Marelux Apollo S Strobe User Manual

Introduction

Please read this user manual carefully before starting to use the product, and use the product properly based on the thorough understanding of this user manual.

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Package Contents

The package for the Marelux Apollo S Strobe typically includes:

• Apollo S Strobe unit
• Battery x2 (Need purchase from Marelux)
• Mounting Ball
• Dome Diffuser
• Protective Cover
• O-Ring x2
• Lanyard sheet
• Fiber Port Plug

Product Features

1. Supports TTL, RC, HSS, and wireless triggering. (Note: TTL, HSS, and RC modes require compatible flash triggers.)
2. Features a special MTL mode for continuous flashes.
3. Equipped with 2 fisheye wireless signal sensor units and one fiber port, offering 160° sensor coverage. Wireless trigger supports M, MTL, HSS modes. (TTL, RC modes require fiber connection.)
4. Guide Number (GN) at ISO 100: 36 (tested on land).
5. Scattering angle: 110° (underwater).
6. Color Temperature: 6200K.
7. With dome diffuser, scattering angle is 140° and color temperature is 5500K.
8. Full power recycle time: 0.9 seconds.
9. Dimensions: Max diameter 70mm, main body length 140mm, full length including knobs 160mm.
10. Weight on land: 720 grams (without battery, with ball mount); 813 grams (with 2x18650 batteries and ball mount).
11. Weight in water: 150 grams (including 2x18650 batteries and ball mount).
12. Battery: Requires 2x 18650 lithium batteries (discharging current equal to or over 20A). Total battery weight is 93 grams.
13. Features a waterproof battery chamber.
14. Full power flashes: approximately 800 times.
15. Waterproof Depth: 100 meters.
16. When used with the Lumilink 2.0 wireless transmitter, it synchronizes with the camera's shutter speed up to S1/200. In shallow water and strong sunlight, it maintains a reliable connection up to 2 meters. In deep water and dim ambient light, the working distance extends over 10 meters. The optical signal for triggering is encrypted to be anti-jam and minimize interference.

Parts Illustration

The Marelux Apollo S Strobe has the following key components:

Main Body View:

• Battery Cap: Located at the rear, used to access the battery compartment.
• Fiber Port: Connection point for fiber optic cables.
• Optical Signal Receiver: Receives wireless trigger signals.

Bottom View:

• Mode Knob: Selects the operating mode (OFF, TEST, M, AUTO SYNC, M-HSS, MTL).
• Strobe Indicator Light: Provides visual feedback on the strobe's status.
• Light Level Control Knob: Adjusts the light output intensity.

Battery Installation

Important: When changing or installing batteries, ensure the Mode Knob is set to the 'OFF' position.

To remove the Battery Cap, rotate it slowly counterclockwise.

Insert two 18650 lithium batteries into the battery compartment, observing the correct polarity as indicated.

Note: This strobe requires two 18650 lithium batteries with a discharge current greater than 20A and a voltage of 3.7V. Regular 18650 batteries may not be compatible.

Operation

Mode Knob Functions:

• OFF: Turns the power off. Switch to [OFF] when the strobe is not in use.
• TEST: Allows testing of the strobe's working status. Press the Mode Knob to trigger the strobe.
• M (Manual): Sets the light output to manual control.

  Warning: Using M mode at power level 12 for high-speed continuous shooting (over 100 times) may cause aging of the dome coating and deformation of internal structure. Do not use M mode for high-frequency continuous shooting, and only use the strobe underwater.

• AUTO SYNC: Switches to AUTO SYNC mode for shooting with TTL flash output. This mode requires a flash trigger that supports TTL mode or specific camera configurations (e.g., Olympus RC - TTL AUTO).
• M-HSS (Manual High-Speed Sync): Enables high-speed synchronization. This mode requires a flash trigger that supports HSS mode.

  Warning: In M-HSS mode, do not take more than 30 continuous shots within one minute.

• MTL (Continuous Mode): Used for continuous shooting. When using the strobe in MTL mode with a fiber connection, it supports 10 continuous shots per second at all power settings. Switch to MTL mode when using a compact camera in auto flash or fill flash mode.

When shooting in continuous mode using a wireless trigger, the strobe may miss some flashes. The number of continuous shots supported under different power settings for MTL in wireless trigger mode is as follows:

Do not use the MTL mode for continuous shooting when the battery level is at half or below!

Wireless Trigger Mode

To use the wireless trigger mode, the Lumilink optical transmitter is required as the signal transmitter. When the strobe is turned on, the wireless trigger mode is disabled by default.

To activate wireless trigger mode (supported in M, M-HSS, and MTL modes): In modes other than TEST mode, press and hold the Mode Knob for 2 seconds until you hear four "beep" sounds.

To deactivate wireless flash mode: Press and hold the Mode Switch for 2 seconds until you hear two "beep" sounds.

The reception distance of the optical signal receiver underwater is 2 to over 10 meters, depending on visibility and sunlight brightness. Under strong sunlight, the effective range is 60-70cm, with a reception angle of 50-60 degrees.

Strobe Indicator Light

The emission color of the strobe indicator light changes based on the remaining battery level:

If the strobe indicator light shows red, indicating a low battery state, refrain from using the flash function to avoid damaging the battery.

The strobe will preheat for 10 seconds upon initial activation, during which the indicator light remains red. Wait for preheating to complete before use.

If the strobe overheats, an overheat protection mechanism will activate, preventing further flash triggering. The indicator light will turn yellow, signaling the need for cooling for a few minutes.

Light Level Control Knob

Light amount can be adjusted in 12 increments:

M Mode

MTL Mode

The strobe tube lifespan is tested through one million full-power cycles. To ensure the longest possible lifespan and safety, the electronic components of the Apollo are designed with redundant power, which may result in minor instability of brightness during low-power flickering. At positions below the third level in M mode and below the sixth level in MTL mode, there may be minor variations in brightness.

Protective Cover Installation

Align the protective cover with the strobe as shown in the diagram and attach it.

Mounting Ball Installation

Install the mounting ball using two screws in the direction indicated in the diagram.

Install the lanyard sheet using two screws in the direction indicated in the diagram.

Dome Diffuser Installation

Align the holes of the diffuser with the protrusions on the strobe's front assembly, then attach the diffuser securely.

Maintenance And Storage

1. After diving, ensure the strobe is locked and sealed, then wash the strobe body with fresh water.
2. When immersed in fresh water, press each button a few times to help expel salt and sand.
3. Use a soft cloth to wipe and clean the glass on the dome.
4. After each dive, clean the O-rings and check for any damage.
5. Use a sturdy and shock-proof case to carry the strobe and its accessories.
6. Do not leave the strobe inside a vehicle for extended periods under direct sunlight or heat.
7. Stop charging the battery when it is full to prevent overcharging and damage.
8. If the strobe will not be used for a long period, remove the batteries.
9. This product is prohibited for use or play by children under 10 years old.

Light Scattering Angle for Different Accessories

The following table and visual representation show the light scattering angles for the Apollo S strobe with various accessories installed:

Accessories:

• 1: Apollo S (Base unit)
• 2: Apollo S Dome Diffuser
• 3: Apollo S Diffuser
• 4: Apollo S Dock
• 5: Apollo S Dock + External Slot + Flat Diffuser

Light Scattering Angles (In Water):

• Accessory 1: 110°
• Accessory 2: 140°
• Accessory 3: 120°
• Accessory 4: 85°
• Accessory 5: 50°

Warranty

1. Marelux provides a 2-year warranty for the housing body and cables (e.g., fiber cable, HDMI cable), and a 1-year warranty for electronic parts and components made of silicon, rubber, and plastic.
2. Marelux will retain components and parts for repair and maintenance for 5 years after the End-of-Life (EOL) of each model. Beyond this period, Marelux may not be able to provide repair services.
3. Repairs caused by the following reasons will be charged, even within the 2-year warranty period:
   • Damage from misuse, incorrect maintenance, or storage not complying with the specifications and notices in this user manual.
   • Damage from falling or inappropriate placement of the product.
   • Damage caused by repair, maintenance, dismantlement, modification, or cleaning by any unauthorized vendor or service center.
   • Products without an authentic Marelux serial number, or with erased, distorted, or falsified serial numbers.
   • Damage caused by the usage of non-Marelux recommended accessories, parts, or components from other manufacturers or suppliers (e.g., Flash Trigger, Cable, Dome Port, Extension Ring, Convertor).
   • Damage caused by misuse or mistreatment by humans, natural disasters, or other force majeure situations.
   • Malfunction or damage caused by erosion due to failure to clean the housing or accessories.
4. Batteries, lubricants, and other consumable supplies are not covered by the warranty.
5. All parts and components replaced during warranty service for the housing and its accessories remain the property of Marelux.
6. Marelux is not responsible for, and will not compensate for, any collateral damages or financial losses incurred by users due to the use of Marelux products (e.g., loss of income or fees).
7. Warranty is provided only for products sold within the service territory of the distributor or reseller.
8. Products purchased and used for rental business are not included in the warranty.
9. Products will immediately lose warranty coverage after unauthorized repair or modification.
10. The warranty terms are established for Marelux customers to receive free warranty service and repair, and do not restrict any legal rights customers may possess.

Compliance marks (CE, FC, RoHS) are present. Made in China.