TTL systems in underwater photo

[Pavel Kolpakov 74]

I want to propose a discussion of various TTL systems that were not previously covered in the "Articles" partition of Wetpixel, including rare and serial versions, modifications of TTL technics, etc. Automatic flash lighting is interesting to many underwater photographers. Let's discuss the nuances of various TTL converters and underwater strobes, flash features of different cameras, connectors, pinouts, optics and electric, as well as installations of TTL system in various brands housings, etc. For my part, I will be happy to share information that i have, for those who are interested.

Edited April 6, 2019 by Pavel Kolpakov

[davec13o2 7]

My favorite topic.

 

Waiting for the UW-Technics converter for Sony a7RII in a Meikon case. Since Meikon only has wired connector, I’m wondering how a fiber optic window could be fitted to connect to 2 Retras. It seems to me that the easiest mod would be to exchange the electrical bulkhead connector for a single transparent one with external connection to a rubber stopper type connector with 2 holes to insert 2 fibers.

 

Any comments appreciated.

[Pavel Kolpakov 74]

Hi,

 

Meikon A7 series housings have 1 bulkhead of special shape mount. For TTL system user can change it to UWTechnics Optical Bulkhead or Electric bulkhead (Nikonos / Ikelite / S-6), all will be available in Meikon mount version. If you are interested in dual cables usage, i would recommend the following:

- HowShot Dual Fiber Optic Cable 613L

- Sea&Sea Dual 5-pin Sync Cord

- Ikelite Dual Sync Cord

Inon Double Hole Rubber Bush .... i would not recommend for this aim. It will work, but rubber is not reliable holder for longtime usage.

Edited April 10, 2019 by Pavel Kolpakov

[davec13o2 7]

Thank you. Very interesting. I await release of the UW-T converter.

 

i may switch to Inon Z330s if Retra are significantly delayed. In that case, it would have to be dual fiber connection as Inon manual states a Y sync cord connection could damage the Z330, although some report successful operation.this way. I would not want to take the chance in case I had to return the Z330 for some reason.

[Pavel Kolpakov 74]

.... Y sync cord connection could damage the Z330,

Sorry, what do you mean?

[echo2600 10]

Sorry, what do you mean?

See below thread....

 

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=63585&do=findComment&comment=404279

[Pavel Kolpakov 74]

Thanks for the link.

Edited April 11, 2019 by Pavel Kolpakov

[Pavel Kolpakov 74]

Inon manual states a Y sync cord connection could damage the Z330

May i ask you please show that page of Z330 User Manual ?

I can explain what does INON mean there and other details.

[davec13o2 7]

May i ask you please show that page of Z330 User Manual ?

I can explain what does INON mean there and other details.

I returned the manual with the strobes to the US seller. I just sent a message to them and other sellers to see if they could copy the page for me or if I could purchase the manual. I’ll be in touch about their responses.

 

Maybe someone else on this forum who has purchased Z-330s could help out with the page.

 

The US supplier, who didn’t want to reverse the sale, contacted the factory in Japan and were told that they had no solution to preventing possible strobe damage if connected in parallel. The US supplier recommended returning the strobes, which is what I did.

[Pavel Kolpakov 74]

Ok, my friends help me with that page copy.

I marked the Warning about dual sync cord by red color:

 

 

Electric input type in Z330 and Z240 strobes is identical, pulled up by resistor to +battery voltage. Inon realizes, if one strobe with better batteries has higher voltage on input lines than other strobe in a pair, this influence is not good for electronics. That is why Inon doesn't recommend to connect 2 strobes in parallel directly (without isolation diodes). As electronics engineer, i can understand such recommendation. But in concrete case, my opinion is that Warning is just overinsurance, by the following reason:

Modern dual sync cords don't have direct parallel connection between 2 strobes. They have isolation diodes /transistors inside, which prevent influence of one strobe to another.

The same isolation (using transistors) have UWTechnics TTL-Converters on the board. User can connect any pairs of strobes by sync cords, even different type strobes with different supply voltages, it does not matter. This is a system of isolation and safety onboard.

 

And of course, user can use Dual Fiber Optic cables.

For TTL systems the best are 613-core cables (Japanese optical core, 613 fibers inside). It has the best transmission index at our market now.

Edited April 12, 2019 by Pavel Kolpakov

[adamhanlon 0]

Great info....thanks Pavel!

 

Adam

[davec13o2 7]

Very good information. Thanks.

 

So, TTL can be achieved with the UWTechnics converter by either fiber optic or dual sync cable with any combination of strobes?

[Pavel Kolpakov 74]

So, TTL can be achieved with the UWTechnics converter by either fiber optic or dual sync cable with any combination of strobes?

Yes, of course. If you have a single bulkhead on Meikon housing, you can use strobes in a pair either by dual fiber optic or by dual sync cord.

Edited April 12, 2019 by Pavel Kolpakov

[davec13o2 7]

Can you say if UWTechnics has been in contact with Retra so the new Sony converter will have the correct (and tested) connection protocol considering that the converter will likely be available before the strobe? Or would the converter have to be sent back for an update after the strobe becomes available?

Edited April 13, 2019 by davec13o2

[Pavel Kolpakov 74]

Can you say if UWTechnics has been in contact with Retra so the new Sony converter will have the correct (and tested) connection protocol considering that the converter will likely be available before the strobe? Or would the converter have to be sent back for an update after the strobe becomes available?

UWTechnics is in contact with Retra team regarding new strobe. When that strobe is ready, the TTL-profile firmware will be ready very quick too.

I don't know the date of strobe release, no information for today. Of course, TTL-profile cannot be produced before the strobe.

If you need TTL firmware update in future, you can make it at any time, this is easy.

Edited April 13, 2019 by Pavel Kolpakov

[davec13o2 7]

Very good. Thanks.

 

Can firmware change be done online or must converter be sent back to factory?

[Pavel Kolpakov 74]

Very good. Thanks.

Can firmware change be done online or must converter be sent back to factory?

Easy to update it at any diving exhibition (for example DEMA show, BOOT show, etc.), it takes 2 minutes.

Also, you can send it to the factory for update, at any time. Contact UWTechnics by e-mail or Facebook.

Edited April 14, 2019 by Pavel Kolpakov

[davec13o2 7]

Hello Pavel,

 

Is there any word when the UW-Technics converter for Sony will be available?

 

Thank you

[Pavel Kolpakov 74]

Is there any word when the UW-Technics converter for Sony will be available?

Sony TTL converter is in work now. Hope firmware will be ready in 1 month.

Edited April 29, 2019 by Pavel Kolpakov

[paolobl65 44]

Hello Pavel ,

do you know if UW Technics converter works in TTL with the new strobe ONE 160X ( https://www.oneuw.com/en/one-160x-strobe/ ) ?

many thanks

Paolo

Edited May 6, 2019 by paolobl65

[Pavel Kolpakov 74]

Hello Pavel ,

do you know if UW Technics converter works in TTL with the new strobe ONE 160X ( https://www.oneuw.com/en/one-160x-strobe/ ) ?

many thanks

Paolo

Hi Paolo,

This is a new strobe, announced recently. Of course, UWTechnics TTL Converters works with it. Because this is just a typical 160w strobe with a round tube. It's ttl-profile must be very similar to Ikelite DS-160 or Subtronic Pro-160, which are supported by TTL Converter.

If this strobe will be widely distributed on the market in future, It would be good to describe it's TTL more detailed. I can do it, but need a sample for tests, at least for 1 day.

Edited May 7, 2019 by Pavel Kolpakov

[paolobl65 44]

Hello Pavel ,

thank you for answer .

 

I saw new new article ( May 5th ) in wetpixel : https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/ShowUserReviews-g312559-d4431592-r388696566-Pro_Dive_Centre-Port_Elizabeth_Eastern_Cape.html

 

price is 450$

 

but in UW Tecnichs website ( https://uwtechnics.com/index.php/online-store/ttl-converters/for-canon/11044-ttl-converter-for-canon-for-sea-sea-underwater-housings-detail ) the price of same item is 495 $

 

maybe the website is not updated to new correct price ?

( ... I'm going to order but this mistake stopped me ... )

 

 

thanks

Paolo

Edited May 11, 2019 by paolobl65

[Pavel Kolpakov 74]

... price is 450$ , but in UW Tecnichs website ( https://uwtechnics.com/index.php/online-store/ttl-converters/for-canon/11044-ttl-converter-for-canon-for-sea-sea-underwater-housings-detail ) the price of same item is 495 $

 

Hi Paolo,

Different price may be dependently of optional products (if included).

 

Standard kit includes TTL board, HotShoe cable, 2 pcs optical LED emitters with plastic adapters.

This is most popular setup, purposed for Optical TTL usage.

 

Optional products

If user also needs Electric TTL via Sea&Sea Nikonos bulkheads, usually he requires electric cable adapters (1 or 2 pcs). This is optional product. There can be few variants, dependently of parts (UWT connector or original Sea&Sea connector, 1 or 2 pcs, etc.). Better specify optional parts when ordering.

 

Maximum configuration includes 2 optical + 2 electric connections, simultaneously working in TTL.

You can look such installation picture in Article here at Wetpixel.

Edited May 11, 2019 by Pavel Kolpakov

[paolobl65 44]

 

Hi Paolo,

Different price may be dependently of optional products (if included). There was such optional kit on the website, but it is already updated to standard kit.

 

Standard kit includes TTL board, HotShoe cable, 2 pcs optical LED emitters with plastic adapters.

This is most popular setup, purposed for Optical TTL usage.

1s-SeaSea-Nikon-TTL-board.jpg

 

Optional products

If user also needs Electric TTL via Sea&Sea Nikonos bulkheads, usually he requires electric cable adapters (1 or 2 pcs). This is optional product. There can be few variants, dependently of parts (UWT connector or original Sea&Sea connector, 1 or 2 pcs, etc.), all are available. Better specify optional parts when ordering.

4s-Electr-conect.jpg

 

 

Perfect Pavel !

I only need the Optical ( standard ) Kit !

thanks again

Paolo

Edited May 11, 2019 by paolobl65

[Pavel Kolpakov 74]

Yes, for Optical TTL you need just a standard kit.

To be sure in technical details of that TTL board, you can look online User's Manual

Edited May 11, 2019 by Pavel Kolpakov