Bowens XMSR User manual

XMSR Remote & Trigger

User Guide

Bowens.co.ukBowens.co.uk

Bowens International Ltd.

Gilberd Court,

Colchester, Essex,

CO4 9WN,

UNITED KINGDOM.

email: info@bowens.co.uk

tel: +44(0)1206 832650

BWL0850

BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 2-3 14/11/2016 13:20

Congratulations on purchasing your new

Bowens product.

Thank you for choosing the XMSR radio and remote trigger.

The Bowens XMSR has been designed by working closely

with photographers to develop a unit that meets the exacting

high standards demanded by today’s working professionals,

while remaining simple and intuitive to use.

The XMSR has been created as a system remote that will

operate multiple type lighting units including monolights and

generator systems. As a result some features and functions

included in the XMSR may be mutually exclusive of certain

compatible products.

In order to obtain the full benet from your purchase, please

take a few moments to familiarise yourself with this user

manual.

For more information about Bowens products or to nd details

of your nearest Bowens dealer, please visit the website.

Bowens.co.uk

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BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 4-5 14/11/2016 13:20

4 5

XMSR user guide

Table of Contents

Precautions

• Always study and understand this user guide and accompanying safety instructions before using this unit.

• Make sure that the Bowens Instruction and Safety Instructions always accompany this unit.

• Bowens products are intended for professional photographic use only and should not be used for any other purpose.

• Equipment should only be serviced, modied or repaired by authorised and competent service personnel.

Environmental Safety

• Do not place or use the unit where it could be exposed to moisture, dripping, splashing, extreme electromagnetic elds or

in areas with ammable liquids, gases or dust.

• Do not expose the unit to rapid temperature changes in humid conditions as this can lead to internal condensation.

• When transporting the unit between cold and warm conditions always allow the unit to acclimatise for at least two hours.

Radio Frequency

This equipment makes use of the radio spectrum for triggering and remote control and therefore receives and emits radio

frequency energy. Ensure that all specications within this document are followed, especially those concerning operating

temperature and supply voltage range. Make sure that the unit is operated according to local regulations. The frequency

spectrum that this unit uses is shared with other users so interference either with this unit or with other users is possible.

Final Disposal

This unit contains electrical and electronic components that could be harmful to the environment. Follow local legal

requirements for separate disposal of waste, for instance WEEE directive for electrical and electronic equipment on the

European market at the end of the product life.

FCC Information

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this

device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including

interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCCID: 2AI2WXMS

FCC Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the part responsible for compliance could void

the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FCC Statement: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,

pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful

interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy

and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this

equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning

the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following

measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Table of Contents

Safety Instructions

Bowens.co.uk

Safety Instructions

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS • Safety precautions

Environmental safety

Radio frequency

Final disposal

FCC Information

XMSR • Appellation

QUICK CONTROL GUIDE • Batteries

Power On

Functions

OPERATION • Flash Trigger

Remote Control

Camera Release

Pairing

Channels

Groups

Flash Test

Menu Reset

SLAVE SETTINGS • Flash Power

Modelling Lamp

Modelling Lamp On/O

Head On/O

Modelling Mode

Ready Indication Mode

Recharge Speed

Sync (Photocell)

REMOTE SETTINGS • Transmit/Receive Mode

Function

Fast Sync

Fast Sync Time

Sleep Time

Display On Time

Menu On Time

Input Sync Oset

Channel Cycling

UN-PAIRING • Un-pairing

SPECIFICATIONS • USB Input

Specications

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...........................6

...........................7

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...........................9

...........................10

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6 7

XMSR user guide

XMSR Appellation

XMS Appellation

Quick Start Guide

Bowens.co.uk

Quick Start Guide

Summary

FST

EXT

Function

Channel

Group

Mode

Fast Sync

Fast Sync Time

Modelling

Modelling Mode

Head

Indication Mode

Sleep Time

Sync

Recharge Speed

Display on Time

Function

Input Sync Offset

Channel Cycling

Pairing

Un-Pairing

Menu on Time

Extended Menu

Description

Selects Channels 1-16

Selects Groups 1-9

Operation Mode: Transmit (Tx) or Receive (Rx)

Fast Sync on/off

Select Fast Sync Time 1 - 30mins

Modelling on/off

Selects Modelling Mode: Max, Auto, Free, Prop

Head on/off

Selects Indication Mode: Off, Beep, Dim, Dim & Beep

Selects Sleep Time: 5 - 180mins

Selects Photocell Sync Mode: Off, Cell, Pre-Cell

Set Flash Recharge Speed: 10 - 100%

Set Display on Time: 15 - 180secs

Selects Remote Function: Trigger, Trigger & Remote, Remote

Set interval between the remote triggering and its outputs firing.

Select number of channels to be fired sequentially

Pairs remote to compatible slave devices

Un-Pairs remote to paired slave devices

Set menu on time 1 - 60secs

Turns access to extended menu functions on/off

Batteries

Before powering up the XMSR you must rst ensure the correct size and battery type (2

x AAA) are inserted into the unit. To insert batteries rst remove the battery compartment

cover by pressing on the side (as indicated on the cover) and pulling it away from the main

unit. Insert the correct battery type and replace the battery compartment cover.

Power On

To power on the XMSR press and hold the

power on/o button (see page 5).

When the XMSR powers up it will rst display

the Bowens logo, followed by a screen

indicating the keypad conguration.

Functions

Below is a list of the functions and available settings for the XMSR Remote & Trigger.

The XMSR wireless remote permits high speed triggering and adjustment of settings on

Bowens XMS range ash. The XMSR also provides a number of advanced features that

greatly extend the functions available, including input sync bias and channel cycling.

Devices controlled by the XMSR wireless remote are termed as ‘slaves’, the XMSR itself

being the master. Slave devices maybe monolights, packs or another remote congured

as a receiver.

To avoid false triggering of slaves by photographers using another master within the

immediate area, slaves are rst associated to a master that is to control it. This is a one o

process.

The use of groups enable slaves operating on the same channels to be divided into sub-

sets. This allows the settings of slaves to be adjusted independently while still triggering

all slaves on that channel simultaneously.

Item

Ident.

PWR

BTCM

MUSB

SKT1

DPLY

M+

M-

ENT

P+

P-

SKT2

Primary Function

Power on/o

Battery compartment

Micro USB connector

Sync output 3.5mm jack

Colour display

Go to group sub-menu

Modelling lamp power increase

Go to channel sub-menu

Modelling lamp decrease

Go to group sub-menu

Flash test / Exit sub-menus

Flash power increase

Go to channel sub-menu

Flash power decrease

Sync input 3.5mm jack

Secondary Function

Increase sub-menu value

Move to previous sub-menu

Decrease sub-menu value

Flash test / Conrm

Move to next sub-menu

BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 8-9 14/11/2016 13:20

Quick Start Guide 9

XMSR user guide

Operation

XMSR user guide

Quick Start Guide

Bowens.co.uk

Operation

For the remote to communicate with other slave devices on the XMSR network they must

rst be associated or ‘paired’ and be operating on the same channel. For settings such as

ash power and modelling power to be adjusted, the slave must also be on the same group

as the remote.

Pairing

In order for an XMSR to control / trigger a compatible slave device, it must rst be paired

Pairing associates each slave device to the remote, thereby ensuring they only accept

commands from your remote.

Slave devices may be monolights, generator packs or other remotes operating as receivers.

Pairing of each slave device is required only once as these associations are retained by the

remote and slave devices even when powered down.

To commence pairing press the MENU button on the XMS until the display shows ‘Pr’ to

indicate ‘Pairing’ mode. The display will alternate between showing ‘Pr’ and ‘nP’ for ‘new

pair’.

Press the Rotary Control to request pairing with the XMSR. The XMS unit will now display a

steady ‘nP’.

On the XMSR, scroll through the menu to the Start Pairing (SP) option. Press enter to start

pairing. The XMSR will now search for the XMS unit and attempt to ‘Pair’.

When the XMS unit is found its display will change to show a random number alternating

with ‘nP’ and will nish by displaying ‘FP’ for ‘Finished Pair’. If the Sounder is enabled then

this is also accompanied by a short sequence of beeps. This operation could be almost

instantaneous or take up to 30 seconds.

The XMS unit will automatically acknowledge ‘Pairing’ to the XMSR.

Note: Only one slave device should be in teaming mode at any one time.

Flash Trigger

Any slave devices that have a built-in XMSR receiver can be triggered via the XMSR Remote

and Trigger. Slave devices that do not have a built-in XMSR receiver can be triggered by

connecting an XMSR (using the correct cable) that has been set to receive mode (Rx). Only

paired slave device (ash or remote) set to the same channel as the master XMSR will re

when a trigger signal is received.

Remote Control

Bowens XMSR Remote and Trigger can be used to remotely control paired slaved devices

with built-in XMSR receivers. Full control over all functions and available settings can be

remotely controlled / set via the XMSR Remote and Trigger.

Only slaved devices operating on the same group as the master XMSR will be remotely

controlled. Group 9 on the XMSR Remote and Trigger transmits to all groups.

NOTE: If the XMSR Remote and Trigger is transmitting in Group 9, any paired slave

devices operating on the same channel will automatically revert to the same settings as

the remote.

CAMERA

Tx Rx

CAMERA

SLAVE

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XMSR user guide

Operation

XMSR user guide

Operation

Bowens.co.uk

Operation

Groups

This function allows slaves operating on the same channel to be sub-divided into 8

independently adjustable groups while still being triggered together. A group may consist of

single or multiple slave devices. Group 9 transmits to ALL groups. Groups are changed as

follows:

Press &

hold

ENT

Alternatively, to adjust the group start at the main menu and press the key. The current

group setting is shown, use the and keys to select the required group.

Flash Test

Pressing the ENT key at any time (other than when in pairing or un-

pairing modes) test res the ash on all paired devices on the same

channel.

Menu Reset

This option allows the user to jump back to the main menu screen on

the XMSR remote from any point within the menu system. To do this

simply press and hold the ENT button.

On receiving the conrmation signal from the slave, the remote will display “Pairing

Complete” indicating that pairing has been successful.

If the pairing session has not completed, or has been unsuccesful, the XMSR will time-out

after a period of approximately 15s and the message “Slave Not Found” will be displayed.

Repeat the pairing process again.

This process should be repeated for each of

your slave devices.

Additional devices can be paired at any time,

up to a maximum of 127 slaves.

Once teamed the slave device inherits the

group and channel of the remote.

Channels

The XMSR wireless network operates on 16 channels. For the remote to communicate with

the slave devices both must be on the same channel.

The channel is changed as follows:

Pairing Successful Pairing Failed

press &

hold

ENT

Starting at the main menu press the key, the channel sub-menu will be shown,

displaying the current channel. Select the required channel by pressing the and keys.

BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 12-13 14/11/2016 13:20

Slave Settings 13

XMSR user guide

Slave Settings

XMSR user guide

Slave Settings

Bowens.co.uk

Head On/O

The ash head can be

switched on or o by

rst selecting the

‘Head’ sub-menu

using the key,

then selecting either

‘On’ or ‘O’ as required

using the keys.

Note: Some slave devices do not support all modelling modes. These devices will

continue to operate in the last valid selected mode.

Modelling Mode

The modelling mode

can be adjusted by

pressing the key

until the modelling

mode page is

displayed. The

required option can

then be selected using

the keys.

Ready Indication

Mode

The ash ready

indication mode can

be adjusted by

pressing the key

until the indication

mode page is

displayed. The required

option can then be

selected using the keys.

Press &

hold

ENT

Press &

hold

ENT

Press &

hold

ENT

Changes to the settings below are actioned only by slaves on the current channel & group.

Settings for each group are stored, and are fully independent of each other. Slave devices

are updated immediately once a setting is changed, however should a slave device be

activated or changed to operate on the masters current group/channel, the remote should

be test red to synchronise the slave settings with those of the remote.

NOTE: In the event the remote is set to a power level lower than that can be achieved

by one of its slaves, that slave will be set to its minimum power level. In such a case the

displayed values on the remote and slave will dier.

Flash Power

When in the main

menu pressing either

the P+ or P- keys

adjusts the ash

power.

Modelling Lamp

Power

When in the main

menu pressing either

the M+ or M- keys

adjusts the modelling

lamp power.

Modelling Lamp

On/O

The modelling lamp

may be switched on or

o by rst selecting

the ‘Modelling’ sub-

menu using the

key, then selecting

either ‘On’ or ‘O’ as

required using the

keys.

Press &

hold

ENT

Press &

hold

ENT

Press &

hold

ENT

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Slave Settings 15

XMSR user guide

Remote Settings

XMSR user guide

Slave Settings

Bowens.co.uk

With the exception of the ‘Function’ setting these settings eect only the operation of the

remote and do not change settings on the slave device.

Transmit / Receive Mode

The mode setting determines how the remote will operate. When set to Tx the remote

transmits settings/sync trigger commands to slave devices. In the Rx mode the remote acts

as a slave device enabling it to be used to trigger ash devices, or act as a camera release.

While in the Rx mode the ‘Slave Settings’ are not active.

In Rx mode the remote will not respond to commands until it has been paired with the

remote controlling it. As with the pairing of other slave devices this is a once only process.

The mode of operation can be changed by pressing the key until the ‘Mode’ page is

displayed. The mode is then selected using the keys.

Note: the XMSR network permits the use of up to 8 master devices (remotes in Tx

mode), however to avoid setting conicts only one of these must have the ‘Remote’

function enabled (see below).

Function

This setting is only active when in Tx mode. The function mode allows you to select the

amount of functionality the remote is to have. It may be set to ‘Remote & Trigger’ thereby

enabling both adjustment of slave settings & sync triggering. ‘Remote Only’ disables sync

triggering & ‘Trigger Only’ disables the adjustment of slave settings.

The function can be changed by pressing the key until the ‘Function’ page is displayed.

The mode is then selected using the keys.

Press &

hold

ENT

Recharge Speed

The Recharge Speed

can be adjusted by

pressing the key

until the Recharge

Speed page is

displayed. The

required option can

then be selected using

the keys.

NOTE: The Recharge Speed function is only compatibe with units that include this

feature. Currently not supported on the XMS.

Sync (Photocell)

The cell sync can be

adjusted by pressing

the key until the

Sync page is

displayed. The required

option can then be

selected by pressing

the keys.

Press &

hold

ENT

Press &

hold

ENT

BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 16-17 14/11/2016 13:20

Remote Settings 17

XMSR user guide

Remote Settings

XMSR user guide

Remote Settings

Bowens.co.uk

Fast Sync Time

The ‘Fast Sync Time’ page is only visible when the fast sync option is enabled. This

determines how long Fast Sync will remain active after the last trigger pulse before reverting

back to normal sync speed. An interval of up to 30 minutes can be selected. Selecting ‘0’

disables the time-out and the remote will remain in the Fast Sync mode indenitely, however

it is advised that this is only done when connected to an external power supply source via

the USB port. The Fast Sync time can be changed by pressing the key until the ‘Fast

Sync Time’ page is displayed then selecting the required duration using the keys.

Sleep Time

Sleep time is the length of time the remote remains powered-up after the last trigger pulse

was received or key pressed.

An interval of up to 180 minutes can be selected. Selecting ‘0’ disables the time-out and the

remote will remain active indenitely.

The sleep time can be changed by pressing the key until the ‘Sleep Time’ page is

displayed then selected ‘the required duration using the keys.

Press &

hold

ENT

Press &

hold

ENT

Function Cont.

Fast Sync

Fast Sync mode enables Leaf Shutter cameras to sync at speeds faster than their standard

X-Sync. The X-Sync speed for Leaf Shutters is generally limited to the mechanical speed

limitations of the shutter, usually around 1/800th of a second. Fast Sync mode on the

XMSR allows greater speeds than 1/800th second which in some cases can increase up to

1/1600th second.

The ‘Fast Sync’ option permits high speed triggering. Due to its impact on battery life this

opttion is only enabled for a period of time, specied on the ‘Fast Sync Time’ page.

Fast sync can be enabled by pressing the key until the ‘Fast Sync’ page is displayed

then selected ‘On’ or ‘O’ as required using the keys.

Press &

hold

ENT

Press &

hold

ENT

BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 18-19 14/11/2016 13:20

Input Sync Oset

To access the Input Sync Oset screen you must rst turn ‘on’ the extended menu. The

Input Sync Oset function allows adjustment of the interval between the remote being

triggered and its outputs (sync output connector or radio sync command transmission)

being red. In this mode the remote and camera are triggered from an external manual

release.

The ‘Timebase’ denes the range over which the ‘Input Sync Oset’ will operate. There are

three time ranges available 0-999 seconds, 0-999 milliseconds, and 0-990 microseconds.

This allows the delay value to have a wide range while permitting rapid adjustment.

When the remote is operating in Tx mode the value may be set positive or negative within

the range selected in the ‘Timebase’ menu. Positive values cause the remote’s local sync

output to trigger in advance of the radio sync command being translitted. A negative value

causes the remote’s local sync output to be triggered after the transmission radio sync

command. Selecting a value other than zero enables this function. When the remote is

operating in the Rx mode the input sync delay function adds the delay between the sync

command being received and the sync output being triggered. In this mode only positive

values may be entered.

To set the input sync oset time press the key until the ‘Input Sync Oset’ page is

displayed then use the keys to select the oset range. Use the keys to

adjust the selected timebase range, and the keys to select the required timebase.

NOTE: To use the Input Sync Oset function

a ‘trigger switch / release’ with a 3.5mm jack

connection, and a camera compatible motor-

drive cable with a 3.5mm jack connection is

required.

Remote Settings 19

XMSR user guide

Remote Settings

XMSR user guide

Remote Settings

Bowens.co.uk

press &

hold

ENT

Display On Time

The ‘Display On Time’ is the duration the remote’s screen remains on after the last button

press.

An interval of up to 180 seconds can be selected. Selecting ‘0’ disables the time-out and

the display will remain active indenitely, however it is advised that this is only done when

connected to an external power supply source via the USB port.

The display on time can be changed by pressing the key until the ‘Display On Time’

page is displayed then selected ‘the required duration using the keys.

Menu On Time

The ‘Menu On Time’ is the duration the remote’s screen remains on a menu page after the

last press. Once the time period has expired the remote will revert back to the main page.

An interval of up to 180 seconds can be selected. Selecting ‘0’ disables the time-out and

the display will remain active indenitely, however it is advised that this is only done when

connected to an external power supply source via the USB port.

The display on time can be changed by pressing the key until the ‘Display On Time’

page is displayed then selected ‘the required duration using the keys.

Press &

hold

ENT

Press &

hold

ENT

BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 20-21 14/11/2016 13:20

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