INPUT SOCKET TO LEDS
The toggle <> in Configuration tab allows the user to select the flash pulse source. If the toggle is inactive, the ControllerBox will send flash pulses to the cameras, at a user specified time after the shutter signal is sent to the camera. If the toggle is active, then the hot shoe / flash sync output of the camera must be connected to the Trigger Input on the front of the ControllerBox via the supplied cable. In this mode, the ControllerBox will send a flash pulse to the lighting nodes the instant it receives a flash signal from the camera.
Syncing the lighting nodes directly to the camera's flash output frees the user from a number of timing responsibilities. In un-synced mode, the user must know the exact frame rate and shutter lag of the camera. Both of these values will change with different camera settings, which would require a new measurement every time the aperture/ISO/shutter speed and other settings are changed.
PREFOCUS
DSLR cameras normally require a half-press/AF signal before the shutter will release. The ControllerBox will assert the camera's AF line and wait for the specified PREFOCUS time before sending a shutter signal to the cameras. The default value should be valid for most cameras, but may require increasing with some camera models. The focus line will be released automatically after shooting.
FLASH LAG
If the INPUT SOCKET TO LEDS toggle is active, this control has no effect, as the lighting nodes will follow exactly the camera's flash timing. If the toggle is inactive, the ControllerBox will wait for a user-specifed number of milliseconds between sending the shutter trigger signal to the camera and generating the corresponding flash pulse.
GET PULSE PERIOD
This button allows the user to accurately measure the frame rate of the camera connected to the TRIGGER INPUT on the ControllerBox. To get an accurate measurement, the camera must be set to continuous release mode. The ControllerBox will assert the AF and shutter lines, causing the camera to take a number of shots. The ControllerBox measures the time between flash signals received at its TRIGGER INPUT, which is shown on screen after readings are taken. Typical values for a Canon 7D are ~110mS period or 9.1 FPS.
GET SHUTTER LAG
This button allows the user to accurately measure the time between the camera receiving a shutter signal and generating a flash pulse. The shutter lag will vary with camera settings, and be subject to some amount of jitter. To account for some natural camera jitter/variation across cameras, it is recommended to set the flash lag at least 10 milliseconds longer than the flash lag. This maximises the likelihood that all camera shutters will have opened before a flash pulse is sent to the lighting nodes.
RE-ASSIGN ID BUTTON
Use with extreme caution! This button allows the user to reassign the ID of any Node attached to the first line of the ControllerBox to the value specified in the number box. This is intended for use when replacing a node on the system with a spare. It is highly recommended to completely disconnect the data connection to the lighting nodes from the ControllerBox, having only a data connection between the ControllerBox and the node having its ID updated.