RoboSHOOT +©

X Series

USER

MANUAL

Revision Sheet

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 1

Revision Sheet

Rev Date Revision Description

2.0.1 2/18/2017 Initial Production Release

For Version 2.0.x firmware and

App. Feature addition: RX

Remote Shutter Release. Various

MX-15+ and other corrections.

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RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Before You Begin .................................................... 4

FCC Compliance ................................................ 5 EC Declaration ................................................... 6 Industry Canada (ISED) Declaration .................. 6 Disposal recommendations .............................. 6 RoHS Declaration .............................................. 7

System Overview ................................................... 8 Features ............................................................ 9 Master (MX) Devices ....................................... 11 Slave (RX) Devices ........................................... 12

Getting Started .................................................... 13 Connecting the modules ................................. 13 Camera Settings .............................................. 14 Speedlight Settings ......................................... 15 Tips .................................................................. 16 Main Indicators ............................................... 17 Group Indicators ............................................. 18 External Ports .................................................. 19

Stand Alone Operation ........................................ 21 Group Assignment on Slaves .......................... 22 Customization (MX-20

+ Only).......................... 22

Clear ................................................................ 22 Flash Test / Modeling Light ............................. 23

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RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 3

Enabling or Disabling Flashes quickly .............. 23 Flash Exposure Lock ........................................ 24 Button Lockout ................................................ 24 Selecting a Profile............................................ 25 Profile Bracketing ............................................ 27 Mult-Angle Photography ................................. 27 Multi-Master Mode ........................................ 28

In-Camera Control ............................................... 29 Basic Menu Mode ........................................... 30 Commander Menu Mode ............................... 32 In-Camera Control Considerations .................. 34 Focus Beam / Catch Light ................................ 35

App Control ......................................................... 36 App Start-up .................................................... 37 Overview ......................................................... 38 Flash Groups ................................................... 40 Timer ............................................................... 42 Intervalometer ................................................ 43 High Speed Capture ........................................ 44 External Trigger ............................................... 46

Special Power-up Button Functions..................... 47

Troubleshooting .................................................. 53

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RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 4

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

- SAFETY -

Follow the Safety Guidelines provided as a separate document carefully. The guidelines are provided for your safety, safety of those around you, and for maximum enjoyment of your product. If you cannot find the Safety Guidelines document, don’t understand it, or otherwise decide not to read it do NOT use the RoboSHOOT© devices. The guidelines may be available on the Serene Automation website ‘www.sereneautomation.com’ or may be e-mailed to you by contacting Serene Automation. For your safety and proper care, review them periodically.

- EQUIPMENT CARE AND FUNCTION -

Be sure speedlights and RoboSHOOT© units are secured with alignment pin engaged. Failure to do so may result in misfires, intermittent operation, and/or drop damage. Never pick up a camera or speedlight by the attached RoboSHOOT© or other device. It could break free and cause significant damage to your equipment.

- LEGAL -

We limit our liability for the purpose of keeping product costs to a minimum and thus providing a cost effective product to you. Use of RoboSHOOT© is at your own risk. By using or allowing others to use this equipment you accept all responsibility and absolve and indemnify Serene Automation from any liability related to its use or misuse. If you do not accept this as a legally binding agreement, do not use the equipment in any way.

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RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 5

FCC Compliance The RoboSHOOT© units including MX-20, MX-15, RX-20, ad RX-15 comply with FCC standards for Home and Office use. 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 WARNING 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 reasonable 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 off 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 the receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet different from that to which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

You are cautioned that any modification, misuse, or use of untested cable may void the user’s authority to use this equipment.

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RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 6

EC Declaration We, Name: Serene Automation LLC Address: 100 Whelan Ct

Folsom, California 95630 USA

Declare that the products: RoboSHOOT

© X-series Flash triggers (MX-20, MX-

15, RX-20, and RX-15) Manufactured under provision of Serene Automation LLC, Meet the following provisions of the EMC Directive (2004/108/EC) and Low Voltage Directive (206/95/EC), and comply with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.

Industry Canada (ISED) Declaration This product meets the applicable Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada technical specifications

Disposal recommendations Always follow local requirements when disposing of electronic waste. These devices and batteries should not be treated as household waste for disposal. They should be taken to an applicable collection point for recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring proper disposal, you will help prevent potential negative consequences to the environment and potential negative health effects that might otherwise result from improper disposal. Please contact local agencies or authorities for the best method of disposing of batteries and electronic equipment if and when disposal is warranted.

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RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 7

RoHS Declaration Date: May 30, 2015 We hereby declare that products manufactured for Serene Automation of Folsom California USA, namely, the RoboSHOOT

© family of products (MX-

20, MX-15, RX-20 and RX-15) are compliant to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and the Council from 08/06/2011 on restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic appliances. Following substances namely are involved:

Lead (Pb)

Cadmium (Cd)

Hexavalent chromium (Cr)

Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB)

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PentaBDE, OctaBDE; DecaBDE)

Mercury (Hg) Serene Automation, Limited herewith declares that all of our products are manufactured in compliance with RoHS. This claim is based on our own internal analyses, vendor supplied analyses, and/or material certifications of raw materials used in manufacture of all Serene Automation products, we declare that all products comply with and conform to RoHS II regulations of “RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU”.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 8

System Overview

Congratulations on your purchase of RoboSHOOT©

! These devices facilitate fully automatic off camera flash and will greatly enhance your flash experience with your Fujifilm Cameras. The RoboSHOOT

© X-series TTL trigger and timing

modules enhance your Fujifilm X-Series camera with TTL off-camera flash. The modules are plug-and-play and can be used directly without configuration. And for more advanced use, the MX-20

+ can be

configured via an intuitive user interface right from your Bluetooth

© enabled phone - no button

sequences to remember! In addition to In-Camera and App controlled radio flash trigger, the MX-20

+

supports a wide variety of advanced technical photography applications requiring precise timing and control. This manual provides an overview of the RoboSHOOT

© system. Further details, updated

specifications, and tips are available via the Quick Guide on the App and or via Serene Automation at www.SereneAutomation.com.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 9

Features

AutoFP/HSS (High Speed Sync) both TTL and

Manual (with Flashes in TTL mode) **

Advanced In-Camera Flash / Group Control **

Fujifilm-X series compatible with 4 flash groups

Fully automatic plug-and-play operation

Flash Group Profile selection and edit

Flash Exposure Lock

Focus Beam / Catch Light support **

Nikon i-TTL compatibility **

App Group Settings including: Man/TTL flash

power, Man/Auto Head Zoom, and TTL Offset.

Remote shutter control via App

Multi-Angle support via RX Shutter Release

Modeling Light function **

Built-in Intervalometer and Timer via App

Flash Group Profile Bracketing

Flash sync output for external strobes (RX-20)

Full support for External Triggering via optional

remote switch or sensors (MX-20+)

** On compatible speedlights and/or cameras. See compatibility information at www.sereneautomation.com.

Plus, for the X-20+ series:

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RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 10

Specifications (Blue denotes X-20+ only)

Supported Cameras

Most Fujifilm X-Series cameras.

Supported Speedlights

See compatibility table on www.sereneautomation.com

Supported Nikon speedlights

See compatibility table on www.sereneautomation.com

Sync Speed Per camera limits (Max Curtain 1/250, HSS 1/8000, Leaf 1/2000)

Flash Groups 4 TTL groups (3 In-Camera), +/- 5 EV

TTL Override +/- 5 EV exposure adjust from TTL

All Flashes Fully TTL Controlled – configurable group

Timer Config* Exposure Counter, Initial Delay

Intervalometer Config*

Exposure Counter, Initial Delay, Interval, Duration, Profile Bracketing

High-Speed Flash Config*

Mode (Proportional/Fixed delay), Exposure Duration, Delay from trigger, Shutter Mode

Trigger Module Settings*

Trigger Assignment, Trigger Source, Sensitivity, Sensor select. (optional)

Batteries 2 AAA

Battery Life Unit on and operational - typical 12 hours Unit in standby – typical 5 days

Size (LxWxH) 3.3 x 1.7 x 0.9 in (84 x 43 x 23 mm) + 1/2 in (13 mm) for shoe mount

Weight (no batteries)

Master - 2 oz (56 g), Slave 1.8 oz (50 g)

Master-Slave Range

Approximately 45-60 ft (depending on settings and environment)

Radio 2.4GHz Globally License Free ISM Band

Conformance FCC, CE, IC, RoHS for distribution in United States, Canada, and European Community.

App Support iOS© 8.3 or later. Android© 4.0 or Later.

Specifications Subject to change without notice. * Requires App (MX-20+ only)

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 11

Master (MX) Devices 1) Top Function Button Flash Exposure Lock Profile Select / Bracketing* (½) Flash Test (½) Modeling Light

2) Side Function Button Return to Normal Flash Enable/Disable

3) Power Switch

9) Flash Shoe

4) Main Indicators

5) Group Indicators

6) Camera Port*

7) Sensor/Trigger Port*

8) Camera Shoe (beneath)

* - MX-20+ Only

1) Top function button (defaults) - Full Click to activate Flash Exposure Lock – p23 - Full Hold to activate Profile Select / Bracketing – p24

(Profile Select only on MX-15+) - Half Click (Hold on MX-15+) to Test Flashes – p22 - Half Hold to Activate Modeling Light (MX-20+) – p22 - During Profile Select, Half Hold to save current profile.

2) Side Function Button

- Click to Clear Active Functions (Return to Normal) - p22 - Hold to Toggle Flash Enable / Disable – p23 - Click with camera menu active toggles between basic and

commander mode in supported cameras

3) Power Switch 4) Main Indicators – p17 5) Group Indicators – p18 6) Camera Shutter Port (MX-20+ only) – p19

Connects to camera shutter release for a variety of functions

7) Sensor Trigger Port (MX-20+ only) – p19

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 12

Slave (RX) Devices

6) PC Sync Port (RX-20 Only)

1) Top Function Button Group Select (½) Flash Test

2) Side Function Button Unused

3) Power Switch

7) Flash Shoe

4) Main Indicators

5) Group Indicators

1) Top function button

- Full Hold to Change Group Assignment – p22 - Half Hold or Click to Test Flash - p22

2) Side Function Button

- Presently Unused

3) Power Switch 4) Main Indicators – p17 5) Group Indicators – p18 6) External Sync Port (RX-20 only) – p19

To trigger external Low Voltage Strobes – Read and follow all Safety guidelines carefully. Use only as recommended by the strobe manufacturer and in conjunction with RoboSHOOT© safety guidelines. We strongly recommend use with a voltage isolator intended for external strobes and never connect directly to strobe. Never under any circumstance connect to any voltage greater than 6V.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 13

Getting Started

Connecting the modules Note: Be sure all batteries are fresh!

Alignment Pin

Extends when knob is tight

1) Attach MX-15 or MX-20 Master to Camera.

2) Attach Speedlights to RoboSHOOT© Flash Shoe.Make sure alignment pin is engaged if present.

3) Turn on RoboSHOOT© devices.

4) Turn on Speedlights.

5) Turn on Camera. Turning on the camera activates and synchs RoboSHOOT© devices and wakes the speedlights. Should a speedlight not support wake up, you may need to cycle power on that speedlight.

Must engage with this

alignment hole

Retractor Pin shows when

aligned

Camera

MX-15 or MX-20

MX-15 or MX-20

MX-15 or MX-20

IMPORTANT: To ensure proper operation and minimize drop risk check that alignment pin is mated and engage locking mechanism on all RoboSHOOT© units and speedlights. Always turn off the speedlight when attaching or detaching it!

NOTE: Each time you turn on the camera the units will resync for a few seconds. Thus if you power on a remote unit after the master unit, it will be recognized by recycling the camera power.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 14

Camera Settings

Any camera setting that works with an external speedlight will be a good place to start. Consult the owner’s manual for your camera when in doubt. Typically, settings similar to below should be used:

Start with Single Frame Modes - Single, multiple-exposure, or special effects. Panorama, Video modes, and others may disable flash.

Use Standard Flash Modes - Forced, 2nd

Curtain, or Slow Synchro. It is suggested not to use Suppressed Flash: instead use the RoboSHOOT

©

Flash Enable/Disable buttons for this. AutoFP/HSS is supported with compatible cameras and speedlights.

Flash Exposure Compensation – The camera and App provide flash compensation settings. They are additive. Use whichever you find most convenient. We recommend against using compensation provided on the speedlight itself.

Shutter Speed – Some X series cameras support flash sync up to 1/250s (leaf shutter cameras up to 1/2000s). The RoboSHOOT devices easily cover this range. If your camera and speedlight support HSS, speeds up to 1/8000s are possible.

The most creative results are usually achieved in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and especially Manual Camera Modes.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 15

Speedlight Settings

To utilize TTL be sure to use Speedlights fully TTL compatible with RoboSHOOT

©. These should be set

to TTL mode normally with compensation set to +/- 0. In addition, set Zoom to Auto if you want the camera or App to control zoom. For supported manual or supported TTL-incompatible speedlights set the speedlight to manual. Consult www.sereneautomation.com for current information about compatible speedlights. Unsupported speedlights should not be used. Speedlights with unknown support status may or may not operate even in manual mode. Worse, damage to the speedlight or RoboSHOOT

© device

could occur. For any speedlight with unknown support status, always use manual mode and ensure voltages on the shoe do not exceed 6V. If in doubt, do not attempt to try a speedlight that is not officially supported.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 16

Tips

Always start a shoot with fresh batteries and carry spares.

Speedlights may have different recycle times. You will be more satisfied using similar and faster recycle times.

Speedlight types may have different color temperatures. Many times the color temperature variation and color gels can be used to your creative advantage. For consistency use the same type of speedlight in all groups.

Metering type (Spot, Center-Weighted, etc) is more reactive when using flash. Spot metering is especially useful when using Flash Exposure Lock. Remember, the camera will try to achieve middle-gray in the metered area.

When TTL operation is employed it can be used as another auto exposure mode. For example, If Exposure (M mode) and ISO are all manually set, the photographic exposure will still be controlled by the camera as it automatically adjusts flash power.

Aperture or Program mode may show Flash Exposure Compensation in the display preview but not change exposure. This is due to shutter speed limiting. To avoid this, use other modes along with exposure meter and histogram.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 17

Main Indicators

The main indicator color and blink rate indicate specific conditions. Typically, Blue indicates radio activity, Yellow indicates timing activity, Orange is a warning, Red indicates flash control, activity and status, and Green indicates ready status.

MX-20+ / MX-15

+ Master Units

Color / Pattern Indication

Pulsing Ready with Camera Power On

Blinking Camera off

Fast Blinking Check Flash Settings

Slow Pulsing Low Power Standby

Pulse Shutter Release

Other Flash Exposure Lock or Profile Select Active

Single Pulse Focusing

Blinking Intervalometer, Timer, or

Bracketing (MX-20+ only)

During firmware updates, different indications apply: Yellow and blue main LEDs indicate activity. Group LEDs indicate progress. Upon power up, update mode is indicated by flashing ALL Group LEDs Green, Red, Green - followed by the main LED blinking yellow.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 18

RX-20 / RX-15 Slave Units

Color / Pattern Indication

Pulsing Ready / Connected to Master

Blinking Not Connected to Master

Blinking Check Flash Settings

Slow Pulsing Low Power Standby

Pulse PC-Sync

Group Indicators

These provide status for the group or attached speedlight. On the slave they also indicate which group the slave is assigned to.

All Units

Color / Pattern Indication

Slow Pulsing Standby

Blinking Charging

On Ready

Slow Blinking Flash/Group Disabled

Profile Select Mode (MX Units Only)

On (MX units) Indicates Profile Number

On at varied Brightness

Relative Group Power values

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RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 19

External Ports

External Ports appear on the X-20 devices only. On the MX-20

+ a Camera Port and Trigger/Sensor port is

present, while on the RX-20 a flash sync port is present. Use only approved connections on these ports. If an overvoltage is connected it is not only unsafe, but it also voids all manufacturer warranties. Consult Safety guidelines before using external ports. When using any port Read and follow all related Safety guidelines carefully. Never connect to any voltage greater than 6V.

MX-20

+ Ports

The Camera Port provides an optically isolated shutter and focus release. When doing profile bracketing, App or Sensor triggered exposures, or any timing functions connect a shutter release cable from this port to your camera. If you only have a mechanical release, several vendors offer electro-mechanical release adapters.

MX

-20

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 20

The Trigger/Sensor port is used to initiate a timing function (Timer / Intervalometer), Profile Bracketing, or High Speed Capture sequence. A sensor or switch contact can be used to act as trigger. A detailed specification for this port is available for those who wish to provide a custom sensor or trigger device.

RX-20 Port

The External Flash Sync port on the RX-20 provides an optically isolated interface for low voltage sync inputs. This is used as either a shutter release for additional cameras for multi-angle photography* or to trigger external Low Voltage Strobes – Use only as recommended by the strobe manufacturer and in conjunction with RoboSHOOT© safety guidelines. We strongly recommend use with a voltage isolator intended for external strobes and never connect directly to strobe unless it is known to be compatible. * New Feature – see Device Admin for details.

MX

-20

+ /

RX

-20

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 21

Stand Alone Operation Using the MX-15

+ or MX-20

+ (without using smartphone)

Fully automatic TTL off-camera flash is supported without a user interface. No cables are required unless you wish to activate the shutter from the device (MX-20

+ only). Just connect the units as

indicated in ‘Getting Started’, set the camera and flash modes, and you are ready to begin shooting. With the new Fujifilm cameras with EF-X500 control, nearly all functions are available even without the App. Key new additions and changes to prior versions include:

Extensive In-Camera Group Control

Flash Enable / Disable

Flash Exposure Lock

Profile Selection and Edits

Improved Profile Bracketing*

Sensor Activated Exposures*

Flash Test

Modeling Light activation*

And much more… * - MX-20

+ only, shutter release cable may be

required.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 22

Group Assignment on Slaves

The slave group defaults to Group A. To change a slave to a specific group, push-and-hold the top button fully on that slave (see page 12).

Customization (MX-20+ Only)

Note: Several Features, Defaults, and Button functions can be customized via App settings and may function differently than described here. (see ‘Settings’ info on the in-App info pages for more details).

Clear

Currently active functions can be cancelled by pressing the side button (see page 11). This causes operations such as Flash Disabled, Flash Exposure Lock, and Profile Bracketing to deactivate and return-to-normal. Turning the camera on also performs this clear operation.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 23

Flash Test / Modeling Light

To Test fire each TTL speedlight ½ click (½ hold on MX-15

+) the top button to perform a Flash Test. On

the MX-20+ you ½ hold the button to briefly activate

the Modeling Light if your compatible flash is so equipped. (see page 11). Top Button configuration for the MX-20

+ can be

changed via Flash Group Settings while connected to the unit. The unit will respond according to last programmed settings.

Enabling or Disabling Flashes quickly

Push-and-hold the side button to enable/disable flash (see page 11). The Main LEDs will strobe when the command is accepted and the Group LEDs will indicate current status. To re-enable the flashes, just repeat the push-and-hold or click the button to clear. Turning on the camera or engaging another device function will also re-enable all groups.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 24

Flash Exposure Lock

Flash Exposure Lock (FEL) is engaged by fully clicking the top button (see page 11). If an exposure was previously taken, the reference power may be already available for use. Otherwise, the next exposure will be used for the reference. If a camera mode change occurs (exposure mode, aperture, ISO, etc), the reference will remain active and set using prior exposure values. This allows for more creativity. If you wish to compensate you can use flash exposure compensation (TTL Offset). Exit FEL by clicking the side button or turning the camera off/on.

Button Lockout

If the Main LED flashes red every time a button is pressed, the buttons are locked out. This mode allows you to prevent unwanted button operations. Lockout mode is toggled by a 5 second hold on the top button (fully pressed) and side button at the same time. The main LEDs will blink red when lockout is engaged and green when it is disengaged.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 25

Selecting a Profile

With profiles, you can quickly set all group levels, the Master Offset, Zoom, and Angle to previously defined values. Briefly, a profile is just a snapshot of values used to setup the flashes. RoboSHOOT has space for four profile snapshots. This is useful, for example, to:

Quickly Access a set of favorite values

Provide repeatability – for example, when

taking several shots of multiple subjects,

you can quickly apply the same settings to

each subject.

Experiment with uncertain lighting very

quickly, for example with Macros. In this

case, RoboSHOOT can bracket across the

four profiles automatically. (MX-20+)

Profile selection is performed by holding the top button to enter select mode and clicking the same button to select the desired profile. While in profile Select Mode, the main Red LED is blinking a slow dash-dot pattern and the Green Group LEDs indicate which profile is active (A is profile 1, D is profile 4). The group Red LED brightness indicates the relative power levels of the current profile. Profile Select mode exists after about 10 seconds of inactivity.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 26

When Profile Select is activated the Button functions are reconfigured:

Full Hold – Exit profile Select mode, and

optionally enter Profile Bracketing Mode

(MX-20+, per setting option).

Full click – Select the next profile.

½ hold – Save the Current Profile values.

½ click – Restore Profile values that were

present before profile selection was

activated. Thereby allowing you to save the

prior settings to the selected profile.

Default Profile TTL Power values (blank is zero).

Group Master

Profile A B C D

1

2 - 2/3

3 - 2/3

4 -1 2/3 -1

If you save a new profile the current group values and zoom modifiers are saved (such as Zoom override and Angle, if provided by camera). Editing is only possible on cameras that support In-Camera group control.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 27

Profile Bracketing

Profiles Bracketing (MX-20+ only) takes four

exposures sequentially, one for each profile. To use profile bracketing, a shutter release cable must be connected between RoboSHOOT© and your Camera. The camera shutter release button is configured by default to start the bracketing sequence. Profile Bracketing is engaged by a full push-and-hold of the top button twice until the LEDs strobe. The Main Yellow LED will periodically pulse three times indicating this mode is active. Exit Bracketing by clicking the side button or turning the camera off/on.

Mult-Angle Photography

MX-20+/ RX-20 can be configured for remote release

of additional cameras. This enables simultaneous

exposures from different camera angles via the App

or external trigger. See Device Admin for details and

to configure the RX-20 for this purpose.

MX

-20

+

Note, by default, holding the Top button toggles between Profile Select, Profile Bracketing (MX-20

+ only), and none. This can be configured via

the App.

Basic Operation

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 28

Multi-Master Mode

Multi-Master mode allows you to share flashes with additional cameras. Each MX unit configured in multi-master mode will take control of shared RX units when its camera is turned on. This is all done automatically. The flash Group settings are retained for each MX independently, so, the flashes will respond to each camera as if they are not shared. In this way, your settings can be customized according to the use of the camera. For example, a flash pointed at a camera can be disabled for that camera and enabled for another – set automatically according to which camera is in-use. To use Multi-Master mode:

Set each MX unit to Multi-Master mode (see Device Admin page for information)

Make sure each MX device is using the same radio channel and the same App settings

It is recommended to use this mode ONLY when the capability is needed. Otherwise, you may start sharing your flashes with others unintentionally!

Flashes in use by Multi-Master MX units will ignore MX units not in this mode, so unintentional sharing can only happen when others are using this mode.

In-Camera Control

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 29

In-Camera Control Cameras that support In-Camera control of the Fujifilm EF-X500 flash also can control the MX-20

+ or

MX-15+. There are two menus within these cameras

for this purpose: Basic and Commander. We recommend setting a function button to ‘Flash Function Setting’ to quickly access these menus. RoboSHOOT makes use of both menus. This is a conceptual change from the X500, where the Basic menu is only available when controlling on-camera flash and the Commander menu is only available when controlling off-camera flash. RoboSHOOT does not distinguish between on-camera and off-camera. Instead, all flashes are considered members of groups which may or may not be off-camera. This gives you more powerful control: The Basic menu applies to global control for one or more flashes and groups and the Commander menu lets you control individual groups.

When the Camera’s flash function menu is displayed you can toggle between the two menu types by clicking the side button on your MX unit.

In-Camera Control

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 30

Basic Menu Mode

Basic Flash Function Menu

The Basic menu provides the following controls:

Flash Enable or Disable: M/Off with no TTL

flash present, TTL/Off otherwise. Multi-

Strobe not supported.

TTL Offset: Master offset for all TTL groups.

Manual Power – Not supported (cannot set

manual power for all groups at once, use

commander menu instead).

TTL Mode: All modes available per camera

settings.

In-Camera Control

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 31

Sync: All modes available with TTL flash

present.

Zoom: Usual usage: lets you manually set

zoom head focal length.

Angle: Usual usage: lets you modify zoom

head focal length to be wider or narrower

than lens or set value.

LED: Enables Catch Light and/or Focus beam

on assigned group.

In-Camera Control

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 32

Commander Menu Mode

Commander Menu

The Commander Menu provides the following

controls:

Group Mode, Enable or Disable: TTL, %TTL,

M, or Off. Multi-strobe not supported.

Group TTL Offset or Group Manual Power

o %TTL enables setting of overall TTL

offset for all groups and Group

A/Group B balance.

TTL Mode: All modes available per camera

settings.

In-Camera Control

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 33

Sync: All modes available with TTL flash

present.

Zoom: Usual usage: lets you manually set

zoom head focal length.

Angle: Usual usage: lets you modify zoom

head focal length to be wider or narrower

than lens or set value.

Master (Group Assignments): this lets you

determine the On-Camera group assignment.

And for the MX-20+ it can control which group

the Auxiliary (Catch/Focus) Light emits from.

App settings specify how this is done.

o On-Camera flash can be set to: Group

D, Group A, or According to the Master

Group assignment.

o Focus Beam / Catch light can be sent

from: On-Camera flash, All Groups, of

the Master Group Assignment. (MX-20+

only)

Profile Number: Because channels are

robust in RoboSHOOT, channel assignment

is rarely needed. So, CH is reassigned to

Profile selection to quickly recall your

favorite settings. This also facilitates the

In-Camera Control

RoboSHOOT+©

User Manual Page 34

ability to modify stored group values to a

profile (profile editing) when used in

conjunction with the device Top button.

In-Camera Control Considerations

Please check out the In-App help pages for more

information on each individual control and note these

items to be aware of:

When shooting using M exposure mode,

the focus beam is not provided by the

camera.

Unsupported modes will be skipped if

selected.

o Multi-Strobe flash (strobe effect) is

not supported at the present time.

It will be skipped, if possible, when

selected and TTL flashes are

present.

o On Basic menu Manual mode is

prevented if TTL flashes are

present and TTL mode is prevented

if no TTL flashes are present.

A shutter mash when the menu is active

may result in a misfire if commander mode

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User Manual Page 35

(group control) is active. If a misfire does

happen, simply take another shot.

However, this is an unusual circumstance

and easily avoided by any of the following:

o Exit the menu before shooting.

o Slowly pressing the shutter to take

an exposure rather than ‘mash’ it.

o Half press the shutter.

o Exit commander mode (side

button).

Focus Beam / Catch Light

This utilizes the auxiliary beam of selected compatible speedlights. For the MX-15

+ the light is

sent from the Camera Master Assigned group (‘Master’ in the Commander menu). This defaults to On-Camera flash. For the MX-20

+ you can specify

where it is emitted from as specified in the App’s Flash Group Settings. Default is Camera Master Assigned group, but you can also decide from, MX-Flash (always On-Camera) or All groups. The focus beam and catch light is enabled via the LED setting in the camera menus.

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App Control Using a Smartphone unleashes the power of your MX-20

+ RoboSHOOT

©.

To obtain your app, just download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Search for ‘RoboSHOOT’. On iOS, there is no need to pair. Just make sure Bluetooth is on. If you do attempt to pair, you may get a ‘unsupported’ message which can be ignored. On Android, first pair with the RoboSHOOT

© before

use. This only needs to be done once. To do this, turn on the MX-20

+ (Master) and go to Settings-

>Bluetooth and select ‘Search (or Scan) for devices’. Select ‘RoboSHOOT’ from the list of devices. A dialog asking if you wish to Pair with it should be shown shortly. Select to Pair with the device. It is now ready for connection when you start the App.

MX

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+

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App Start-up

You will be presented a connect screen after the App starts much like this: From here, you can set App and Device level settings or just connect. Any settings changes you make will be saved for the next time you run the App. If no device is available, Demo Mode will run. In Demo Mode, connection is simulated and an info view with text bubbles will show how to navigate. In this mode, no device interactions will take place and the screens will be somewhat static.

Forcing Settings Consistency

The App can be used to maintain the same settings in

each MX unit. This is done by forcing settings update

upon connect by selecting “All Settings” of the

“Update Upon Connect” App Setting. Otherwise,

those App Settings may not reflect the current device

settings. These settings are found by pressing the

“App Settings” button on the App prior to connecting

to a device.

MX

-20

+

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Overview

At the top of each function page or view is a bar with two icons on it:

Info settings The App Icon (left side) accesses a quick guide. Use it to get quick information about RoboSHOOT

© it is a

good reference for experienced users and also great place to start to get more detail. The Function Settings (right side) provides access to all the settings for this view (in this case, Flash Groups). On the bottom of each function page or view is a status and navigation bar:

Nav There are several icons on it, but, only one is

clickable: the ‘+’. This brings up a Navigation menu

as shown below. The other icons on the bar provide status about Radio Signal Strength, Battery Power (Master and Slaves), Flash and Camera, Shutter, and External Trigger.

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+

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The previously mentioned Navigation menu provides access to information about the current function and lets you go to any primary function page: Flash Groups, Timer, Intervalometer, High Speed Capture, or External Trigger (respectively, sweeping from left to right on this image of the Navigation Menu).

Notice the far left icon on this Navigation menu is an ‘information’ icon. This takes place of the Flash Groups icon here because we are currently on the Flash Groups function page.

For other function pages it is located in place of the that page’s navigation icon. Note, even though a function is running you can still select another function. A message will indicate the function that is running as a reminder. No parameter changes are allowed until the running function is stopped.

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+

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Flash Groups

Flash groups are controlled by simply adjusting the

group knobs and buttons. To set relative power from one group to the next you adjust the power knobs. This balances power between groups and will minimally affect the overall exposure. So, setting all levels to -2 EV, for example, is the same as

setting all to 0. But, setting Group A to -2 and Group B to +2 will result in a 4EV difference in requested power from the speedlights in those groups. However, by long clicking instead of turning the knob, you toggle between TTL and manual. Manual bypasses TTL and will affect overall exposure. Note: if you drag your finger off a knob, the knob’s pointer will follow your finger. This allows for much more precise settings. Clicking toggles between automatic and manual modes. A button tray covering the ready LEDs also appears, allowing for quick set and adjust of the last touched knob value.

MX

-20

Supports drag and

long click MX

-20

+

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TTL requested power can be overridden by adjusting the Master knob. This always affects overall flash exposure when any knobs are in TTL mode and a ready speedlight is assigned to that group.

The left side indicators are similar to the flash ready on your speedlight, except they indicate ready for the entire group.

At the bottom third of the page you find controls for Flash Enable, Overall TTL Power Offset, Flash Exposure Lock, TTL Flash Test, Shutter Release, and optionally Modeling Light.

Modeling Light, Profile tray and zoom controls may not be visible. To modify, click the settings icon in the upper right corner and select ‘group function settings’ Zoom controls allow you to set the speedlight zoom for each group. It can be set as a specific value or as a multiple of the current lens/camera setting. This gives you finer control over your subject illumination.

Modeling light briefly activates this function on your flash, if compatible.

The profile tray allows you to select and edit profiles, which may be used individually or for bracketing.

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+

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Timer

The timer lets you take time delayed exposures with a delay of your choosing. Useful, if you need to trigger a timed exposure remotely, such as a shot with you in the picture and since it is triggered with your App there is no need to rush to get into position! The timer mode also allows you to take a sequence of triggered shots, one

exposure for each trigger, with or without delay. This is ideal for stop-motion photography. It’s also great for candid shots where you might trigger an exposure when a loud noise is heard. Other uses of triggered exposure are fireworks and other events that might be triggered via sensor. Of course, you have to take in account shutter delay when attempting these and set your sensor for proper detection.

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+

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Intervalometer

The intervalometer lets you take bracketed, time-lapse, or multi-shot sequences. You can optionally include flash in these sequences. By clicking the Frames icon, you toggle between Intervalometer and Profile Bracketing modes. Bracketing is great for many types of photography including macro, portraits, and even street scenes. It

assures repeatable results using a variety of settings. This goes well beyond the capabilities of your camera’s built-in intervalometer when utilizing flash. Note, if during the first exposures the shutter release cable is not detected the intervalometer sequence will abort automatically. Check cable and camera connections.

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+

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High Speed Capture

High Speed Capture enables you to take elusive high speed events such as a projectile in mid-air, a balloon popping, a glass shattering, suspended water drops, or similar subjects. This type of exposure usually requires a sensor (optional), bulb mode, and a dark environment. Other than that, RoboSHOOT

© takes

care of the complexity. To use this capability, set up your darkened environment and get ready to take the shot. Using the high speed capture settings page, set the values as needed and take a reference shot (‘Set Ref’ button) to set exposure levels for the next shots. Then, when you are ready, press ‘Armed’. When the sensor detects an event, the speedlight is triggered, optionally with a delay. The delay mode can be changed by pressing the Flash Delay Icon. The modes are: Fixed Delay or Proportional Delay.

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+

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Fixed Delay fires the flash a fixed time after the trigger event. For example, a time of 0 can be used to fire the flash as soon as possible after a noise is heard by an audio sensor connected to the MX-20. You can use this to capture events such as a balloon bursting. Proportional mode fires the flash a multiple of the time between two trigger events. In the following example, two sensors 1m apart are 3.5m from the subject.

1 m 3.5 m

The proportional delay factor is 3.5m / 1m = 3.5. This allows you to position the camera without knowing how fast the projectile is moving. A custom sensor would be required for this method. Parameters for shutter control are also provided. See the in-App guide for more information.

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+

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External Trigger The External Trigger lets you set up a sensor to trigger an action. This is used in any situation where you wish to autonomously trigger the flash, start the intervalometer, or take an exposure caused by some sensed event. The sensor will be detected when you plug it into the External Trigger Port (ECP) on the Master.

Sensor modules such as an Audio Detector, Optical Detector, or Digital Trigger are available on a per request basis subject to availability. You can also plug in a switch to the Trigger Port to trigger from switch closures or provide your own sensors. A detailed specification for trigger port sensors is available upon request.

MX

-20

+

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Special Power-up Button Functions

Several button combinations can be used at power up to select various functions on the MX unit. These are intended as one-time or seldom used configurations. You may repeat the operation if it was not successful (for example if you accidentally moved while holding buttons). MX-20

+ Firmware Update: At power up hold Side +

½ Top buttons until LEDs complete cycling one-by-one. To initiate a firmware upload on an MX-20

+ device:

1. Remove MX-20+ from the camera and turn it off.

2. Press-and-hold the side button with the top

button held ½ way and turn the unit on.

3. Once the LED cycle through all LEDs is complete

release both buttons. If successful, the main

LEDs will indicate Yellow with rapid Red flashing

followed by ALL Group LEDs Blink Green-Red-

Green. Click side button if this pattern does not

stop. Then, the main Yellow will indicate a

double blink pattern.

4. Start the App and connect to the MX-20+.

5. The App will start in Updater mode, Check for an

update and install it if available.

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You can cancel an upload if it hasn’t yet begun by restarting the MX device while pressing-and-holding the side button. If successful, update will halt and normal operation resume the next time you restart. RX unit Update: RX devices are uploaded automatically when the Master (MX) device gets new firmware and you sync the RX devices with the MX device. To do this, place the MX and RX units near each other, turn on all RX units then turn on the MX unit. The RX update takes about 3 minutes. MX-15

+ Firmware Update: Since the MX-15

+ does

not support the App, updates are not available using it. Instead the MX-15

+ supports unit-to-unit updates.

If you have access to an MX-20+, you can use it to

update your MX-15+. To do this, place your MX-15

+

in update mode as described above in in steps 1-3. Once the MX-15

+ in in update mode turn on the MX-

20+ and place it close to the MX-15+. After about five

minutes the update will be complete and the MX-15+

can be used to update your RX units. See www.sereneautomation.com for further details. Note, firmware update resets all settings to default. If you’ve changed MX-20

+ settings via the App, prior

settings can be restored by forcing consistency (p37).

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Reset to Factory Defaults (All unit types): At power up hold Side plus Full Top buttons until LEDs complete cycling one-by-one. If successful, the main LEDs will indicate Yellow with rapid Red flashing. Wait 5 seconds and continue use or turn off unit. Profile Select Enable (MX-15

+ only):

Continue to hold Side plus Full Top buttons after Reset to Defaults until main LEDs flash Green three times in succession. This disables profile selection/editing capability. This function is unavailable on the MX-20 as its button functions are set via App Settings.

Change Radio Channel: At power up hold Side button until LEDs complete cycling one-by-one. If successful, the Main Yellow will flash three times rapidly, then the Green Group LEDs will flash three times indicating the new channel number coded per the same table used for version number indication on p50. There is normally no need to change the channel even in the presence of other units. However, you choose to, for the MX-20

+ it is best to

change channels via the App to keep the channel values in sync.

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Firmware Version Display: At power up fully hold the Top button until the LEDs complete cycling one-by-one. Then observe the Group LEDs to indicate the version number as a Green-Red-Green pattern corresponding to the Major.Minor.Revision firmware version. The individual Major.Minor.Revision numbers are coded per the following table:

Group LED Version Number Coding

D C B A Value D C B A Value

0 l 8 l 1 l l 9 l 2 l l 10 l l 3 l l l 11 l 4 l l 12 l l 5 l l l 13 l l 6 l l l 14 l l l 7 l l l l 15

So, for example, the pattern of ON LEDs: Green A, Red B & C, Green A - indicates version v1.6.1, whereas Green B, ,Green D & C indicates v2.0.12. Multi-Master Mode: To toggle Multi-Master mode, Continue to fully hold the Top button of your MX unit about 5 seconds after version display. This mode allows sharing or RX units with multiple MX units so several cameras can use the same flashes.

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All MX units must have Multi-Master mode active if the wish to participate in RX sharing. When this mode is active, turning on a camera will cause the flashes to associate with it and disassociate with any other camera. Any profiles and settings are taken from the newly associated camera/MX unit. Thus, you are able to set up the flashes according to the needs of that camera without affecting a different camera’s settings. So, for example, you might have one group enabled on one camera and a different group enabled on another camera. Likewise for Power, Zoom, and TTL offset settings and any other modes. Note, while operating in Multi-Master mode, if someone else is also using Multi-Master mode in the same area they could take control of your flashes. If this occurs, simply change all your MX units to a different channel (they must be all on the same channel), restart your RX-units and turn on a camera. This will set all RX units to the new channel and avoid any possibility of interference. App Settings, including channel number can be sent to each MX unit by forcing consistency (p37). To connect the App to an MX unit only one MX unit may be on at a time. The Multi-master mode setting is maintained even if power is switch off or batteries are changed and is unaffected by App Settings.

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Multi-Angle Photography: The MX-20+/RX-20

supports Multi-Angle photography by taking simultaneous exposures from different locations. To enable this mode the RX-20 X-sync port must be reconfigured as a shutter release port. This is done on each RX unit individually and you can have multiple RX-20s configured either way as you wish. To Toggle the RX-20 port between X-sync and shutter release, turn off the RX-20 and fully hold the Top button while turning it back on. Continue to hold for several seconds after the main yellow LED is steadily on. Once you see the main Red LED blink you can release. If set to X-sync the Red LED blinks 3x slowly or is set to Shutter Release the Red LED blinks 5x quickly. This same 5x blink will occur every time to turn on the unit to indicate it is set to Shutter Release. This mode will remain active until you toggle it again, restore the unit to defaults, or load new firmware. With Shutter Release configured and release cable attached to the RX-20, its camera will take exposures either by App (Expose button, Timer, Intervalometer, or High Speed Capture) or by external trigger on the MX-20

+. While Flash is not supported in this mode, it

is not prevented either and may work with low shutter speeds using 2

nd curtain sync.

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Troubleshooting Make sure batteries are fresh and devices are powered. Otherwise, turn off devices and follow this procedure.

MX Main LED flashing?

RX Main LED flashing?

Green Slow

Orange Medium

Red Pulse

RedOrange Medium

Green Slow

Check Camera Alignment and

Power

Unit asleep, Cycle power

No sync with Master. Check

MX Unit.

Turn on units then Camera

off/on

RX Green Group LED On?

MX Green Group LED On?

Camera Indicates Flash

Ready?

Check Flash Battery

Alignment and Power

Restart MX device to resync

Check Camera Settings

Begin Shooting!

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Red LED blink speed

Check Flash Settings (TTL

Mode)

Fast Blink

Slow Pulse

Notes

Notes