1. Introduction
The PHOLSY S8 Timer Remote Control Cable is designed to provide photographers with precise control over their camera's shutter release, enabling advanced shooting techniques such as time-lapse, long exposures, and continuous shooting without direct camera interaction. This intervalometer offers programmable settings for delay, exposure time, interval, and number of shots, enhancing creative possibilities for compatible Sony cameras.
Image 1.1: The PHOLSY S8 Timer Remote Control Cable, a wired device for camera control.
2. Package Contents
- 1 x PHOLSY S8 Timer Remote Control Cable
- 1 x Instruction Manual (English)
- Note: 2 AAA batteries are required and not included.
3. Product Features
- Digital Timer Control: Functions include self-timer, interval timer, long exposure timer, and exposure count setting.
- Programmable Settings: Set delay, exposure time, and interval up to 99 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds in one-second increments.
- Shot Count: Configure from 1 to 399 continuous shots, or select unlimited shots.
- Shutter Release Button: Two-stage button for focus and shutter release, with a locking mechanism for continuous or bulb shooting.
- LCD Display: Backlit display shows current settings and status.
- Audible Feedback: Features an electric sound speaker and status LED with alarm.
- Vibration Reduction: Allows shutter release without direct contact with the camera, minimizing camera shake.
Image 3.1: The PHOLSY S8 remote control displaying various shooting modes including single, continuous, and bulb exposure.
4. Setup
4.1 Battery Installation
The PHOLSY S8 requires two AAA batteries (not included). To install:
- Locate the battery chamber cover on the back of the remote control.
- Slide the cover open.
- Insert two AAA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
- Close the battery chamber cover securely.
The remote can function as a basic manual shutter release without batteries, but the display and timer functions will not operate.
4.2 Connecting to Camera
Connect the remote control cable to your compatible Sony camera's remote terminal. Ensure the connection is firm.
Image 4.2: The PHOLSY S8 remote control connected to a camera via its cable.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Controls Overview
Image 5.1: Labeled diagram of the PHOLSY S8 remote control, showing the display panel, buttons, and battery cover.
- Shutter-release button: Two-stage button for focusing and taking a picture. Slide up to lock for continuous or bulb shooting.
- SET button: Enters setting mode and confirms selections.
- Selector buttons (Up/Down/Left/Right): Navigate menu options and adjust values.
- Illumination/Lock button: Toggles backlight and locks/unlocks controls.
- TIMER START/STOP button: Initiates or halts timer functions.
- Display panel: Shows current settings and status.
- Release lamp: Indicates shutter release activity.
5.2 Basic Shutter Release
To use the remote for basic shutter release:
- Ensure the remote is connected to your camera.
- Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus.
- Press the shutter-release button fully to take a picture.
For continuous shooting or bulb mode, slide the shutter-release button upwards to the HOLD position. Slide it back down to release.
Image 5.2: Close-up view of the shutter release button, illustrating the two-stage press and the lock/hold mechanism for continuous or bulb shooting.
5.3 Timer Functions
The PHOLSY S8 offers four main timer functions: Delay, Long Exposure, Interval, and Number of Shots (N). These can be set independently or combined.
Image 5.3: The remote control's LCD screen displaying the configurable timer parameters: DELAY (self-timer), LONG (exposure timer), INTVL (interval timer), and N (number of shots).
- Entering Setting Mode: Press the SET button to enter the setting mode. The first parameter (DELAY) will blink.
- Navigating Parameters: Use the Left/Right selector buttons to move between DELAY, LONG, INTVL, and N.
- Adjusting Values: When a parameter is blinking, use the Up/Down selector buttons to adjust the hours, minutes, and seconds. Press SET to move to the next time unit (e.g., from hours to minutes).
- Number of Shots (N): For 'N', you can set a value from 1 to 399. Selecting '--' indicates an unlimited number of shots.
- Exiting Setting Mode: After setting all desired parameters, press the SET button until no parameter is blinking, or wait a few seconds for it to exit automatically.
- Starting the Timer: Press the TIMER START/STOP button to begin the programmed sequence. The "TIMER ACTIVE" indicator will appear on the display.
- Stopping the Timer: Press the TIMER START/STOP button again to halt the sequence.
Example Usage: To capture a time-lapse of a sunset, you might set a short DELAY, a LONG exposure time (if needed for low light), a specific INTVL (e.g., 10 seconds), and an unlimited N (--).
5.4 LCD Display Indicators
Image 5.4: A detailed breakdown of the LCD display, highlighting the selection cursor, timer display, lock indicator, low battery indicator, TIMER ACTIVE, SET, RELEASE indicators, and speaker on/off indicator.
- DELAY, LONG, INTVL, N: Indicate the currently selected or active timer parameter.
- Timer Display: Shows the countdown or elapsed time for the active function.
- Lock Indicator: Appears when controls are locked using the Illumination/Lock button.
- Low Battery Indicator: Alerts when battery power is low.
- TIMER ACTIVE: Indicates that a timer sequence is running.
- SET: Appears when in setting mode.
- RELEASE: Indicates the shutter is being released.
- Speaker On/Off Indicator: Shows if the audible beep is enabled or disabled.
6. Maintenance
- Keep the remote control clean and dry. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning.
- Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight.
- When not in use for extended periods, remove the AAA batteries to prevent leakage.
- Handle the cable carefully to prevent damage. Avoid sharp bends or excessive pulling.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Remote control does not power on or display is blank. | No batteries, incorrect battery polarity, or dead batteries. | Install two fresh AAA batteries with correct polarity. |
| Camera does not respond to shutter release. | Cable not properly connected, camera not in remote mode (if applicable), or remote control is locked. | Ensure cable is securely connected. Check camera settings. Unlock the remote control using the Illumination/Lock button. |
| Timer functions do not start. | TIMER START/STOP button not pressed, or settings are invalid. | Press the TIMER START/STOP button. Verify that all timer settings are correctly configured. |
| Display remains on constantly. | This model does not feature an automatic power-off for the display when connected to the camera. | Disconnect the remote from the camera when not in active use to conserve battery life. |
| Cable appears stiff or prone to damage. | Normal wear and tear or improper handling. | Handle the cable gently, avoid sharp bends, and store it without excessive coiling or tension. |
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | PHOLSY |
| Model Name | S8 (LSYYXDSKMS8) |
| Connectivity Technology | Cable |
| Max Number of Supported Devices | 1 |
| Controller Type | Wired button control |
| Maximum Range | 0.9 meters (cable length) |
| Power Source | 2 x AAA batteries (not included) |
| Item Weight | 105 g |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 6.1" x 1.6" x 0.7" (155 x 40 x 18 mm) |
| Timer Functions | Delay, Long Exposure, Interval, Number of Shots (1-399 or unlimited) |
| Timer Range | 0s to 99h 59m 59s (1-second increments) |
9. Compatibility
The PHOLSY S8 Timer Remote Control Cable is compatible with a wide range of Sony cameras, including but not limited to:
- Alpha Series: ILCE-a1, a9, a9M2, a9 III, a7, a7M2, a7M3, a7M3K, a7M4, a7R, a7RM2, a7RM3, a7RM4, a7RM5, a7S, a7SM2, a7SM3, a6600, a6600M, a6100, a6100L, a6100Y, a6400, a6400L, a6400M, a6500, a6500G, a6500M, a6500Z, a6300, a6000, a6000L, a6000Y, a6000Z, a5000, a5100, a5100L, a5100Y, a3000, a3500, QX1
- Cyber-shot RX/HX/WX Series: HX300, HX350, HX400, HX400V, HX50, HX50V, HX60, HX60V, HX99, HX95, HX90, HX90V, HX80, QX30, RX0, RXOM2, RX100M2, RX100M3, RX100M4, RX100M5, RX100M5A, RX100M6, RX100M7, RX10, RX10M2, RX10M3, RX10M4, RX1RM2, WX500, WX700, WX800
- Other Models: A58, A68, NEX-3N, ZV-1
This remote replaces the Sony RM-SPR1.
10. Official Product Video
Video 10.1: An official product video from PHOLSY US demonstrating the features and usage of the PHOLSY Timer Remote Control Cable with Intervalometer.
11. Support and Warranty
PHOLSY is committed to providing high-quality products and customer satisfaction. For any inquiries or support needs, please refer to the contact information provided with your purchase or visit the official PHOLSY website.
The product is designed for reliability and durability. PHOLSY guarantees the quality of its products. Please retain your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.