FREEWAVE USER MANUAL 1
INTRODUCTION Thank you for choosing the Vello FreeWave Wireless Remote Shutter Release. This device triggers your camera wired or wirelessly, allowing you to trip the shutter without disturbing the camera. It’s ideal for taking pictures of subjects that are difficult to approach, such as wildlife. It also eliminates vibrations caused by pressing your camera’s shutter release button during macro, close-up, or long-exposure photography. The two-second delay function is great for self-portraits.
KEY FEATURES Smart Code: 16,000,000 possible radio channels. No dip switches to set. One transmitter can trigger multiple receivers. Extended Range: up to 100m (320 ft.) Dual-Function Release: Press halfway to focus; press full to trigger shutter. Delayed Release: Two-second delay function gives you extra time to get into position. Multi-function: Trigger your camera wirelessly or wired. Wired triggering works even if the battery in the receiver is dead or missing.
SAFETY WARNINGS • There are no user-serviceable parts inside the devices. Do not attempt to disassemble or perform any unauthorized modification. • Do not operate the FreeWave in the presence of flammable gas or vapors. • Do not handle with wet hands or immerse in or expose to water or rain. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock. • Keep out of the reach of children. This device contains small parts which may pose a choking hazard.
FEATURES DIAGRAM interchangeable shutter release cable antenna confirmation LED confirmation LEDs Transmitter Receiver shutter release button shutter release button shot selector hold/ready button power/set button lanyard loop battery bay 5
POWERING UP Turning ON the Receiver: Press and hold the Set/Power button until the red LED comes on. The Receiver turns off the same way. Press and hold the Set/Power button until the red LED turns off. Turning ON the Transmitter: There is no need for a power button on the Transmitter. The Transmitter is always ready to fire and uses power only when you press the shutter release button. Press and hold the Set/Power button for ~3 seconds to power up the Receiver.
SETTING THE SMART CODE The FreeWave supports 16,000,000 possible radio channels. The units have been synchronized at the factory, so your system can work right out of the box. However, to maximize signal quality and range, it’s best to use the Smart Code technology to sense the “quiet” frequencies in your environment and re-synchronize on that channel. Multiple receivers can be programmed to respond to a single transmitter, allowing you to trigger several cameras with a single transmitter.
MOUNTING THE RECEIVER If using the FreeWave wirelessly, mount the Receiver on your camera’s hot shoe, facing forwards or backwards. If your camera’s hot shoe is in use, you can use an optional straight bracket accessory (Vello CB-600) to attach the Receiver to your camera. With your camera and Receiver OFF, connect the shutter release cable’s sub-mini plug end to the Receiver and the other end to your camera’s shutter release jack. Power up your camera and Receiver.
SINGLE SHOTS | WIRELESSLY 1. Turn on the Receiver by pressing and holding the Set/Power button until the left red LED comes on. 2. Set the Receiver to Ready and the Transmitter to Single/Bulb. 3. Press the Transmitter’s shutter release button halfway to wake or focus your camera (if set to Auto Focus). The LED will turn green. 4. Fully depress the shutter button on the Transmitter. The LED will turn red and the shutter will be triggered.
TWO SECOND DELAY / WIRELESSLY 1. Turn on the Receiver by pressing and holding the Set/Power button until the left red LED comes on. 2. Set the Receiver to Ready and the Transmitter to 2 Sec Delay. 3. Press the Transmitter’s shutter release button halfway to focus the camera (if set to Auto Focus). The LED will turn green. 4. Fully depress the shutter button on the Transmitter. The LED will turn red and the shutter will be triggered after a two second delay.
CONTINUOUS MODE / WIRELESSLY 1. Turn on the Receiver by pressing and holding the Set/Power button until the left red LED comes on. 2. Set the Receiver to Ready and the Transmitter to Cont. 3. Press the Transmitter’s shutter release button halfway to focus the camera (if set to Auto Focus). The LED will turn green. 4. If your camera is set to Single Shot Mode, a full press of the Transmitter’s shutter button will trigger the camera to take five photos.
BULB MODE (LONG EXPOSURE) | WIRELESSLY 1. Set your camera to Bulb mode. 2. Turn on the Receiver by pressing and holding the Set/Power button until the left red LED comes on. 3. Set the Receiver to Ready and the Transmitter to Single/Bulb. 5. Fully depress the Transmitter’s shutter button for three seconds until the red LED on the Transmitter turns off. The shutter will remain open until you half-press or full-press the shutter button again. 4.
SINGLE SHOTS | WIRED The FreeWave Receiver can also be used as a wired remote. With your camera and receiver OFF, connect the shutter release cable’s miniplug end to the Receiver and the other end to your camera’s shutter release jack. Power up your camera. The Receiver does not need to be on, but because the Receiver does not need power in wired mode, the LEDs will not light. 1. Turn on the Receiver by pressing and holding the Set/Power button until the left red LED comes on. 2. Set the Receiver to Ready.
CONTINUOUS MODE | WIRED 1. Power up your camera and set it to Continuous Mode. The Receiver does not need to be on, but because the Receiver does not need power in wired mode, the LEDs will not light. 2. Set the Receiver switch to Ready. 3. Press the shutter release button halfway to wake or focus the camera (if set to Auto Focus). The confirmation LED will not display, so be sure to focus manually or allow the camera to Auto Focus without confirmation. 4.
BULB MODE (LONG EXPOSURE) | WIRED 1. Power up your camera and set it to Bulb Mode. The Receiver does not need to be on, but because the Receiver does not need power in wired mode, the LEDs will not light. 2. Set the Receiver to Ready. 3. Press the Receiver’s shutter release button halfway to wake or focus the camera (if set to Auto Focus). The confirmation LED will not display, so be sure to focus manually or allow the camera to Auto Focus without confirmation. 4.
CHANGING THE BATTERIES The FreeWave Receiver uses a CR2 3V battery which should last through approximately 20,000 triggers. It is easy to change. Slide open the battery door on the end of the unit. The FreeWave Transmitter uses a 23A 12V battery, which should last three years under normal conditions. To replace the battery, release two screws on the back of the unit to access the battery. Be sure to line up the catches on the selector switch before closing.
CAMERA RELEASE CABLES The FreeWave includes a camera release cable that enables the remote to work with certain models of cameras, but just by changing the camera release cable, a single FreeWave Receiver can work with many other cameras as well. At right are models of Vello Camera Release Cables for FreeWave and the cameras they support. For these cables, and cables for other camera models, check with your Vello dealer.
SPECIFICATIONS | TROUBLESHOOTING Power Battery Life Smart Code Channels Range Frequency Confirmation LEDs Shutter Modes Transmitter Receiver 12V / 23A 3V / CR2 up to 3 years approx. 20,000 triggers 16,000,000 possible codes 100m (320 ft) with no obstructions 433 MHz 2 color single shot, 2-second delay, continuous, & bulb 18 Troubleshooting Problems with the FreeWave can be traced to the following most common causes.
KEY FCC FEATURES COMPLIANCE This equipment generates, uses, and can Smart Code: 16,000,000 possible radiate frequency energy, and ifto radioradio channels. No dip switches notset. installed and used in accordance One transmitter can trigger withmultiple the instructions, receivers.may cause harmful interferenceRange: to radioupcommunications. Extended to 100m This(320 equipment has been tested and ft.
Limited One-Year Warranty Vello provides a limited warranty that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship to the original purchaser under normal use for a period of one (1) year from the original purchase dateor thirty (30) days after replacement whichever occurs later. Vello’s responsibility with respect to this limited warranty shall be limited solely to repair or replacement, at its option, of any product which fails during normal consumer use.
