RadioPopper RadioPopper PX Radio Wireless User manual

RadioPopper PX Radio Wireless
Owners Manual

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RadioPopper is owned by Leap Devices, LLC in Vancouver, WA. This
product was designed, produced, and manufactured in the USA.
Copyright 2007-2010, Leap Devices LLC, All Rights Reserved
Leap Devices LLC, 501 SE Columbia Shores Blvd Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98661
FCC ID: V4TRPPXTX506
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reason-
able protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
* Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
* Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
* Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver
is connected.
* Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This equipment has been veried to comply with the limits for a class B computing device,
pursuant to FCC Rules. Operation with non-approved equipment is likely to result in inter-
ference to radio and TV reception.
The user is cautioned that changes and modications made to the equipment without the
approval of manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Table of Contents
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RadioPopper PX User Manual - Rev 3.5 PX Receiver Firmware Version 6-06
PX Transmitter Firmware Version 6-11
PRODUCT PATENT(S) PENDING
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specications and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Menu Quick Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
P1 Clone Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trouble Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
6
8
10
14
16
20
22
27
IMPORTANT NOTE:
To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements,
the following antenna installation and device operating
congurations must be satised - This device and its
antenna(s) must not be co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the RadioPopper PX wireless radio
system. We hope you’ll nd this system to be a valuable tool in your
creative lighting, giving you exibility and control never before
possible.
The RadioPopper PX system allows you to use the automatic and
high-speed sync functions built into your existing ash units without
concern of whether or not the master and slave units can“see” each
other. You now have the ability to place your lights wherever you
choose, then controlling the output power of each slave ash from the
camera body manually or automatically via your camera’s ETTL or iTTL
logic system. It’s also the world’s rst product to eectively provide
you high speed sync by radio. Enjoy.
Please read this short manual entirely before installing or operating
your RadioPopper PX wireless system. Proper installation is key to
correct operation.
If you have any troubles along the way, feel free to call or email.
360.713.0776
[e-mail]
RadioPopper PX Radio Wireless System
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How It Works
The RadioPopper PX system is beautifully simple. Quickly mount the
PX Transmitter to your Master ash or Commander Unit, a PX Receiver
to each slave ash. Your current master and slave wireless ash system
continues to function just as it always has, minus the line of sight
limitation.
The RadioPopper PX Transmitter “listens”to the light signal being
created inside the master ash unit or remote commander on your
camera’s hot shoe. The PX Transmitter sends this signal by radio where
it is read by the RadioPopper PX Receiver. The receiver then uses it’s
own internal light source to “reproduce” this light signal. The light is
emitted through a window on the back of the Receiver unit directly
into the infrared sensor on a slave ash, that slave ash responds to the
“reproduced” light signal just as it normally would had it seen the light
directly from the master ash.
Installation is easy. Just place the RadioPopper PX Transmitter on top
of your master ash or IR commander device using the included Velcro
pads. “Look Ma! No wires!”
On the receiving end, assemble the mounting bracket for your specic
slave ash. Then simply drop the PX Receiver into the mounting
bracket. No wires or adaptors and no complicated system to re-learn.
Now just power up and shoot. You’ve got remote control of your slave
ashes, full ETTL and iTTL support along with high speed sync all the
way to 1/8000, by radio.
Introduction
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Compatible Hardware:
The PX System has been tested and found to be compatible with the following ash hardware. See our website for
updates as we test and certify compatibility with additional hardware.
Canon Master / Commander Devices:
SpeedLite Transmitter ST-E2, SpeedLite 580EX II, SpeedLite 580EX, Speedlite 550EX II SpeedLite 550EX
Canon Slave / Remote Devices:
SpeedLites 580 EX II, 580EX, 550EX II, 550EX, 430EX, 420EX
Nikon Master / Commander Devices:
SB-900 AF Speedlight, SB-800 AF Speedlight, SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander, Nikon“pop-up”ash used as a
Commander(1)
Nikon Slave / Remote Devices:
SB-900 AF Speedlight, SB-800 AF Speedlight, SB-600 AF Speedlight
Note(1): Be sure to order the PX Transmitter Nikon Hot Shoe Pop-Up Flash Adapter for proper mounting
Specications:
Both PX Transmitter and PX Receiver have similar specications as follows.
Dimensions : 2.0”x 2.0”x 0.8” (50mm x 50mm x 20mm)
Weight: 2.0 ounces / 60 grams (Including battery and antenna during normal operation)
Battery: Two“AAA”Sized Standard Batteries / Alkaline, NiCad, or NiMH / 0.9 volt to 1.6 volt
Battery Life: Approx 25 Hours continual active transmit time for Std Alkaline battery.
Radio Frequency: 902-928 Mhz, ISM Band
Radio Range: 300 ft to 1750 ft depending on conditions and environment(2)
Note(2): Please refer to the section“Maximizing Radio Performance”(Pg. 22) in this manual for more information.
RadioPopper PX Radio Wireless System
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WARNING!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!!!
PLEASE read this section in detail for important warnings and notices.
USE ONLY THE SUPPLIED TRANSMITTER ANTENNA!
Using any antenna other than the one supplied for use with your PX Transmitter is a violation of Federal Law and may actually
cause damage to the radio inside the transmitter. This will also promptly void your warranty. Your PX Transmitter has been
carefully tuned to broadcast the maximum signal strength allowable by law. Altering the antenna characteristics is more
likely to“de-tune”or degrade performance than to improve it.
INSERT THE BATTERY IN THE CORRECT DIRECTION!
Inserting the batteries“backwards”could possibly damage the electronic components inside PXTransmitter and PX Receiver
units. The little“bump”on the AAA always points away from the spring. A graphic is provided at the base of the AAA battery
holder, as well as on the back side of the circuit board for reference. Further, you should observe for the Green Power LED
blinking a few times about one second after you insert the battery - indicating proper insertion.
DO NOT REMOVE OR TAMPER WITH THE CIRCUIT BOARD!
Some of the components inside your PX Transmitters and PX Receivers are especially susceptible to electrostatic shock (they’re
easily‘zapped’by static electricity) - just touching them could damage them. Your circuit board is grounded to the case - as
long as it’s not removed everything is safe. Breaking the glue seal and removing or tampering with your circuit board will
promptly void your warranty.
YOUR POPPERS CAN’T SWIM!! KEEP THEM DRY!!
The new splash-proof design of the PX goes a long way to keeping the wet stu out. However, they are *not*“waterproof”.
Don’t use them outside in the rain, to photograph objects under water, or in any other environment that may allow water to
enter the physical enclosure or battery area.
If you dunk them, it may be too late. Should you do manage to expose a RadioPopper to anything wet, remove the batteries
as quickly as possible and allow it 24 hours to dry. You may nd it has come back to life. Allowing anything wet inside the
case of your PXTransmitter or PX Receiver will promptly void the warranty.
CONTACT US IF YOU GET CONFUSED!
You’re a valued customer and we really do care about you. (And not in that automated“your call is very important to us
but we’re going to leave you on hold for an hour anyway”customer service recording sort of way). Seriously, if you’ve got
questions, we’re going to do everything possible to take care of you as quickly and as personally as possible. The phone
number is on our website and you can always email us at [e-mail]
Specications and Warnings
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RadioPopper PX Radio Wireless System
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Parts Description
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Transmitter Parts
1) User Interface - Buttons and Lights
2) Digital Display
3) Battery Compartment Door
4) Antenna
5) Magnetic / Inductive / Magic Signal Pickup Sensor
Receiver Parts
1) User Interface - Buttons and Lights
2) Digital Display
3) Battery Compartment Door
4) Antenna
6) Light Source - IR Signal Emission Window
Also Included in Kit or as Accessories (Not Pictured)
1) Your rst set of AAA Batteries
2) Industrial strength genuine Velcro fasteners
3) Antenna for Transmitter (the straight one)
4) Antenna for Receiver (the one with the 90 degree bend)

Installation: RadioPopper PX Transmitter
1) Remove the battery compartment door on the top side of the unit.
2) Remove the cover and insert two (2) AAA size batteries into the battery holder. It is very important to follow the
polarity direction indicated on the inner sticker to ensure unit operation and avoid possible transmitter damage.
3) Replace the battery compartment door. Once batteries are inserted, the battery door should t snug.
4) Select the approximate mounting location on top of your Master Flash or IR Commander (supplied by your camera
manufacturer). Ensure this area is clean.
5) Attach theVelcro pieces together. Remove both backing sheets and ax the joined Velcro strips rst to the under
side center of the PX Transmitter unit. We recommend placing the“rough”hook side of the Velcro against the transmit-
ter, and the soft side of the Velcro against your ash or IR commander.
6) Hold the PXTransmitter with Velcro attached over the approximate mounting location on the intended Master ash
unit. Compare location to the picture in Fig 2.1 on page 13. Press down rmly and hold pressure for thirty seconds to
tightly bond the Velcro strip adhesive to both the Master ash unit and the under side of the PXTransmitter.
7) Do not pull the Velcro apart for several hours. The adhesive on the Velcro will set to full strength in 20 to 30 hours.
Care should be taken during this time to avoid upsetting the bond being formed between the Velcro and plastic to
ensure maximum long term adhesion.
8) Install the supplied antenna (the straight one) by screwing it onto the antenna connector on the face of the PX
Transmitter.
WARNING: Do not power up the PXTransmitter without the antenna installed - doing so could damage the output
stage of the radio transmitter.
WARNING: Use only the supplied antenna on the PX Transmitter. Using any other antenna is a violation of Federal
Law, and may actually cause damage to the output stage of the radio transmitter.
9) When mounting the PX Transmitter in the future by pressing theVelcro pads together - a greater bond may be
achieved between theVelcro hook and latch sides by pressing rmly, then applying a slight rotational force between
the Master ash unit and the PXTransmitter. This tends to“set”the Velcro pads together.
RadioPopper PX Radio Wireless System
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