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Success PC Port output on HVL-F7S (Sony NEX) without PREFLASH!!!

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fabianbono
Regular Member • Posts: 190

Success PC Port output on HVL-F7S (Sony NEX) without PREFLASH!!!

May 21, 2012

After a lot of reading of web pages, forums, and with some help from the user OWHK, I successfully modify
my HVL-F&S flash of my SONY NEX C3, to provide a PC Port Sync cable to trigger external flash WITHOUT
PREFLASH!!!!

And the best is that works no matter the Sony Flash is ON or OFF (Up or Down).

It triggers only on main flash strobe, so is perfect to trigger an external flash, or a wireless trigger.

These are the sources of information I use:

A useful mail sent by OWHK, with detail information about how to get the SYNC signal.

http://nex-hack.blogspot.com.ar/2012/01/about.html
(The base of the circuit to amplify the SYNC signal.)

http://kundweb.netatonce.com/~u23400/Dismount.htm
http://info.xitek.com/product/201203/12-75575.html
(How to disarm the flash unit)

http://forum.xitek.com/forum-viewthread-tid-970489-ordertype-1-highlight-f7s-page-1.html
(The real source of information for the success!!, thanks Google Translate)

The below pictures shows you the pins to use, that is SYNC and GND (OWHK, check that is different
from your suggested LGND).

The basic circuit to amplify this signal (and protect camera at same time).

I use all 4,7K Resistor, so use 3 to build 15K, but values not need to be exact.
5K can be up to 10K, and 15K up to 47K.

REMEMBER TO DISCHARGE THE CAPACITOR WITH 1K RESISTOR BEFORE TO WORK WITH THE BOARD.

The point chosen to make the cable connection (better than near 14 pin connector...)

The small box to keep the circuit and cable connection.

Later will take some pictures using this combo, but the test was very successful.
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madzazulu
Senior Member • Posts: 1,311

Re: Success PC Port output on HVL-F7S (Sony NEX) without PREFLASH!!!

May 21, 2012

Cool...I assume this manual flash only.

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RussellInCincinnati
Veteran Member • Posts: 3,201
what would be neat way to get to radio trigger?
May 21, 2012

This is a nice setup for syncing to a flash via a cable . Wonder how exactly you would connect and arrange
a hot shoe that could be strapped to the top of the flash. Into which you could slide a Yongnuo RF-603
remote flash radio transmitter.

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ollie_b
Regular Member • Posts: 164

Re: what would be neat way to get to radio trigger?

May 21, 2012

Good job !
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57509674@N08/

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OP fabianbono
Regular Member • Posts: 190

Re: Success PC Port output on HVL-F7S (Sony NEX) without PREFLASH!!!

May 21, 2012

madzazulu wrote:

Cool...I assume this manual flash only.

Actually, it works in ALL Camera modes, for sure in M mode is the best usage.
SYNC signal is a kind of "shutter pressed" signal, instead of Flash Fire.

RussellInCincinnati wrote:

This is a nice setup for syncing to a flash via a cable. Wonder how exactly you would connect and arrange
a hot shoe that could be strapped to the top of the flash. Into which you could slide a Yongnuo RF-603
remote flash radio transmitter.

My first plan was to attach a shoe at HVL-F7S top, but I refuse by now to avoid damage the flash unit. So,
only wire the cables inside. And I only use what I have at home this weekend!
I'm searching which radio trigger to use, and the plan is to use a small flash bracket to attach the Wireless
TX at side.

I'm researching on Yongnuo RF-603 Wireless Flash Trigger for Canon C1, I think RX can accept my YN560II
at the Hot shoe.

I order this bracket, that is useful to attach my YN560II or Wireless TX trigger:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/260790943042?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

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madzazulu
Senior Member • Posts: 1,311

Re: Success PC Port output on HVL-F7S (Sony NEX) without PREFLASH!!!

May 21, 2012

I meant this is only non TTL ?.

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j13l
Junior Member • Posts: 32

Re: Success PC Port output on HVL-F7S (Sony NEX) without PREFLASH!!!

May 21, 2012

Great idea.

But, the use of an opto-isolator would be safer for the camera. (eg MOC3030 + a resistance for LED)
Some flash have high voltages. http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Thank you for your search.

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OP fabianbono
Regular Member • Posts: 190

Re: Success PC Port output on HVL-F7S (Sony NEX) without PREFLASH!!!

May 21, 2012

madzazulu wrote:

I meant this is only non TTL ?.

Yes, this solution for sure is not TTL.

Actually if you look on HVL-F7S specs, is not TTL neither....

And I'm learning from Zack Arias workshops to use full manual solution, so no need TTL, just manual
settings.

j13l wrote:

Great idea.

But, the use of an opto-isolator would be safer for the camera. (eg MOC3030 + a resistance for LED)
Some flash have high voltages. http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Thank you for your search.

Yes, I know that, but I built this based on my needs only.

My YN560II is low voltage strobe, and my older flash (a Braun BC31) that use to be high voltage, I already
include the optoisolator circuit inside one year ago.
So no risk (for me)!

Every one can improve for sure this solution.

Actually I want to modify some hot shoe to attach in the top of the flash, then an small WLL transmitter can
be attached directly on flash body.

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Smiert Spionam
Contributing Member • Posts: 549

Re: Success PC Port output on HVL-F7S (Sony NEX) without PREFLASH!!!

May 21, 2012

Nice! Looks great.

The RF-603 is not necessarily the best choice for a trigger, though I really like them. In order to use it as a
generic trigger (ie, not attached to a Nikon or Canon body), you have to modify them by adding a resistor.
It's not hard to do (I did it, so I can now use my Nikon RF-603s interchangeably with my NEX-7), but it won't
work without modification.

Some tips:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1042&thread=40946611
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madzazulu
Senior Member • Posts: 1,311

Re: Success PC Port output on HVL-F7S (Sony NEX) without PREFLASH!!!

May 21, 2012

fabianbono wrote:

madzazulu wrote:

I meant this is only non TTL ?.

Yes, this solution for sure is not TTL.

Actually if you look on HVL-F7S specs, is not TTL neither....

And I'm learning from Zack Arias workshops to use full manual solution, so no need TTL, just manual
settings.

I believe it's TTL, manual flash has to have power adjuster. the HVL-F7S doesn't have one. I'm familiar with
using manual flash but for shooting event TTL is what I prefer.

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