Cactus V6 II User manual

Table of Contents
1. Getting to Know the Cactus V6 II
2. Cautions and Warnings
3. Major Specifications
4. Package Contents
5.Nomenclature
6.LCDPanel
7.Compatibility
8. TTL Pass-through
9. Getting Started
10. Camera System: Auto Detect and Learning
11. Flash Profile: Auto Detect and Customization
12. Flash Triggering
13. Remote Manual Power Control
14. High Speed Synchronization
15. Camera Shutter Release
16. Advanced Operations
17. Personalizing the V6
18. Working with Cactus Gear
19. LED Signal Guide
20. USB Connection
21. Optional Accessories
22. Troubleshooting
23.Notices
24.Warranty
1. Getting to Know the Cactus V6 II
Thank you for purchasing the Cactus Wireless Flash Transceiver V6 II. Compared with
its predecessor V6, the Cactus V6 II allows you to command different brands’ flashes
off camera below or above x-sync speed. The freedom to adjust shutter speed equips
you the best flexibility in controlling apertures and power levels – the possibility are
endless!
1.1 Special Features
1. Cross-brand wireless manual power control of Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus,
Panasonic, and Pentax flashes;

2. Two cross-brand high-speed sync modes: Normal HSS and Power Sync;
- Normal HSS supports shutter speeds up to 1/8000s;
- Power Sync boosts flash contribution above x-sync shutter;
3. Rear curtain sync and slow sync supported;
4. Multi-master supports up to 16 photographers firing the same set of flashes at
their own power setting;
5. AF-assist LED illuminates focusing blind spot when needed;
6. Flash specific profiles with calibrated power levels for many current and previous
flash models;
7. User calibration of flash profiles to ensure accurate power output;
8. Lo Power mode fires the flash for extremely short lengths of time;
9. Absolute Power mode benchmarks the power output of different flash models to
the same light intensity;
10. TTL pass-through with Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax via
one single unit;
11. Group control allows you to control up to four groups;
12. Relay mode triggers the camera shutter and flash in sync;
13. Delay mode is configurable from 1 millisecond to 999 seconds;
14. Mini-USB port for optional power supply and firmware update;
1.2 HSS and Power Sync Capabilities
Most cameras supports normal flash sync up to its x-synchronization shutter speed
(commonly between 1/160 seconds and 1/250 seconds). Beyond this shutter speed,
the cameras and the system flashes will behave differently. The high-speed sync,
which is also known as the HSS or FP sync, has to be enabled on the system flash in
order to synchronize the flash light with the camera beyond the x-sync shutter.
Cactus V6 II supports cross-brand high-speed sync in two ways:
1. Normal HSS: It supports the HSS or FP sync capabilities of the system flashes.
While it allows user to adjust power levels, the flash exposure is much lower than
the normal flash sync.
2. Power Sync: It syncs with the full power flash pulse without compromises on the
flash exposure. While it does not allow power level adjustment, the flash
exposure is much higher than the normal HSS mode.
1.3 Auto and Model-Specific Flash Profiles

Each flash model has its individual power level characteristics. In V6 II, we have
profiled them in two ways:
1. System-specific Auto Flash Profiles: The V6 II can auto detect the camera system
of the connected flash and activate the ‘Auto’ profile that will work with all flash
models of the same camera system;
2. Model-specific Profiles: For more accurate power output, users can choose from
the V6 II menu the flash profile that would work perfectly with the specific flash
model.
We have profiled more than 40 popular flash models across a wide range of brands
so that the V6 II can precisely control their output levels. With this unique feature,
photographers can remotely control the flash power of various flash models, even of
different brands!
For flash models that have not been included in the profile list, the V6 II can still work
with it by the auto flash profiles. Users could further calibrate the flash profiles in the
Cactus Firmware Updater to produce more accurate power outputs.
Whether built-in or calibrated from the firmware updater software, the flash profile
stored in the V6 II can virtually command the flash to produce ANY power level
within the maximum output, and even exceeds what the flash menu allows you to
do:
1. Finer increment scales: The V6 can adjust the power level of flash to 1/10 EV
step, a much finer increment level than the flash menu itself allows (see Section
12.3 for setting up the EV step).
2. Extremely short firing time: In Lo Power mode, the V6 can f ire flashes for very
short lengths of time at extremely low power levels (roughly equal to 1/256),
which is beyond the standard flash power range (see Section 12.4 for enabling
the Lo Power output).
3. Unified power level scale for different flash models: The V6 benchmarks the light
intensity output of different flash models in your set up and commands them to
fire at the same power scale (see Section 12.2 for adjusting absolute power).
Ready to go? Let’s get on board and see what the V6 II can do!

2. Cautions and Warnings
Before using your V6, read the following safety precautions to ensure correct and
safe use:
1. Turn OFF all your equipment (e.g., Cactus units, flash units, cameras, etc.) before
changing batteries or making connections. Observe the correct polarity when
changing batteries. There is a danger of explosion if the batteries are installed
incorrectly.
2. Switch off the transceiver and remove batteries during storage.
3. Do not permanently store the product in a high temperature environment (i.e.,
under strong direct sunlight, near cooking stoves/oven).
4. The Cactus V6 II should never be submerged in liquid or exposed to heavy rain
unless it is properly protected.
5. Do not operate the device in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
6. Do not dissemble.
7. Do not crush and do not expose the V6 II to any shock or force such as
hammering, dropping, or stepping on it.
3. Major Specifications
yWorking radio frequency:2445.80-2480.99MHz
yNumber of channels: 16
yNumber of groups: 4
ySupport sync speed up to 1/8,000 second
yHigh-speed sync modes: Normal HSS, Power Sync
yMaximum effective distance: 100 meters
yOperating temperature: -20°C to +50°C
yCamera voltage handling: up to 6V
yFlash voltage handling: up to 300V
yDimensions: 72mm (L) x 72mm (W) x 42 mm (H)
yWeight: 68g
yPower input: 2 x AA battery, 3V, 50mA, 0.15W; mini USB 2.0, DC input 5V,
500mA~1A
yEstimated battery life in hours (with LCD backlight on):
Alkaline AA Batteries
1000mAh
Rechargeable NiMH AA
Batteries 2500mAh
TX
RX
TX
RX

55
31
61
34
4. Package Contents
(image) V6 II Transceiver
(image) Flash Stand FS-2
(image) Album & User Manual
5. Nomenclature
TEST BUTTON/ SHUTTER RELEASE BUTTON
MULTI-SYSTEM SHOE (FEMALE)
LCD DISPLAY
LANYARD LOOP
X-SYNC PORT
MINI USB PORT
MODE SWITCH
GROUP BUTTONS
AF ASSIST LIGHT

TRIPOD MOUNT
MULTI-SYSTEM SHOE (MALE)
HOT SHOE LOCK LEVER
SELECTION DIAL
OK BUTTON
MENU BUTTON
LED STATUS INDICATOR
BATTERY DOOR
6. LCD Panel
6.1 TX Mode
BATTERY INDICATOR
GROUP
CHANNEL
POWER LEVEL
POWER LEVEL INCREMENT
6.2 RX Mode

BATTERY INDICATOR
GROUP
POWER LEVEL
POWER LEVEL INCREMENT
SELECTED FLASH PROFILE
WIRELESS SENSITIVITY
CHANNEL
DELAY TIMER
RELAY MODE INDICATOR
SLAVE MODE INDICATOR
7. Compatibility
The Cactus V6 II is both a wireless flash trigger and wireless remote control. While it
triggers both portable flashes and studio strobe lights, it also supports remote
control features with selected flash models.
7.1 Flash & Studio Strobes
7.1.1 Cactus RF60x / RF60
With the built-in Cactus V6 module, the Cactus RF60 series can be remotely
commanded and triggered by V6 II TX (see Section 16.1.1).
7.1.2 Flash Models with Digital TTL Mode:
zCanon e-TTL
zFujifilm TTL
zNikon i-TTL
zOlympus / Panasonic TTL
zPentax TTL
7.1.3 Other Flash Models and Studio Strobes
The Cactus V6 II triggers all other flash models via the hot shoe, and studio strobes
with the PC sync male port, 3.5mm or 6.35mm port via optional cables (see Section
19). This includes high trigger voltage portable flash models, and all strobe models
with a trigger voltage of 300V or under. The Cactus V6 II does not provide remote
power control of these flashes and strobes.

For studio flashes to work with high-speed sync, they have to maintain a flash
duration of 1/100 second or longer.
Caution:
Flashes or strobes with reversed polarity connectors DO NOT WORK with the Cactus
V6 series.
7.2 Cameras
The Cactus V6 II works with practically all cameras that come with either (1) a
standard ISO hot shoe, or (2) a female sync port connection.
For the high-speed sync and the AF assist capabilities, the V6 II would support
cameras from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax that (1) comes with
their specific system hot shoes, and (2) equipped with the same features with their
system flashes. The V6 II supports HSS adaptation
To use the V6 II as a wireless shutter release, specific shutter cables are required. For
the list of optional accessories, see Section 19.
7.3 Flash Triggers
7.3.1 Cactus V6
The Cactus V6 II is compatible with the Wireless Flash Transceiver V6, V5 and Laser
Trigger LV5. See Section 16.2 for details.
7.3.2 Other Flash Triggers
The Cactus V6 II is NOT compatible with any other flash trigger model, including the
Cactus V2, Cactus V2s, and Cactus V4.
8. TTL Pass-through

The V6 II transceiver comes with a multi-system shoe that supports TTL pass-
through.
While the V6 II does not command slave flashes to fire TTL exposures wirelessly, it is
designed to pass TTL signal from camera to flash via the transmitter (TX) and vice
versa.
The multi-system shoe supports TTL pass-through of Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon,
Olympus, Panasonic, and Pentax systems. Make sure that camera and flash unit
belong to the same TTL system.
With TTL pass-through, the TTL flashes behave as they would when directly
connected to the camera hot shoe. The V6 II will work as a wireless flash commander
while supporting all the automatic features (e.g., automatic flash output via TTL
metering, AF assist light, second curtain sync, high speed sync/FP shutter) provided
by the TTL flash system.
To enable TTL pass-through in the V6 TX II, press and hold for 2 seconds. The LCD
will show the TTL pass-through indicator at the left bottom corner where the channel
indicator used to be.
(image)
In TTL pass-through mode, the V6 II TX cannot control the power level of the flash
attached.
To disable the TTL pass-through mode, press and hold for 2 seconds. The TTL
pass-through indicator will be replaced by the channel indicator on the LCD.

9. Getting Started
9.1 Installing the Batteries
Open the battery door by pushing it backward. Flip open the latch and insert two AA
batteries using the correct polarities. Then close the battery door by pushing it to the
front.
9.2 Attaching to and Detaching from the Camera
To mount the V6 II on a camera’s hot shoe mount:
1. Turn the lock lever of the V6 II to the left to unlock the multi-system shoe (male).
2. Slide the V6 II into the camera’s hot shoe.
3. Turn the lock lever of the V6 II to the right to lock the multi-system shoe (male).
4. When detaching the V6 II from the camera’s hot shoe, turn the lock lever to the
left to unlock the multi-system shoe (male). Otherwise, the multi-system shoe
(male) may be damaged.
Note: Attach your flash to the V6 II as you would to the camera’s hot shoe. If your

flash is not locked securely on the Multi-System Shoe (female), try half-locking the
flash and retracting it slightly from the Multi-System Shoe until the locking pin hits
the pinhole. Then lock your flash fully to the V6 II.
9.3 Buttons and Dial
The V6 II control panel is equipped with a Menu button , an OK button , and a
selection dial for quick access to different functions and the configuration
menu.
The selection dial has a built-in push-in button that serves as a quick OK button. You
may configure how the dial works to suit your working habit. (see Sections 17.1 -
17.3).
Major functions of the V6 II listed below are easily accessible by the buttons and dial.
Group Control (see Section 9.6)
Function
Mode
LCD
Key
Select a group (e.g., group
A) for adjusting
parameters (power level /
zoom)
RX
Main screen, when the
group is not selected
Hold*
Deselect a group (e.g.,
group A)
Main screen, when the
group is selected
Turn on / off a group (e.g.,
group A)
Main screen, when the
group is not selected
Test firing a group (e.g.,
group A)
Main screen
+
Group EV Offset in
absolute power mode
(e.g., to group A)
Main screen, in
absolute power mode
+
Change the RX to another
group (e.g., to group A)
RX
Main screen
* Hold = Press and hold the button for 2 seconds, then release.
Adjusting Power Level and Zoom (see Sections 13.1 and 17.1)
Function
Mode
LCD
Key
Adjust power level of all
groups
TX
Main screen

Adjust power level of a
single group (e.g., group
A)
Main screen
+
Hold ,
then
Adjust power level of the
Master flash
Main screen
+
Quick power
adjustment
Main screen
Zoom (Cactus) mode
(needs conf
iguration in
menu beforehand)
Main screen
Navigating the Menu (see Section 9.7)
Function
Mode
LCD
Key
Enter the menu
TX/RX
Main screen
Browse through menu
items and options
Menu
Choose a menu item or
option
Menu
Leave the menu
Menu
TTL Pass-through / Flash Lock (see Sections 8 and 10.1)
Function
Mode
LCD
Key
Enter / leave TTL pass-
through mode
TX
Main screen
Hold
Unlock the slave flash
RX
Main screen
Hold
Dial Lock (see Section 17.2)
Function
Mode
LCD
Key
Lock the dial
TX
Main screen, when the
dial is unlocked
Hold
Temporarily unlock the
dial
Main screen, when the
dial is locked
Unlock the dial
Main screen, when the
dial is locked
Hold
Firmware (see Section 20.2)

Function
Mode
Key
Check firmware version
OFF
Hold + and switch on to TX or RX
mode
Firmware update mode
Hold and switch on to TX or RX
mode
9.4 Choosing the Operating Mode
(image)
The Cactus V6 II is a wireless transceiver that is capable of transmitting and receiving
radio signals. Set the V6 II transceivers to the correct mode (transmitter to “TX”,
receiver to “RX”) by sliding the mode switch to the correct position. This will
automatically power on the transceivers.
9.5 Setting the Channel
The Cactus V6 II transceivers communicate with each other via radio frequency.
There are 16 channels available. Always make sure that all of your V6 II transceivers
are set to the same channel:
1. To set both TX and RX to the same channel, press . The LCD will show
<CHANNEL> and the default channel number. Press and turn the selection dial to
the preferred channel number. Press to set other menu items or press to exit.
2. The selected channel number will be displayed on the LCD screen.
9.6 Setting and Selecting the Group
(image)
The group function in the V6 II can assign RXs into Group A, B, C, or D, and allows you
to choose which group(s) to f ire from the TX unit.
1. All V6 II transceivers must be set to the same channel.
2. Assign RX units to Groups A, B, C, or D by pressing one of the group buttons. Each
RX can only be assigned to ONE group. The LED of the selected group will turn
on.
3. Command the TX to f ire any combination of groups by pressing the group
button(s). You can f ire any combination of A, B, C, and D groups. The LED of the
activated group(s) will turn on.
4. To change the power level of a specific group, press and hold an activated group
button. Quickly pressing the group button again will de-select the group.

5. Pressing the group button(s) of activated groups again on the V6 II TX will turn
off the group(s). The V6 RX units that have been set to the off group(s) will not f
ire.
6. The V6 II will memorize the group selection in both TX and RX when it is switched
off. Next time you switch on the V6 it will start up with the saved setting.
9.7 Navigating the Menu
There are a number of configurable menu options in the V6 II.
To change a menu option:
1. Press to bring up the first menu item.
2. Dial right or left to scroll through each menu item.
3. Press or push-in button once to access a menu item.
4. Dial right or left to scroll through each option of a menu item.
5. Press or push-in button once to select the option. The configuration of the
menu item will change immediately.
6. Press to leave and go back to the main screen, or dial right or left to the next
item in the sequence.
Menu item
Options
Applicable
modes
TX
RX
CHANNEL
1-16
√
√
RELAY
OFF
ON
√
√
DELAY
OFF
SET
√
√
Lo POWER
OFF
ON
√
POWER MODE
RELATIVE
ABSOLUTE
√
EV STEP
1/10
1/3
1/2
√
CAMERA SYSTEM
AUTO
CANON
FUJIFLIM
NIKON
√

OLYMPUS (M43)
PENTAX
OTHERS
FLASH PROFILE
CANON
FUJIFILM
NIKON
PENTAX
OLYMPUS
(M43)
OTHERS
CUSTOM*
√
√
GROUP SEQUENCE
OFF
A
-B-C-D
AB-CD
√
HIGH SPEED MODE
DISABLE HSS
NORMAL HSS
POWER SYNC
√
LEARN HSS
START
SKIP
√
SUB-MENU
LCD BACKLIGHT
SLEEP
DIAL DIRECTION
SWAP CONTROL
WORK RANGE
FACTORY RESET
BACK TO MENU
√
√
*when available
The following configuration items are grouped under the “sub-menu”.
Sub-menu item
Options
Applicable
modes
TX
RX
LCD BACKLIGHT
OFF
5 SECS
15 SECS
STAY ON
√
√

SLEEP
OFF
15 MINS
60 MINS
√
√
DIAL DIRECTION
CLOCKWISE
ANTI-CLOCKWISE
√
√
BACKLIGHT POWER
1-10
√
√
DAY LIGHT MODE
DISABLE
ENABLE
√
√
TEMPORARY UNLOCK
DISABLE
ENABLE
√
RADIO ID
0-9999
√
√
SWAP CONTROL
QUICK POWER ADJ
ZOOM (CACTUS)
√
AF ASSIST POWER
1-10
√
√
MAX. X-SYNC SPD
1/160 SEC
1/180 SEC
1/200 SEC
1/250 SEC
√
WORKING RANGE
LONG
SHORT
√
FACTORY RESET
NO
YES
√
√
10. Camera System: Auto-detect and Learning
To fully utilize the advanced features of the V6 II transceivers, it is necessary to
configure the correct camera system profile to the V6 II TX. On the LCD screen, the
different camera systems will be represented by the icons below:
Canon (Canon Camera Logo)
Fujifilm (Fujifilm Camera Logo)
Nikon (Nikon Camera Logo)
Olympus / Panasonic (M43) (Olympus Camera Logo)
Pentax (Pentax Camera Logo)
10.1 Auto Detect

The V6 II TX is capable of auto detecting the camera system of the attached camera.
It facilitates photographers to switch camera system promptly. To initiate the auto
detection of camera system:
1. Attach your camera to the V6 II (see Section 9.2) and turn on your camera.
2. If you would like to command a master flash, attach your flash to the V6 II and
turn on your flash.
3. Half press the shutter release of your camera while switching on the V6 II to the
TX mode;
4. The V6 II will detect the camera system and the flash system of the attached
camera and flash during the start up. The LCD screen will show the auto-detected
camera and flash system briefly before loading the main screen.
5. To check the detected camera system from the main screen, press and hold the
menu button , and turn the selection dial to either direction at the same
time. The detected camera system will be shown next to the channel.
6. The V6 II will memorize the detected camera system beyond the power cycle,
until the next detection takes place.
10.2 Choose from Menu
Alternatively, photographers who mainly work on one camera system may choose it
from the menu:
1. Switch on the V6 II in TX mode.
2. Press , and then turn the selection dial to <CAMERA SYSTEM>. Press .
3. Turn the selection dial until the LCD shows your camera system (e.g., <PENTAX>).
Press .
4. The V6 II will memorize the chosen camera system beyond the power cycle, until
you select another camera system from the menu next time.
Note: By choosing the camera system on the menu, the V6 II will disable the auto-

detection of the camera system when it is powered on. If you would like the V6 II to
detect the camera system for you, choose <AUTO>. The option will display the
camera system detected last time in the brackets (e.g., <AUTO(CANON)>).
10.3 Learn HSS
Even when you have assigned the correct camera system, there would be a chance
that the camera does not sync with the slave flashes above x-sync speed. This would
particularly happen when you fire and command the slave flashes in a different
system from your camera.
We recommend photographers to initiate the HSS Learn to learn the HSS sync time of
each of their camera once:
1. Mount the camera on the V6 II and switch on the V6 II in TX mode.
2. Make sure you have assigned the correct camera system to V6 II by auto
detection (see Section 10.1) or menu configuration (see Section 10.2).
3. Press , and then turn the selection dial to <LEARN HSS >. Press .
4. Choose <START> and press . The LCD screen will show <PRESS SHUTTER
WITHIN 30 SEC).
5. Full press the camera to take a shot. The LCD screen will then show (LEARN
COMPLETED> briefly.
6. The learned sync time will be implemented in that camera system until you
initiate another learning again.
Notes:
1. The sync time of each camera system will be updated by the last learned result.
2. Changing cameras across system do not need re-learn again.
3. Changing cameras within the same system would need to LEARN HSS every time.
11. Flash Profile: Auto-detect and Customization
The V6 II transceiver commands flashes to fire at a particular output via flash
profiles. There are three ways to obtain the correct flash profiles:
1. Let the V6 II detect and apply the <AUTO> flash profile (see Section 11.1).
2. Choose from the pre-installed flash profiles in the V6 (see Section 11.2).
3. Customize the auto profile in the Cactus Firmware Updater on a PC or Mac (see

Section 11.3).
On the V6 II LCD screen, the configured flash system will be represented by the icons
below:
Canon (Canon Flash Icon)
Fujifilm (Fujifilm Flash Icon)
Nikon (Nikon Flash Icon)
Olympus / Panasonic (M43) (Olympus Flash Icon)
Pentax (Pentax Flash Icon)
11.1 Detecting an Auto Flash Profile
The auto flash profile is camera system specific. It works with all digital flash within
the same camera system to produce a moderately accurate (error within 0.3EV) flash
output.
The V6 II is capable of auto detecting the flash system of the attached flash.
1. Attach your flash to the V6 II and turn on the flash.
2. Switch on the V6 II to the RX mode (for slave flashes) or TX mode (for master
flash).
3. The V6 II will detect the flash system of the attached flash during the start up.
The LCD screen will show the auto-detected flash system briefly before loading
the main screen.
4. The V6 II will memorize the detected flash system after power cycles until the
next detection.
If you wish to obtain more accurate output that is fine-tuned for your specific flash
units, choose the model-specific flash profiles (see Section 11.2) or customize the
existing flash profiles (see Section 11.3).
11.2 Choosing a Flash Profile

Choose the appropriate flash profile from the pre-installed profile list for each V6 II
RX you will use with your flash.
1. Switch on the V6 II in RX mode.
2. Press , and then turn the selection dial to <FLASH PROFILE>. Press .
3. Turn the selection dial until the LCD shows your flash system (e.g., <CANON>).
Press .
4. Turn the selection dial until the LCD shows your flash model (e.g., <580EX*>).
Press .
5. Connect the flash unit to the V6 II. Switch your flash to TTL mode and your flash
will be ready for remote control. The chosen flash profile will be applied until you
choose another flash profile.
In case you wish to fire and control an on-camera master flash via the V6 II TX, follow
steps 2-4 above in TX mode to choose the appropriate flash profile for the master
flash.
11.3 Customizing a Flash Profile
If your flash model is not included in the pre-installed profile list but support digital
TTL, configure the V6 II to the Auto Flash Profile (see Section 11.1). In case you wish
to fine tune the power level output commanded by the Auto Flash Profile, you may
customize it with the Cactus Profile Editor available to PC and Mac.
1. Follow the firmware update procedures to connect V6 II with your computer (see
Section 18.2).
2. Choose the flash system. Input the guide number of your flash at the zoom angle
at 105mm (which is the benchmark of the pre-installed profiles in the V6 II).
3. Based on your experience in controlling the flash with the auto flash profile, input
the power adjustment that you would like to achieve in each of the reference
power level.
4. Enter the profile name in 1-6 letters or numbers.
5. Press STORE PROFILE button. The custom profile will be loaded to the connected
V6 II.
To choose the saved flash profile from the profile list, see Section 11.2. All custom
profiles will be stored under the flash system <CUSTOM> in the <FLASH PROFILE>
menu.