions vary
with the unit type.
Ensure that the target unit(s) you wish to operate are
switched on. Set REMOTE on all the units to ON. When
using the IR remote always point the unit towards the
control panel of the target unit.
Any IR system tends to be directional and although the IR
signal can be ‘bounced’ off certain objects or walls, it
may not work reliably with a number of units that are
spaced far apart. Whenever possible always point the
remote control directly towards the control panel of the
target unit or units requiring adjustment.
N.B. The Photocell flash detector on units is very
sensitive and can be activated by the RC3, if used at
close range (typically <0.7m).
IR Control of QuadX & Esprit DX
Esprit DX / 750PRO: continued.
• The RC3 provides for the BRACKET + or
BRACKET - button function on the 750PRO
by first pressing the BRACKET button (I)
followed by either MASTER + or MASTER -
(C) within 2 seconds.
• The RC3 no longer provides the MIN or MAX
function available on the RC1 or RC2.
• The RC3 SKT 1-4 (B), CH A, CH B, CH C (D),
DONE (M), MENU UP (N), MENU DOWN (N)
and RADIO (H) buttons have no equivalent
function on the Esprit DX and 750PRO.
Select the desired channel number on the target unit.
Note that the RC3 has five channels available, ALL and 1-
4 inclusive. The studio number has no effect.
Set the remote control channel selector switch to the
required channel. Point the remote control at the target
and operate the desired controls exactly as if you were
using the controls on the target itself. Exceptions to this
rule are as follows:
QuadX:
• To adjust the bracket step press the POWER
button (O), followed by the MASTER + / -
buttons (C).
• To change the modelling mode on each socket,
press LAMP MODE (J) followed by the required
SKTx number button (B). Subsequent pressing of
the SKTx button (B) will cause the mode to change.
Use the ALL button to change all sockets
simultaneously.
• To adjust the lamp bias level when the modelling
mode is either 100% or Auto, press the LAMP
MODE button (J), followed by the MASTER + / -
button (C).
Esprit DX / 750PRO:
• The RC3 MASTER + and MASTER - buttons
(C) are the same as the UP and DOWN
buttons.
• The RC3 MENU button (K) is the same as the
FUNC button.
• The RC3 LAMP ON/OFF button (E) is the
same as the LAMP button.
• The RC3 LAMP MODE button (J) is the same
as the INT button.
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IR Control of QuadX & Esprit DX
- 5 -
Functions Summary
IR Control of Multiple Units
Select the required channel number on each target unit to
be controlled. If you require individual control then set
each one to a different channel. If you require two or more
units to be controlled together as a group then give them
the same channel number.
Set the remote control channel selector slide switch to
the chosen channel for the particular unit, or group of
units required.
If you want to change a particular function on ALL of the
target units, then set the remote control Channel select
slide switch to ALL.
Channel 0 / ALL
Select Channel 0 or ALL on the target units if you require
them to respond regardless of the RC3 Channel selected.
IR Control of All Target Units
Finding an Unknown Unit
Channel Number
The channel number of any target unit can be found
remotely, provided the REMOTE function on the target
unit is switched on.
If the target receives a valid Infra Red signal which is on
a different channel to what it is set to, the target unit will
indicate the channel number that is set on the unit.
N