Phottix Strato II Multi Wireless Flash Trigger System for Nikon (PH15653) Instruction Manual

Introduction

The Phottix Strato II Multi 5-in-1 Wireless Trigger System provides advanced control for your camera, speedlight flash units, and studio lighting equipment. This system operates on a 2.4 GHz frequency, offering a reliable range of over 150 meters (400 feet) and sync speeds up to 1/250th of a second. It features four channels and four groups (A, B, C, D) for flexible lighting setups. The transmitter includes a TTL pass-through hot shoe, allowing a dedicated camera-mounted flash to function in TTL mode while simultaneously triggering remote flashes. Receivers are equipped with a flash wake-up function to conserve battery life. This system can also serve as a wireless or wired shutter release for compatible Nikon cameras.

What's Included

Please verify that all items listed below are present in your package:

1x Phottix Strato II Multi Transmitter
1x Phottix Strato II Multi Receiver (Model #15657)
4x AAA Batteries
1x PC to 3.5mm Cable (Model #89902)
1x 3.5mm to 3.5mm Cable (Model #89901)
1x 6.3mm Adapter (Model #89901)
2x Lanyards
Nikon Shutter Cables (N6, N8, N10 - Models #17310, #17320, #17330)
1x Instruction Manual (this document)
1x Quality Control Certificate

Setup Guide

1. Battery Installation

Both the Strato II Multi Transmitter and Receiver require AAA batteries for operation. Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of each unit. Slide the cover open, insert the 2x AAA batteries into each unit, ensuring correct polarity (+/-), then close the cover securely.

2. Mounting the Transmitter

Slide the Strato II Multi Transmitter onto your Nikon camera's hot shoe. Ensure it is fully seated and secure the locking mechanism if present on your camera or the transmitter itself. The transmitter's hot shoe allows for a dedicated flash unit to be mounted on top, maintaining TTL functionality.

Phottix Strato II Multi Transmitter mounted on a Nikon DSLR camera, viewed from the top.

Image: Phottix Strato II Multi Transmitter mounted on a Nikon DSLR camera, showing the top view of the setup.

Phottix Strato II Multi Transmitter mounted on a Nikon DSLR camera, viewed from the rear.

Image: Phottix Strato II Multi Transmitter mounted on a Nikon DSLR camera, showing the rear view of the setup.

3. Connecting the Receiver to a Flash Unit or Studio Strobe

For Speedlight Flash Units: Slide the Strato II Multi Receiver onto the hot shoe of your speedlight. Ensure it is securely attached.
For Studio Strobes: Connect the receiver to your studio strobe's sync port using the appropriate PC to 3.5mm cable or 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable with the 6.3mm adapter if needed.

4. Powering On and Setting Channels/Groups

Turn on both the transmitter and receiver using their respective power switches. Use the channel and group selectors on both units to match the desired channel (1-4) and group (A, B, C, D). For successful triggering, the transmitter and receiver(s) must be set to the same channel and group.

Front view of the Phottix Strato II Multi Transmitter for Nikon, showing controls and hot shoe.

Image: Front view of the Phottix Strato II Multi Transmitter, highlighting the power switch, channel selector, and hot shoe.

Operating Instructions

1. Basic Flash Triggering

Once the transmitter and receiver(s) are powered on and set to the same channel and group, simply take a picture with your camera. The transmitter will send a signal to the receiver(s), triggering the connected flash units.

2. TTL Pass-Through Function

The transmitter's hot shoe supports TTL pass-through. This means you can mount a compatible Nikon speedlight directly onto the transmitter, and it will function in TTL mode with your camera, while the transmitter simultaneously triggers remote flashes set to the same channel and group.

3. Flash Wake-Up Function

The receivers feature a flash wake-up function. If your speedlight goes into sleep mode, triggering the transmitter will send a signal to wake up the connected speedlight, reducing the need for manual intervention and conserving battery life.

4. Using as a Shutter Release

The Strato II Multi system can also function as a wired or wireless shutter release for your camera. Connect the appropriate Nikon shutter cable (N6, N8, or N10) from the receiver to your camera's remote port.

Wired Shutter Release: Connect the cable directly from the receiver to the camera. Press the test button on the receiver to trigger the shutter.
Wireless Shutter Release: With the receiver connected to the camera via cable, press the test button on the transmitter to wirelessly trigger the camera's shutter.

5. Group Control

The system supports four groups (A, B, C, D). You can assign different receivers to different groups. This allows for independent control of multiple lighting setups. For example, you can have one group of flashes for main light and another for fill light, triggering them selectively by adjusting the group setting on the transmitter.

Maintenance

Battery Replacement: Replace batteries when the indicator light shows low power or when units fail to respond. Always use fresh AAA batteries.
Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the units. Avoid using liquid cleaners or solvents. Keep hot shoe contacts clean and free of debris.
Storage: When not in use for extended periods, remove batteries from both the transmitter and receiver to prevent leakage. Store the units in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Flashes not firing	Low or dead batteries Incorrect channel/group settings Units not powered on Out of range Flash unit in sleep mode or off Loose connections	Replace batteries in transmitter and receiver. Ensure transmitter and receiver(s) are set to the same channel and group. Verify both units are switched ON. Move receiver closer to the transmitter. Wake up or power on the flash unit. Check all hot shoe and cable connections.
Inconsistent triggering	Interference from other wireless devices Obstructions between units Weak batteries	Change to a different channel. Ensure clear line of sight or minimize obstructions. Replace batteries.
Shutter release not working	Incorrect shutter cable for camera model Cable not fully inserted Camera not in remote trigger mode (if applicable)	Verify you are using the correct Nikon shutter cable (N6, N8, or N10) for your camera. Ensure the cable is firmly connected to both the receiver and the camera. Check your camera's manual for remote trigger settings.

Product Specifications

Model: PH15653
Wireless Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Channels: 4
Groups: 4 (A, B, C, D)
Operating Range: Over 150 meters (400+ feet)
Max Sync Speed: 1/250 second
Power Source: 2x AAA batteries per unit (Transmitter and Receiver)
Mount Type: Hot Shoe Mount
Exposure Control: TTL (pass-through on transmitter), Manual
Functions: Flash Trigger, Wireless Shutter Release, Wired Shutter Release, Flash Wake-up
Compatibility: Nikon cameras, Phottix Strato 4-in-1, Phottix Atlas II, Phottix Odin Wireless Triggers, Phottix Mitros+ TTL Transceiver Flashes
Dimensions (Transmitter/Receiver): Approximately 1.42"D x 1.5"H
Weight: Approximately 8 ounces (total for set)

Warranty Information

The Phottix Strato II Multi Wireless Flash Trigger System (PH15653) is covered by a Limited 1 Year Warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage caused by misuse, accident, unauthorized modification, or improper storage. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Customer Support

For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty inquiries, please contact Phottix customer support. Refer to the official Phottix website or your product packaging for the most current contact information.

Online Resources: www.phottix.com

Phottix PH15653