Photogenic MATRIX MCD400R User manual

Page 1 | 16
Thank you for selecting the PHOTOGENIC® Matrix MCD400R Digital Monolight. The MCD400R
incorporates the newest electronic components providing improved lighting control, power setting
repeatability and expanded functions. This product is designed to meet the demanding needs of
professional photographers, and it is our expectation that your MCD400R and related accessories will
provide you with years of dependable service.
Before using your new MCD400R for the first time, please read this manual carefully to acquaint yourself
with the controls and features. This will help you get the greatest benefit from your new MCD400R Digital
Monolight and maintain the efficient and safe operation.
Features include
•Built-in 2.4G radio receiver system with 16 channels in 4 groups
•Consistent color temperature
•Power-control range of six f-stops from 1/32 to full power
•Precise flash power adjustment in 1/10 f-stop increments
•Preflash sync capable
•User replaceable UV-corrected flashtube
•Fan Cooled high impact housing
•Integrated wireless radio receiver and MRT-16 2.4 GHz Wireless Transmitter
•Optical slave with on/off control
•Easy to read digital control panel
•Overheat/overcharge protection
•Audible on/off flash indicator
•Digital flash and modeling lamp power display
•Convenient ratchet-handle tilt adjustment
MATRIX MCD400R
2.4 GHz Wireless Digital Monolight
USER MANUAL

Page 2 | 16
Table of Contents
Description Page
Content of carton – What’s in the Box 2
1.0 Preparing Your Flash For Use 3-4
1.1 Safety Notes 3
1.2 Install Reflector / Protective Cap and Modeling Lamp 3
1.3 Control Panel Layout 4
2.0 Power Supply Connection 4
3.0 Light Holder with Umbrella Hole 4
4.0 Operation Instructions 4-5
5.0 Operating the Flash 5
6.0 Operating the Modeling Lamp 5
7.0 Triggering the Flash 5-11
7.1 TEST Button 5
7.2 Sync Connection 5
7.3 Photocell 5-6
7.4 2.4G Build-in Radio Receiver 7-8
7.5 Group function 8-10
7.6 Setting Pre-flashes Timeframe 10
7.7 Setting Pre-flashes Block Time 10-11
8.0 Audible Beep Settings 11
9.0 Flash Output 11
10.0 Changing the Flash Tube 11-12
10.1 Discharge the Flash Unit 11-12
10.2 Remove Old Flash Tube 12
10.3 Install New Flash Tube 12
11.0 Changing the Fuses 12
12.0 Protection Feature 12-13
12.1 Overheating protection 13
12.2 Over voltage protection and Over current protection 13
12.3 Best Practices 13
13.0 Error Codes 13
14.0 Flash Capacitor Preventative Maintenance 14
15.0 Maintenance Note 14
16.0 General Trouble Shooting, Service and Warranty 15-16
16.1 General Trouble Shooting 15
16.2 Service 15
16.3 Warranty 16
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
Each PHOTOGENIC® Matrix MCD400R comes complete with the following items
•(1) 120VAC flash unit.
•(1) flash tube
•(1) flash tube protective cap
•(1) 150W modelling lamp
•(1) Standard 7 inch Reflector
•(1) MRT-16 wireless transmitter
•(1) Power cord
•(1) Sync. cord
•(1) User manual

Page 3 | 16
1.0 Preparing Your Flash For Use
1.1 Safety Notes
a. Do not use your flash in an environment where moisture or flammable vapor is likely to come in
contact with the unit.
b. A fire hazard exists if flammable materials are placed in close proximity to either the flash tube or
the modeling lamp when the unit is in use.
c. Do not restrict air vents while in use.
d. Avoid placing cables where they can be tripped over. Protect from heavy, sharp object or hot object,
which may cause damage. Replace damaged cables immediately.
e. Turn the power off and unplug the power cord if the flash is not going to be used for a while.
f. Do not flash over 8 times in a minute at full power.
g. We recommend applying power to the flash unit for 2 hours prior to initial use and after an extended
period of inactivity (every month).
h. Select a stand or supply system of suitable weight and dimensions to ensure stable operation of
the unit.
1.2 Install Reflector / Protective Cap and Modeling Lamp
a. Ensure the flash is switched off and disconnected from AC power supply.
b. To remove black plastic cap, push the latch knob back towards the rear of the unit and rotate the
protective cap counter clockwise (Fig. 1).
c. Screw the modeling lamp into lamp holder in the center of the flash (Fig.2).
d. Install the reflector provided. Align the three pegs on the reflector with the three slots. Press the
reflector in and rotate clockwise until it locks in place (Fig.3) with the umbrella hole at the bottom.
e. To remove reflector, push the latch knob back towards the rear of the unit and rotate the reflector
counter clockwise (Fig. 4)
f. Always install the protective cap when transporting the unit to avoid damaging the flash tube.
g. NEVER operate the flash with the plastic protective cap installed.
h. CAUTION: Do not touch the lamp with your bare hands. Oil residue from your fingers can cause
the surface of the lamp to heat unevenly and explode. Use white cotton gloves or a clean cloth.
i. CAUTION: Take care when fitting or removing reflectors to avoid damaging the flash tube assembly.
The flash tube is very delicate; avoid unnecessary handling of the flash tube. Always switch power
off and disconnect from the AC power supply power cord before fitting and changing reflectors.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4

Page 4 | 16
1.3 Control Panel (Fig.5)
2.0 Power Supply Connection
Use only the power cord supplied to connect to AC power supply before plugging the power cord into the
wall socket, make certain that the power switch is set to the OFF position.
3.0 Light Holder with Umbrella Hole
a. An umbrella with a handle diameter of 8-10mm can be firmly secured in the umbrella holder (Fig.6).
Do not over tighten the screw of the umbrella holder to avoid deforming the shaft of the umbrella.
b. When the standard reflector is used, fit the umbrella in the hole of the reflector (Fig.7).
c. The handle can be pulled and turned to reposition it. (Fig.8).
4.0 Operation Instructions (Settings)
a. Switch the unit ON and set the AUDIO B and SLAVE E (Fig. 5) switches as required.
b. Set the Flash Power and Modeling Light Power controls to the required level.
c. When the unit has charged to the required level, the LED ‘Ready’ indicator C(Fig.5) will turn
green.
A. LED Display
B. AUDIO Ready ON/OFF Control
C. Ready Light LED
D. TEST Button
E. SLAVE ON/OFF Control
F. Sync Cord Input
G. SLAVE (Photocell)
H. Flash Power Control
I. MODEL Lamp Power Control
J. Main Power Switch
K. Power Cable Input/Fuse Holder & Spare Fuse
L. Umbrella Holder
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L

Page 5 | 16
d. Plug in the sync cord and connect to camera shutter at ‘X’ synchronization. Alternatively a
wireless transmitter can be used to trigger.
5.0 Operating the Flash
a. The power switch J(Fig.5) on the rear panel controls the power to both the flash and the
modeling lamp. The LED Display A(Fig.5) will light when power is on.
b. When the unit has charged to the level set by the Flash Power control H(Fig.5) the green LED
light C(Fig.5) will be lit. The Flash is now ready to fire.
c. Pressing the control Hup and down (Fig.5) will adjust the flash from full to 1/32.
d. When reducing the power level, the LED display A (Fig. 5) will blink until the power level is
adjusted to the set value.
e. For testing the flash, press button D(Fig.5).
6.0 Operating the Modeling Lamp
a. To activate the modeling lamp ‘ON’, press the MODEL button I(Fig.5). Each press of the switch will
increase the power of the modeling lamp by a full stop from 1to 6on the LED display. The output
of the modeling lamp will show on the LED display for a few seconds and then will display the flash
output.
b. Pressing the MODEL button I (Fig.5) until you get 00 will disable the modeling lamp.
c. Pressing the AUDIO button B(Fig.5) will disable the audio ready beeper, and allow the modeling
lamp to momentarily switch off when the flash is fired.
7.0 Triggering the Flash
7.1 TEST Button
The simplest way to trigger the flash is to press the TEST button D (Fig.5). This is also useful when you
need to discharge the power built up in the flash unit, for example when replacing the flash tube (see
section 10-1).
7.2 Sync Connection
The sync jack F (Fig.5) on the flash may be used for direct connection to a camera set to "X" synchronization.
A radio slave receiver may also be plugged into the socket.
7.3 Photocell
a. The Slave photocell G (Fig.5) is located behind the red transparent cover on the top and at the
back of the unit. It enables the unit to be triggered by another flash or an IR remote trigger. Enable
or disable this feature by pressing MODEL button E (Fig. 5). When enabled, the associated green
LED light will be ON.
b. The numbers of pre-flashes are variable from one to seven. In automatic pre-flash mode, the unit
matches the pre-flash count with the camera.
c. Press and hold the SLAVE button for 4 seconds to enter the pre-flashes setup page “Cx ” (Fig. 9A
& 9B).
d. Press UP/DOWN button (Fig. 10A 10B) to adjust from pre-flashes from 1 to 7, or select 0 for
automatic mode.

Page 6 | 16
Press SLAVE and hold 4 seconds
“c0” is automatic recognition mode. When “c0” is displayed, use the camera flash and release a test
exposure. The photocell detects the number of flashes the camera released and memorizes the value
automatically. Or, manually setup the number of pre-flashes as follows:
If you have selected "c1", the unit will auto-flash immediately when another flash is activated in the same
area.
If you have selected "c2" the unit will auto-flash on the second flash detected by the photocell.
If you have selected "c3", the unit will auto-flash on the third flash detected by the photocell.
If you have selected "c4", the unit will auto-flash on the fourth flash detected by the photocell.
If you have selected "c5", the unit will auto-flash on the fifth flash detected by the photocell.
If you have selected "c6", the unit will auto-flash on the sixth flash detected by the photocell.
If you have selected "c7", the unit will auto-flash on the seventh flash detected by the photocell.
To exit Setup mode, press and hold the Slave button for 4 seconds, or continue with the following additional
parameter setups.
NOTE: The photocell is very sensitive, but some experimentation with positioning may be necessary to
ensure a reliable trigger, particularly if the cell is not in the direct line of sight of the triggering flash unit.
Avoid directly illuminating the photocell from a continuous light source (such as ceiling lights or windows)
since this can prevent correct operation. Very high ceilings can also affect the operation of the photocell.
Figure 9A
Figure 9B
Figure 10A
Figure 10B

Page 7 | 16
7.4 2.4G Built-in Radio Receiver
a. When the studio flash is at page “cx”, press SLAVE button once to enter into radio channel
setup page “Fx”. (Fig. 11A & 11B)
Press SLAVE once
b. There are 16 different channels for your choice from F0, F1, F2, F3 to FF. Press UP/DOWN
button to select proper receiver channel (Fig. 12A & 12B).
c. The MATRIX flash includes an MRT-16, which is a basic 16 channel radio transmitter. For
additional remote control functionality, you need to purchase an optional MCD-TXC (included
with kits).
d. When the Matrix and the radio transmitter are at the same channel, the flashes can be
triggered. The following table shows how to coordinate codes between radio transmitter and
receiver.
Figure 11A
Figure 11B
Figure 12A
Figure 12B

Page 8 | 16
Note:
•FA represents number F10
•Fb represents number F11
•Fc represents number F12
•Fd represents number F13
•FE represents number F14
•FF represents number F15
7.5 Group function
MATRIX MCD400R
Figure 13
907011
MCD-TXC Wireless Controller
Built-in Radio Trigger Channel Setup

Page 9 | 16
a. To use group function, you need the optional MCD-TXC remote control. When the studio
flashes are on the same channel and group as the MCD-TXC remote control, the flash output
and modeling lamp can be remotely controlled (Fig. 13).
b. There are 4 different groups from Ga, Gb, Gc to Gd. Press UP/DOWN button to set flash into
the different groups (Fig. 14A & 14B).
Press SLAVE once
c. When the Matrix studio flash is at page “Fx ”, press SLAVE button once to enter into radio group
setup page “Gx” (Fig.15A & 15B).
d. The following table shows how to set the same groups between the matrix light and remote
controller.
Figure 14A
Figure 14B
Figure 15A
Figure 15B

Page 10 | 16
e. To exit group mode, press and hold in the SLAVE button for 3 seconds, or wait 15 seconds to exit
normal operation mode.
7.6 Setting Pre-flashes time frame from Normal Operating Mode
a. Press SLAVE button for 8 seconds to enter Preflash Time Frame Mode setup “tx” as shown in
Figure 16B. This mode is used to set the total time of all released pre-flashes plus main flash.
Press SLAVE and hold for 8 seconds
b. The time frame is variable from 1 to 5 seconds. Press UP/DOWN button to set up time frame value
(Fig. 17A& 17B).
c. The default setting is “t2” means the “time frame is 2 seconds”. The flash will only be triggered
when all the pre-flashes are fired within the setting time frame. Set the value “t” between 1-5 to
ensure all pre-flash and the main flash are inside the time frame.
7.7 Setting Pre-flashes Block Time
Press SLAVE flash button once at “tx” page to switch to “bx” page, to set block time between two
adjacent pre-flashes (Fig. 18A & 18B).
Figure 16A
Figure 16B
Figure 17A
Figure 17B

Page 11 | 16
Default setting is b5 (means the block time of pre-flash is 10 milliseconds).
Value b 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Time (milliseconds) 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
8.0 Audible Beep Settings
Press the AUDIO Button B(Fig. 5) to provide an “audible ready confirmation”. A short beep will indicate
that the unit is ready to fire.
NOTE: When AUDIO Button B(Fig. 5) is OFF, the modeling lamp will momentarily turn off when the flash
is fired and will come back on when ready.
9.0 Flash Output
The flash power output is variable over a 6 f-stops range from 1/32 to full in 1/10 f-stop increments using
the Flash Power Control H(Fig.5). The power is displayed in an easy to use decimal form where each
whole number represents 1 f-stop. The control has a minimum setting of 1.0 and a maximum setting of
6.0. Pressing the button H(Fig.5) will change the value by 0.1 f-stop (giving a total of 51 values). For
example, if the current value shown is 5.6, then to reduce the power by 1 f-stop just reduce the setting to
4.6. The following table shows the whole decimal numbers and equivalent fractional power ratio:
Display power
Fractional equivalent
6.0
1(FULL)
5.0
1/2
4.0
1/4
3.0
1/8
2.0
1/16
1.0
1/32 (MIN)
10.0 Changing the Flash Tube
10.1 Discharge the Flash Unit
The charge in the flash unit must be discharged before removing the flash tube. Contact with high voltage
may result in injury or death if instructions are not followed.
Figure 18A
Figure 18B

Page 12 | 16
To discharge the Flash unit:
a. Make sure the Flash unit is ON and set to the lowest power level. The LED display should
show “1.0” and should not be flashing.
b. Push the red "TEST" button on the rear panel of the Flash.
c. Immediately turn off the power switch on the rear panel of the Flash. Do not allow more
than 1/2 second between pressing the "TEST" button and the power switch.
d. Remove power cord from power source before removing the flashtube. It is
recommended to wait at least 30 minutes before touching/removing the flash tube.
Note: Use cotton gloves or a clean cloth to prevent fingers from touching the flash tube.
10.2 Remove Old Flash Tube
First, remove the reflector. Then, using cotton gloves or clean cloth, remove the modeling lamp (Fig. 19).
Remove the retention spring wrapped around the top of the flash tube. With needle-nose pliers, unhook
the retention spring loop (Fig. 20). Again using cotton gloves or a clean cloth, grip the base of the flash
tube on each side and carefully pull the flash tube from the flash unit (Fig. 21).
10.3 Install New Flash Tube
Make sure the power switch is off and the power cord is disconnected from the source. Locate the two
flash tube pin sockets above the modeling lamp socket. Using cotton gloves or a clean cloth, push the
pins of the flash tube into the sockets using firm, even pressure at the base of the flash tube. With
needle-nose pliers, hook the retention spring over the hook above the flash tube. Re-insert the modeling
lamp using white cotton gloves or a clean cloth. Re-install the reflector.
11.0 Changing the Fuses
a. A 6.3A fuse, mounted on the rear panel, protects the circuitry in the flash unit. Switch off the
unit, and disconnect the power supply before changing the fuse. Never replace with a fuse
of a different type or rating. A spare 6.3A fuse is fitted in the fuse holder K (Fig. 5).
b. Use a small screwdriver to release the fuse cover. Remove the old fuse, place the new fuse
in the slot, and then replace the fuse holder (Fig. 22).
Figure 22
Figure 19
Figure 20
Figure 21

Page 13 | 16
12.0 Protection Feature
This unit is equipped with advanced overheating and overcharge warning and protection circuits to
prevent damage to the internal electronics.
12.1 Overheating protection
After a long shooting session at high output, the recycling time of the flash will automatically increase until
the unit cools down to a safe level, and then will start working normally again.
12.2 Over voltage protection and Over current protection
The flash voltage is protected against unstable input voltages. Overcurrent protection is especially useful
when using a power pack.
12.3 Best Practices
a. As with any flash units, the useful life of the flash tube and the unit as a whole depends on the
way it is used. Avoiding excessive heat is the key to long life.
b. The fast recycling feature of the PHOTOGENIC® Matrix MCD400R allows a rapid sequence of
high power flashes to be obtained. However this feature should be used sparingly since
continuous rapid flashing can cause overheating and subsequent damage to the flash tube and
possibly the internal electronics.
c. Rapid sequences of flashes should always be followed by a reasonable cooling period. This flash
is fitted with a cooling fan and will cool faster if left powered on with the modeling lamp off.
d. Dimming or turning the modeling lamp off will help prevent overheating.
e. Avoid rapid high power flashing especially when using restrictive reflectors such as snoots or grid
reflectors, particularly if the unit is pointing downwards. Long shooting sessions at high output at
more than 8 times per minutes should be followed by a reasonable cooling period. At least 10 to
20 minutes is advised either without flashing or at substantially reduced rate.
Do not flash over 12 shots per minute for over 10 minutes
Do not flash over 8 shots per minutes for over 30 minutes
13.0 Error Codes
This unit will display a flash malfunction in the LED display. An error code will blink in conjunction with the
output of the flash (see drawings below). Error codes E2 & E3 also have a beep warning.
E1: Temperature Transducer problem. Turn the unit OFF immediately and contact the retailer where you
purchased the flash.
E2: This error code can display after a long shooting session at high output or rapid sequence, Turn OFF
the flash and allow it to rest 30 minutes.

Page 14 | 16
E3: This Error code will display when the internal voltage of the flash is too high, Turn OFF the power
immediately. After a few minutes turn on the flash again, if you still have the malfunction warning, Turn OFF
the unit and contact the retailer where you purchased the flash.
14.0 Specifications
Matrix MCD400R
Power Output
400Ws
GN (2m, ISO 100) 1/60 Reflector SF-610
70
Output Control range
Full to 1/32
Recycling Time to Full 110V-120V/60Hz
0.4 ~ 1.7s
Flash Duration
1/250th ~ 1/600th
Modeling Lamp Output
150W (Max)
Triggering Method
Slave Sensor / Sync Cable / Test Button / Built-in radio
receiver
Color Temperature
5500° K ± 200° K
Flash Tube
"Plug in" Tube (user replaceable)
Triggering Voltage
4.5V Low Voltage Trigger
Cooling Fan
Yes
Overvoltage / Overheating Protection
Yes
Built-in 2.4G Radio Receiver
Yes
Power Source
100-130V/50~60Hz
Accessories Included
Reflector, Power Cord (4M), Synch Cord (4m), Wireless
Remote Control, Modeling Lamp, Instructions Booklet
Weight
4.9 lbs.
Dimensions (inches)
9.75" x 4.5" x 4"
*Test by SEKONIC L-758DR Light meter, using the included reflector.
*Due to our policy of constant product improvement we reserve the right to change equipment
specifications without notice.
15.0 Maintenance Notes
a. Turn the power off and unplug the power cord when the flash is not in use.
b. We recommend powering the flash unit for one to two hours prior to its initial use and after an
extended period of inactivity (more than one month).
c. If the unit is left unused for a few months, or the unit has been used predominately at low power
settings, we recommend that the power be increased to the maximum and the unit left switched
on(with the modeling lamp OFF), occasionally for at least 30 minutes to help preserve the life and
reliability of the capacitors.
d. Avoid rapid, high-power flashing, especially when using restrictive reflectors such as snoots or
grids. Excessive heat will shorten the lifespan of your flash unit, modeling lamp, and flash tube.

Page 15 | 16
16.0 General Trouble Shooting, Service and Warranty
16.1 Common Problems & Causes
Unit does not charge.
Probable causes:
•Fuse blown – Unplug and discharge the unit then replace fuse.
•No line power to unit – Check line cord and outlet.
Modeling light does not turn on.
Probable causes:
•Lamp burned out – Inspect and replace when cool.
Light flashes by itself without apparent reason.
Probable causes:
•Defective trigger cord or trigger cord incorrectly polarized.
•Bright light falling on photo slave.
•Poor connection in line cord.
•Reverse connection on trigger cord connection at camera.
•Some radio slaves will cause interference. Consult Photogenic.
Trigger cord will not flash unit, but charge indicator shows that the system has charged.
Probable causes:
•Defective trigger cord.
•Defective flashtube. Turn unit off. Wait until cool, then replace flashtube. See Section 10.
•Unit is on, but will not charge. The safety thermal detector may be activated by heavy use,
beyond specified Flashing Rates.
16.2 Service
The operator should not attempt to make repairs
Contact the Tech Support / Customer Service Department at Photogenic in Bartlett, Illinois by calling
800-682-7668 if you have any questions.

Page 16 | 16
16.3 Warranty
PHOTOGENIC® MATRIX MCD400R 2.4 GHz WIRELESS DIGITAL MONOLIGHT
-FACTORY WARRANTY -
Photogenic warrants to the first commercial owner of the Matrix MCD400R, 2.4 GHz Digital
Monolight*, to be free from defects in the material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from
the date of purchase and will repair or replace product found to be defective under normal use.
Warranty does not cover damages caused by shipment, by product abuse, accident, modification,
disassembly or use beyond intended use specified by Photogenic. The Matrix MCD400R used with
nonstandard Photogenic electrical accessories will render this warranty immediately void.
This warranty is the only warranty made to any person by Photogenic and is in lieu of all other
expressed or implied warranties. The remedies set for this warranty shall be the exclusive remedies
available to any person for breach of this warranty. Under no circumstances shall Photogenic be
liable to any person for incidental or consequential damages, whether arising out of breach of
warranty or other contract, negligence, strict liability or other tort or otherwise.
*Flash tubes and modeling lamps are considered consumable and are so limited to a 90-Day
Warranty.
Please review other fine product lines available at PromarkBRANDS.
•Photogenic •Smith-Victor •Dot Line •Quantum •Radiopopper •
•Photoflex •Cool-Lux •Speedotron •Norman •Logan •
Photogenic is a division of PromarkBRANDS
1268 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL 60102 U.S.A.
800-682-7668 or 630-830-2500
[e-mail] | www.photogenic.com | www.promarkbrands.com
Photogenic Matrix Manual_Rev.1 8/2016