Ikelite EV-Controller User manual

Ikelite EV-Controller
instruction manual
#4100.6
Ikelite's EV-Controller is a manual exposure
controller for Ikelite DS Substrobes exclusively.
The controller provides 10 manual power settings
in half-stop increments for maximum versatility
and control of the flash exposure.
Please familiarize yourself with the features and
functions of the system before trying the camera
and strobes in the water. 2
FFEEAATTUURREESS
•EEVV SSeelleeccttoorr DDiiaall::10-manual power settings
adjust the strobe output in half-stop increments.
•SSwwiittcchh CCaapp::waterproof cover conceals separate
camera and strobe selection switches.
•BBuullkkhheeaadd CCoonnnneeccttoorr aanndd CCaapp::remove the
waterproof cap to connect an optional sync cord.
•SSttrroobbee CCoorrdd::permanent cord connects EV-
Controller to DS Substrobe.
•EExxtteerrnnaall BBllaacckk CCoovveerr ((nnoott sshhoowwnn)):: protects the
front of the EV-Controller. Remove the black cover
to expose the built-in slave sensor.
•CCllaammpp MMoouunntt ((nnoott sshhoowwnn))::secures EV-
Controller to stem mount on Ikelite arm system.
Cord to Strobe
Front
EV
Selector
Dial
Switch
Cap
Bulkhead
Connector
Waterproof
Cap
3
BBAASSIICCSS
• The EV-Controller is compatible ONLY with
Ikelite DS Substrobes.
• Set the strobe in the TTL full-power setting.
• Adjust the EV Selector Dial on the EV
Controller to manually set the strobe output in
half-stop increments.
• The EV-Controller is automatically turned on
and off as the strobe is turned on and off.
• No battery is required in the EV-Controller as
the strobe powers the controller. The power drain
on the strobe is negligible.
• The EV-Controller features a built-in slave
sensor allowing the controller to be triggered by
the flash from another strobe, or a sync cord can
be connected to trigger the controller.
• Reference the visual ready light on the strobe
for indication when the strobe has recycled and is
ready to fire. There is no ready light indicator on
the EV-Controller.
• For balanced lighting between your subject
and the background, meter the available light and
set the camera aperture accordingly.
4
SSEELLEECCTTOORR SSIITTCCHHEESS
The EV-Controller features two selector
switches (camera PP-- PPand strobe 125-50)
concealed behind the removable switch cap
located on the back of the controller. Set each
switch in the appropriate position.
OOppeenniinngg tthhee SSwwiittcchh CCoommppaarrttmmeenntt
Make sure the EV-Controller is dry before
opening the selector switch compartment. Use a
coin to unscrew the switch cover counter
clockwise. Note the position of the o-ring around
the perimeter of the cover. Keep the o-ring and
sealing surfaces clean. Lightly lubricate the o-ring
with silicone lubricant provided. Never use spray
lubricant as it may crack the plastic.
After adjusting both camera and strobe
selector switches,
use a coin to secure
the cover and
hand-tighten to
assure the proper
o-ring seal.
Switch
Cover
O-ring
Cord to Strobe
Bulkhead
Connector
Waterproof
Cap
F
0.5
1.5
2.5
2
4
4.5
3
3.5
1
E
V
C
O
N
T
R
O
L
L
E
R
P
125
50
P
Switches

6
TTRRIIGGGGEERRIINNGG TTHHEE CCOONNTTRROOLLLLEERR
VViiaa BBuuiilltt--iinn SSllaavvee SSeennssoorr
• Remove the external black cover from the
front of the controller to expose the slave sensor.
• Secure the controller to the stem mount at
the base of the Ikelite strobe arm, and connect
the cord from the controller to the strobe. See
separate sections for more information.
• Aim the controller towards the triggering
light source, which will be either the
camera’s built-in strobe or a
separate auxiliary strobe. It
makes no difference which
light source is selected.
• hen the slave sensor
in the controller detects the
other strobe firing, it fires
the connected strobe at the
exposure power setting
you set on the controller.
EVController Stem
Mount
CameraFlash
Deflector
Camera
Housing
Port
Strobe
5
CCAAMMEERRAA SSEELLEECCTTOORR SSIITTCCHH PP -- PP
Set the camera switch to indicate whether
preflash is present. A separate camera
information sheet states whether or not each
camera features preflash.
PP- No preflash
This "no preflash" setting instructs the slave
sensor to trigger the strobe every time it senses
the other flash firing. Choose the "A-no preflash"
setting when using an optional sync cord.
PP- Preflash camera
This "preflash" setting instructs the slave
sensor to ignore the first flash (preflash) and to
trigger the strobe when the second flash (main
flash) fires from the other strobe. The sensor
will reset if no second flash is detected.
SSTTRROOBBEE SSEELLEECCTTOORR SSIITTCCHH 112255--5500
Set the strobe switch to indicate which strobe
is connected to the EV-Controller.
Use 125 setting for DS125 & DS200 Substrobes.
Use 50 setting for DS50 & DS51 Substrobes.
EV-Controller is automatically turned on and
off as the strobe is turned on and off.
7
TTRRIIGGGGEERRIINNGG TTHHEE CCOONNTTRROOLLLLEERR
VViiaa OOppttiioonnaall SSyynncc CCoorrdd
• Keep the black cover positioned over the
front of the controller to disable the sensor.
• Secure the controller to the stem mount at
the base of the Ikelite strobe arm, and connect
the cord from the controller to the strobe. See
separate sections for more information.
• Remove the waterproof cap from the
controller and connect the optional sync cord
from the camera system.See separate section.
• It is not necessary to aim the
controller provided that the
optional sync cord is connected
and the slave sensor remains
blocked.
• The controller fires the
connected strobe when the
camera shutter button is
depressed.
EV Controller
w/ black cover
Stem
Mount
Sync Cord
Camera
Housing
Port
Strobe
8
CChhoooossee ffrroomm tthhee ffoolllloowwiinngg ssyynncc ccoorrddss::
#4103.51 connects one controller to Ikelite housing
#4103.52 connects two controllers to Ikelite housing
#4104.6 connects one controller to Nikonos style
socket on another brand housing
#4104.62 connects two controllers to Nikonos style
socket on another brand housing
SSEETTTTIINNGG TTHHEE EEVV--CCOONNTTRROOLLLLEERR
It may take a few test shots to become
familiar with the use of the EV-Controller. Use
the EV Selector Dial on the controller to increase
or decrease the flash exposure.
VViissuuaall EEvvaalluuaattiioonn
ith a digital camera, one may choose to
evaluate the exposure of the subject on the
camera's LCD screen and adjust the power
setting of the EV-Controller based on that visual
exposure evaluation.
GGuuiiddee NNuummbbeerr
The alternative method in adjusting the EV-
Controller is to determine the power setting
mathematically based on camera aperture and
subject distance.
Multiply the camera aperture (f-stop) by the
camera-to-subject distance, and the resulting
value is the underwater guide number used to
reference the suggested EV (exposure value)
setting for the controller. Note that the chart
is based on a camera set to ISO 100.
continued on next page

10
EEVV--CCOONNTTRROOLLLLEERR CCHHAARRTT
EV Controller Chart
EV DS50/DS51 DS125
Settings Guide # (UW) Guide # (UW)
ISO 100 ISO 100
ft m ft m
Full 28 9 32 10.2
-0.5 24 7 27 8.7
-1.0 20 6.5 22 7
-1.5 16 5 18 5.8
-2.0 14 4.5 16 5
-2.5 12 3.8 13 4
-3.0 9 2.8 11 3.5
-3.5 6 1.9 9 2.8
-4.0 4 1.2 7 2.2
-4.5 3 0.9 6 1.9
The EV Controller may be used in a couple of
different ways. With a digital camera one may
choose to evaluate the exposure of the subject on
the camera's LCD screen and adjust the EV
Controller based on that evaluation.
Some people like to go by the numbers. The EV
Chart will allow those who desire to calculate the
recommended EV setting based on camera
aperture and subject distance.
The EV Controller chart is a guide to aid in
determining the Exposure Value setting. To
determine the EV setting you need to calculate
an underwater guide number. Note that the chart
is based on a camera set to ISO 100. To calculate
the underwater guide number, multiply the
camera's aperture (f-stop) by the camera to
subject distance. The resulting number is the
guide number used to reference the EV Setting.
Example:
Using the DS50 Substrobe with the camera's ISO
set to 100. If the camera's aperture (f-stop) is
set to f-3, and the camera to subject distance is
4 feet, aperture (3), multiplied times the distance
(4) equals 12. In the chart under DS50 in the (ft)
column find guide number 12.
The recommended EV setting would be -2.5.
9
GGuuiiddee NNuummbbeerr EExxaammppllee::
Using the DS50/51 strobe with the camera's
ISO set to 100. If the camera's aperture (f-stop)
is set to f-3 and the subject distance is 4 feet,
then the aperture of 3 multiplied times the
distance of 4 equals a guide number of12. In the
chart under DS50/51 in the (ft) column, find
guide number 12. The recommended EV setting
would be "-2.5".
MMOOUUNNTTIINNGG
The EV-Controller clamps to the stem mount
at the base of the Ikelite strobe arm. This is the
same stem mount that snaps into the quick
release handle secured to the camera housing.
Position the controller with the cord pointing
up. Loosen the mounting knob on the controller
by rotating it counter-clockwise, and insert the
stem mount of the arm thru the clamp opening
on the controller.
The controller can move up and down and
also rotate 360° to properly position before
tightening the knob to secure the controller.
11
CCOORRDD CCOONNNNEECCTTIIOONN TTOO SSTTRROOBBEE
The short cord extending from the EV-Controller
connects to the female bulkhead connector on the
Ikelite DS Substrobe. This short cord is NOT
removable from the controller.
DDOO NNOOTTuse the controller with other model
Ikelite TTL Substrobes or another brand strobe.
CCoonnnneeccttiinngg tthhee SSttrroobbee aanndd CCoonnttrroolllleerr
The connector threads are very fine; DDOO NNOOTT
cross thread. If it is difficult to turn, you are cross
threading.
1. Turn the Substrobe OFF and make sure all
components are dry. Clean and lightly lubricate
the stem o-ring and the bulkhead connector
threads. Check o-ring for nicks or cuts. Never use
spray lubricant.
2. Note the positioning of the receptacles and pins.
Properly align the end of the cord on the
controller and insert into the bulkhead connector.
3. Hand-tighten the knurled retaining ring on the
cord. Push the connector body further into the
bulkhead connector and continue to tighten the
knurled ring to secure the cord.
DDOO NNOOTTremove the cord from the strobe
underwater or when wet. Connection is NOT
waterproof when disconnected.
DDOO NNOOTTleave the cord connected for prolonged
periods. Otherwise, the cord may freeze to the strobe.
After each dive, disconnect the cord and lightly
lubricate the connector threads.
Never use spray lubricant.
12
BBUULLKKHHEEAADD CCOONNNNEECCTTOORR
The EV-Controller features a female Ikelite
bulkhead connector, which is sealed by a
removable waterproof cap.
This bulkhead connector permits different
Ikelite sync cords to be connected between the
EV-Controller and select camera systems. The
optional sync cord relays the trigger signal when
the camera shutter button is depressed. Note
that the camera housing MUST feature an Ikelite
or Nikonos bulkhead connector to use the
optional sync cord.
The removable waterproof cap seals the
bulkhead connector on the controller when the
optional cord is not used. The bulkhead
connector must be sealed to remain waterproof.
Refer to the prior "Cord Connection" section
of this instruction manual for the proper
procedure to connect the optional cord.
DDOO NNOOTTremove the optional cord from the
controller underwater or when wet. Connection
is NOT waterproof when disconnected.
DDOO NNOOTTleave the cord connected for
prolonged periods. Otherwise, the cord may
freeze to the controller or camera system. After
each dive, disconnect the cord and lightly
lubricate the connector threads.
Never use spray lubricant.

13
TTEECCHHNNIIQQUUEESS
The purpose of a strobe is to illuminate the
subject and bring out the subject's true colors.
Due to the loss of color when light passes
through water, move in on your subject to
photograph thru as little water as possible. The
maximum recommended lighting distance with
ANY STROBE underwater is about 2m (6').
For balanced lighting between your subject
and the background, meter the available light
and set the camera aperture accordingly. A
narrower aperture darkens the background. A
wider aperture lightens the background.
AADDDD AA SSEECCOONNDD SSTTRROOBBEE
Avid photographers often add a second
auxiliary strobe positioned away from the
camera lens for more natural lighting. hen
using two strobes, choose an EV-Controller for
each strobe to manually control both flash
outputs.
To trigger the second strobe, use either the
built-in slave sensor in the EV-Controller or
connect an optional dual sync cord to both
strobe/controller systems. The slave sensor in the
controller enables the strobe to be moved freely
and positioned virtually anywhere.
14
VVIISSUUAALL IINNSSPPEECCTTIIOONNSS
Visual inspections are important. Take the
time to visually inspect the system above water.
An improper seal or a loose connection can cause
a lot of damage. Always check for leaks once you
place the system in the water.
IINNSSUURRAANNCCEE
e recommend adding an ALL RISK floater
to your homeowner's insurance policy in the
event you damage, flood, or lose your camera or
strobe. hile the Ikelite EV-Controller has a
limited warranty against manufacturing defects,
it does not cover customer neglect.
BBAATTTTEERRIIEESS
Always carry spare batteries. eak batteries
cause many camera and strobe problems. It is
possible to buy bad "new" batteries; check the
voltage output with a meter.
NNoo bbaatttteerryy iiss rreeqquuiirreeddin the EV-Controller.
The DS Substrobe powers the EV-Controller, and
the power drain on the strobe is negligible.
15
MMAAIINNTTEENNAANNCCEE
The Ikelite EV-Controller should be given
thesame care and attention as your other
photographic equipment.
1. Always rinse the exterior of the EV-Controller
and Substrobe with fresh water after use.
Make sure the cord is connected between the
controller and strobe for the proper
waterproof seal, and make sure the separate
female bulkhead connector on the EV-
Controller is sealed as well. The units can be
cleaned by soaking them in a mild soapy
solution. Use liquid soap; RINSE and DRY
both before storage.
2. Keep the switch cover o-ring and threads
clean and lightly lubricated. Keep the sync
cord o-ring and threads clean and lightly
lubricated. DDOO NNOOTTleave the cord connected
to the strobe for prolonged periods as
electrolysis can make removal impossible.
3. ith exception of the switch cover, the EV-
Controller is factory sealed. DDOO NNOOTT
disassemble the controller.
LLUUBBRRIICCAANNTT
Silicone lubricant is provided. Use only
enough lubricant to lightly cover the o-ring; wipe
off any excess with a clean cloth. Lubricant only
reduces friction; it is NOT a sealant.
DDOO NNOOTTuse spray lubricant as it may crack
the plastic.
IIkkeelliittee LLiimmiitteedd aarrrraannttyy
This Ikelite product is warranted against any
manufacturing defects for a period of two (2)
years from the date of purchase. Defective
products should be returned prepaid to Ikelite.
Ikelite will, at its discretion, repair or replace such
products, and will return to customer prepaid. All
other claims, of any nature, including but not
limited to bulb failure are not covered. Except as
mentioned above, no other warranty expressed
or implied, applies to this Ikelite product.
e recommend adding an ALL RISK floater
to your homeowner's insurance policy in the
event you damage, flood, or lose your camera
or strobe. Ikelite warranty does NOT cover
customer neglect.
IIkkeelliittee UUnnddeerrwwaatteerr SSyysstteemmss
50 33rd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA
317-923-4523
email: [email protected]
www.ikelite.com
4100.6-03-1206