RadioPopper P1 Owner's Manual - Sync Interval Adjustment
Sync Interval Adjustment
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RadioPopper P1 Radio Wireless System
Adjusting the Sync Interval
If you are observing a significant number of mis-fires under otherwise normal conditions, you may need to adjust the
sync interval for your particular hardware combination.
Before we describe how to adjust the Sync Interval, some background explanation is in order.
In order for the slave flash to respond correctly to the “reproduced” light signal from the P1 Receiver, the timing of
the reproduced signal must be exceptionally accurate. To insure the original signal and the reproduced signal match
perfectly, the timing circuitry inside the P1 Recievers must be exactly syncronized to that of the P1 Transmitter. These
clocks must remain syncronized to about a millionth of a second at all times.
To accomplish this, the P1 Transmitter sends out a timing marker in the form of a carrier signal at a particular interval
and all active P1 Receivers use this signal to maintain their timing synchronized to that of the transmitter.
It is important that the timing of this marker signal be adjusted so that it does not conflict with the timing of the light
pulses emitted by your Master Flash or IR Commander. Your P1 system may require a quick and painless adjustment to
this timing during first use, or if you make any major changes to your gear.
The timing of the light pulses created by your Master Flash or IR Commander are determined by a combination of what
type of camera body you’re using along with what device you’re using as your Master Flash or IR Commander on the
hot shoe. Because this can vary somewhat depending on your particular hardware setup, you have the ability to adjust
this timing interval to solve any conflict that may exist.
How do I know if the Sync Interval needs adjusting?
The sync interval may be adjusted to a setting of 1 to 10. Your P1 Transmitter ships on setting “10” which is compatible
with most hardware configurations. If your slave flash is being activated correctly by radio, you likely will not need to
adjust this setting.
Indicating an adjustment is required - when taking a shot, you will see your slave flash emit a brief burst of light, but
no flash will be visible in your actual exposure. What you are seeing is your slave flash emitting a pre-flash but no
main flash. If you observe this behavior in a majority of your shots - adjusting the Sync Interval will likely solve the
problem.
You may need to re-adjust this interval if you go to a different class of camera body, a different brand, or if you begin
using complex grouping configurations (you’re using A, B, and C flash groups with ratios for example).
With any given mix of camera body and slave flash hardware, there will likely be several Sync Interval settings that will
not work and several that will. In any case, you should be able to find at least one setting that works reliably for your
hardware through some trial and error during initial setup.
Adjusting the Sync Interval - Instructions
If your P1 system appears to be operating correctly - you’re getting reliable triggering of slave flashes and you see the
flash adding light to your actual exposures, then you should NOT make any change to the Sync Interval.
The Sync Interval may be adjusted to a setting between “1” and “10”. Your P1 Transmitter ships on a default setting of
“10” which is compatible with most hardware.
Starting Adjustment
Press and hold both Power Button and Link Button on your P1 Transmitter at the same time for approximately one
second until both Power LED and Link LED strobe together. Release Power Button and Link Button.
Current Interval Display
Your P1 Transmitter will indicate the current Sync Interval by blinking the Link LED in sets corresponding to the current
adjustment point. Sets of 4 blinks for example represent a Sync Interval adjustment of “4”. There is a clear pause
between sets of blinks. Count the blinks to determine the current adjustment.
Increment Adjustment
To increment the current setting, press the Link Button briefly. The Power LED will light during the button press and
the P1 Transmitter will increment its count. Each press of the Link Button will increment the count by one up to setting
“10”, then it will loop back to setting “1”.
Lock-In New Adjustment
Once the new setting is reached, lock it in by pressing the Power Button one time. The P1 Transmitter will confirm by
blinking both LED’s together a number of times corresponding to the new Sync Interval setting. The P1 Transmitter will
then resume normal operation.
Resuming Normal Operation
P1 Receivers are designed to find and lock onto any Sync Interval carrier signal - they require no adjustment after
changing this setting on your P1 Transmitter. They should automatically re-link to your P1 Transmitter.
Choosing a Setting
So which setting should you choose? There’s a bit of trial and error involved. Again, “10” works great for most
hardware. You should sequentially increment the setting by 1 step at a time and test fire the system at each setting.
You should eventually find a setting that is reliable in triggering your slave flashes.
Suggested Settings
In our testing we’ve found setting “10” (which is the default setting) works with the greatest variety of hardware. A
few suggested alternates for Canon are 4 and 5, and Nikon setting 4 works well.