MK Controls Lightning Bug Plus User manual

Rev: Version 1.2 June 16th, 2022 Page 2 of 26
Lightning Bug Plus™
Firmware Version 1.2 AND
EARLIER
Instruction Manual
Please remember that your safety is much more important than getting the shot.
Being safe should always be your primary concern. Lightning can be lethal.
Be sure to seek shelter if a storm is too close!
Please note: MK Controls, Inc. is not liable for any damage or injury associated
with the use of the Lightning Bug Plus™.
Lightning Bug™ and Lightning Bug Plus™ are trademarks of MK Controls, Inc.

Rev: Version 1.2 June 16th, 2022 Page 3 of 26
Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................ 4
Lightning Bug PlusTM Features ............................................................................. 6
Specifications ...................................................................................................... 7
Battery Installation/Removal .............................................................................. 8
Camera Connection............................................................................................. 9
Operation ......................................................................................................... 10
Standard Operating Mode ................................................................................ 12
Fireworks Mode ................................................................................................ 14
Additional Features .......................................................................................... 16
Photography Tips .............................................................................................. 19
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 21
Lightning Safety ................................................................................................ 23
Warranty .......................................................................................................... 24
Company Information ....................................................................................... 26

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Introduction
The Lightning Bug Plus™ – Engineered for your imagination.
The Lightning Bug Plus™ is based upon the science of lightning. There are two
components of lightning; the bright white flash everyone wants to capture and
the unseen infrared light that always precedes it. The Lightning Bug Plus™ uses a
high-speed phototransistor sensor optimized to sense the infrared burst that
occurs just before a lightning strike. This infrared light comes from the
vaporization of air and particles in the air. The Lightning Bug Plus™ acts as a
lookout for your camera, watching for a change in infrared light. When a
significant change of infrared light over a very short period of time is detected, it
trips the camera shutter to capture the visible lightning bolt.
The Lightning Bug Plus™ can also be used to take photos of fireworks, cannon
shots, virtually anything that produces a fast-acting rise of infrared light formed
by a high-temperature event.
The Lightning Bug Plus™ exclusive sensitivity adjustment circuitry allows the
photographer to customize the unit’s operation to any shooting situation. This
gives the photographer full control over when to take the picture. If you only
wanted to capture the brightest and closest lightning bolts you would decrease
the sensitivity. If you wanted to capture lightning over the city or mountains from
a long distance, just increase the sensitivity. Only the Lightning Bug Plus™ gives
you this level of control.
The Lightning Bug PlusTM has, as standard, premium features not found in simpler
lightning detectors. The user can limit the number of possible exposures per
second to between 1 and 10. This feature allows you to capture repeated
lightning strikes successfully, up to the maximum frame rate of your camera.
When trying to capture weather events, your photography gear can get wet;
we’ve designed the Lightning Bug Plus™ to withstand exposure to rain. The design
incorporates weather resistant soft touch buttons.

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The hot shoe mount included on the Lightning Bug Plus may have an external
flash PC port, or a ¼-20 mount, depending on when it was purchased. The hot
shoe mount incorporates a standard threaded mounting port. Some hot shoes
may have a PC port and switch, these are non-functional.
To help you get the most out of your purchase please take a few minutes to read
this manual. If you still have questions about using your Lightning Bug Plus™, feel
free to email our technical support team at [e-mail]. We’ll be
happy to assist.
For examples of the kinds of images that can be taken using the Lightning Bug
PlusTM, please look at our gallery website page:
http://www.mkcontrols.com/gallery
Here are a few images created using our legacy product the Lightning Bug™.

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Lightning Bug PlusTM Features
- 26 Levels of sensitivity adjustment.
- Automatic or manual operation of the camera’s meter.
- Auto-meter Off feature to help preserve your camera battery during long sessions.
- Exclusive Fireworks delay mode – allows a delay between the initial detected burst,
and the actual shutter release. The delay can be adjusted from 0 to 2.25 seconds in
1/4 second increments.
- Attaches to your camera via an industry standard hotshoe mount. Cables are available
to fit a wide range of cameras.
- Three simple buttons control all of the features.
- Allows limiting of frames per second – can be adjusted from 1 to 10 FPS.
- Allows adjustment of post-trigger delay to improve capture percentage when using
with ‘fast’ or ‘zero lag-time’ cameras.
- Water resistant overlay with soft-touch controls protects the Lightning Bug Plus™
from inclement weather, and ensures that it won’t be accidentally turned on or off.
- Highly visible orange LED display shows at a glance the current configuration settings.
- Bright yellow LED flashes when the unit detects an event within its field of view.
- Allows testing of your camera connection.
- Retains user settings, even with battery removed.
- Power saving mode to prolong battery life.
- Battery can be removed or replaced without removing the Lightning Bug PlusTM from
your camera.
- Power On Self-Test (POST) insures that the unit is operational every time you turn it
on.
- Electrical isolation between the unit and your camera via MOSFET technology to
protect the camera’s electronics.
- Internal firmware is field-updateable via a standard USB-C connector (cable included
with the product).

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Specifications
Front overhang from center of camera shoe: 3.51” / 89.15 mm
Rear overhang from center of camera shoe: 0.74” / 18.80 mm
Overall Height not including shoe mount: 1.13” / 28.70 mm
Overall Height including shoe mount: 2.10” / 53.34 mm
Overall Length: 4.25” / 107.95 mm
Overall Width: 2.60” / 66.04 mm
Weight without battery: 2.96 oz / 83.9 g
Weight with battery: 4.48 oz / 127.0 g
Camera connector port~: 2.5mm Stereo
Battery*: Standard 9 Volt
~Please contact MK Controls, Inc. Technical Support for more information if you intend to make your own
cables.
* The Lightning Bug Plus™ will operate with all 9V battery technologies, including rechargeable.

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Battery Installation/Removal
The Lightning Bug Plus™ case incorporates a battery compartment at the rear of
the unit. A small latch unlocks a removable battery compartment door.
A 9 Volt battery is required for operation. To insert it, gently pull the 9V
connector wires out from the compartment and attach a battery. The leads will
only allow the battery to be connected in one direction, and snap the leads in
place.
After installation of the battery, the compartment door should be replaced – it
snaps into position with an audible click.
To remove the battery, reverse the process.
Please note:
MK Controls, Inc. does not recommend leaving the battery in place during long storage periods.
There is a slight current draw whenever the battery is installed, and after a period of months
the battery may no longer have sufficient operating power if left in the Lightning Bug PlusTM
during long-term storage. In addition, batteries can, on occasion, leak electrolytes. This fluid is
corrosive, and can damage the circuitry of the Lightning Bug Plus™, in addition to the battery
connector. The Lightning Bug Plus™ Warranty does not cover damage due to a leaking battery.

Rev: Version 1.2 June 16th, 2022 Page 9 of 26
Camera Connection
Each Lightning Bug Plus™ purchased includes one cable for connection to your
camera. Additional and/or replacement cables are available from MK Controls,
Inc.
The camera connector has a 2.5mm stereo male plug on one end, and the
appropriate connector for your camera on the other. The 2.5mm female socket is
located at the lower right on the unit. When inserting the cable, please make
sure it is fully seated for proper operation.
The camera connector is specific for the model camera you’re using – please
follow manufacturer’s recommendations for insertion of this connector.
When the Lightning Bug Plus™ is powered on, it will automatically activate your
camera’s meter (on cameras that support this feature). Turning the unit ‘off’
automatically will release the meter. There is also a feature that allows your
meter to always remain deactivated until the shutter is tripped – please see the
‘Additional Features’ section for more information.
The Lightning Bug Plus™ is designed to fit an industry standard shoe mount, and is
self-explanatory. For some older SONY cameras, a hotshoe adapter may be
required.
WARNING – Do NOT leave the cable inserted in the Lightning Bug Plus™ during storage – this
may damage to the connector. The Lightning Bug Plus™ Warranty does not cover this type of
damage.

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Operation
Mounting the Lightning Bug PlusTM on a Camera
First, make sure that both the Lightning Bug PlusTM and your camera are powered
off. Attach the unit to your camera’s hotshoe, and then install the shutter cable.
You can then power both units on – either can be turned on first.
Point your camera, and the let the Lightning Bug Plus™ do the rest!
Basic User Controls
The Lightning Bug Plus™ has three ‘soft-touch’ buttons that are used to operate
all of the features:
On/Off
Decrease Sensitivity (or Delay in Fireworks Mode)
Increase Sensitivity (or Delay in Fireworks Mode)
Standard Mode vs. Fireworks Mode
While powering on the Lightning Bug Plus™, the unit will start in Standard Mode
(suitable for Lightning photography) or Fireworks Mode (allows for delayed
shutter release) depending on which buttons are held down during startup.
To start the unit in Standard Mode, press and hold the On/Off button for
approximately 2 seconds.
To start the unit in Fireworks Mode, press and hold the On/Off button, and the
Increase Sensitivity button (the rightmost button) simultaneously for
approximately 2 seconds, then release both buttons.

When the
Lightning Bug Plus
firmware version by illuminating the LED’s. This version information will remain
displayed until the power button is released. This manual describes firmware
version 1.2
, which will be displayed as shown here:
After releas
ing the power button, the unit will then
(POST), which will light up all of the LED’s and perform an internal function
verification.
It will also send a signal to trip your cameras shutter.
POST you notice that
any LED’s fail to illuminate, please contact MK Controls
Technical Support for troubleshooting.
During power on, the Lightning Bug Plus
and automatically makes internal adjustments to the current light conditions
This process only takes about 1 second
LED will flash quickly.
The Lightning Bug Plus™
remembers important settings including the Frames per
Second, the Meter On/Off Mode,
To help preserve your camera battery, the
turn your meter off after
approximately
Rev: Version 1.2 June 16th, 20
2
Lightning Bug Plus
™ is first turned on,
it will display the current
firmware version by illuminating the LED’s. This version information will remain
displayed until the power button is released. This manual describes firmware
, which will be displayed as shown here:
ing the power button, the unit will then
execute a Power On Self
(POST), which will light up all of the LED’s and perform an internal function
It will also send a signal to trip your cameras shutter.
If during the
any LED’s fail to illuminate, please contact MK Controls
Technical Support for troubleshooting.
During power on, the Lightning Bug Plus
™
monitors the ambient incoming light,
and automatically makes internal adjustments to the current light conditions
This process only takes about 1 second
–
while making adjustments, the yellow
remembers important settings including the Frames per
Second, the Meter On/Off Mode,
and the Sensitivity;
these all will load at startup.
To help preserve your camera battery, the
Lightning Bug Plus™
will automatically
approximately
15 minutes of inactivity.
2
2 Page 11 of 26
it will display the current
firmware version by illuminating the LED’s. This version information will remain
displayed until the power button is released. This manual describes firmware
execute a Power On Self
-Test
(POST), which will light up all of the LED’s and perform an internal function
If during the
any LED’s fail to illuminate, please contact MK Controls
, Inc.
monitors the ambient incoming light,
and automatically makes internal adjustments to the current light conditions
.
while making adjustments, the yellow
remembers important settings including the Frames per
these all will load at startup.
will automatically

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Standard Operating Mode
Decrease Sensitivity
Press this button to decrease the sensitivity of the Lightning Bug Plus™. When
this button is pressed, the bargraph display (orange LED’s) will show the current
sensitivity level. There are a total of 26 levels of available sensitivity. The factory
default setting is level 12.
Increase Sensitivity
Press this button to increase the sensitivity of the Lightning Bug Plus™. When this
button is pressed, the bargraph display (orange LED’s) will be show the current
sensitivity level.
Determining the Current Sensitivity
The orange LEDs on the top of the Lightning Bug PlusTM will always display the
current sensitivity level whenever the unit is powered on. See Table 1 for more
details.
When making adjustments, the LED will brighten to allow easier visualization of
the setting, then dim automatically.
The yellow LED (shaped like a lightning bolt) illuminates whenever the unit has
detected an event and has tripped the shutter. When making adjustments to the
Meter Mode or Frames per Second Mode, this LED flashes at a rate of
approximately 2 times per second.

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Table 1: LED Bar graph Display:
Shown below, Level 1 is the LEAST sensitive, Level 26 is the MOST sensitive
setting.
It is possible to confused level 8 with level 19. If unsure, increase or decrease the
level to verify setting. When adjusting the settings, your camera may trip – this is
due to the system making internal changes on the fly. Your camera does not need
to be powered on when making adjustments.
Important – if while increasing adjustments the unit begins tripping non-stop,
reduce the sensitivity till this stops. The highest sensitivity settings generally are
only used for extremely dark environments with lightning a long distance from
your location.

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Fireworks Mode
When the unit starts in Fireworks Mode, the yellow activity light will flash to let
you know you’re in this special mode. To exit this mode, you must turn the unit
off, then back on again. NOTE: Fireworks generate very small amounts of IR light
as compared to a lightning bolt; because of this, you must be relatively close to
the fireworks to be successful – generally within ½ mile. Local conditions such as
humidity, altitude, and ambient temperature can have an effect on how well the
Lightning Bug PlusTM will be able to detect fireworks.
The Fireworks Mode allows you to choose a delay time between the capture of
the ‘burst’ and the release of the shutter, allowing time for the event to fully
bloom before tripping your camera. When in Fireworks Mode, the sensitivity is
always set to the last sensitivity settings when in Normal Mode.
Decrease Delay
Press this button to decrease the time delay. There are a total of 10 levels of
available delay, ranging from 0 seconds to 2.25 seconds in 1/4 second increments.
The factory default setting is 0 seconds.
Increase Delay
Press this button to increase the time delay.
Determining the Current Delay Level
The orange LEDs on the top of the Lightning Bug PlusTM will always display the
current delay level whenever the unit is powered on. See Table 2 for more
details.
When making adjustments, the LED’s will automatically brighten, then dim to
allow visualization of the setting. The yellow LED (shaped like a lightning bolt) will
always flash twice, then delay, and repeat this sequence approximately once
every 2 seconds.

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Table 2: LED Bar graph Display:
Shown below, a setting of 1 is equivalent to NO delay, a setting of 10 is
equivalent to a 2.25 second delay.

Additional Features
Adjust Post-Trigger Delay
The Lightning Bug Plus™
allows you to incorporate a slight delay
milliseconds*) be
tween when the unit senses lightning, and actual tripping of the
shutter. Some newer model cameras, especially those with no mirror, can have
zero or near-
zero lag time, and consequently, on some occasions, the camera will
trigger before the li
ghtning bol
To make this adjustment,
the unit must be powered on. Simultaneously press the
On/Off Button and the Decrease Sensitivity Button and hold them for
approximately 1 second.
+
The yellow detection light will flash at a rate of approximately 2 times per second
when this mode is correctly entered.
current post-
trigger delay setting. At the leftmost position, there is no delay, at
the righ
tmost position, the delay is 90 m
millisecond incr
ements. For example, to add a 3
increase or decrease
the setting
Use the Sensitivity Buttons to de
display will be updated to show the current setting
are detected within approximately 3 seconds, the
unit returns to the normal operating mode (t
to flash).
You can also press the Power Button to immediately exit the
adjustment mode and return to normal operation.
Plus™ is set to no delay.
* A millisecond is 1/100
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2
Additional Features
allows you to incorporate a slight delay
(from 0 to 90
tween when the unit senses lightning, and actual tripping of the
shutter. Some newer model cameras, especially those with no mirror, can have
zero lag time, and consequently, on some occasions, the camera will
ghtning bol
t has fully formed.
the unit must be powered on. Simultaneously press the
On/Off Button and the Decrease Sensitivity Button and hold them for
The yellow detection light will flash at a rate of approximately 2 times per second
when this mode is correctly entered.
The orange bargraph LED will display the
trigger delay setting. At the leftmost position, there is no delay, at
tmost position, the delay is 90 m
illis
econds. The adjustments are in 10
ements. For example, to add a 3
0 millisecond
delay, you
the setting
until the bargraph looks like this:
Use the Sensitivity Buttons to de
crease or increase the delay.
The orange LED
display will be updated to show the current setting
from 1 to 10
. If no keystrokes
are detected within approximately 3 seconds, the
delay
setting is stored, and the
unit returns to the normal operating mode (t
he yellow detection light will cease
You can also press the Power Button to immediately exit the
adjustment mode and return to normal operation.
By default, the Lightning Bug
* A millisecond is 1/100
th of a second.
2
2 Page 16 of 26
(from 0 to 90
tween when the unit senses lightning, and actual tripping of the
shutter. Some newer model cameras, especially those with no mirror, can have
zero lag time, and consequently, on some occasions, the camera will
the unit must be powered on. Simultaneously press the
On/Off Button and the Decrease Sensitivity Button and hold them for
The yellow detection light will flash at a rate of approximately 2 times per second
The orange bargraph LED will display the
trigger delay setting. At the leftmost position, there is no delay, at
econds. The adjustments are in 10
delay, you
would
The orange LED
. If no keystrokes
setting is stored, and the
he yellow detection light will cease
You can also press the Power Button to immediately exit the
By default, the Lightning Bug

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Adjust Active/Inactive Meter Mode
By default, the Lightning Bug Plus™ will activate your camera’s meter anytime the
unit is powered on. This functions on most cameras as if the shutter was held
down halfway. This greatly reduces the lag between the Lightning Bug Plus™
triggering the camera and the camera actually taking the image.
Powering off the Lightning Bug Plus™ will deactivate the camera meter. This
allows easy review of any captured images. In some situations, it may be desirable
to have the Lightning Bug Plus™ activate the camera’s meter only when the
shutter is triggered. This will allow you to review your image on the camera’s LCD
after the image is captured without turning off the Lightning Bug Plus™, but it
may result in missed shots.
To modify this setting, the unit must first be powered on. Simultaneously press
the On/Off Button and the Increase Sensitivity Button and hold them for
approximately 1 second.
+
The yellow detection light will flash at a rate of approximately 2 times per second
when this mode is correctly entered. Press either Sensitivity Button to toggle
between the On and Off modes for automatic meter control. When the
automatic mode is On, the rightmost orange LED (below the + sign) will be
illuminated. When the automatic mode is Off, the leftmost orange LED (below
the – sign) will be illuminated. You can also press the Power Button to
immediately exit the adjustment mode and return to normal operation.
When the automatic meter control is Off, the meter will remain OFF until the
shutter trips. When the automatic meter control is On (factory default), the
meter will remain ON whenever the Lightning Bug Plus™ is powered on (and will
be turned OFF when the unit is powered off).

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Verify Shutter Trip
You can verify that the unit is properly tripping your cameras shutter, and also
verify the FPS rate, by holding down both the Decrease and Increase Sensitivity
Buttons simultaneously.
+
While holding these buttons, the Lightning Bug Plus™ will continuously trip your
camera shutter at the current FPS setting~. Release both buttons to return the
unit to the normal operating mode.
~ The Lightning Bug Plus™ is not capable of exceeding your camera capacity for frames per second – this setting
reflects the number of times per second that the unit will ‘attempt’ to trip your shutter. The Lightning Bug Plus™
does not override your camera’s exposure settings. If you camera exposure is ½ second, under no circumstance
will this be changed.
Firmware Update
The Lightning Bug Plus™ incorporates a microprocessor, which includes software
that defines the functioning of the unit, also known as ‘Firmware’. Complete
instructions for updating firmware in your Lightning Bug Plus™ can be found at
http://www.mkcontrols.com/lightningbugplus/firmware/.
Battery Monitor
The Lightning Bug Plus™ checks the condition of the battery about once every 10
minutes. If the battery voltage falls below optimal range, the Lightning Bug Plus™
will flash the orange LED display at a rate of about once per second. Should this
occur, please replace (or recharge) your battery immediately.

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Photography Tips
Camera Settings - Day or Night
1. Set your lens to Manual focus. Prefocus on your subject, i.e. a tree,
building etc. You can also focus on a distant subject, or set the lens on the
infinity setting (∞). With some lenses it helps to place a piece of tape on
the focus ring to hold the focus at the proper point.
Note: You can also use the hyperfocal method to ensure there will be enough Depth of
Field in your images. If you are unaware of how to use hyperfocal focusing, the Internet
is a valuable resource; there is ample information available.
2. Disable live view on cameras that support this feature.
3. Disable mirror lockup on cameras that support this feature.
For day-time use
1. Set the camera to Aperture Priority (A mode). The camera will calculate the
proper shutter speed. Set your aperture using the chart below. If the
calculated shutter speed is faster than 1/60th of a second, either decrease
the ISO, or decrease the aperture (higher numbers). Shutter speeds faster
than 1/60th of a second may cause completion of the exposure prior to the
formation of the visible portion of the lightning strike.
2. Neutral density filters, or circular polarizing filters may be used as an aid to
decrease shutter speed.
3. You can increase or decrease the sensitivity on the Lightning Bug Plus™
based on shooting conditions. The default sensitivity is 12, out of 26 levels.
The Lightning Bug Plus™ only triggers your camera’s shutter. Changing the
sensitivity only changes when the camera captures an image. It does not
change the exposure used by the camera during the capture.

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Use the chart below for recommended settings.
For night-time use
1. Set the camera to Manual Mode (M mode). Set your aperture using the
chart below.
2. Set the shutter speed to 1/4 second or longer. When shooting cityscapes,
capture several test images. Your exposure should be for the ambient light
within your composition.
3. Be sure to experiment with shutter speeds.
Day
Close
Middle
Distant
Very Dim
ISO 100 @ f5.6
ISO 100 @ f4
ISO 200 @ f2.8
Average
ISO 100 @ f8
ISO 100 @ f5.6
ISO 200 @ f2.8
Very Bright
ISO 100 @ f16
ISO 100 @ f11
ISO 200 @ f4
Night
Close
Middle
Distant
Very Dim
ISO 200 @ f5.6
ISO 200 @ f4
ISO 400 @ f2.8
Average
ISO 200 @ f8
ISO 200 @ f5.6
ISO 400 @ f2.8
Very Bright
ISO 100 @ f16
ISO 100 @ f11
ISO 200 @ f4