PIXAPRO ST-IV+ N TTL Wireless Flash Trigger Instruction Manual

Foreword

Thank you for purchasing this ST-IV+ N wireless flash trigger. This wireless flash trigger applies for using Nikon camera to control Pixapro flash, controls the flashes with built-in Pixapro wireless system e.g. camera flashes, outdoor flashes, and studio flashes. Featuring multi-channel triggering, stable signal transmission and quick response, this flash trigger benefits photographers for flexible light distribution and various shooting demands, which is suitable for hotshoe-mounted Nikon cameras and cameras with PC synchronous socket. The flash trigger supports i-TTL flash and high-speed flash synchronization, and the maximum flash synchronization speed is up to 1/8000s.

*1/8000s is achievable when the camera has a max camera shutter speed of 1/8000s.

Warning

⚠️ Do not disassemble. Should repairs become necessary, this product must be sent to an authorized maintenance center.

⚠️ Always keep this product dry. Do not use in rain or in damp conditions.

⚠️ Keep out of reach of children.

⚠️ Do not use the flash unit in the presence of flammable gas. In certain circumstance, please pay attention to the relevant warnings.

⚠️ Do not leave or store the product if the ambient temperature reads over 50°C.

⚠️ Turn off the flash trigger immediately in the event of malfunction.

Observe precautions when handling batteries:

• Use only batteries listed in this manual. Do not use old and new batteries or batteries of different types at the same time.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Batteries cannot be short-circuited or disassembled.
• Do not put batteries into a fire or apply direct heat to them.
• Do not attempt to insert batteries upside down or backwards.
• Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged. To avoid damage to the product, be sure to remove batteries when the product is not used for a long time or when batteries run out of charge.
• Should liquid from the batteries come into contact with skin or clothing, rinse immediately with fresh water.

Names of Parts

Body

The body of the ST-IV+ N flash trigger includes the following components:

• Group Button 1
• Group Button 2
• Group Button 3
• Group Button 4
• Group Button 5
• Function Button 2
• Function Button 1
• <MODE.LOCK> Button
• TEST/Shutter Button
• Select Dial
• SET Button
• LCD Panel
• Battery Compartment
• 2.5mm Sync Cord Jack
• Type-C USB Port
• Hot Shoe Camera Connection
• Assist Lamp
• STATUS Indicator Lamp (Green: Focus (Camera), Red: Trigger (Flash) + Shutter (Camera))
• AF Assist Beam Switch (ON: AF Assist Beam outputs, OFF: AF Assist Beam does not output)
• Power Switch (ON: Power On, OFF: Power Off)
• Function Button 3
• Function Button 4
• MENU Button
• Magnification Button

LCD Panel

The LCD panel displays various settings and status information. The numbered elements are:

1. Channel (32 options)
2. ID (99 options)
3. Camera Connection status
4. Group Mode indicator
5. Beeper status
6. Modeling Lamp Master Control status
7. Battery Level Indication
8. Group's Modeling Lamp status
9. Group selection (A-E or 0-F)
10. Icons for Function Buttons
11. Output Power Level
12. HSS Delay status
13. High Speed Sync status

Sample LCD displays include:

• Multi Groups Display: Shows channel, ID, and groups (e.g., A, B, C, D, E) with their current settings like power level (e.g., 10%).
• Single Group Display: Shows channel, ID, group, and specific settings like zoom value (e.g., Zoom 24mm).
• Menu Display: Shows navigation options like DELAY, STEP, SHOOT, TCM.
• Multi Groups' ZOOM Display: Shows channel, ID, and zoom values for multiple groups.

Battery Installation & Indication

To install batteries, slide open the battery compartment lid and insert two AA batteries (optional). The battery level is indicated on the LCD panel:

• 3 grids: Full battery
• 2 grids: Middle battery level
• 1 grid: Low battery level (replace soon)
• Blank grid: Low power, please replace immediately.
• Blinking: Battery level is critically low (below 2.5V), replace batteries immediately to avoid flash issues.

Note: Battery indication primarily refers to AA alkaline batteries. Ni-MH batteries may show lower voltage.

Operation Modes

As a Wireless Camera Flash Trigger

Example using GIO1 series camera flash:

1. Turn off the camera. Mount the transmitter on the camera's hotshoe. Power on the flash trigger and the camera.
2. Short press the MENU button to enter the C.Fn menu to set channel and group. Short press the MODE.LOCK button to set the mode, and use the Select Dial to adjust parameters.
3. Turn on the camera flash (e.g., GIO1). Press its wireless setting button to display the wireless icon (e.g., < > and <RX>). Set the same channel and group on both the flash trigger and the flash. (Refer to the camera flash's manual for specific instructions).
4. Press the camera shutter to trigger. The status lamp on the flash trigger should turn red synchronously with the flash.

As a Wireless Outdoor Flash Trigger

Example using CITI600Pro:

1. Turn off the camera. Mount the transmitter on the camera's hotshoe. Power on the flash trigger and the camera.
2. Short press the MENU button to enter C.Fn menu for channel and group settings. Short press MODE.LOCK to set the trigger mode and use the Select Dial to adjust the flash trigger level.
3. Power on the outdoor flash. Press its wireless setting button to display the wireless icon (e.g., < >). Long press the GR/CH button to set the same channel and short press it to set the same group as the flash trigger. (Refer to the outdoor flash's manual for specific instructions).
4. Press the camera shutter to trigger. The status lamp on the flash trigger should turn red synchronously.

As a Wireless Studio Flash Trigger

Example using STORMIII:

1. Turn off the camera. Mount the transmitter on the camera's hotshoe. Power on the flash trigger and the camera.
2. Short press the MENU button to enter C.Fn menu for channel and group settings. Short press MODE.LOCK to set the trigger mode and use the Select Dial to adjust the flash trigger level.
3. Connect the studio flash to its power source and power it on. Long press the MODE/Wireless button to display the wireless icon and enter 2.4G wireless mode. Long press the GR/CH button to set the same channel and short press it to set the same group as the flash trigger. (Refer to the studio flash's manual for specific instructions).
4. Press the camera shutter to trigger. The status lamps on both the camera flash and the flash trigger should turn red synchronously.

Note: For studio flashes, the minimum output value should be set to or over 1/32. Since studio flashes may not support TTL or stroboscopic functions, set the flash trigger to M (Manual) mode.

As a Wireless Original Flash Trigger

Example using SB910:

1. Turn off the camera. Mount the transmitter on the camera's hotshoe. Power on the flash trigger and the camera.
2. Short press the MENU button to enter C.Fn menu for channel and group settings. Short press MODE.LOCK to set the trigger mode and use the Select Dial to adjust the flash trigger level.
3. Attach the original flash to the ST-III Receiver. Press the CH button on the receiver to set the same channel and the Gr button to set the same group as the flash trigger. (Refer to the original camera flash's manual for specific instructions).
4. Press the camera shutter to trigger. The status lamps on both the camera flash and the flash trigger should turn red synchronously.

Note: Nikon original speedlights must be set to i-TTL mode, regardless of the ST-IV+ N's mode.

As a Wireless Shutter Release Trigger

Operation method:

1. Turn off the camera. Connect a camera remote cable: one end into the camera's shutter socket and the other end into the shutter release port of the ST-III Receiver. Power on the camera and the receiver.
2. Short press the MENU button to enter C.Fn menu for channel and group settings. Short press MODE.LOCK to set the trigger mode and use the Select Dial to adjust the flash trigger level.
3. Press the receiver's CH button to set the same channel and the Gr button to set the same group as the flash trigger.
4. Short press the MENU button to enter C.Fn menu and set the < > option to "SHUTTER". Half press the < > button to focus and full press it to shoot. The status lamp will turn red.

Note: The ST-III Receiver is sold separately.

As a Flash Trigger with 2.5mm Sync Cord Jack

Operation method:

1. Turn off the flash trigger. Connect a sync cable: one end into the camera's shutter socket and the other end into the shutter release port of the ST-III Receiver. Power on the camera and the receiver.
2. Short press the MENU button to enter C.Fn menu for channel and group settings. Short press MODE.LOCK to set the trigger mode and use the Select Dial to adjust the flash trigger level.
3. Press the receiver's CH button to set the same channel and the Gr button to set the same group as the flash trigger.
4. Press the shutter normally. Flashes will be controlled by the sync cord jack's signal.

Note: The ST-III Receiver is sold separately.

Basic Functions

Power Switch

Slide the Power Switch to ON to turn the device on, and to OFF to turn it off. It is recommended to turn off the transmitter when not in use to conserve power.

Power Saving Mode Settings

1. The system automatically enters standby mode after 60 seconds, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes of idle use, causing the LCD panel displays to disappear. (Dormancy time is adjustable in MENU-STBY).
2. Press any button to wake up the device.
3. To disable power saving mode, press the MENU button, enter the C.Fn menu, and set STBY to OFF.

Power Switch of AF Assist Beam

Push the AF Assist Beam Switch up to ON to enable AF lighting output. The AF assist beam activates when the camera cannot focus and turns off when focus is achieved.

Channel Settings

1. Short press the MENU Button to enter the C.Fn menu.
2. Turn the Select Dial to select < > (CH) and press the SET Button.
3. Select CH and press SET again to enter channel settings. Turn the Select Dial to choose a channel from 1-32, then short press SET to exit.

Note: Ensure the transmitter and receiver are set to the same channel before use.

Wireless ID Settings

To avoid interference, you can change the wireless ID in addition to the channel. The wireless ID and channel must be consistent between the control unit and follow units for triggering.

1. Short press the MENU Button to enter the C.Fn menu.
2. Turn the Select Dial to select < > (ID) and press the SET Button.
3. Turn the Select Dial to select ID and short press SET to enter ID settings.
4. Turn the Select Dial to select OFF or a number from 01-99, then short press SET to exit.

Scanning Spare Channel Settings

This function helps avoid interference from other devices using the same channel. Short press the MENU button to enter the Menu, turn the select dial to choose < > (SCAN), short press SET to enter wireless settings, then select SCAN. Short press SET to enter the SCAN interface, choose START, and the device will scan from 5% to 100% to display 8 groups of spare channels.

Mode Settings

Short press a group button to select a group, then short press the MODE.LOCK button to change the mode of the selected group.

Setting groups to five groups (A-E):

1. When multiple groups are displayed, short press the MODE.LOCK button to switch to MULTI mode. Press a group selection button to choose a group, then short press MODE.LOCK to set the group to ON or (--). Short press the group button to cancel, and press MODE.LOCK again to exit MULTI mode.
2. When multiple groups are displayed, press a group selection button to choose a group, then short press MODE.LOCK to cycle through groups A, B, C, D, and E. Groups A, B, and C can switch between TTL, M, and OFF modes. Groups D and E can switch between M and OFF modes. (TTL: auto flash, M: manual flash, --: off).
3. When a single group is displayed, short press MODE.LOCK to cycle through modes for group A, B, C (TTL/M/OFF) and for group D, E (M/OFF).

Setting groups to 16 groups (0-F):

When displaying multiple groups or a single group, only manual mode (M) is available.

Locking Function

Long press the MODE.LOCK button for 2 seconds. "LOCKED" will appear on the LCD, indicating that no parameters can be set. Long press MODE.LOCK again to unlock.

Advanced Settings

Magnification Function

Switch between multi-group and one-group mode: In multi-group mode, select a group and press the < > button to magnify it to one-group mode. Press the < > button again to return to multi-group mode.

Output Value Settings (Power Settings)

Multi-group displays in the M mode

1. Press the group button to select a group. Turn the Select Dial to adjust the power output value from Min. to 1/1 or Min. to 10 in 0.1 or 1/3 stop increments. Press the SET Button to exit.
2. Press Function Button 1 (<ALL>) to select all groups. Turn the Select Dial to adjust all groups' power output value from Min. to 1/1 or Min. to 10 in 0.1 or 1/3 stop increments. Press Function Button 1 (<ALL>) again to confirm.

One-group displays in the M mode

1. Turn the Select Dial to adjust the group's power output value from Min. to 1/1 in 0.1 or 1/3 stop increments.

Note: M mode is manual flash mode. Min. refers to the minimum settable value, which can vary based on MENU-STEP settings (e.g., 1/128 0.3, 1/256 0.3, etc.). For most flashes, the minimum is 1/128. With Pixapro flashes like CITI600Pro, values like 1/256 or 1/256(0.1) may be achievable.

Flash Exposure Compensation Settings

Multi-group displays in the TTL mode

1. Press the group button to select a group. Turn the Select Dial to adjust the FEC value from -3 to +3 in 0.3 stop increments. Press the SET button to confirm.
2. Press Function Button 1 (<ALL>) to select all groups. Turn the Select Dial to adjust all groups' FEC value from -3 to +3 in 0.3 stop increments. Press Function Button 1 (<ALL>) again to confirm.

One-group displays in the TTL mode

Turn the Select Dial to adjust the group's power output value from -3 to +3 in 0.3 stop increments.

Note: TTL mode is auto flash mode; FEC is flash exposure compensation.

Multi Flash Settings (Output Value, Times and Frequency)

Conditions: Groups A-E must be selected in the <GROUPS> menu, and multi-flash must be enabled.

When multiple groups are displayed, short press the MODE.LOCK button to enter the multi-flash setting interface.

1. In multi-flash mode, TTL and M icons are not displayed.
2. The display shows three lines: power output value (Min. ~ 1/4 or Min. ~ 8.0), Times (flash frequency), and Hz (flash frequency).
3. Turn the Select Dial to change the power output value from Min. to 1/4 or Min. to 8.0 in integer stops.
4. Short press Function Button 1 (TIMES button) to change flash times. Use the Select Dial to set the value (1-100).
5. Short press Function Button 1 (HZ button) to change flash frequency. Use the Select Dial to set the value (1-199).
6. Once all values are set, short press the MODE.LOCK button to exit.

Note: Flash times are limited by output value and frequency. The transmitted times reflect actual flash times, influenced by camera shutter settings.

Modeling Lamp Settings

1. When multiple groups are displayed, press Function Button 4 to control the modeling lamp's ON/OFF.
2. With the modeling lamp master control ON, press the group button to select a group. Press Function Button 4 to control the modeling lamp's status: OFF (--), Percentage value (10%-100%), or PROP (auto mode, adjusts with flash brightness).

When the modeling lamp is in percentage value status, long press Function Button 4 to enter the brightness setting interface and use the Select Dial to choose the desired percentage.

The operation is the same for single-group displays.

Note: Models supporting one-group modeling lamp control include GSII, SKII, SKIIV, QSII, QDII, DEII, DPII, DPIII series, PIKA200, and CITI600 (after firmware upgrade).

ZOOM Value Settings

Short press Function Button 3 to display the ZOOM value. Select a group and turn the Select Dial to change the ZOOM value from AUTO/24 to 200. Long press the Function Button again to return to the main menu.

Buzz Settings

Press the MENU Button to enter the C.Fn menu. Turn the Select Dial to < > (PC) and press SET. Turn the Select Dial to select ON or OFF. Press MENU to return to the main menu.

Choosing ON turns the beeper on. Choosing OFF turns the beeper off.

PC Socket Settings

Press the MENU button to enter the C.Fn menu. Turn the Select Dial to <PC> and press SET. Select IN or OUT for PC socket settings. Press MENU again to return to the main menu.

IN: Enables the ST-IV+ N to trigger a flash.

OUT: Sends trigger signals to trigger other flashes.

SHOOT Function Settings

Press the MENU Button to enter the C.Fn menu. Turn the Select Dial to <SHOOT>, short press SET, and then turn the Select Dial to choose One-shoot, Multi-shoots, or L-858. Press MENU to return to the main menu.

• One-shoot: For single shots. In M and Multi modes, the lead unit sends triggering signals to the follow unit, saving power.
• Multi-shoots: For multiple shots. The lead unit sends parameters and triggering signals to the follow unit, suitable for multi-person photography but consumes more power.
• L-858: Allows flash parameters to be adjusted directly on a Sekonic L-858 Light Meter when used together. The transmitter only sends SYNC signals.

Menu: Setting Custom Functions

The following table details the available and unavailable custom functions:

Note: Short press the < > function button 4 to return to the previous setting.

Compatible Flash Models

The ST-IV+ N transmitter is compatible with various Pixapro and other brand flashes, with varying levels of support:

Note: The range of supported functions depends on features common to both the ST-IV+ N and the flash.

Relationship of Pro AC Wireless System and ST-IV+ Wireless System

The document shows diagrams illustrating the relationship between Pro AC and ST-IV+ Wireless Systems, detailing channel settings (CH01-CH16) for both systems via code switches and display screens.

Compatible Camera Models

This flash trigger is compatible with the following Nikon series camera models:

• D5, D4, D60, D70S, D90, D100, D200, D300S, D300, D500, D610, D700, D750, D800, D810, D3100, D3200, D3300, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D7000, D710, Z6, Z6II, Z7II, D780, Zfc

Notes:

1. This table lists tested camera models; not all Nikon series cameras are included. Self-testing is recommended for other models.
2. Rights to modify this table are retained.

Technical Data

Wireless Flash Specifications

Specifications and data are subject to change without notice.

Restore Factory Settings

Synchronously press the two middle function buttons for 2 seconds. "RESET" will appear on the LCD with CANCEL and OK options. Choose OK and short press the SET button to return to the main interface after factory settings are restored.

Firmware Upgrade

The flash trigger supports firmware upgrades via the Type-C USB port. Update information is available on the official website.

Note: A USB connection line is not included. Use a Type-C USB connection line. The firmware upgrade requires the "Pixapro G3 firmware upgrade software", which can be downloaded and installed. Then, select the relevant firmware file.

Attentions

1. Unable to trigger flash or camera shutter: Ensure batteries are installed correctly and the Power Switch is ON. Check if the transmitter and receiver are on the same channel, if the hotshoe mount/connection cable is secure, and if flash triggers are in the correct mode.
2. Camera shoots but does not focus: Check if the camera or lens focus mode is set to MF; change it to AF if necessary.
3. Signal disturbance or shooting interference: Change the device's channel.

The Reason & Solution of Not Triggering in Pixapro 2.4G Wireless

1. Disturbance from 2.4G signals (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.): Adjust the flash trigger's channel (add 10+ channels) to an undisturbed one, or turn off other 2.4G equipment.
2. Flash recycle or continuous shooting speed issues: Ensure the flash has finished recycling or caught up with continuous shooting (flash ready indicator is lit) and is not in overheat protection. Downgrade flash power. If in TTL mode, switch to M mode (requires a preflash in TTL).
3. Distance between flash trigger and flash: Enable "close distance wireless mode" on the flash trigger (for distances <0.5m) or set MENU->DIST to 0-30m.
4. Low battery status: Replace batteries. Using 1.5V disposable alkaline batteries is recommended for the flash trigger.

Caring for Flash Trigger

• Avoid sudden drops, strong shocks, impacts, or excessive stress, as the device may fail to work.
• Keep the product dry. It is not waterproof. Malfunction, rust, and corrosion may occur if soaked or exposed to high humidity.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes. Condensation can occur when moving from a warm environment to a cold one. Place the transceiver in a handbag or plastic bag beforehand.
• Keep away from strong magnetic fields, as static or magnetic fields from devices like radio transmitters can cause malfunction.

Declarations and Warnings

Warning

Frequency (2.4G/BT): 2412.99MHz-2464.49MHz/2402MHz-2480MHz
Maximum EIRP Power: 2.55dBm/1.11dBm

Declaration of Conformity

PIXAPRO Photo Equipment Co.Ltd. declares that this equipment complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU. In accordance with Article 10(2) and Article 10(10), this product is allowed for use in all EU member states.

IC Warning

This device complies with Industry Canada's licence-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference; and
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirements and can be used in portable exposure conditions without restriction.

FCC Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirements and can be used in portable exposure conditions without restriction.

French Statements

Cet appareil est conforme aux CNR exemptes de licence d'Industrie Canada. Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes:

1. Ce dispositif ne peut causer d'interférences; et
2. Ce dispositif doit accepter toute interférence, y compris les interférences qui peuvent causer un mauvais fonctionnement de l'appareil.

Le dispositif a été conçu pour répondre à la demande générale de radioexposition.

Warranty Information

Inapplicable Cases

The guarantee and service offered are not applicable in the following cases:

• The product or accessory has expired its warranty period.
• Breakage or damage caused by inappropriate usage, maintenance, or preservation (e.g., improper packing, usage, plugging in/out external equipment, falling off, squeezing, exposure to improper temperature, solvents, acid, base, flooding, damp environments, etc.).
• Breakage or damage caused by unauthorized institutions or staff during installation, maintenance, alteration, addition, or detachment.
• The original identifying information of the product or accessory is modified, altered, or removed.
• No valid warranty card.
• Breakage or damage caused by using illegally authorized, non-standard, or non-public released software.
• Breakage or damage caused by force majeure or accident.
• Breakage or damage that cannot be attributed to the product itself.

In such situations, users should seek solutions from the responsible parties; Pixapro assumes no responsibility. Damage caused by parts, accessories, and software beyond the warranty period or scope is not covered. Normal discoloration, abrasion, and consumption are not considered breakage within the maintenance scope.

Maintenance and Service Support Information

Product Type | Maintenance Period (month) | Parts | Electrical parts e.g. battery charger, etc. | Other Items | Warranty Service Type

PIXAPRO After-sale Service Call: +44 (0)121 552 3113

Warranty

Dear customers, as this warranty card is an important certificate to apply for our maintenance service, please fill in the following form in coordination with the seller and keep it safe. Thank you!

Product Information

Model Name: ____________________
Product Code Number: ____________________

Customer Information

Name: ____________________
Address: ____________________
Contact Number: ____________________

Seller Information

Name: ____________________
Contact Number: ____________________
Address: ____________________

Date of Sale: ____________________

Note: This form shall be sealed by the seller.

Applicable Products

This document applies to products listed in the Product Maintenance Information. Other products or accessories (e.g., promotional items, giveaways, additional accessories) are not included in this warranty scope.

Warranty Period

The warranty period for products and accessories is implemented according to the relevant Product Maintenance Information. The warranty period is calculated from the first purchase date, as registered on the warranty card.

How to Get the Maintenance Service

For maintenance service, contact the product distributor or authorized service institutions. You can also contact Pixapro after-sale service for assistance. A valid warranty card must be provided when applying for service. If a valid warranty card cannot be provided, maintenance service may be offered upon confirmation that the product or accessory is within the maintenance scope, but this is not an obligation.