MK Controls Lightning Bug Manual de usuario
Rev: Version 3.1d May 9th, 2017 Page 2 of 27
Lightning Bug™
Version 3.1
Instruction Manual
Please remember that your safety is much more important than getting the shot.
MK Controls, Inc. is not liable for any injuries or damage that may occur while
using our products. Being safe should always be your primary concern. Lightning
can be lethal. Be sure to seek shelter if a storm is too close!
Please note: MK Controls, Inc. is not liable for any damage or injury associated
with the use of the Lightning Bug™.
Rev: Version 3.1d May 9th, 2017 Page 3 of 27
Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................ 4
Lightning BugTM Features .................................................................................... 6
Specifications ...................................................................................................... 7
Battery Installation/Removal .............................................................................. 8
Camera Connection............................................................................................. 9
Operation ......................................................................................................... 10
Standard Operating Mode ................................................................................ 12
Fireworks Mode ................................................................................................ 14
Additional Features .......................................................................................... 16
Photography Tips .............................................................................................. 19
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 21
Lightning Safety ................................................................................................ 23
Warranty .......................................................................................................... 24
Company Information ....................................................................................... 27
Please note: MK Controls, Inc. is not liable for any damage or injury associated
with the use of the Lightning Bug™. Lightning Bug™ is a trademark of MK
Controls, Inc.
Rev: Version 3.1d May 9th, 2017 Page 4 of 27
Introduction
The Lightning Bug™ – Engineered for your imagination.
The Lightning Bug™ is based upon the science of lightning. There are two
components of lightning; the bright white flash everyone wants to capture and
the unseen infrared light that always precedes it. The Lightning Bug™ uses a high-
speed photodiode sensor optimized to sense the infrared burst that occurs just
before a lightning strike. This infrared light comes from the vaporization of air and
particles in the air. The Lightning Bug™ acts as a lookout for your camera,
watching for a change in infrared light. When a significant change of infrared light
over a very short period of time is detected, it trips the camera shutter to capture
the visible lightning bolt.
The Lightning Bug™ can also be used to take photos of fireworks, cannon shots,
virtually anything that produces a fast-acting rise of infrared light formed by a
high-temperature event.
The Lightning BugTM exclusive sensitivity adjustment circuitry allows the
photographer to customize the unit’s operation to any shooting situation. This
gives the photographer full control over when to take the picture. If you only
wanted to capture the brightest and closest lightning bolts you would decrease
the sensitivity. If you wanted to capture lightning over the city or mountains from
a long distance, just increase the sensitivity. Only the Lightning Bug™ gives you
this level of control.
The Lightning BugTM has, as standard, premium features not found in simpler
lightning detectors. The user can limit the number of possible exposures per
second to between 1 and 10. This feature allows you to capture repeated
lightning strikes successfully, up to the maximum frame rate of your camera.
When trying to capture weather events, your photography gear can get wet;
we’ve designed the Lightning Bug™ to withstand exposure to rain. The design
incorporates weather resistant soft touch buttons.
Rev: Version 3.1d May 9th, 2017 Page 5 of 27
The hot shoe mount included on the Lightning Bug may have an external flash PC
port, or a ¼-20 mount, depending on when it was purchased. Starting in August
of 2015, in response to customer suggestions, we modified our hot shoe mount to
incorporate a standard threaded mounting port.
To help you get the most out of your purchase please take a few minutes to read
this manual. If you still have questions about using your Lightning Bug™, feel free
to email our technical support team at [email protected]. We’ll be happy
to assist.
For examples of the kinds of images that can be taken using the Lightning BugTM,
please look at our gallery website page: http://www.mkcontrols.com/gallery
Here are a few images created using the Lightning Bug™.
Rev: Version 3.1d May 9th, 2017 Page 6 of 27
Lightning BugTM Features
- 26 Levels of sensitivity adjustment.
- Automatic or manual operation of the camera’s meter.
- Auto-meter Off feature to help preserve your camera battery during long
sessions.
- Exclusive Fireworks delay mode – allows a delay between the initial
detected burst, and the actual shutter release. The delay can be adjusted
from 0 to 2.25 seconds in 1/4 second increments.
- Attaches to your camera via an industry standard hotshoe mount. Cables
are available to fit a wide range of cameras.
- Three simple buttons control all of the features.
- Allows limiting of frames per second – can be adjusted from 1 to 10 FPS.
- Water resistant overlay with soft-touch controls protects the Lightning
Bug™ from inclement weather, and ensures that it won’t be accidentally
turned on or off.
- Highly visible orange LED display shows at a glance the current
configuration settings.
- Bright yellow LED flashes when the unit detects an event within its field of
view.
- Allows testing of your camera connection.
- Retains user settings, even with battery removed.
- Power saving mode to prolong battery life.
- Battery can be removed or replaced without removing the Lightning
BugTM from your camera.
- Power On Self-Test (POST) insures that the unit is operational every time
you turn it on.
- Electrical isolation between the unit and your camera via MOSFET
technology to protect the camera’s electronics.
Rev: Version 3.1d May 9th, 2017 Page 7 of 27
Specifications
Front overhang from center of camera shoe: 3.51” / 89.15 mm
Rear overhang from center of camera shoe: 0.74” / 18.80 mm
Overall Height not including shoe mount: 1.13” / 28.70 mm
Overall Height including shoe mount: 2.10” / 53.34 mm
Overall Length: 4.25” / 107.95 mm
Overall Width: 2.60” / 66.04 mm
Weight without battery: 2.96 oz / 83.9 g
Weight with battery: 4.48 oz / 127.0 g
Camera connector port~: 2.5mm Stereo
Battery*: Standard 9 Volt
~Please contact MK Controls, Inc. Technical Support for more information if you intend to make your own
cables.
* MK Controls, Inc. recommends either an Alkaline or General Purpose battery. Rechargeable batteries are not
recommended.
Rev: Version 3.1d May 9th, 2017 Page 8 of 27
Battery Installation/Removal
The Lightning Bug™ case incorporates a battery compartment at the rear of the
unit. A small latch unlocks a removable battery compartment door.
A standard 9 Volt battery is required for operation. To insert it, gently pull the 9V
connector wires out from the compartment and attach a battery. The leads will
only allow the battery to be connected in one direction, and snap the leads in
place.
After installation of the battery, the compartment door should be replaced – it
snaps into position with an audible click.
To remove the battery, reverse the process.
Please note:
MK Controls, Inc. does not recommend leaving the battery in place during long storage periods.
There is a slight current draw whenever the battery is installed, and after a period of months
the battery may no longer have sufficient operating power if left in the Lightning BugTM during
long-term storage. In addition, batteries can, on occasion, leak electrolytes. This fluid is
corrosive, and can damage the circuitry of the Lightning Bug™, in addition to the battery
connector. The Lightning Bug™ Warranty does not cover damage due to a leaking battery.
Rechargeable batteries are not recommended for use in the Lightning Bug™ due to the current
consumption characteristics of the circuitry during operation.
Rev: Version 3.1d May 9th, 2017 Page 9 of 27
Camera Connection
Each Lightning Bug™ purchased includes one cable for connection to your camera.
Additional and/or replacement cables are available from MK Controls, Inc.
The camera connector has a 2.5mm stereo male plug on one end, and the
appropriate connector for your camera on the other. The 2.5mm female socket is
located at the lower right on the unit. When inserting the cable, please make
sure it is fully seated for proper operation.
The camera connector is specific for the model camera you’re using – please
follow manufacturer’s recommendations for insertion of this connector.
When the Lightning Bug™ is powered on, it will automatically activate your
camera’s meter (on cameras that support this feature). Turning the unit ‘off’
automatically will release the meter. There is also a feature that allows your
meter to always remain deactivated until the shutter is tripped – please see the
‘Additional Features’ section for more information.
The Lightning Bug™ is designed to fit an industry standard shoe mount, and is self-
explanatory. For SONY cameras, a hotshoe adapter may be required – see our
website for full details.
WARNING – Do NOT leave the cable inserted in the Lightning Bug™ during storage – this may
damage to the connector. The Lightning Bug™ Warranty does not cover this type of damage.
Rev: Version 3.1d May 9th, 2017 Page 10 of 27
Operation
Mounting the Lightning BugTM on a Camera
First, make sure that both the Lightning BugTM and your camera are powered off.
Attach the unit to your camera’s hotshoe, and then install the shutter cable. You
can then power both units on – either can be turned on first.
Point your camera, and the let the Lightning Bug™ do the rest!
Basic User Controls
The Lightning Bug™ has three ‘soft-touch’ buttons that are used to operate all of
the features:
On/Off
Decrease Sensitivity (or Delay in Fireworks Mode)
Increase Sensitivity (or Delay in Fireworks Mode)
Standard Mode vs. Fireworks Mode
While powering on the Lightning Bug™, the unit will start in Standard Mode
(suitable for Lightning photography) or Fireworks Mode (allows for delayed
shutter release) depending on which buttons are held down during startup.
To start the unit in Standard Mode, press and hold the On/Off button for
approximately 2 seconds.
To start the unit in Fireworks Mode, press and hold the On/Off button, and the
Increase Sensitivity button (the rightmost button) simultaneously for
approximately 2 seconds, then release both buttons.
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