Broncolor Siros User manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS | BRONCOLOR SIROS
Before use
Thank you for choosing broncolor Siros, which is a high-quality product in every respect. If used properly,
it will give you many years of good service. Please read all the information contained in these operating
instructions carefully. They contain important instructions for use, safety and maintenance of the appli-
ance. Keep these operating instructions in a safe place and pass them on to further users if necessary.
Observe the safety instructions.
Contents Page
Important safety instructions 6
1. Scope of supply 9
2. First start-up 10
3. Control elements 11
4. Overview of main menu functions 12
5. Menu navigation 12
6. Controlling flash times 14
7. Release 16
8. Special functions 17
9. Information and fault messages 19
10. FAQs 20
11. Accessories 22
12. Maintenance/repairs 23
13. Environmental protection information 23
14. Guarantee 23
15. Technical data 24

6
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Before you use your flash equipment for the first time, please read all the information contained
in these operating instructions carefully. The safety instructions they contain must be strictly
followed!
> Make sure you are thoroughly familiar with the operating instructions!
> Remove all transport protection and packing materials!
> Take special care of your equipment, particularly when there are children present! Never leave
flash equipment unattended!
> Like sunlight, flash light contains a certain amount of UV radiation! Using flash tubes or wear-
ing glasses that provide UV protection considerably reduces the undesirable side effects on skin
and eyes! Nevertheless, when taking pictures at close range, avoid exposing unprotected skin
and eyes to flashes! Eye contact with the light source should also be avoided! The maximum
daily exposure to UV radiation according to IEC 60335– 2– 27/DIN 5031–10 is 50 J/m2. This
value must not be exceeded.
> The distance between a lamp and a person or a lamp and an inflammable or heat-sensitive surface
must be at least 1 m to prevent injury or damage from thermal radiation!
> Always switch off the monolight before replacing a flash tube, halogen lamp, safety glass or fuse.
Allow at least 10 minutes for cooling before replacing a halogen lamp or the flash tube!
> broncolor flash systems should only be used with original broncolor flash tubes, original broncolor
bulbs and fuses, original broncolor accessories, and original broncolor spare parts.
> broncolor monolights and accessories comply with extremely high safety standards! However, if
equipment from other manufacturers is used with broncolor monolights, the built-in safety meas-
ures may be rendered ineffective. Our guarantee is invalidated by the use of such unauthorised
combinations and we accept no liability for damage arising from such use.
> To minimise the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, use exclusively accessories
recommended by the manufacturer!
> Check that the mains voltage corresponds to the information on the type plate!
> The flash equipment is designed for use in dry conditions and in an ambient temperature between
–10°C and 45° C. Protect the flash equipment from moisture, condensation, from dripping and
splash water, humidity, dirt, sand, metal chips and the effects of dust!
> Protect flash equipment from electromagnetic fields, shock and vibration!
> Protect flash equipment from heat and frost! If the monolight is exposed to sub-zero tempera-
tures, a permanent loss of power output and serious technical damage may result!

7
> Sudden temperature differences may result in condensation forming inside the unit. In such situa-
tions allow the equipment to stand for at least one hour in a well-ventilated place to acclimatise to
the new temperature before start-up!
> Do not operate the flash equipment in places where there is an explosion hazard!
> Monolights must never be used in water, on water or submerged in any other liquid! Attention:
High voltage – danger of fatal injury!
> For safety reasons never operate the monolight without the safety glass in place! To protect eyes
from UV radiation either a UV-coated safety glass or a UV-coated flash tube must be used.
> Before start-up the monolight must be mounted on a stand or suspended from a suitable mounting.
When a lamp is suspended it must be secured to the stand adapter by tightening the retaining screw.
> For monolights, use only sand-filled fuses of the type indicated on the safety plate to protect halo-
gen lamps! Sand-filled fuses can be identified by their opaque body. If the wrong fuse is used, the
modelling lamp may burst.
> Filters or diffusers should not be fastened directly on to flash tubes, halogen modelling lamps, or
safety glasses!
> Make sure the cooling slots on the monolight are not covered or obstructed!
> When laying, clearing away or rolling up cables, make sure they do not contact hot equipment or
parts of lamps and that they do not cause a tripping hazard!
> Flash tubes, modelling lights, halogen lamps and safety glasses operate at high temperatures.
This applies also to the front face of monolights. Any accessories used on the front of a lamp also
become very hot. Take great care when handling them! Touching hot components can cause injuries!
When operating flash equipment, never touch glass or metal parts!
> After use allow the monolight to cool before packing it away!
> Monolights that have fallen over or been damaged must be checked by a competent specialist
before they are put back into service!
> To avoid danger from electric shock never open a monolight! There may still be dangerous volt-
ages inside the unit. Units should only be opened, and all service and repair carried out by author-
ised broncolor service stations. Incorrect assembly can cause dangerous contact voltages, even
on connected units.
> When using Siros in conjunction with a stand, use a sandbag if the stand is extended more than 2
metres.
> Remove the protective cover before use!
> Never put the unit in its case when it is hot!

8
> Shipping instructions:
> When transporting a monolight use the original broncolor packing. Before shipping flash tubes,
halogen lamps and safety glasses, fit the transport protection elements (protective covers)
supplied by us. If the transport protection elements are not all available, remove the flash tubes,
halogen lamps and safety glasses from the lamps and pack and ship them separately!
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

9
1. SCOPE OF SUPPLY
Siros 400 – 31.610.XX/ 31.613.XX/31.614.XX
Siros 800 – 31.630.XX/ 31.631.XX/31.632.XX
Siros 400 S – 31.623.XX/ 61.624.XX
Siros 800 S – 31.643.XX/ 61.644.XX
Check that all the following items have been delivered:
Siros Basic Kit Siros Expert Kit Siros Pro Kit
2x Siros 400 or 800
2x umbrellas, 85 cm (33.574.00)
2x Basic M Stand (35.105.00)
1x Flash Bag 2 (36.532.00)
1x Accessory bag (36.535.00)
1x Synchro cable (34.111.00)
2x Siros 400 S or 800 S
1x umbrella, 85 cm (33.574.00)
1x Softbox 60 x 60 (33.561.00)
1x Adapter ring (33.401.00)
2x Basic M Stand (35.105.00)
1x Flash Bag 2 (36.532.00)
1x Accessory bag (36.535.00)
1x RFS 2.1 Transmitter kit (36.133.00)*
1x Synchro cable (34.111.00)
3x Siros 800 S
1x Softbox 60 x 60 (33.561.00)
1x Octabox 75 (33.600.00)
2x Adapter ring (33.401.00)
2x Normal reflector L40 (33.115.00)
3x Basic M Stand (35.105.00)
1x Flash Bag 3 (36.533.00)
1x Accessory bag (36.535.00)
1x RFS 2.1 Transmitter kit (36.133.00)*
1x Synchro cable (34.111.00)
* only in Siros kit with RFS 2.1
Siros monolight Mains cable Operating instructions (BA109.00)
> Kits
Creative lighting, precision, inspiration, style and emotion – even in the age of digital
photography, none of these facets have lost in importance. broncolor offers workshops
of 2 and 3 days. Are you interested? You can apply online on our website www.bron.ch under
broncolor / Lighting / Workshops
Kreative Lichtführung, Präzision, Inspiration, Styling und Emotionen – auch im Zeitalter der
digitalen Fotografie haben sich die Stichworte nicht geändert. broncolor bietet verschiedene
Workshops von 2- oder 3-tägiger Dauer an. Sind Sie interessiert? Sie können sich Online anmelden
auf unsere Website www.bron.ch unter broncolor / Lighting / Workshops
Utilisation créative de la lumière, précision, inspiration, styling et émotions – à l‘ère de la
photographie numérique, ces notions fondamentales ont gardé leur importance. broncolor
offre la possibilité de faire un workshop d‘une durée de 2 ou 3 jours. Êtes-vous intéressé?
Vous pouvez vous inscrire en ligne sur notre site internet www.bron.ch dans la rubrique
broncolor / Lighting / Workshops
BRONCOLOR LIGHTING COURSES
BRONCOLOR LICHTSCHULUNG
STAGE DE FORMATION À L‘ÉCLAIRAGE BRONCOLOR
Bron Elektronik AG
CH-4123 Allschwil 1 / Switzerland
www.bron.ch
|| Urs Recher, Switzerland
|| Luis Alvarez, USA
BA109.00 | Printed in Switzerland 08 / 14
Siros
Operating instructions | Bedienungsanleitung | Mode d‘emploi

10
2. FIRST STARTUP
1. Remove protective cover 2. Plug in mains cable
3. Switch the unit on at the main switch

11
3. CONTROL ELEMENTS
Element Function
Rotary controller (1) Switches the unit on and off (stand-by mode). Pressing on
the rotary controller for 3 s switches the unit to stand-by.
In menu: menu navigation and confirmation of menu items.
There is an explanation of menu navigation in Chapter 5.
In operation: changes the flash energy. Turning anti-
clockwise reduces the flash energy, turning clockwise
increases it. Turning slowly changes it in 1/10 f-stop
steps, turning fast ("twisting") in 1/1 f-stop steps.
Infodisplay (2) Shows the flash energy selected, or the menu selection
options.
Mod
Modelling-light on/off (3)
Switches the modelling light on or off. A longer press
changes the operating mode from "full" to "prop" or vice
versa.
Test (4) Starts test: the "Ready" display around the rotary controller
changes to blue as soon as the charge/discharge operation
has been completed.
Menu functions
full rf cell
propseqlamp WiFi HS
st/chsyncbeep
speed
testtest
Speed (5) For fast charging and flash times. See explanation in
Chapter 6.
full rf cell
propseqlamp
WiFi
HS
st/chsyncbeep
speed
testtest
WiFi (6) Indicates whether WiFi is switched on or off.
full rf cell
propseqlamp WiFi
HS
st/chsyncbeep
speed
testtest
HyperSync™ (7) Indicates whether HyperSync™ is switched on or off.
full rf cell
propseqlamp WiFi HS
st/ch
syncbeep
speed
testtest
Studio/Channel (8) For switching the current studio channel (RFS 2.1) or the
channel (PocketWizard).
full rf cell
propseq
lamp
WiFi HS
st/chsyncbeep
speed
testtest
Lamp (9) For selecting the lamp channel (RFS 2.1) or the zone
(PocketWizard).
full rf cell
prop
seq
lamp WiFi HS
st/chsyncbeep
speed
testtest
Sequence (10) To select the number of flashes.
full rf cell
propseqlamp WiFi HS
st/chsync
beep
speed
testtest
Beep (11) Shows if the acoustic "Ready" warning is switched on or off.
full rf cell
propseqlamp WiFi HS
st/ch
sync
beep
speed
testtest
Sync (12) Permits the selection of different methods of release
(photocell, radio, photocell and/or radio).
full rf cell
propseqlamp WiFi HS
st/chsyncbeep
speed
testtest
Sync socket/
Mini USB (13/14)
For release via the sync cable, or software update via
Mini USB.
full rf cell
propseqlamp WiFi HS
st/chsyncbeep
speed
testtest
On/Off (15) Switches the unit on or off.
full rf cell
propseqlamp WiFi HS
st/chsyncbeep
speed
testtest
full rf cell
propseqlamp WiFi HS
st/chsyncbeep
speed
test
test

12
1) To enter the main menu, press the rotary controller (1).
2) Turn the rotary controller clockwise or anti-clockwise to reach the required menu item.
3) To confirm your selection, press the rotary controller (1) again. The selected menu item
starts to blink.
Display Selection options Description
Speed on
off
See chapter 6 – Controlling flash times
WiFi on
off
sync
See chapter 8.2–WiFi settings
HS on
off
Must be selected when using the HS™ flash tube
st/ch 1–99
(1–40)
Sets the studio address/channel from 1 – 99 (in
conjunction with PocketWizard, module 1 – 40)
lamp 1–40 Setting the lamp address/zone from 1 – 40 (in conjunc-
tion with PocketWizard module, zone a/b/c/d)
seq off
2–50
Selects a certain number of flash releases from 2–50
beep on
off
Switches acoustic "Ready" signal on or off
sync rf
ce
all
Selection of different methods of release (photocell "ce",
radio "rf", Photocell and radio "all")
5. MENU NAVIGATION
4. OVERVIEW OF MAIN MENU FUNCTIONS
Siros 400/800 Siros 400/800
WiFi/ RFS 2.1
Siros 400/800
WiFi/ PW
Siros 400 S/800 S
WiFi/ RFS 2.1
Siros 400 S/800 S
WiFi/ PW
speed • •
WiFi • • • •
HS • •
st/ch • • • •
lamp • • • •
seq • • • • •
beep • • • • •
sync • • • • •
Overview of menu functions

13
1) To enter the main menu, press the rotary controller (1).
2) Turn the rotary controller clockwise or anti-clockwise to reach the required menu item.
3) To confirm your selection, press the rotary controller (1) again. The selected menu item
starts to blink.
Display Selection options Description
Speed on
off
See chapter 6 – Controlling flash times
WiFi on
off
sync
See chapter 8.2–WiFi settings
HS on
off
Must be selected when using the HS™ flash tube
st/ch 1–99
(1–40)
Sets the studio address/channel from 1 – 99 (in
conjunction with PocketWizard, module 1 – 40)
lamp 1–40 Setting the lamp address/zone from 1 – 40 (in conjunc-
tion with PocketWizard module, zone a/b/c/d)
seq off
2–50
Selects a certain number of flash releases from 2–50
beep on
off
Switches acoustic "Ready" signal on or off
sync rf
ce
all
Selection of different methods of release (photocell "ce",
radio "rf", Photocell and radio "all")
Siros 400/800 Siros 400/800
WiFi/ RFS 2.1
Siros 400/800
WiFi/ PW
Siros 400 S/800 S
WiFi/ RFS 2.1
Siros 400 S/800 S
WiFi/ PW
speed • •
WiFi • • • •
HS • •
st/ch • • • •
lamp • • • •
seq • • • • •
beep • • • • •
sync • • • • •
After pressing the rotary controller (1), you enter the main menu of the monolight. From there you
have access to the various functions.
Please note: if a menu item cannot be selected, the unit does not support this function!
Example: Set a sequence of 15 flashes per release
1) Press the rotary controller (1) to enter the main menu. The menu item last selected will be
displayed. The main display changes from showing the output power to the selected menu
item.
2) Turn the rotary controller (1) until you reach the menu item "seq".
3) Press the rotary controller (1), to confirm this function. The "seq" display begins to blink.
4) Turn the rotary controller (1) until "15" appears in the main display.
5) Confirm this selection by pressing the rotary controller (1). After this confirmation, the unit
switches to its normal state. If the selection is not confirmed within 5 s, the unit switches to
its normal state without changing its setting.
1) 2) 3)
4) 5)

14
With Siros, you can control the flash time in two different ways:
6.1 Controlling flash time using the "speed" setting in the main menu
In the main menu you can set the flash time of the monolight to "speed". This setting calculates
the fastest possible flash time for the chosen energy level. This also may cause the flash colour to
shift slightly towards the blue region.
1) Press the rotary controller (1) to enter the main menu.
2) Turn the rotary controller (1) until you reach the menu item "speed".
3) Confirm this selection by pressing the rotary controller (1).
4) Use the rotary controller (1) to select the option "on" or "off".
5) Confirm this with the rotary controller (1). "See page 39"
6.2 Controlling flash time using "HyperSync™" (HS) in the main menu
Please note: only for Siros PocketWizard models!
When the HyperSync™ function is activated, the unit switches to a different flash programme,
which is designed exclusively for the HS™ flash tube.
1) Press the rotary controller (1) to enter the main menu.
2) Turn the rotary controller (1) until you reach the menu item "HS".
3) Confirm this selection by pressing the rotary controller (1).
4) Use the rotary controller (1) to select the option "on" or "off".
5) Confirm this with the rotary controller (1).
Please note: if "HS" is activated when an HS™ flash tube is not fitted, there may be a fault
when the flash unit is triggered.
The HyperSync™ function also works with the normal flash tube. However, for optimum results we
recommend the special HS™ flash tubes.
These are available as accessories under the following article number:
Flash tube 400/ 800J HS™ for Siros: 34.361.00
For further information about HyperSync™ technology, please go to:
http:/ /wiki.pocketwizard.com/index.php?title=HyperSync
6. CONTROLLING FLASH TIMES

15
6.3 Difference between standard flash tube and HSTM
1) 2) 3)
1) Standard flash tube 2) HyperSync™ flash tube
4) 5)
Diameter: 8mm Diameter: 10mm

16
7. RELEASE
Siros monolights may be supplied either without a radio module, with a built-in RFS 2.1 receiver
module, or with a PocketWizard receiver module.
7.1 RFS 2.1 module (radio frequency system)
For RFS 2.1 flash control, the channel (studio address) must correspond to the transmitter’s RFS
2.1 channel. The studio address is set in the menu at position "st". The lamp channel is defined in
the menu under "lamp". See chapter 8.3 for more information about changing the colours of the
cognition lights.
With the RFS 2.1 Transceiver, you can define and set the individual lamps as you wish. To learn how
to do this, please see the operating instructions for the RFS 2.1 Transceiver. The RFS 2.1 Trans-
ceiver is not included with individual heads as standard.
7.2 PocketWizard module
For flash control using the PocketWizard, the channel must correspond with the transmit-
ter’s channel. Channels are defined in the menu under "st/ch". Definition of the various zones
(a/ b/c/d) is carried out in the menu under "lamp". To learn how to do this, please see the
operating instructions for the PocketWizard transmitter. The PocketWizard transmitter is not
included with Siros units.
7.3 Photocell (cell)
The photocell can be switched on and off using the menu function "sync" (11). When it is active,
the blue LED beside the "cell" label is illuminated. After the first flash of a sequence, the active
photocell is deactivated, and the blue LED beside the "sync" button (11) blinks. Pressing the "test"
button switches it on again.
7.4 Sync socket (12)
The sync cables, 5m (Art. No. 34.111.00) and 10m (34.112.00), can be fitted to the socket for cable
release (12).
7.5 "test" button (4)
Using this button, the monolight can be triggered manually. The flash can be triggered as soon
as 70% of the set energy level is reached. The visual "Ready" indicator, on the other hand, only
illuminates when 100% is attained.

17
8. SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
8.1 Reset (to factory settings)
Press the Test button (4) for 4s. This resets all functions to the works settings. Resetting is ac-
knowledged with a double beep.
8.2 bronControl App and WiFi settings
For control of your Siros monolight, you can download the "bronControl" app. To find the app,
search for "bronControl" in Apple’s App Store, or in Google’s Play Store. If your unit is equipped
with WiFi, you have access to all settings using this app.
8.2.1 Operating modes
8.2.1.1 Operation in "Private" mode (factory setting)
If the WiFi mode is activated on more than one monolight, these units link up
automatically to form a private network. A smartphone or tablet must then
be connected to this network in order to control it. Activate the WiFi function
on your smartphone or tablet device. Your device will automatically search
for available WiFi networks. Connect your device to the desired Bron-Studio
network. You will be prompted to enter the password: bronControl. Start the
bronControl app. Add the correspondent new studio and connect the app with
this studio. Further tips concerning the operation of the app can be found in the
help menu "?" of the app.
8.2.1.2 Operation in "enterprise" mode
If there is an existing WiFi network (router), the unit can be integrated into this
using a smartphone or tablet. To achieve this, in the "bronControl" app, under
Settings, go to "Network Setting" and enter your router’s settings in "Infrastruc-
ture Mode". Make sure the unit is set to the correct studio address. Siros saves
the last type of connection and tries to connect to the last network the next time
it starts.
8.2.2 Menu settings
on/off/sync (on/--/ sy)
on WiFi module is activated. The unit tries to connect to a network.
-- WiFi module is deactivated.
sy
When "sy" is selected, the unit reverts to a "Private" mode.
This means that the unit looses its network setting and connects
to the private network.

18
8.2.3. WiFi display (9) on unit
8.3 Cognition lights
When the various lamp channels are selected (zones), the cognition light on the top surface of the
unit changes colour. The purpose of this is to differentiate between individual units when they are
controlled by the "bronControl" app. The light on the unit changes colour when the app is activated
on a smartphone or tablet or when the rotary controller on the unit is pressed; it changes back to
blue on leaving the menu.
The lamp channel colours are as follows:
Lamp channel 1 blue
Lamp channel 2 green
Lamp channel 3 violet
Lamp channel 4 yellow
Lamp channel 5 turquoise
From lamp channel 6, the colours repeat in the same order (starting with blue).
Symbol Description
Off WiFi is not activated or there is no WiFi module installed.
Blinking WiFi is activated, but not connected to a network.
Permanently on WiFi is activated and connected to a network (Enterprise
or Private).

19
Symbol Description
Off WiFi is not activated or there is no WiFi module installed.
Blinking WiFi is activated, but not connected to a network.
Permanently on WiFi is activated and connected to a network (Enterprise
or Private).
Acoustic signals
Beep sound:
End of charging or discharge
Double beep:
Energy demand above or below energy control setting via RFS 2.1 transmitter
Message in display
Error 1 (f1)
No flash after triggering.
→ Is the ignition wire correctly connected?
Is the flash tube correctly installed?
Otherwise replace flash tube.
Error 2 (f2)
Afterglow.
→ Switch the unit off and then on again. If this fault occurs repeatedly, the flash tube is defective
Error 3 (f3)
Electronics defective
→ Unit must be sent to Service for repair
Error 4 (f4)
Overvoltage in flash capacitors
→ Unit must be sent to Service for repair
Error 5 (f5)
Thermal alarm, capacitors overheated
→ A cooling phase of approximately 20 minutes starts. Do not switch the unit off!
9. INFORMATION AND FAULT MESSAGES

20
10. FAQ
s
10.1 Changing flash tubes
1) Disconnect the mains cable from the unit.
2) Remove the safety glass by pulling it out of its retaining clips.
3) Press the contact spring downwards and pull the flash tube out carefully.
10.2 Changing the fuse
1) Open the fuse compartment beneath the unit.
2) Prise the blown fuse carefully out with a pointed object.
3) Insert the replacement fuse and close the fuse compartment again.
1) 2) 3)
1) 2) 3)

21
10.3 Changing light modifiers
1) Turn the light modifier in either direction to its stop.
2) Pull the release backwards and, at the same time, turn the light modifier until it is free of the
bayonet fitting.
3) Remove the light modifier carefully to the front. Take care not to damage the safety glass.
10.4 Mounting an umbrella
1) Insert the umbrella in the opening provided beneath the unit.
1) 2) 3)
1) 2)

22
Siros is compatible with the entire range of broncolor light modifiers.
The articles listed here are specially recommended accessories:
33.115.00 Standard reflector L40
34.260.00 Halogen modelling light, 300 W for SIROS
34.360.00 Flash tube, 400/ 800J for SIROS
34.361.00 Flash tube, 400/ 800J HS™ for SIROS
34.369.00 Safety glass for SIROS
35.105.00 Basic M Stand
36.531.00 Flash Bag 1
36.532.00 Flash Bag 2
36.533.00 Flash Bag 3
33.194.00 Honeycomb grid set for L40
33.570.00 Umbrella 105 cm silver/black
33.571.00 Umbrella 105 cm white/ black
33.572.00 Umbrella 105 cm transparent
33.573.00 Umbrella 85 cm white/ black
33.574.00 Umbrella 85 cm silver/black
33.117.00 Umbrella reflector for Siros incl. protective cover
33.118.00 Protective cover for Siros
11. ACCESSORIES