Godox AD600 - Outdoor Flash Manual

Foreword

Before using this product

Please read this user manual carefully in order to ensure your safety and the proper operation of this product. Keep for future reference.

Thank you for purchasing a GODOX product.
WITSTRO TTL All-in-One Outdoor Flash AD600 has strong power, all-in-one lithium battery pack and great portability. When using Godox 2.4G wireless X system off camera, AD600 can be triggered by X1 series flash trigger in TTL/M/Multi mode, etc. With master & slave functions, AD600 can also use in combination with Godox TTL camera flashes, TTL outdoor flashes, TTL studio flashes, etc. With this AD600 flash, your shooting will become simpler. You can easily achieve a correct flash exposure even in complex light-changing environments.

WITSTRO AD600 flash system is an AD600 flash with a bare tube, wireless flash trigger, and a range of dedicated light shaping accessories. AD600 offers studio quality light for outdoor and live shooting. The AD600 offers:

• Compatible wireless TTL system: Fully support Canon E-TTL II, Nikon i-TTL and other TTL systems in Godox 2.4G wireless X system. Workable as Slave unit in a wireless flash group.
• Dot-matrix LCD panel: with clear and convenient operation.
• Built-in 2.4G wireless transmission: with all-in-one functions and 80 meters further transmission
• Studio quality light: up to 600Ws, GN 87 (m ISO 100, with AD-R7 standard reflector). One AD600 can overpower the sun.
• External battery pack: professional lithium battery pack (lithium, 11.1V/8700mAh), 0.01-2.5s recycling and 500 full power flashes.
• Lightweight and portable even with power and accessories
• Wireless control: With built-in Godox 2.4G wireless X system to achieve TTL control. Godox FT-16 flash trigger can also be used to wirelessly adjust flash power level and trigger the flash. AD600 has 3.5mm sync cord jack and PC sync socket to achieve various sync triggering mode.
• Wide-range accessories: softbox, beauty dish, snoots, color gels, etc.
• Power adjusts from full power to 1/256 in 1/3 stop increments
• Stable color temperature at 5600±200K over the entire power range
• 1/8000s high-speed sync flash, Focus-assist beam on/off & high-speed sync triggering

The powerful and portable AD600 meets the demands of freelance commercial photographers, photojournalists, wedding and beach portraiture shooters, event and backpack photographers, photograph enthusiasts, etc.

Name of Parts

Body

<MODE>
Mode Selection Button

<MENU>
Menu Button

< H>
High Speed Sync Button

<>
Wireless Selection Button

<GR/CH>
Group/Channel Button

<SET>
Set Button

<>
Test Button / Flash Ready Indicator

<ON/OFF>
Power Switch

<>
Modeling Lamp Button

LCD Panel

1. TTL Autoflash
   
2. M Manual Flash
   
3. Multi Flash
   
4. Radio Transmission Shooting/Optical Transmission Shooting
   
5. Slave Unit
   

Included Accesories

1. Flash tube
   
2. Lithium battery pack
   
3. Battery charger
   
4. Power cord
   
5. Reflector
   
6. Instruction manual

Separately Sold Accessories

AD600 can be used in combination with the following accessories sold separately, so as to achieve best photography effects: H600 Portable Flash Head, H1200 Portable Flash Head, X1 Wireless Flash Trigger, FT-16 Remote Control, Softbox, Beauty Dish, Fold Up Umbrella, Snoots, Light Stand, etc.

Installing Reflector (Other Accessories)

1. Press down the Accessory Locking Ring.
   
2. Insert the reflector into the Accessory Mount and clock wise to lock it up.
   

Attaching Flash Tube

1. Remove the reflector or other accessories from the flash head.
   
2. Match the flash tube in the Tube Socket. Push the flash tube in until it is securely seated into the socket.
   

Adjusting Handle

1. When the Direction Adjusting Handle is not pulled out, screw clockwise while unscrew anti clockwise.
   
2. The Direction Adjusting Handle's rotation angle should be restrained from 0 to 180 degrees below the flash body. Please pull out the Direction Adjusting Handle, adjust the appropriate angle, and manipulate the step 1 before colliding with the flash body.
   

Battery

Features

1. This flash unit uses Li-ion polymer battery which has long runtime. The available charge-and-discharge times are 500.
2. It is reliably safe. The inner circuit is against overcharge, overdischarge, overcurrent, and short circuit.
3. Take only 4 hours to fully charge the battery by using the standard battery charger.

Do not short circuit.

Do not expose to rain or immerse into water. This battery is not water proof.

Keep out of reach of children.

No over 24 hours' continuous charging.

Store in dry, cool, ventilated places.

Do not put aside or into fire.

Dead batteries should be disposed according to local regulations.

If the battery had ceased using for over 3 months, please make a full recharge.

Loading and Unloading the Battery Pack

Loading:

1. Match the battery's groove with the main battery compartment's ridge.
   
2. Push down the battery pack until it is locked.
   

Unloading:

1. Push the Battery Locking Ring to the right.
   
2. Push the battery pack upward to unload it.
   

Battery Level Indication

Attach the battery pack to the flash correctly. Be aware of the battery level by check the battery level indication on the LCD panel when using.

Note: The two indications are almost the same except of grids shift.

Power Management

Long press the <ON/OFF> Power Switch for 2 seconds to control the on/off of the flash unit. Turn off the power pack if the flash unit will no be used for an extended period (approx. 1 hour).

Disabling Auto Power Off function is recommended when the flash is used off camera. (C.Fn-APO)

Wireless Flash Mode

AD600 can only be set as slave unit (receiver end). Press Wireless Selection Button to switch the two wireless modes: radio transmission and optical transmission. When using radio transmission, AD600 will automatically switch between Canon (C) and Nikon (N) system according to X1 series transmitter. When using optical transmission, please set AD600 to Canon (C) or Nikon (N) before firing a flash.

Flash Mode — TTL Autoflash

This flash has three flash modes: TTL, Manual (M), and Multi (Stroboscopic). In TTL mode, the camera and the flash will work together to calculate the correct exposure for the subject and the background.
* Press <MODE> Mode Selection Button and three flash modes will display on the LCD panel one by one with each pressing.

TTL Mode

Press <MODE > Mode Selection Button to enter TTL mode. The LCD panel will display <TTL>.

FEC: Flash Exposure Compensation
With FEC function, this flash can adjust from -3 to +3 in 1/3rd stops. It is useful in situations where minor adjusting of the TTL system is needed based on the environment.

Setting FEC:

1. Press <SET> Button and flash exposure compensation amount will be highlighted on the LCD panel.
2. Set the flash exposure compensation amount.
   • Turn the Select Dial to set the amount.
   • "0.3"means 1/3 step, "0.7"means 2/3 step.
   • To cancel the flash exposure compensation, set the amount to "+0".
3. Press < SET > button again to confirm the setting.

High-Speed Sync
High Speed Sync (FP flash) enables the flash to synchronize with all camera shutter speeds. This is convenient when you want to use aperture priority for fill-flash portraits.

1. Press High Speed Sync Button so that <> is displayed.
   
2. Please use X1 series transmitter.
   

• If you set a shutter speed that is the same as or slower than the camera's maximum flash sync speed, < will not be displayed in the viewfinder.
• With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the shorter the effective flash range.
• To return to normal flash, press <> button again. Then <> will disappear.
• Multi flash mode cannot be set in high-speed sync mode.
• Over-temperature protection may be activated after 50 consecutive high-speed sync flashes.

Flash Mode — M: Manual Flash

The flash output is adjustable from 1/1 full power to 1/256th power in 1/3rd stop increments. To obtain a correct flash exposure, use a hand-held flash meter to determine the required flash output.

1. Press < MODE > button so that < M > is displayed.
   
2. Turn the Select Dial to choose a desired flash output amount.
   
3. Press < SET > button again to confirm the setting.
   

Flash Output Range

The following table makes it easier to see how the stop changes in terms of f/stop when you increase or decrease the flash output. For example, when you decrease the flash output to 1/2, 1/2-0.3, or 1/2-0.7, and then increase the flash output to more than 1/2, 1/2+0.3, 1/2+0.7, and 1/1 will be displayed.

Figures displayed when reducing flash output level

Figures displayed when increasing flash output level

Optical S1 Secondary Unit Setting
In M manual flash mode, press <MENU> button to enter C.FN-SLAVE to choose S1 function, so that this flash can function as an optical S1 secondary flash with optic sensor. With this function, the flash will fire synchronously when the main flash fires, the same effect as that by the use of radio triggers. This helps create multiple lighting effects.

Optical S2 Secondary Unit Setting
Press < MENU > button to enter C.FN-SLAVE to choose S2 function, so that this flash can also function as an optical S2 secondary flash with optical sensor in M manual flash mode. This is useful when cameras have pre-flash function. With this function, the flash will ignore a single "preflash" from the main flash and will only fire in response to the second, actual flash from the main unit.

• S1 and S2 optical triggering is only available in M manual flash mode.

Display Flash Duration

Flash duration refers to the length of time that from flash's firing to reach the half peak at maximum. The half peak at maximum is usually expressed as t=0.5. In order to provide the photographer with more concrete data, this product adopts t=0.1. The difference between t=0.5 and t=0.1 is shown in the following picture.

The flash duration will only be displayed on the LCD panel in M mode.

Flash Mode — Multi: Stroboscopic Flash

With stroboscopic flash, a rapid series of flashes is fired. It can be used to capture a multiple images of a moving subject in a single photograph. You can set the firing frequency (number of flashes per sec. expressed as Hz), the number of flashes, and the flash output.

1. Press <MODE> button so that <MULTI> is displayed.
   
2. Turn the Select Dial to choose a desired flash output.
   
3. Set the flash frequency and flash times.
   • Press <SET> Button to select the flash times. Turn the Select Dial to set the number.
   • Press <SET> Button to select the flash frequency. Turn the Select Dial to set the number.
   • After you finish the setting, press <SET> button and all the settings will be displayed.
     

Calculating the Shutter Speed

During stroboscopic flash, the shutter remains open until the firing stops. Use the formula below to calculate the shutter speed and set it with the camera.

Number of Flashes / Flash Frequency = Shutter Speed
For example, if the number of flashes is 10 and the firing frequency is 5 Hz, the shutter speed should be at least 2 seconds.

To avoid overheating and deteriorating the flash head, do not use stroboscopic flash more than 10 times in succession. After 10 times, allow the camera flash to rest for at least 15 minutes. If you try to use the stroboscopic flash more than 10 times in succession, the firing might stop automatically to protect the flash head. If this happens, allow at least 15 minutes' rest for the camera flash.

• Stroboscopic flash is most effective with a highly reflective subject against a dark background.
• Using a tripod and a remote control is recommended.
• A flash output of 1/1 and 1/2 cannot be set for stroboscopic flash.
• Stroboscopic flash can be used with"buLb".
• If the number of flashes is displayed as "--", the firing will continue until the shutter closes or the battery is exhausted. The number of flashes will be limited as shown by the following table.

Maximum Stroboscopic Flashes:

Wireless Flash Shooting: Radio (2.4G) Transmission

AD600 adopts Godox 2.4G wireless X system, which has good compatibility with other products of our company. As a slave unit, AD600 is automatically compatible with Canon E-TTL II system and Nikon i-TTL system according to the master unit. When receiving the master unit's signal, "C" or "N" will be displayed on the LCD panel. Nikon cameras (use X1T-N, TT685N, etc.) and Canon cameras (use X1T-C, TT685C, etc.) can use one or more AD600 flashes simultaneously.

*As a slave unit, AD600 can be controlled by the following master units: AD360II-C, AD360II-N, TT685C, TT685N, X1T-C, X1T-N, TT600,etc.

1. Wireless Settings
   Press <> Wireless Setting Button again until <> is displayed on the panel.
2. Setting the Communication Channel
   If there are other wireless flash systems nearby, you can change the channel IDs to prevent signal interference. The channel IDs of the master unit and the slave unit(s) must be set to the same.

1. Long press the <GR/CH> Button for 2 seconds so that channels ID is displayed on the LCD panel.
   
2. Turn the Select Dial to choose a channel ID from 1 to 32.
   
3. Press the <SET> button to confirm.
   

3. Setting the Communication Group
   Short press the < GR/CH > Button to choose group ID from A to E.
   
4. Wireless Flash Shooting
   Positioning and Operation Range (Example of wireless flash shooting)
   • Autoflash Shooting with One Slave Unit
     

• Use the supplied mini stand to position the slave unit.
• Before shooting, perform a test flash and test shooting.
• The transmission distance might be shorter depending on the conditions such as positioning of slave units, the surrounding environment and whether conditions.

Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting

You can divide the slave units into two or three groups and perform TTL autoflash while changing the flash ratio (factor). In addition, you can set and shoot with a different flash mode for each firing group.

• Auto Shooting with Two Slave Groups
  
• Auto Shooting with Three Slave Groups
  

Wireless shooting using radio transmission has advantages over wireless shooting using optic transmission, such as being less affected by obstacles, and not having to point the slave unit's wireless sensor toward the master unit.

The main functional differences are as follows:

Wireless Flash: Optical Transmission

AD600 supports wireless flash functions and can be set as slave unit. Choose Canon or Nikon optical wireless system through C. FN-REMOTE on the MENU list.

*Compatible Canon optical wireless system: AD600 can receive wireless signals of Canon speedlites e.g. 580EXII, 600EX-RT and commanders of Canon cameras e.g. 7D/60D/600D.
*Compatible Nikon optical wireless system: AD600 can receive wireless signals of Nikon speedlights e.g. SB-900, SB-910 and commanders of D7100/D7000/D800.

• You can set up one to five slave groups for TTL autoflash shooting. With TTL autoflash, you can easily create various lighting effects.
• Any flash settings (of flash exposure compensation, high-speed sync, FE lock, FEB, manual flash, Multi flash) on the master unit will be automatically sent to the slave units. So the only thing you need to do is to set the master unit to TTL mode without any operation for the slave units at all during the shooting.
• This flash can work in TTL autoflash, M manual flash, and Multi stroboscopic flash modes when set as a master unit.

Positioning and Operation Range

1. Wireless Settings
   Press <> Wireless Setting Button again until <> is displayed on the panel.
   
2. Setting the Communication Channel
   If there are other wireless flash systems nearby, you can change the channel IDs to prevent signal interference. The channel IDs of the master unit and the slave unit(s) must be set to the same.
   1. Long press the <GR/CH> Button for 2 seconds so that channels ID is displayed on the LCD panel.
      
   2. Turn the Select Dial to choose a channel ID from 1 to 4.
      
   3. Press the <SET> button to confirm.
      
3. Setting the Communication Group
   Short press the < GR/CH > Button to choose group ID from A to C.
   
   
   The slave unit might be out of order or fire an unwanted flash due to the nearby fluorescent lamp or computer screen.

C.Fn: Setting Custom Functions

1. Press < MENU > Button to enter C.Fn menu. The "Ver x.x" in the top-right corner refers to the software version.
2. Select the Custom Function Signs.
   * Turn the Select Dial to select the Custom Function Signs.
3. Change the Setting.
   * Press<SET> button and the Setting Signs are highlighted.
   * Turn the Select Dial to set the desired number. Press <SET> button will confirm the settings.
4. Exit C.Fn Menu.
   * Press <MENU> Button to exit.

Modeling Lamp
AD600 is equipped with a 10W LED modeling lamp which has 3 steps of light adjustment and two always lighting modes.

• Short press the Modeling Lamp Button to set the steps:
  One step: 30% of power output; off in 30 minutes (prevent overheating)
  Two step: 60% of power output; off in 20 minutes (prevent overheating)
  Three step: 100% of power output; off in 10 minutes (prevent overheating)
• Long press the modeling lamp for 2 seconds to set modeling modes:
  1. Always lighting
  2. Modeling lamp auto off when firing.
     

Other Applications

Wireless Control Function

The flash unit is built in with a Wireless Control Port so that you can wirelessly adjust the power level of the flash and the flash triggering. To control the flash wirelessly, you need a FT-16 remote control set (oncamera and on-flash). Insert its receive end into the Wireless Control Port on the flash and insert the transmit end into the camera hot shoe. Settings made on the hotshoe-mounted transmit and receive ends will be wirelessly communicated to the flash. Then you can press the camera shutter release button to trigger the flash. You can also hold the transmit end at hand to control your off-camera flash.

For full instructions on the use of FT series remote control, see its user manual.

Sync Triggering

The Sync Cord Jack is a Φ3.5mm plug. Insert a trigger plug here and the flash will be fired synchronously with the camera shutter.

Protection Function

1. Over-Temperature Protection
   • To avoid overheating and deteriorating the flash head, do not fire more than 100 continuous flashes in fast succession at 1/1 full power. After 100 continuous flashes, allow a rest time of at least 10 minutes.
   • If you fire more than 100 continuous flashes and then fire more flashes in short intervals, the inner overtemperature protection function may be activated and make the recycling time over 10 seconds. If this occurs, allow a rest time of about 10 minutes, and the flash unit will then return to normal.
   • When the over-temperature protection is started, is shown on the LCD display.

Number of flashes that will activate over-temperature protection:

Number of flashes that will activate over-temperature protection in high-speed sync triggering mode:

1. Other Protections
   • The system provides real-time protection to secure the device and your safety. The following lists prompts for your reference:

     LCD Panel	Meaning
     E1	A failure occurs on the recycling system so that the flash cannot fire. Please restart the flash unit. If the problem still exists, please send this product to a maintenance center.
     E2	The system gets excessive heat. Please allow a rest time of 10 minutes.
     E3	The voltage on two outlets of the flash tube is too high. Please send this product to a maintenance center.
     E9	There are some errors occurred during the upgrading process. Please using the correct firmware upgrade method.

Technical Data

Troubleshooting

If there is a problem, refer to this Troubleshooting Guide.

The flash exposure is underexposed or overexposed.

• There was a highly reflective object (e.g. glass window) in the picture.
  →Use FE lock (FEL).
• You used high-speed sync.
  →With high-speed sync, the effective flash range will be shorter. Make sure the subject is within the effective flash range displayed.
• You used Manual Flash mode.
  →Set the flash mode to TTL or modify the flash output.

Firmware Upgrade

This flash supports firmware upgrade through the USB port. Update information will be released on our official website.

USB connection line is not included in this product. The USB port is a standard Micro USB socket. Common USB connection line is applicable.

Maintenance

• Shut down the device immediately should abnormal operation be detected.
• Avoid sudden impacts and the product should be dedusted regularly.
• It is normal for the flash tube to be warm when in use. Avoid continuous flashes if unnecessary.
• Maintenance of the flash must be performed by our authorized maintenance department which can provide original accessories.
• This product, except consumables e.g. flash tube, is supported with a one-year warranty.
• Unauthorized service will void the warranty.
• If the product had failures or was wetted, do not use it until it is repaired by professionals.
• Changes made to the specifications or designs may not be reflected in this manual.