Vello WIRELESS SHUTTRBOSS 4.0

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Summary

Connecting the Remote

Wired Setup

Connect the transmitter to your camera using a cable for wired remote operation.

Controls

Mode Button

Change shooting modes by pressing the Mode button; cursor indicates selection.

Audio Confirmation

Toggle audible tones for shutter release, timer start/stop via the Mode button.

Lock Button

Locks all controls by pressing and holding the lock button for 2 seconds.

Backlight Button

Activate display panel backlight by pressing the button; remains lit for 10 seconds.

Directional Pad

Navigate timer functions and time positions using directional arrows.

Shooting Modes

Single Shot (S)

Captures a single exposure; press shutter release halfway to focus, fully to trigger.

Continuous Shots (C)

Captures multiple exposures; press shutter release halfway to focus, fully to trigger.

BKLN: Exposure Time Bracketing

The Vello Wireless ShutterBoss 4.0 is an advanced remote timer designed for photographers seeking precise control over their camera's shutter functions, both wired and wirelessly. This device offers a comprehensive suite of timer functionalities, making it ideal for self-timed photos, long exposures, time-lapse photography, and use as an intervalometer. Its primary function is to program delayed shutter release times, lengthy exposure durations, and timed intervals between a sequence of shots, thereby expanding creative possibilities for photographers.

Function Description

The ShutterBoss 4.0 operates as a versatile camera remote, offering both wired and wireless connectivity. In its core function, it allows users to trigger the camera's shutter manually, providing a simple and direct way to take photos without touching the camera. This is particularly useful for preventing camera shake during critical shots. Beyond manual control, the device excels in its timer capabilities. It features a "DELAY" function, enabling users to set a timed delay before an exposure or sequence of exposures begins, ranging from 0 seconds up to 99 hours, 59 minutes, and 59.9 seconds. This is perfect for photographers who need to get into a group shot or prepare for a specific moment.

The "LONG" exposure mode is a standout feature, allowing for exposure times far exceeding what most cameras can natively achieve. Users can set exposure durations from 1 second up to 99 hours, 59 minutes, and 59.9 seconds. For exposures of 1 second or longer, the camera should be set to Bulb mode, with the ShutterBoss precisely controlling the exposure length. This is invaluable for capturing star trails, light painting, or other long-duration photographic effects.

The "INTVL" (Interval) function transforms the ShutterBoss into a powerful intervalometer. It allows users to define the time between exposures in a sequence, with intervals ranging from 0.1 seconds up to 99 hours, 59 minutes, and 59.9 seconds. This is crucial for time-lapse photography, where a series of images are captured at regular intervals to create a video showing change over time, such as a blooming flower or a moving cloudscape. When using a flash, it's important to set an interval longer than the flash recycle time to ensure proper illumination.

The "N" (Number of Shots) feature complements the intervalometer function by allowing users to specify the total number of exposures in a sequence. This can be set from 1 to 199 shots, or even to infinite (--), providing flexibility for various time-lapse projects or continuous shooting scenarios. By default, there's a 1-second delay between exposures until a manual interval is set.

A unique and advanced feature is "BKLN" (Exposure Time Bracketing). This mode enables the ShutterBoss to take multiple shots at different exposure times, effectively doubling the exposure time for each subsequent shot in a sequence, up to 7 photos. This is useful for creating High Dynamic Range (HDR) images or for experimental photography where varying exposure times are desired. To use this, the camera must be set to Bulb mode, and the user sets a base "LONG" exposure time and the "N" number of shots for bracketing.

The device also includes a "2S" (Two-Second Delay Timer) mode, which delays the triggering of the camera by 2 seconds. This is a simple yet effective way to further minimize camera shake for single shots without needing to set a longer custom delay.

Usage Features

The ShutterBoss 4.0 is designed for intuitive operation, featuring a clear display panel and tactile buttons. The transmitter's display panel provides real-time feedback on all active timer functions, including delay, long exposure, interval, number of shots, and bracketing settings. It also shows indicators for low battery, wireless signal strength, lock status, and audio confirmation.

Powering On/Off: The transmitter and receiver are powered on by pressing and holding their respective power buttons for approximately 2 seconds. A confirmation LED on both devices flashes green and then red, and the transmitter's display lights up. To power off both devices simultaneously, the transmitter's power button is held for about 3 seconds until its display turns off and the receiver's LED stops flashing. Settings are saved upon powering off the transmitter.

Connecting the Remote: The ShutterBoss can be used as a wired remote by connecting the shutter release cable directly from the transmitter to the camera's remote socket. For wireless operation, the receiver is mounted onto the camera's hot shoe (or a bracket/cage via its mounting foot or 1/4-20 socket) and connected to the camera's remote socket with the provided cable. Both the camera and the ShutterBoss transmitter and receiver should be turned off before connecting cables.

Smart Code Setting: The device utilizes a "Smart Code" system that automatically selects the best frequency for communication between the transmitter and receiver. While preset for immediate use, users can reset the Smart Code or add additional receivers. This involves turning on both devices, pressing the receiver's code reset button with a pin (which makes its LED flash red and green for up to 25 seconds), and then pressing the transmitter's shutter release button. Once set, the receiver's LED will stop flashing red and green, returning to a steady green flash. A single transmitter can control multiple receivers, but each receiver can only receive signals from one transmitter.

Wireless Signal Indicator: The transmitter's display includes a wireless signal indicator that shows the connection status between the transmitter and receiver. Pressing the transmitter's shutter release button when both devices are on will make this indicator appear if they are within range. If out of range, the indicator will not appear.

Controls:

Mode Button: Used to cycle through different shooting modes (Single Shot, Continuous Shots, Bulb, Two-Second Delay, Timer). A cursor on the display indicates the selected mode.
Directional Pad (Up/Down/Left/Right): Used to select different timer functions and time positions (hours, minutes, seconds, milliseconds) and to increase or decrease time increments and the number of shots.
Set Button: Engages and confirms timer settings. Pressing it once makes the selected information blink, and pressing it again confirms the settings.
Start/Stop Button: Initiates and terminates any active timer function or sequence of shots.
Shutter Release Button: Functions as a two-stage button. Pressing it halfway triggers the camera to focus (confirmation LED glows green). Pressing it fully triggers the camera to take a shot (confirmation LED flashes red). In Timer mode, the LEDs glow green for 3 seconds before an exposure and turn red during the exposure.
Lock Button: Locks all controls on the transmitter to prevent accidental changes. Holding it for about 2 seconds activates the lock (a lock icon appears on the display). Holding it again unlocks the controls (the icon disappears).
Backlight Button: Activates the display panel's backlight for about 10 seconds, useful in low-light conditions.
Audio Confirmation: The ShutterBoss emits a tone when the shutter release is pressed and when starting or stopping the timer. This feature can be toggled on or off by pressing and holding the audio button until the corresponding symbol appears or disappears from the display.

Shooting Modes:

S (Single Shot): Captures one exposure. The user focuses by pressing the shutter release halfway (LED green) and then takes the shot by pressing fully (LED red).
C (Continuous Shots): Captures multiple exposures. Similar to single shot, but for continuous exposures, the start/stop button can be used to trigger up to 199 exposures, and pressing it again ends the sequence. Some cameras may be limited to fewer exposures (e.g., 3).
B (Bulb): Provides full control over exposure length. The camera must be set to Bulb mode, and the ShutterBoss manages the exposure duration.
2S (Two-Second Delay Timer): Delays the camera trigger by 2 seconds. The LED flashes green for 2 seconds, then red for the shot.

Timer Functions (DELAY, LONG, INTVL, N, BKLN): These functions are accessed by pressing the Mode button until the cursor is above "TIMER" on the display. Each function's settings are adjusted using the directional pad and confirmed with the Set button. The time increments blink when engaged for adjustment.

Maintenance Features

The ShutterBoss 4.0 is designed for durability and ease of maintenance.

Battery Installation: The device uses two AAA batteries for both the transmitter and receiver. The battery compartment cover slides off for easy access. Diagrams inside the compartment guide correct polarity. A low-battery indicator appears on the display when power is low.
Battery Care: Users are advised to use only the specified batteries and ensure correct polarity. Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged, so they should be removed if the product will be unattended for prolonged periods or when no charge remains.
Storage: The device should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from water and extreme humidity, to prolong its lifespan.
General Precautions: Users are reminded to turn off the camera's power before inserting or removing the shutter release cable. The device should not be operated in extreme heat or cold, or in the presence of flammable gases or vapors. Disassembly or unauthorized modifications are prohibited. Operation near magnetic fields, strong static charges, or electromagnetic fields (like radio transmitters) should be avoided as they can interfere with the device.
Safety: The device contains small parts and should be kept out of reach of children to prevent choking hazards. Used batteries, packaging, and old devices should be disposed of according to local environmental regulations.

The Vello Wireless ShutterBoss 4.0 is a robust and feature-rich tool that empowers photographers with advanced control over their camera's shutter, enabling a wide range of creative photographic techniques.