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1.Wireless Radio Transmission

The YN686EX-RT supports wireless radio transmission flash 
shooting,realize wireless TTL,manual and stroboscopic function. As the 
master unit,the speedlite can trigger the YONGNUO and Canon RT 
series speedlites,such as the YN600EX-RT II/YN968EX-RT/600EX 
II-RT/430EX III-RT;as the slave unit, the same YN686EX-RT can 
respectively receive the YONGNUO and Canon RT series speedlites 
and the wireless signal of YN600EX-RT II/YN968EX-RT/600EX 
II-RT/YN-E3-RT/ST-E3-RT.
The flash mode,manual flash output,exposure compensation,exposure 
bracketing,exposure locking and etc settings of the master unit will be 
automatically transfer to each slave unit. 

Master unit setting

Long press the [Mode]button to enter the 
trigger mode selected interface,rotate the[  
] until the LCD displays the <   

>to 

enter wireless radio master unit state.Short 
press the [MODE] button to swift the flash 
mode of the master unit.

Slave unit settings 

Long press the [Mode] button to enter the 
trigger mode selected interface,rotate the[   ] 
until the LCD displays the<  

> t o  

enter wireless radio slave unit state. When 
the YN686EX-RT used as slave unit,the flash 
mode will be totally controlled by the master unit.If the master unit and 
slave unit are set the exposure compensation,the exposure 
compensation value from both units will be superimposed. 

Transmission channel/Radio ID set 

In public if there are other photographers in use of the wireless radio 
multiple flash or other radio equipment, you can change the 
transmission channel and radio ID to avoid the interference.The 
YN686EX-RT is equipped with 15 physical channels,an automatic 

channel and 10000 ID for option . 
Channel setting: short press the

[    ]

 button 

to enter the channel setting state,rotate the [ 
] to choose “AUTO” or choose the suitable 
channel from 1 to 15,short press the [SET] 
button for save. 
ID setting:short press the function button 

]

to enter ID waiting state,rotate the [  

]to choose the position need to change,short 
p r e s s   t h e   [ S E T ]   b u t t o n   t o   e n t e r   t h e  
responding ID position to adjust the state,then 
rotate the [  ] to choose the required number 
from 0 to 9,and short press the [SET] button 
to save the setting,press the function button 

]

to return to the wireless interface. 

In the wireless radio transmission flash 
shooting process, make sure the transmission 
channel and ID setting of the master unit and slave unit are the 
same,otherwise the flash could not work normally. When the master unit 
and the slave unit make connection establishment, the <LINK>indicator 
will be in green light. 

Scan the master unit transmission channel 

You can scan the radio receiving state and automatically or manually set 
the transmission channel of the master unit. 
When the channel set to “AUTO” ,it will 
automatically set the received signal 
channel.When manually set the channel,you 
can reset the transmission channel at the 
same time in the reference scan results. 
Scan setting: short press the function button

]

to enter the scan interface,the flash 

LCD panel will display the scan results,the 
higher the peak of which channel on the 
chart,the stronger the radio the radio signals. 

The master flash on or forbid flash 

ON/OFF

When the YN686EX-RT as master unit to 
process wireless radio transmission flash 
shooting,you can choose if the master unit 
participate in the flash or not. When the 
master unit set to ON,the master unit will 
participate the flash as Group A flash.Short 
press the function button 4 to display < 

> , s h o r t   p r e s s   t h e  

function button 1 

]

to set the master unit to ON/OFF.  < 

>means the master unit flash ON

 <  >means the master unit 

flash OFF

Use one to three slave units for transmission flash shooting

Short press the function button

]

o n  

the slave unit and set the slave unit as any 
group of group A,B,C. 
Short press the function button on the master 
unit to set the flash group,each short press[ 

],the setting change will change by: 

RATIO OFF

RATIO A:B

RATIOA:B C

or 

RATIO A:B:C

.Short press the function 

button 

]

 and rotate the [  ] to select the 

flash group which need to set the flash ratio 
and flash output,then short press the

]

button to enter the flash parameter 

setting state,through rotate the [  ]to adjust the flash ratio,exposure 
compensation or flash output of the group flash. 

If you need larger output or hope for better 
lighting,you can increase the number of speedlite 
on one slave group for maximum total 15 units. 
For example: if the three slave units set to group 
A,they will be seen as one speedlite and 
controlled by the master unit. 

Gr:set different flash mode and flash output on each group of 

speedlite to process transmission flash shooting

Short press the [mode] button on the master 
unit and set tot Gr mode, then set the slave 
units group with different flash mode and 
flash output through the master unit. When in 
G r   m o d e   f l a s h i n g , u p   t o   5   g r o u p s

A/B/C/D/E/F

 of speedlite can be triggered 

a t   t h e   s a m e   t i m e . S h o r t   p r e s s   t h e  

[  

]

button,rotate the [  ]to select the flash 

group which need to set the parameter,short 
press the 

]

button to select the flash 

mode

ETTL

M

OFF

,short press the

]

button and rotate the [   ] to adjust the  

e x p o s u r e   c o m p e n s a t i o n   a n d   f l a s h  
output.After the parameter set press the 

]

button to return to the shooting ready 

state.

2.Optical Transmission

The YN686EX-RT supports optical transmission wireless flash 
shooting,realize wireless TTL,manual and stroboscopic function.As 
master unit,the speedlite can trigger the YONGNUO EX series 
speedlite(excluding the YN585EX) through the wireless radio 
transmission;as the slave unit, the same YN600EX-RT II can 
respectively receive the wireless signal of YN686EX-RT

YN600EX-RT 

(II)

YN568EX II

、Canon

 600EX

II

-RT

580EX II

7D/60D/600D 

cameras built-in flash,Nikon built-in flash C command and optical 
transmission wireless signal.
The flash mode,manual flash output,exposure compensation,exposure 
bracketing,exposure locking and etc settings of the master unit will be 

automatically transfer to each subordinate unit. 
The YN686EX-RT in optical transmission wireless flash shooting,up the 
supports A

B

C three groups of slave unit flash control,with total four 

channels

CH1/2/3/4

 for option.The setting method of flash grouping 

and transmission channel is the same as the wireless radio transmission 
flash shooting.

Master unit setting

Long press the [Mode]button to enter the 
trigger mode selected interface,rotate the[  
] until the LCD displays the <   

> t o  

enter wireless radio master unit state.Short 
press the [MODE] button to swift the flash 
modes between the ETTL

M

MULTI three 

flash modes.  

Slave unit settings 

Long press the [Mode] button to enter the 
trigger mode selected interface,rotate the[  
] until the LCD displays the<  

> t o  

enter wireless radio slave unit state. When 
the YN686EX-RT used as slave unit,there are Sc

Sn

S1

S2 four 

trigger modes for option.  

S c / S n   t r i g g e r   m o d e   c a n   r e s p e c t i v e l y   r e c e i v e   t h e  
YN686EX-RT,YN600EX-RT(II),YN568EX II,Canon 600EX

II

-RT,580EX II,7D/60D/600D cameras built-in flash,Nikon built-in flash C 
command and optical transmission wireless signal,realize off camera 
TTL and manual flash.When the YN686EX-RT in Sc/Sn trigger mode,the 
flash mode and flash output of slave unit will be totally controlled by the 
master unit.  

Sc trigger mode:

only accept the Canon optical transmission wireless 

flash signal

Sn trigger mode:

only accept the Nikon optical transmission wireless 

flash signal

S1/S2 trigger mode is respectively suitable for the manual flash 
environment and TTL flash environment.When the YN686EX-RTin 
S1/S2 trigger mode, the flash mode will default to M mode, the setting 
method of flash output is the same as set top M mode.   

S1 mode: 

In this mode it will work with the first flash synchronously of 

the master flash, with the result consistent with the use of radio slave. To 
use this mode properly, the master flash should be set to manual 
flash,should not use the TTL flash system with preflight function and the 
red eye reduce function with multiflash. 

S2 mode: 

It is also called “pre-flash cancel mode” . This mode is similar 

with S1 mode, but it can neglect the pre-flash given by TTL flash. 
Therefore, it can support the master flash working in TTL mode. In 
particular, if S1 mode cannot flash properly and sync with your internal 
flash, you can try to use S2 mode. 

1.Unable to turn on the power source or unable to flash.

Please check whether the battery is installed correctly and with enough 
electricity;When using an external battery box, also need to install four 
AA batteries on flash;Please ensure that the flash hot shoe properly 
installed on the camera hot shoe and the flash knob lock fixed.

2.Could not flash in optical transmission wireless flash 

shooting.

When using outdoors, please avoid direct sunlight to the flash wireless 
sensor;Ensure the master unit and the slave unit channel set to 
consistent, and the slave unit is located in the effective wireless 
transmission range of the master unit. 

3.Could not flash in wireless radio transmission.

Please make sure that the channel and ID of the master unit and the 
slave unit to consistent, and the slave units placed in the effective 
wireless transmission range of the master unit. 

4.Photo underexposure or overexposure.

Check if the current camera shutter, aperture, sensitivity (ISO) is too 
close to the limit of the flash, or if the exposure compensation, exposure 
bracketing and relevant settings on the camera and flash are correct.

5.The photos appear dark corners or subject object can 

only partial light up. 

Please check the current flash coverage;Please check whether the lens 
focal length is beyond the range of the flash, if excess you can try to pull 
out the wide panel to enlarge the coverage of the flash.

6.The flash control panel display blurred. 

There is a layer of film on the screen when it out of the factory, you can 
tear it to enjoy more clear visual effect.

7.Flash in error state.

Please try to turn off the flash and remove it from the camera.Then 
install on the camera and restart the flash. If the problem still not be 
solved,please contact to YONGNUO after-sale service center with hot 
line 400-001-3888.

Troubleshooting Guide

Summary of Contents for YN686EX-RT

Page 1: ...not use the flash light in a short distance from the eyes To avoid possible safety accident do not use the flash light on the people who need a high degree of attention This product is dropped or shoc...

Page 2: ...M MULTI Gr flash Supports Wireless Optical Master Function In wireless optical shooting YN686EX RT can be used as master unit to trigger YONGNUO EX speedlites except YN585EX and Canon EX series speedl...

Page 3: ...Guide 29 Specifications 30 31 Conventions used in this user manual In order to learn and master the operation of this speed lite at the meanwhile you read this manual please take user manual of your...

Page 4: ...TL M MULTI Gr Gr mode can only work in wireless master mode 4 Rotate to adjust the selected parameters and press SET button to confirm and save the settings 5 Short press button to enter into focal le...

Page 5: ...ment cover Hotshot contact Sound port LINK Wireless connection indicator Bounce angle index USB port Terminal cover LCD panel Charging indicator TEST button Power switch Lock switch Functional button...

Page 6: ...High speed sync Second curtain sync Battery capacity Auto zoom for sensor size FEB sequence FEB Custom function Aperture Distance indicator M feet Beep Zoom focal length Distance indicator scale Funct...

Page 7: ...ash mode Master unit fires ON Master unit fires OFF Flash group Slave icon Slave Master control Wireless transmission Optical transmission Channel Channel auto set Flash light ratio Flash frequency Ma...

Page 8: ...out to shut down B Overheat prompt A Please replace batteries B Reduce flash frequency or stop using the speed lite until it cools down Red light blinking Overheat prompt Reduce flash frequency or sto...

Page 9: ...bly insufficient Adjust exposure compensation or change the shooting Tick tick twice tick twice The charging has not been completed Wait for completion of charging Tick a long sound The speed lite is...

Page 10: ...contact is correct Close the battery compartment cover in the direction of the arrow as shown 2 Attaching to the Camera Detaching from the Camera Slip the speedlite s mounting foot all the way into t...

Page 11: ...This function prevents the selected parameters from being changed accidentally 3 Test Flash When the charging indicator turns red pressing button to test if the flash is normal or not 4 ETTL Mode Sho...

Page 12: ...troboscopic Mode Short press MODE button to set the flash mode as Multi stroboscopic mode In Multi mode the speedlite fires according to the selected flash output flash frequency and number of flashes...

Page 13: ...on to select focal length value and adjust the focal length value with b u t t o n When displays at the left side of ZOOM icon the flash coverage 24 28 35 50 70 80 105 200mm can be manually adjusted S...

Page 14: ...ly for approx 1 second this feature is called Modeling Flash For detailed operation please refer to the user manual of the camera 11 Power Saving Mode This product is designed with power saving mode a...

Page 15: ...h In this case please keep the speedlite idle for over 10 minutes until the speedlite cools down for continual use In order not to affect shooting please try to use 1 4 output or lower output level wh...

Page 16: ...ite www hkyongnuo com to download the latest update software and firmware to upgrade the speedlite The upgrading method is as follows 1 Connect with the PC through USB cord USB cord is required to buy...

Page 17: ...hes at the moment that the shutter is closing Using slow shutter speed and second curtain sync captures the trail of light source of the subject The second curtain sync function needs to be supported...

Page 18: ...he flash exposure compensation is 3EV 3EV the increment of exposure compensation level is 1 3EV or 1 2EV the increment of exposure compensation should bet set through the camera Short press the functi...

Page 19: ...the camera to focus on the subject then press AE L AF L button on the camera the speedlite will fire a preflash to obtain flash exposure reading for the subject when you confirm the scene framework of...

Page 20: ...nd wide panel at the same time from the flash head and push back the wide panel If you take photo as this time a highlight will be produced in the person s eyes which makes the eyes more charming catc...

Page 21: ...the trigger mode selected interface rotate the until the LCD displays the to enter wireless radio master unit state Short press the MODE button to swift the flash mode of the master unit Slave unit s...

Page 22: ...smission channel and ID setting of the master unit and slave unit are the same otherwise the flash could not work normally When the master unit and the slave unit make connection establishment the LIN...

Page 23: ...smission flash shooting Short press the function button o n the slave unit and set the slave unit as any group of group A B C Short press the function button on the master unit to set the flash group...

Page 24: ...OFF short press the button and rotate the to adjust the e x p o s u r e c o m p e n s a t i o n a n d f l a s h output After the parameter set press the button to return to the shooting ready state SE...

Page 25: ...he Mode button to enter the trigger mode selected interface rotate the until the LCD displays the t o enter wireless radio slave unit state When the YN686EX RT used as slave unit there are Sc Sn S1 S2...

Page 26: ...lash output is the same as set top M mode S1 mode In this mode it will work with the first flash synchronously of the master flash with the result consistent with the use of radio slave To use this mo...

Page 27: ...u short press the function button then short press the function button will restore the custom function to factory default Custom Function supported by YN686EX RT is as following C Fn 00 Distance indi...

Page 28: ...ompt 0 OFF Turn off sound prompt 1 ON Turn on sound prompt C Fn 22 LCD backlight 0 12sec The display time of LCD backlight is 12 seconds 1 OFF Turn off the background light 2 ON Background light long...

Page 29: ...he effective wireless transmission range of the master unit 4 Photo underexposure or overexposure Check if the current camera shutter aperture sensitivity ISO is too close to the limit of the flash or...

Page 30: ...control 1 128 1 1 total of 22 levels of fine tuning External interface hot shoe USB port Wireless triggering distance up to 100m Optical transmission triggering distance 20 25m indoor 10 15m outdoor...

Page 31: ...31 Guide Number ISO 100 in meters feet Flash Output Flash Coverage mm Flash Output Flash Coverage mm Specifications...

Page 32: ...device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules Operation is subject to the following two pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful...

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