MK Controls Lightning Bug Plus Bedienungsanleitung
Rev: Version 1.2 June 16th, 2022 Page 2 of 26
Lightning Bug Plus™
Firmware Version 1.2 AND
EARLIER
Instruction Manual
Please remember that your safety is much more important than getting the shot.
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 Plus™.
Lightning Bug™ and Lightning Bug Plus™ are trademarks of MK Controls, Inc.
Rev: Version 1.2 June 16th, 2022 Page 3 of 26
Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................ 4
Lightning Bug PlusTM 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 ....................................................................................... 26
Rev: Version 1.2 June 16th, 2022 Page 4 of 26
Introduction
The Lightning Bug Plus™ – Engineered for your imagination.
The Lightning Bug Plus™ 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 Plus™ uses a
high-speed phototransistor 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 Plus™ 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 Plus™ 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 Bug Plus™ 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 Plus™ gives
you this level of control.
The Lightning Bug PlusTM 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 Plus™ to withstand exposure to rain. The design
incorporates weather resistant soft touch buttons.
Rev: Version 1.2 June 16th, 2022 Page 5 of 26
The hot shoe mount included on the Lightning Bug Plus may have an external
flash PC port, or a ¼-20 mount, depending on when it was purchased. The hot
shoe mount incorporates a standard threaded mounting port. Some hot shoes
may have a PC port and switch, these are non-functional.
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 Plus™, feel
free to email our technical support team at support@mkcontrols.com. We’ll be
happy to assist.
For examples of the kinds of images that can be taken using the Lightning Bug
PlusTM, please look at our gallery website page:
http://www.mkcontrols.com/gallery
Here are a few images created using our legacy product the Lightning Bug™.
Rev: Version 1.2 June 16th, 2022 Page 6 of 26
Lightning Bug PlusTM 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.
- Allows adjustment of post-trigger delay to improve capture percentage when using
with ‘fast’ or ‘zero lag-time’ cameras.
- Water resistant overlay with soft-touch controls protects the Lightning Bug Plus™
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 Bug PlusTM 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.
- Internal firmware is field-updateable via a standard USB-C connector (cable included
with the product).
Rev: Version 1.2 June 16th, 2022 Page 7 of 26
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.
* The Lightning Bug Plus™ will operate with all 9V battery technologies, including rechargeable.
Rev: Version 1.2 June 16th, 2022 Page 8 of 26
Battery Installation/Removal
The Lightning Bug Plus™ case incorporates a battery compartment at the rear of
the unit. A small latch unlocks a removable battery compartment door.
A 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 Bug PlusTM
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 Plus™, in addition to the battery
connector. The Lightning Bug Plus™ Warranty does not cover damage due to a leaking battery.
Rev: Version 1.2 June 16th, 2022 Page 9 of 26
Camera Connection
Each Lightning Bug Plus™ 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 Plus™ 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 Plus™ is designed to fit an industry standard shoe mount, and is
self-explanatory. For some older SONY cameras, a hotshoe adapter may be
required.
WARNING – Do NOT leave the cable inserted in the Lightning Bug Plus™ during storage – this
may damage to the connector. The Lightning Bug Plus™ Warranty does not cover this type of
damage.
Rev: Version 1.2 June 16th, 2022 Page 10 of 26
Operation
Mounting the Lightning Bug PlusTM on a Camera
First, make sure that both the Lightning Bug PlusTM 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 Plus™ do the rest!
Basic User Controls
The Lightning Bug Plus™ 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 Plus™, 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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Andere MK Controls Kamerazubehör Handbücher
