Pavel Kolpakov

First of all, i would compare YS-D3 profile to existing YS-D2 profile, maybe the difference is very small and no sense to update. I will specify. Please wait for few days. I will share the info.

YS-D3 profile will be added to UWT firmware at the end of this week. I will also share TTL test results of YS-D3 by optics and by sync cord.

UWTechnics triggers support Backscatter Mini Flash. They all were updated specially for this strobe in September-2020. As example, this is product #11075-HSS i tested with Sony A7-A9 and MF-1 strobe:

I evaluated Z-240 sensitivity range few years ago. Z-240 optical receiver was more sensitive in red light, than in white light. And yes, it also has sensitivity in near infrared, but in red range it is better. That was a reason for red LED usage in TTL triggers. And later this solution was confirmed for many times in comparison tests.

Hi Chris, I will post the results here. I will receive YS-D3 after a week or so.

I guess YS-D3 must work TTL by wires normally. I don't see any problem for that. Officially, we did not test YS-D3 TTL by the sync cord yet, but plan to do it. If you can wait about a week, until we get YS-D3 for tests, we can supply you with the confirmed information. Let's be in contact by e-mail. YS-D3 does not have HSS. Only Retra strobes have HSS functionality. If you want HSS, you need "Retra Pro" strobes and UWTechnics TTL-Converter marked "HSS", those new boards have HSS updated firmware and hardware (available since August-2020).

No, it is not manual. UWTechnics TTL-Converters have electric TTL for sync cord, the same as optical TTL for fiber cable. Both connections work TTL. Of course for sync cord usage, user has to install an electric bulkhead on the housing. This is popular option.

YS-D3 has an extremely low optical input sensitivity. To control such input, Sea&Sea produces their own optical YS Converter, powered by big size AAA batteries (2 pcs.). Those batteries have only 12 hours of continuous working time, because device eats a giant energy, like a xenon flash. I don't think that such power solution is adequate for LED control systems at all. YS-D3 needs it for optical control. By the way, did you try YS-D3 with an electric sync cord? Most of TTL Converters on the market also can control TTL strobes by electric sync cord, it can solve the problem.

I tested TTL of Canon R5 few months ago. TTL protocol is the same as in other Canons of course, but TTL module inside R5 camera has significantly different profile (ttl-curve) than other Canons, and also some other problems. It can cause potential problems of compatibility .... Few months ago UWTechnics even developed a special ttl-curve for TTL-Converter firmware, - specially for R5 camera support.

You mean #26308 product (black color PCB). It did not have Retra TTL profile, no HSS support. Yes, for usage with Retra Pro, you have to replace TTL board.

Hi Jose, Please check the User Manual of your TTL-Converter, If it already supports Retra Pro strobe (rotary switch position "7"), you have to update Retra Pro firmware up to V2.5 now.

If you mean TTL board for Sony A7-A9, the hardwire was upgraded even in spring this year. Probably you have a last version hardwire. Anyway, let's contact by e-mail to specify some technical details.

It is available to update this firmware for most of TTL boards. Please contact UWTechnics company for details by e-mail (uwtechnics@gmail.com). TTL boards manufactured since last summer have also some hardwire changes for better Retra Pro support and also this new firmware.

I want to add some information for users, that UW Technics in cooperation and with the support or Retra team updated the firmware of TTL-Converters for Retra HSS and TTL support of this particular firmware version V2.5. So, all TTL-Converters manufactured last months are tuned for this new firmware.

Hi John, MF-1 requires some more optical power for control than some other strobes. Buy this reason, for example, UWTechnics updated all their TTL-Converters, - specially for Backscatter MF-1 strobe better support. Optical power and pulse duration in M mode has been increased in all circuitry produced since September.

Housing sold.

Ok, but better ask manufacturer, what do those words mean, - Ys110a concrete separate profile exists in firmware (user can choose exactly only "YS-110a" by switch), or just "compatibility" at another strobe profile.

Result will be the same with all manufacturers TTL boards, if YS-110a profile does not exist in firmware.

YS-110a will work, but TTL curve is significantly different. As for me, the flash control will not be good enough. But that's up to you.

Sorry, there is no YS-110a profile in that firmware. Firmware includes the following TTL-profiles: Inon Z240, Inon Z330, Retra Pro, Sea&Sea YS-D1, Sea&Sea YS-D2 (China version), Sea&Sea YS-250, Ikelite DS-161, DS-160 Subtronic Pro-160 Subtronic Pro-270.

The "FLASH" symbol confirms that camera recognizes Nikon compatible device on the HotShoe and TTL protocol works properly. You have to begin with this. The other details mean nothing for a while, until you get camera TTL protocol working. Check all wires in system (5 wires from HotShoe plug to TTL circuit and power supply 2 wires: +6v/Ground from Ikelite strobe to TTL circuit). Check these lines also using measuring gadget, if available. When you are sure that all wires and connectors are normal, you have to think about TTL circuit board. Ikelite old circuits fail quite often. I have a lot of them in basket after repairs of Ikelite housings. If the circuit is failed, you simply have to change it to new. In common case, TTL system repair in Ikelite housing is not simple if you don't have necessary skills, better ask an engineer for it.

Hi Tim, First of all, check if camera recognizes TTL circuit. If TTL protocol works, Nikon camera confirms it by the strobe symbol on the service screen.

Hi Joss, Yes, if Retra strobe is in HSS mode, you can shoot at slow (normal) speeds too, using Nikon. But in common case, i would recommend to set Retra to M mode when use normal sync speeds, by 2 reasons: 1) In HSS position the flash intensity adjustment range (by another knob) is rather limited on both sides, it is acceptable for HSS pulsating flash, but user can not get Full power from the strobe, and minimum powers are limited too. So, when you don't need HSS, but use normal speeds, you can get a full range of available flash power, you have to use a simple mono-flash (set Retra to M mode). 2) In HSS position, but at normal sync speeds, the normal lighting is available only on Nikon cameras, because of Nikon simple X-sync for HSS flash. But on Canon / Sony / etc., there will be a dark strip on the image, because those brands use significantly different sync type/timings for HSS flash. So, this is also a reason to set Retra to M mode when normal sync speeds are in use.

Hi Jose, You can look online User Manual for TTL-Converter #11031-HSS here: https://ru.calameo.com/read/005560836d01ae694dc7e I also can send PDF, if you give me an e-mail.

Yes, of course, it works the same way on all versions of UWTechnics HSS boards. If user chooses "Auto FP" in Nikon sync menu, it switches system to M mode automatically. When shutter speeds are in limit up to 1/250, it works by normal sync mono flash. If use 1/320-1/8000 high speeds, then system automatically switches to HSS mode.