Control Panel Guide
I
A
B
F
H
D
M
R
S
O
L
C
G
J
E
K
Q
P
A. Transmit Indicator B. Socket 1 - 4
C. Master + & - D. Channel A - C
E. Lamp On / Off F. Cell
G. Sound H. Radio
I. Bracket J. Lamp Mode
K. Menu L. Select
M. Done N. Directional Pad
O. Power (Reset) P. Test
Q. Channel Selector R. Studio Selector
S. Sync Input
- 2 -
Testing the Control
Your RC3 Digital Remote Control, will have been fitted
with new batteries at the factory. Bowens cannot accept
liability for the condition of the batteries which may
require replacement before use.
Check that the control operates by pressing any button
and confirming the Transmit Indicator flashes.
N.B. Although this indicates that the remote control is
operational it cannot guarantee that the unit being
operated has received the transmission.
If the Transmit Indicator flashes slowly three times after a
key is released or does not light at all then the batteries
should be changed at the earliest opportunity. Batteries
in a poor condition will result in the RC3 having a reduced
operational range.
Battery Fitting
See specifications for recommended battery type.
To fit new batteries remove the rear cover by removing
the 4 fixing screws with a suitable sized pozidrive
screwdriver. Hold the PCB within the top cover and
carefully prise the old batteries out of the battery holder
and dispose of them responsibly. Always fit new batteries
in pairs. Never mix new and used batteries or use
different makes and types together. Clip the two new
batteries into the battery holder ensuring that they are
fitted with the correct polarity. Reassemble the remote
control taking care not to over tighten the fixing screws.
The control is now ready for use.
- 3 -
IR Remote Control Restrictions
The RC3 is able to control Bowens Infra Red (IR) Remote
capable units, Bowens Radio Trigger capable units and
separate Bowens Pulsar and Litelink Radio Triggers. The
following assumes that you are familiar with the operation
of the equipment being controlled. Read the unit manual
in conjunction with this user guide if you are unsure about
the use of any of the controls. Accessible functions vary
with the unit type.
Ensure that the target unit(s) you wish to operate are
switched on. Set REMOTE on all the units to ON. When
using the IR remote always point the unit towards the
control panel of the target unit.
Any IR system tends to be directional and although the IR
signal can be ‘bounced’ off certain objects or walls, it
may not work reliably with a number of units that are
spaced far apart. Whenever possible always point the
remote control directly towards the control panel of the
target unit or units requiring adjustment.
N.B. The Photocell flash detector on units is very
sensitive and can be activated by the RC3, if used at
close range (typically <0.7m).
IR Control of QuadX & Esprit DX
Esprit DX / 750PRO: continued.
• The RC3 provides for the BRACKET + or
BRACKET - button function on the 750PRO
by first pressing the BRACKET button (I)
followed by either MASTER + or MASTER -
(C) within 2 seconds.
• The RC3 no longer provides the MIN or MAX
function available on the RC1 or RC2.
• The RC3 SKT 1-4 (B), CH A, CH B, CH C (D),
DONE (M), MENU UP (N), MENU DOWN (N)
and RADIO (H) buttons have no equivalent
function on the Esprit DX and 750PRO.
Select the desired channel number on the target unit.
Note that the RC3 has five channels available, ALL and 1-
4 inclusive. The studio number has no effect.
Set the remote control channel selector switch to the
required channel. Point the remote control at the target
and operate the desired controls exactly as if you were
using the controls on the target itself. Exceptions to this
rule are as follows:
QuadX:
• To adjust the bracket step press the POWER
button (O), followed by the MASTER + / -
buttons (C).
• To change the modelling mode on each socket,
press LAMP MODE (J) followed by the required
SKTx number button (B). Subsequent pressing of
the SKTx button (B) will cause the mode to change.
Use the ALL button to change all sockets
simultaneously.
• To adjust the lamp bias level when the modelling
mode is either 100% or Auto, press the LAMP
MODE button (J), followed by the MASTER + / -
button (C).
Esprit DX / 750PRO:
• The RC3 MASTER + and MASTER - buttons
(C) are the same as the UP and DOWN
buttons.
• The RC3 MENU button (K) is the same as the
FUNC button.
• The RC3 LAMP ON/OFF button (E) is the
same as the LAMP button.
• The RC3 LAMP MODE button (J) is the same
as the INT button.
- 4 -
IR Control of QuadX & Esprit DX
- 5 -
Functions Summary
IR Control of Multiple Units
Select the required channel number on each target unit to
be controlled. If you require individual control then set
each one to a different channel. If you require two or more
units to be controlled together as a group then give them
the same channel number.
Set the remote control channel selector slide switch to
the chosen channel for the particular unit, or group of
units required.
If you want to change a particular function on ALL of the
target units, then set the remote control Channel select
slide switch to ALL.
Channel 0 / ALL
Select Channel 0 or ALL on the target units if you require
them to respond regardless of the RC3 Channel selected.
IR Control of All Target Units
Finding an Unknown Unit
Channel Number
The channel number of any target unit can be found
remotely, provided the REMOTE function on the target
unit is switched on.
If the target receives a valid Infra Red signal which is on
a different channel to what it is set to, the target unit will
indicate the channel number that is set on the unit.
N
