pro master PD300 User manual

Thank you for your purchase of the ProMaster PD300 digital control studio monolight. The PD300 is designed for
the photographic enthusiast who is looking for a portable, reliable, economical studio lighting solution with more
advanced features. Standard features include color-temperature corrected circular flash tube (5600k), fixed
reflector providing large lighting coverage and even lighting effects, continuous power level adjustment, multiple
anti red-eye synch options, remote optical slave sensor, audible flash ready signal, built-in umbrella holder, and
adjustable locking flash mount.
Light Components
Optical Trigger Receiver
Vent
Main Body
Handle
Control Panel
Umbrella Holder
Mounting Bracket
Mounting Knob
Optical Slave Mode Indicator
Power Socket
1 2 3 4
5
CELL Optical Slave Switch
LED Display
Flash Power
Control Buttons
LAMP
+
Modeling Lamp Switch
Modeling Lamp
Power Control Buttons
Power Switch SYNC
Sync Socket
Audio Signal
Switch
SOUND TEST
Test Button
Operation
LED DISPLAY
The LED DISPLAY shows the current output setting for both the flash and the modeling lamp. The settings displayed are
between 2.0 and 6.0 in increments of .1.

MODELING LAMP
The MODELING LAMP SWITCH is used to select the modeling lamp mode. Pressing the switch will toggle the indicator
lights next to the switch to indicate the selected mode. If the top indicator lamp is on, the modeling light output will adjust in
synch with the flash output and the LED display will indicate the power index. If the bottom lamp is on, the modeling lamp
output is adjusted independent of the flash output index. If both lights are off, the modeling light is off.
Adjust the output of the modeling lamp by using the MODELING LAMP POWER CONTROL BUTTONS. The button
increases the output. The ▼ reduces the output.
AUDIO SIGNAL SWITCH
If you would like to have an audio signal to indicate that the flash is fully charged and ready to fire, press the SOUND button
and the green light above it will illuminate to indicate that the audio signal is on. If you prefer to not have the audio signal,
press the SOUND switch so that the green indicator lamp is off.
Note: When the audio signal is OFF, the modeling lamp will turn off when the flash discharges and will come back on when
the flash is fully charged and ready to fire.
TEST BUTTON
Press the TEST BUTTON to manually fire the flash and check its operation.
FLASH POWER CONTROL
You can adjust the intensity of the flash using the FLASH POWER CONTROL BUTTONS. Use the +button to increase the
flash intensity. The numbers on the LED display with increase to a maximum indicator of 6. Use the –to decrease the flash
intensity. The numbers on the LED display will decrease to a minimum indicator of 1.
OPTICAL SLAVE MODE
The flash offers 5 synchronization modes for the built-in optical slave trigger. These modes allow the flash to properly
synchronize with another flash which is triggering the PD300. To select the mode, use the OPTICAL SLAVE SWITCH.
Press the switch until the LED lamp of the OPTICAL SLAVE MODE INDICATOR is next to the mode you wish to use is
illuminated. If all of the LED lamps are OFF, the optical slave is inactive.
Modes:
1. Standard Sync Mode - When this mode is selected, the PD300 will flash instantly when another flash fires.
2. 0.5 Second Delay – In this mode, the PD300 will ignore the first “pre-flash” and trigger with the second flash. There
will be a .05 second delay from the time of the first “pre-flash” until the PD300 flashes.
3. Trigger On Second Flash – In this mode, the PD300 will ignore the first triggering flash and trigger instantly with
the second flash from the triggering flash.
4. Trigger On Third Flash - In this mode, the PD300 will ignore the first and second triggering flash and trigger
instantly with the third flash from the triggering flash.
5. Trigger On Fourth Flash - In this mode, the PD300 will ignore the first, second, and third triggering flash and trigger
instantly with the fourth flash from the triggering flash.
Different cameras use a variety of flash schemes to reduce red-eye from a single pre-flash to a burst of flashes. Choosing
the mode which best matches the pre-flash mode on your camera will help you to get the best results.
Safety Precautions
1. Before using the flash, make sure that your lighting equipment is plugged into a 110 volt AC power source.
2. Do not expose your lighting equipment to sunlight, moisture, dust, dirt, rain or water.
3. Any exposure to chemical solutions, gasoline, grease, oil, paint, or detergents can result in permanent damage to
your equipment.
4. Do not insert any metal objects into your lighting equipment.
5. Do not touch or handle equipment with wet hands or allow your equipment to be in contact with water.
6. Be sure to disconnect from the power supply when the light is not in use.
7. Do not attempt to repair your lighting equipment yourself.
8. Avoid rapid continuous firing of your flash. Continued rapid firing may cause excessive heat build up and potential
damage to your unit.

OVER TEMPERATURE PROTECTION
The PL400 flash features an OVER TEMPERATURE PROTECTION CIRCUIT. It is normal for the flash to become warm
during operation. If the temperature exceeds the working limit due to excessive rapid firing, the OVER TEMPERATURE
PROTECTION circuit will power off the flash to avoid damage. The red light above the power button will be off. Allow the
PL400 to cool. It can be powered on again by pressing the power button.
Specifications
Power: 300 watt second (joule) at full power
Color Temperature: 5600k ± 100k
Guide Number: 184’ /56m @ 100 ISO
Modeling lamp: 50 watt / 120 volt G6.35 Bipin Halogen Lamp
Modeling Lamp Control: 2.0-6.0 stepless adjustment/auto adjustment/ independent
adjustment/off/auto off during charging
Power Control: Continuous 2.0 – 6.0, 1/32 stepless adjustment
Optical Slave: Built-in, effective up to 35’ / 10m depending on conditions; 5 synch delay options
Recycling Time: .2 to 2 seconds
Over Temperature Protection: Yes with built-in cooling fan
Power Input:AC110 - 130 volt, 60Hz
Fuse: 5 Amp – 5A 250V
Weight: 2 lb. 12 oz. approx.
Size: 9 ½” L x 4 ½” Ø x 7 ½” H (aprox. With bracket collapsed)
ONE YEAR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE
If for any reason, this ProMaster product fails within ONE YEAR of the date of purchase, return this product to your
ProMaster dealer and it will be exchanged for you at no charge. ProMaster products are guaranteed for ONE FULL YEAR
against defects in workmanship and materials. If at any time after one year, your ProMaster product fails under normal use,
we invite you to return it to ProMaster for evaluation.
Code 9462
Made in China
www.promaster.com
Fairfield, CT 06825