ADJUSTING FLASHPOWER OUTPUT
Each AlienBees unit has a stepless 6 f-stop power variability range from full power
(100%) down to 1/32 of the total power, adjustable in whole f-stop increments and
everywhere in between. This flashpower is adjusted on the back control panel with a
slide fader that shows marked fractional increments in whole f-stops.
SYNCHRONIZED FIRING: the SYNC CORD and BUILT-IN SLAVE EYE
Hardwired Sync:
Each unit arrives with a 15-foot sync cord for hardwired, synchronized
firing. The cord’s 1/8-inch miniplug connects to the flash unit on the back control
panel, then connects to your camera via PC-sync connection. With the sync cord
connected and the flash unit powered on, pressing your camera’s shutter will simul-
taneously fire the flash unit.
NOTE:
If your camera does not have an input for this PC-connection, we offer a hot
shoe adapter (sold separately; please see our website at www.paulcbuff.com/hot-
shoeadapters.php to learn more).
Built-In Slave Cell:
Each unit has a built-in slave tripper for wireless firing when used as
part of a multi-light setup. With a multi-light setup, you will only need to connect one
flash unit in the setup to your camera using the sync cord. With one unit connected,
the other units will fire at the same time via their slave trippers. The tripper on each
unit is activated by the slave cell, located on the back control panel, firing the unit
whenever it “sees” the light from another flash as far as 50+ feet away. This slave
cell is disengaged whenever a sync cord or “dummy plug” (used with some remote
controls) is inserted in the sync jack.
NOTE:
The slave cell is designed to sense flashes of light (both visible and infrared);
any flash that it “sees” can trigger it, including the flash from another unit in your
setup, a conventional on-camera, built-in, or pop-up flash (and its pre-flash), and/or
an infrared remote transmitter. Although this gives you more options for triggering,
the presence of extraneous triggers must be considered when you are not the only
photographer in the area. Other flashes (whether on professional or even disposable
cameras), and infrared remotes can inadvertently trigger your flash unit(s).
We additionally offer various remote control options that provide synchronization
between your camera and your flash unit(s), allowing your flash unit(s) to be remotely
triggered. We additionally offer remote control options that provide complete control
over all parameters of the light. To learn more about the remote control options that
we offer for use with the AlienBees units (systems and components sold separately
from flash units), please visit our website.
• to learn about our CyberSync system, visit: www.paulcbuff.com/cybersync.php
• to learn about our LG4X system, visit: www.paulcbuff.com/lg4x.php
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