New Multi-brand HSS firmware in the testing
As we periodically release new firmware versions to fix bugs and improve performance, we are now conducting internal tests of the next version of 1.1.013, but the next version will be running on the new "A" protocol - it will be released as V62.A.001.
FYI the original V6 will also get its "A" version soon, from 2.1.001 to V61.A.001.
This way in the near future people who mix V6 II and V6 in their lighting setups would be able to use all 3 at the same time:
(Sorry Cactus V5, you will be stuck with the old protocol)
As always we appreciate your support and suggestions.
Thank you!
FYI the original V6 will also get its "A" version soon, from 2.1.001 to V61.A.001.
This way in the near future people who mix V6 II and V6 in their lighting setups would be able to use all 3 at the same time:
- X-TTL
- Multi-brand HSS (no TTL)
- V6 MK1 2.1.001 > V61.A.001 (no TTL, no HSS)
(Sorry Cactus V5, you will be stuck with the old protocol)
As always we appreciate your support and suggestions.
Thank you!
Antonio Lao
Brand Manager
Brand Manager
_____________
To help us better help you, always state the exact firmware version installed on your Cactus device(s), such as: "1.1.013", "NIK.A.001", "v.103", or "A06".
TTL or HSS not working on Cactus V6 II and V6 IIs? Be sure to check hot shoe connectivity by doing the <CAMERA INFO> check.
Feel free to suggest an improvement or share product ideas. Contact us directly at info@cactus-image.com. At Cactus, we listen.
Comments
FYI we have laid the reasons on the products page of V6 II, "due to special timing requirements" by the Pentax flash systems, only Pentax flashes can support wireless TTL.
That said, Cactus RF60 and RF60X both supports cross-brand HSS and cross-brand TTL with Pentax cameras.
Brand Manager
Just about still doesn't cut it.
Unfortunately this is a constraint due to manufacturer's (Ricoh Pentax) timing settings that prevents it from working with others. If the manufacturer changes the timings then it would be possible and we can easily master it.
Alas, many things in life aren't perfect. Especially when we are bending reality with ground-breaking cross-brand compatibility between camera and flash systems, it doesn't break a sweat when it "doesn't work". On the contrary, it is more of a miracle that other systems worked.
And don't feel too bad for Pentax because it is not alone; Canon is in the same boat.
To be honest though, most Pentax users I came across are gear heads and masters of controlling the light and they hardly felt the need for TTL. Certainly TTL has its benefits of convenience, but when you really needs it, the Cactus RF60X can come to the rescue.
Brand Manager
I have recently updated the V6ii to Canon TTL firmware, lets just say it is not as reliable as the Multi Brand HSS firmware. So many no fire or out of control flash in manual or TTL mode. It did fix another issue with V6iis and V6ii.
Would like to know if the new Multi Brand HSS firmware will fix V6iis TX triggering V6ii RX using sync cord?
I brought this issue up last year, was told to wait for TTL firmware. I will update the posting so you can track which discussion we had.
Gears: 3x V6ii, 1x V6iis, Sony A7, Canon 5D3, Pentax 645z
Thanks,
Erik
It was a misunderstanding between me and R&D.
Indeed they were planning one.
FYI we are testing it as I type, still some minor bugs to fix and it should be ready soon!
Brand Manager
You may now mix and match V6 II transceivers that runs on Multi-brand HSS and X-TTL. We recommend using X-TTL (TX) to trigger Multi-brand HSS (RX).
Thank you!
Brand Manager
Is a multi-brand (Tx) to multi-brand (Rx) communication not as efficient anymore as it was before?
Or in other words, is there an advantage to using V1.1.013 on all one's units compared to using V62.A.001 on all one's units?
It may still work but because we never try this nor was the firmware designed to work this way and has nothing to do with previous version of Multi-brand HSS.
We only tested this combination:
X-TTL firmware as TX (e.g. V62.A.001)
Multi-brand HSS as RX (e.g. FUJ.A.001)
Thank you!
Brand Manager
Also I assume the RF60 flashes stay on A003?
Finally, will this software work for Pentax and the RQ250 when I get it?
Thank you.
The RQ250 will work with your Pentax camera, may need a new firmware version on V6 II though.
Thanks!
Brand Manager
Just shout if you need anything else
Brand Manager