Cactus V6 IIs User manual

Table of Contents
1. Getting to Know the Cactus V6 IIs
2. Cautions and Warnings
3. Major Specifications
4. Package Contents
5.Nomenclature
6.LCDPanel
7.Compatibility
8. TTL Pass-through
9.GettingStarted
10. Flash Profile: Auto Detect and Customization
11.FlashTriggering
12. Remote Manual Power Control
13. High Speed Synchronization
14. Camera Shutter Release
15. Advanced Operations
16. Personalizing the V6
17. Working with Cactus Gear
18. LED Signal Guide
19. USB Connection
20. Optional Accessories
21. Troubleshooting
22.Notices
23. Warranty
1. Getting to Know the Cactus V6 IIs
Thank you for purchasing the Cactus Wireless Flash Transceiver V6 IIs.
The Cactus V6 IIs is specially designed for Sony Alpha and Nex cameras and flashes
with the MI (Multi-Interface) hot shoe. Yet when working with the Cactus V6 II, it
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 with Cactus V6 II;
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 Sony system flashes;
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 IIs supports 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 IIs, we have
profiled them in two ways:
1. System-specific Auto Flash Profiles: The default ‘Auto’ profile of the V6 IIs will
work with all Sony flash models with the MI hot shoe;
2. Model-specific Profiles: For more accurate power output, users can choose from
the V6 IIs menu the flash profile that would work perfectly with the specific flash
model.
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 IIs 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 IIs 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 IIs, 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 IIs 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 IIs 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: 84g
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
32
65
34

4. Package Contents
(image) V6 IIs 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 IIs 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 IIs TX (see Section 17.1.1).
7.1.2 Flash Models with Sony MI hot shoe, including:
- Sony HVL-F60M, HVL-F43M, HVL-F32M, HVL-F20M,
- Metz 64 AF-1 for Sony
- Nissin i40
7.1.3 Studio Strobes
The Cactus V6 IIs triggers studio strobes with the PC sync male port, 3.5mm or
6.35mm port via optional cables (see Section 20). This includes high trigger voltage
portable flash models, and all strobe models with a trigger voltage of 300V or under.
The Cactus V6 IIs 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 IIs works with practically all cameras that come with either (1) a Sony
MI hot shoe.
To use the V6 II as a wireless shutter release, specific shutter cables are required. For
the list of optional accessories, see Section 20.
7.3 Flash Triggers
7.3.1 Cactus V6 II
The Cactus V6 IIs in TX mode works seamlessly with Wireless Flash Transceiver V6 II
in RX mode..
The Cactus V6 IIs is compatible with the Wireless Flash Transceiver V6, V5 and Laser
Trigger LV5. See Sections 17.2 and 17.3 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 IIs transceiver comes with a multi-system shoe that supports TTL pass-
through.
While the V6 IIs 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 hot shoe supports TTL pass-through of Sony 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 IIs 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 IIs TX, 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 IIs 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 IIs on a camera’s hot shoe mount:
1. Turn the lock lever of the V6 IIs to the left to unlock the hot shoe (male).
2. Slide the V6 IIs into the camera’s hot shoe.
3. Turn the lock lever of the V6 IIs to the right to lock the hot shoe (male).
4. When detaching the V6 IIs from the camera’s hot shoe, turn the lock lever to the
left to unlock the multi-system shoe (male). Otherwise, the hot shoe (male) may
be damaged.
9.3 Buttons and Dial
The V6 IIs 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 16.1 –
16.6).
Major functions of the V6 IIs 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 12.1 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 16.2)
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 19.2)
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 IIs is a wireless transceiver that is capable of transmitting and
receiving radio signals. Set the V6 IIs 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 IIs transceivers communicate with each other via radio frequency.
There are 16 channels available. Always make sure that all of your V6 IIs 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 IIs 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 IIs 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 IIs TX will turn
off the group(s). The V6 IIs RX units that have been set to the off group(s) will not
f ire.
6. The V6 IIs will memorize the group selection in both TX and RX when it is
switched off. Next time you switch on the V6 IIs it will start up with the saved
setting.

9.7 Navigating the Menu
There are a number of configurable menu options in the V6 IIs.
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
SONY
OTHERS
√
FLASH PROFILE
SONY
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. Flash Profile: Auto-detect and Customization
The V6 IIs transceiver commands flashes to fire at a particular output via flash
profiles. There are three ways to obtain the correct flash profiles:
1. Apply the <AUTO> flash profile (see Section 10.1).
2. Choose from the pre-installed flash profiles in the V6 IIs (see Section 10.2).
3. Customize the auto profile in the Cactus Firmware Updater on a PC or Mac (see
Section 10.3).
10.1 Applying Auto Flash Profile
The auto flash profile in V6 IIs works with all Sony system flashes with the MI shoe to
produce a moderately accurate (error within 0.3EV) flash output.
The auto flash profile would be loaded to V6 IIs by default..
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 10.2) or customize the
existing flash profiles (see Section 10.3).
10.2 Choosing a Flash Profile
Choose the appropriate flash profile from the pre-installed profile list for each V6 IIs
RX you will use with your flash.
1. Switch on the V6 IIs 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 model (e.g., <SONY>).
Press .
4. Turn the selection dial until the LCD shows your flash model (e.g., <F60M>).
Press .
5. Connect the flash unit to the V6 IIs. 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 IIs Tx,
follow steps 2-4 above in TX mode to choose the appropriate flash profile for the
master flash.
10.3 Customizing a Flash Profile
If your flash model is not included in the pre-installed profile list but support digital
TTL, configure the V6 IIs to the Auto Flash Profile (see Section 10.1). 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 IIs with your computer
(see Section 19.2).
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 IIs).
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 IIs.
To choose the saved flash profile from the profile list, see Section 10.2. All custom
profiles will be stored under the flash system <CUSTOM> in the <FLASH PROFILE>
menu.
Each V6 IIs can save up to 10 custom flash profiles from the Cactus Profile Editor.
Note: The Profile Editor supports profile sharing via codes. When customizing a flash
profile, the editor will generate a code representing the changed parameters. You

can share this code to friends, or simply enter the code received from others in the
SHARE CODE column to generate a new customized profile in a second.
11. Flash Triggering
To command the flash units in different groups to fire:
1. Set the V6 IIs transceivers to the correct mode (transmitter to “TX”, receiver to
“RX”). This will automatically power on the transceivers (see Section 9.4).
2. Set both TX and RX to the same channel (see Section 9.5).
3. Assign RX unit(s) to A, B, C, or D group and activate the group(s) on the TX (see
Section 9.6).
4. Connect the V6 IIs RX to portable flashes or studio strobes.
5. On the TX, press completely. The status LED of both TX and RX should blink
in green simultaneously. The portable flashes or studio strobes will f ire at the
same time.
6. Test fire a particular group by pressing the group button and completely
and simultaneously.
7. Attach the TX to the camera’s hot shoe. If your camera does not have a hot shoe,
connect the TX to the camera using an optional PC sync cable (CA-200).
8. Press the camera’s shutter release button. The flashes on the RXs will fire
wirelessly and in sync.
Tips: The V6 IIs transceiver can trigger portable flashes with or without remote
power control. If you wish to wirelessly trigger the slave flashes without controlling
their power levels, choose the <OTHER> flash system in the <FLASH PROFILE> menu.
12. Remote Manual Power Control
Apart from flash triggering, the V6 IIs can also command the manual power of your
flash. On each RX, choose the appropriate flash profile for each flash to be
connected. The V6 IIs TX will then be able to command the flash to f ire from 1/128
to 1/1 full power. V6 IIs offers two power definitions for users to command the
flashes’ power in the most convenient way.
To remotely control the power of your flash units:
1. Connect the flash units to the V6 IIs.

2. Switch on the flash units in TTL mode. Then switch on the V6 IIs in RX mode.
3. Choose the correct flash profile for each V6 IIs.
4. If you may command the flash to fire above the x-sync speed, turn on the HSS
flash on your flash units (see Section 13.1).
12.1 Relative Power
Similar to a common flash display, the V6 IIs TX indicates the power level of the
remote flashes in proportion to full power in relative power mode, i.e., 1/1 for full
power, 1/2 for half power, etc. Upon switching on the V6 IIs in TX mode, the LCD will
show the relative power levels of all activated groups.
Note that the small single digit indicates the increment between major power levels.
12.1.1 Single Group Power Adjustment
There are two ways to adjust the power level of a particular slave group.
1. Press and hold the group button until the power level of the chosen group is
highlighted on the LCD. Turn the selection dial to the desired power level. Press
shortly the group button to leave the group selection.
2. Short cut: Press and hold the group button and turn the selection dial
simultaneously. Once the adjustment is finished, release the group button.
You may also adjust the power level of the master flash that you have mounted on
the V6 IIs TX hot shoe (female).
1. Make sure that the TTL pass-through mode has not been activated (see Section
8).
2. Press and turn the selection dial simultaneously to change the power level of
the master flash.

12.1.2 Multi-Group Power Adjustment
To adjust the power level of ALL active groups, simply turn the selection dial left or
right to the desired power level.
Note: The power level of the master flash is not affected by the multi-group
adjustment.
12.1.3 Quick Power Adjustment Mode
By turning the dial left or right one “click,” the power level of the chosen groups will
increase or decrease by one step. The EV step in the V6 IIs factory setting is 1/3 EV.
The EV step can be configured to 1/2, 1/3, or 1/10 in the <EV STEP> menu (see
Section 12.3).
If you wish to quickly change the power level using a larger interval, use the quick
power adjustment mode.
1. In the main screen of the V6 IIs in TX mode, press once to enter the quick
power adjustment mode.
2. In this mode, each click of the dial will increase or decrease the power level for
1EV to and from the original value respectively. For example, if the power level of
a group was 1/16 +3, one click of the selection dial will increase the power level
to 1/8 +3 or decrease it to 1/32 +3.
3. Once you have finished the quick change, press once again to leave the quick
power adjustment mode. Each click of the dial thereafter will increase or
decrease the power level in accordance with the setting you have made in the
<EV STEP> menu.
12.2 Absolute Power
If you want to coordinate the light output of multiple flashes with different maximum
power outputs, the regular power ratios such as “1/4” or “1/8” may not be as
helpful. The output of one powerful flash model at “1/8” can be higher than that of
another, weaker flash model at “1/4.” For this reason, the V6 IIs offers an “absolute
power” mode in which EV numbers can be used to specify an absolute light intensity,
independent of the maximum power output of a flash model.
The power levels in guide number have been rescaled to the absolute power scheme
in EV as below: