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Related Manuals for Westcott FJ800
Summary of Contents for Westcott FJ800
- Page 1 FJ800 & FJ400 II AC/DC Strobes User Manual v 1.0.0 01/15/2025...
- Page 2 Important things to know before starting… Reviewing Firmware Files Firmware updates for the FJ Wireless System are available on the FJ Westcott Firmware page. To ensure a smooth installation process, please carefully review all documentation included with each firmware download. These materials provide essential preparation steps that must be completed before installing the firmware. Firmware updates may result in adjustments to strobe performance, available features, and menu items, which are subject to change without notice. TTL ±3 Flash Exposure Compensation (FJ Strobes & FJ-X Triggers) The ±3 TTL Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC) adjustment on the FJ-X Wireless Trigger operates independently of the FEC settings on the FJ Strobes. Adjusting the FEC on the FJ-X will modify the light output in TTL mode, but these changes will not be reflected on the FJ Strobe’s display. Additionally, the FJ Strobe’s FEC can be independently adjusted by ±3. FJ Strobe: Wireless Control To fully maximize the performance and features of your new FJ Strobe, pair it with FJ-X Wireless Radio Triggers or FJ80 Speedlights. For detailed instructions on triggering the FJ800 and FJ400 II strobes using these devices, visit our website at www.fjwestcott.com.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents Introduction Components (Included) Overview Important Safety Information Multi-Stage Heat Protection Firmware Updates Updating the Firmware Important Notes for the Firmware Update Process Getting Started Charging the FJ Pro and FJ ProMax Battery AC Adapter LED Indicator Light Guide Attaching the FJ Pro and ProMax AC/DC Lithium Polymer Battery Removing the FJ Pro and ProMax AC/DC Lithium Polymer Battery AC Power Operation DC Power Operation Mounting Mounting a Light Stand or Easy Boom Attaching & Removing Modifiers Connecting a Bowens Adapter Ring & Modifiers Removing an Umbrella-Based Modifier Important Notes: Touchscreen Main Screen Navigating the Menu... - Page 4 Menu 1 Screen Understanding the Intricacies Mode Channels Groups Menu 2 Screen Sync Freeze Sync Flash Durations Modeling Light Output Modeling Light Color Temp Menu 3 Screen Understanding the Intricacies Creative Mask Frame (On/Off) Creative Mask Frames Creative Mask Sequence Menu 4 Screen Delay (On/Off) Delay Time Select Master Lock (On/Off) Settings Menu Screen 1/3 Screen 2/3 Screen 3/3 Understanding Group Colors Group Colors...
- Page 5 FJ800 Strobe FJ400 II Strobe [Coming Soon] FJ-X3 Wireless Triggers [Coming Soon] FJ Pro & ProMax Batteries Performance LED Battery Status Charging, Care & Life Expectancy Warranty Information Legal Information...
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Page 6: Introduction
Thank you for choosing your new FJ strobe, the ultimate tool for photographers seeking unparalleled power, performance, and versatility. Designed with cutting-edge technology, these strobes deliver precise, consistent lighting with a wide 9-stop energy range and industry-leading recycle times, ensuring you never miss a shot. Whether capturing action-packed moments or crafting detailed studio portraits, the FJ800’s 800Ws and the FJ400 II’s 400Ws of power provide the flexibility and reliability you need to bring your creative vision to life. Both strobes come equipped with the interchangeable FJ Pro AC/DC Battery. The FJ Pro offers up to 550+ flashes on the FJ400 II and 250+ flashes on the FJ800 at full power. With fast recharge times and the ability to swap batteries between units, you can work seamlessly in any environment—from studio to location shoots. The advanced OLED touchscreen interface ensures... -
Page 7: Overview
Overview... -
Page 8: Important Safety Information
Important Safety Information • During operation, the flash tube, LED modeling lamp, and certain components of the FJ800 & FJ400 II strobes may become hot. Exercise caution to avoid burns or injury. • Use the FJ800 & FJ400 II strobes exclusively with Westcott FJ Pro and FJ ProMax AC/DC Lithium Polymer Batteries and/or the provided AC Power Adapter and Cord. • To prevent injury, avoid touching the glass diffusion dome, flash tube, LED modeling lamp, or metal reflector immediately after use, as these components may remain extremely hot. • Never leave the strobes unattended, especially in the presence of children or pets. • Keep the strobes away from fire, water, and moisture. Do not submerge them in water under any circumstances. • Protect the strobes from drastic temperature changes before, during, or after use to prevent potential damage. • When replacing the flash tube, avoid direct skin contact with the flash tube and LED modeling lamp. • Remove the FJ Pro or FJ ProMax AC/DC Lithium Polymer Battery during travel or storage to prevent accidental activation, overheating, or damage. -
Page 9: Multi-Stage Heat Protection
Multi-Stage Heat Protection The FJ800 & FJ400 II strobes feature an advanced multi-stage heat protection system designed to ensure consistent and safe performance during extended use. Its self-monitoring cooling fans actively regulate internal temperatures, keeping the unit operating within optimal parameters. In the unlikely event that the strobe approaches a critical temperature threshold, an automatic shutoff feature is activated to prevent overheating. The display will show “OH” (overheat) as a clear visual indicator. Stage 1: When the internal temperature reaches 149°F (65°C), the strobe’s display will show [OH] to indicate overheating. At this point, the unit automatically increases its recycle time by 1 second. This controlled delay allows the internal components to cool while still enabling the user to continue shooting safely. Stage 2: If the internal temperature rises to 167°F (75°C), the [OH] indicator remains on, and the strobe will further extend the recycle time by an additional 4 seconds. This precautionary step helps further cool the unit without requiring a complete shutdown. Stage 3: When the strobe reaches a critical temperature of 176°F (80°C), the [OH] warning remains on, and the unit will automatically disable its flash function to prevent damage. During this stage, the strobe will remain inactive until it cools down to a safe operating temperature, at which point normal operation will resume. NOTE: The LED modeling lamp will automatically turn off during an [OH] (overheat) condition to help reduce the internal temperature and protect the unit. -
Page 10: Firmware Updates
Firmware Updates Updating the Firmware The FJ800 and FJ400 II are equipped with a USB-C port dedicated to firmware updates. Firmware updates may bring performance enhancements, new or modified menu options, and improvements to the overall interface. Regularly check for the latest firmware at fjwestcott.com/firmware. • Visit fjwestcott.com/firmware and download the latest firmware ZIP file. Note: If your browser automatically unzips the file, skip to Step 3. • Manually unzip the downloaded file, then open the extracted folder. • IMPORTANT: Read all documents included in the folder, such as “README” and “Changelog,” which may contain crucial update instructions. • Ensure the FJ Strobe is powered off and has cooled. Remove the battery from the strobe. • Use the supplied USB-C cable to connect the strobe to your computer. -
Page 11: Getting Started
Getting Started Charging the FJ Pro and FJ ProMax Battery The FJ Strobe is designed to work seamlessly with both the FJ Pro and FJ ProMax batteries. Be sure to review the contents of your purchase to verify which battery is included. For added convenience, these batteries can be charged either while detached from the strobe or while connected to the unit. To begin charging, follow these steps: 1. Connect the power cord to the AC Adapter. 2. Insert the AC Adapter’s barrel plug into the battery’s AC charging receptacle. 3. Plug the power cord into a wall outlet. The charging process is underway when the indicator light on the AC Adapter turns red. Charging is complete when the indicator light changes to green, signaling that the battery is fully charged and ready for use. AC Adapter LED Indicator Light Guide This visual color-coding system helps users quickly identify the battery’s status during the charging process. • Green: The AC Adapter’s LED will display green under three conditions: when the adapter is plugged into a power outlet without a battery connected, when connected to a fully charged battery, or when the battery is in heat protection mode and not charging. • Red: The LED will turn red when the AC Adapter is connected to a battery that is actively charging and has not yet reached 100% charge capacity. -
Page 12: Attaching The Fj Pro And Promax Ac/Dc Lithium Polymer Battery
Attaching the FJ Pro and ProMax AC/DC Lithium Polymer Battery 1. Align the silver connection points on the back of the strobe with the corresponding holes on the silver strips located on the back of the battery. 2. Once aligned, slide the battery down firmly until it clicks into place, ensuring a secure connection. Removing the FJ Pro and ProMax AC/DC Lithium Polymer Battery 1. Turn off the FJ Strobe by pressing and holding the Power button until the LCD screen goes dark, confirming the unit is off. 2. Slide the release lock located on the top of the battery away from the strobe. 3. While holding the release lock, gently lift and slide the battery upwards and away from the strobe to remove it safely. AC Power Operation 1. Ensure that the battery’s charge level is at least 25% before connecting to AC power. 2. Confirm that the battery is securely attached to the FJ Strobe. 3. Connect the power cord to the AC Adapter. 4. With the strobe powered off, insert the AC Adapter’s barrel plug into the battery’s AC power receptacle. 5. -
Page 13: Mounting
Mounting Mounting a Light Stand or Easy Boom 1. Rotate the tilter bracket handle counterclockwise until the light stand receptacle is positioned perpendicular to the strobe body. 2. Loosen the tension knob located on the lower part of the tilter bracket by turning it counterclockwise. 3. Insert the 5/8” (16mm) light stand or Boom spigot into the tilter bracket’s receptacle on the strobe. 4. Secure the strobe by tightening the tension knob clockwise until it is firmly attached to the light stand. Ensure the strobe is stable and properly aligned before use. Attaching &... -
Page 14: Important Notes
• Always handle adapter rings, umbrellas, and other modifiers with care. Avoid using excessive force during attachment or removal, as this can cause damage to the strobe or the modifiers. • When removing modifiers, take precautions to avoid contact with the flash tube. Handle components gently to maintain their condition and ensure continued reliable performance. Touchscreen The FJ800 and FJ400 II strobes feature an intuitive OLED touchscreen that simplifies navigation and control. For added convenience, an on-screen help guide is accessible by pressing the small question mark icon. This guide provides detailed explanations of menu options and their functionality, empowering users to make the most of the strobe’s advanced features with ease and confidence. Main Screen... -
Page 15: Navigating The Menu
Navigating the Menu 1. To navigate through the menus, tap the MENU button in the top right of the screen. 2. Access the Settings Menu by pressing and holding the current MENU button for 3 seconds. 3. To close a tab, tap the return icon, tap the open tab title, or tap another tab. 4. Access the Help Screen in an open tab by pressing the ? icon. Menu 1 Screen Menu 1 offers control over essential strobe settings. Users can easily switch between lighting modes, adjust channels for syncing with other equipment, and assign strobes to groups for organized lighting setups. Each menu is designed for simplicity, featuring sliders, “+” and “–” buttons, and an on-screen help guide accessible through the question mark icon for additional support and functionality details. -
Page 16: Channels
Channels Select a channel between 01 and 31 on the strobe to sync your lighting equipment. Adjust the channel using the “+” and “–” buttons or the slider. For optimal performance, it is recommended to use channels within the range of 05 to 15. Groups Assign the strobe to a group using the Groups menu to organize your lighting setup. Select a group from A to U by adjusting the slider or using the “+” and “–” buttons. Multiple strobes can share a channel while assigned to different groups for flexible and precise control. Menu 2 Screen Menu 2 offers controls for syncing and managing the modeling light on your strobe. The Sync tab allows you to select different flash timing modes to suit your creative needs. The Modeling Light Output tab provides options to turn the modeling light on, off, or adjust its brightness manually or... -
Page 17: Freeze Sync Flash Durations
Freeze Sync Flash Durations FJ800 FJ400 II Flash Duration (t0.1) Flash Duration (t0.1) Normal: 1/280~1/6,100s Normal: 1/200~1/6,540s Freeze: 1/280~1/10,000s Freeze: 1/220~1/10,800s Flash Duration (t0.5) Flash Duration (t0.5) Normal: 1/900~1/15,000s Normal: 1/600~1/16,500s Freeze: 1/900~1/25,000s Freeze: 1/500~1/24,000s • Front Curtain Sync: Triggers the flash at the start of the camera’s exposure, perfect for standard photography techniques. Ideal in typical scenarios and when color consistency (5500°K ±150), full-power output (400 Ws), and the fastest recycling are essential. -
Page 18: Menu 3 Screen
Menu 3 Screen Menu 3 offers advanced control for creating dynamic multi-frame lighting setups with the Creative Mask feature. This feature allows you to divide your scene into multiple exposures, each with a unique lighting configuration. In the Creative Mask Frames tab, you can select the number of frames (2–6) to capture, enabling precise planning for composite photography. The Creative Mask Sequence tab lets you assign when strobes will fire during a sequence, whether in specific, multiple, or all frames. These settings provide unparalleled flexibility for photographers looking to easily achieve intricate, layered lighting effects. -
Page 19: Creative Mask Sequence
Creative Mask Sequence The Creative Mask Sequence tab allows you to assign when the strobe will fire during a multi-frame sequence. You can select specific frames (1–6), multiple frames, or choose ALL to have the strobe fire in every frame. This feature provides precise control over the timing and placement of light, making it ideal for complex shots. Menu 4 Screen Menu 4 provides features to refine the timing and control of your strobe. The Delay feature lets you set a time interval between the camera’s shutter release and the strobe firing, enabling precise flash... -
Page 20: Master Lock (On/Off)
Master Lock (On/Off) The Master Lock feature prevents changes to the strobe’s settings from the FJ Wireless Trigger while still allowing full control through the strobe’s screen. This ensures that the strobe’s configuration remains secure and unchanged during operation, providing added reliability in multi-user or complex lighting setups. Settings Menu The Settings Menu provides a wide range of options to customize and optimize your strobe’s functionality and appearance. It includes controls for flash duration measurement modes (t0.1 or t0.5), seamless transitions between TTL and Manual modes, and display format preferences (decimal or fractional power levels). Users can adjust the screen brightness, set sleep timers to conserve power, and enable or disable the optical sensor for triggering via external light sources. -
Page 21: Screen 2/3
fractions like “1/4.” This allows photographers to choose the format they are most comfortable with for precise adjustments. Screen 2/3 • Screen (MIN, MID, MAX): Adjust the brightness level of the strobe’s touchscreen display to suit your shooting environment. MIN is ideal for low-light settings to avoid distractions, MID provides a balanced brightness for general use, and MAX ensures clear visibility in bright or outdoor conditions. -
Page 22: Understanding Group Colors
Group B Orange Group C Green Group D Yellow Group E Red Group F Purple Group I Indigo Remaining Groups White FJ800 Strobe The FJ800 strobe was designed with two indicator lights at the rear of the unit. When enabled, the two lights will illuminate the color of the assigned group shown on the trigger device. Note: Group colors are currently only supported on the FJ- X3 Wireless Trigger. -
Page 23: Fj-X3 Wireless Triggers [Coming Soon]
Once enabled, the group rows on the main screen will display their assigned colors for easier identification and organization. FJ Pro & ProMax Batteries Performance Strobe FJ Pro Battery FJ ProMax Battery FJ400 II Full Power Flashes 550+ 1,000+ FJ800 Full Power Flashes 250+ 500+ NOTE: To operate the FJ800 and FJ400 II strobes using the AC power supply, the batteries must maintain at least 25% charge. Additionally, when the FJ batteries reach 30% capacity, the modeling lamp will automatically turn off to prioritize and ensure continued strobe functionality. LED Battery Status Press the Battery Status button on the FJ Pro & ProMax batteries to check the remaining charge capacity. Illuminated LED Indicators o 4 lights: 100% ~ 75% o 3 lights: 74% ~ 50% o 2 lights: 49% ~ 25% o 1 light: 24% ~ 0% o 0 lights: Detach the battery and charge it to full capacity. -
Page 24: Charging, Care & Life Expectancy
Charging, Care & Life Expectancy The FJ Pro and ProMax Lithium-ion Batteries require an average of 1.5 hours (FJ Pro) & 3 hours (FJ ProMax) to fully charge from a discharged state and are engineered to deliver a minimum of 300 complete charge cycles. After this point, the battery’s performance and ability to retain a charge may gradually decrease with continued use. To ensure optimal performance, avoid charging or using the battery outside the recommended operating temperature range of 32–113°F (0–45°C), as this may affect both the battery and strobe functionality. For long-term storage, maintain battery health by storing it at approximately 75% capacity (indicated by three indicator lights) in a dry, room-temperature environment. If the battery is not in use, recharge it to this level at least every three months to preserve its longevity. Warranty Information Westcott’s warranty obligations for this product are limited to the following terms. The F.J. Westcott Co. (“Westcott”) warrants this Westcott branded product against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of ONE (1) YEAR from the date of retail purchase from Westcott or an authorized retailer by the original end-user purchaser (“Warranty Period”). If a defect arises and a valid claim is received within the Warranty Period, at its option and to the extent permitted by law, Westcott will either (1) repair the defect at no charge, using new or refurbished replacement parts, or (2) exchange the product with a product that is new or which has been manufactured from new or serviceable used parts and is at least functionally equivalent to the original product. This Limited Warranty applies only to products manufactured by or for Westcott that can be identified by the Westcott trademark, trade name, or logo affixed to them. This warranty does not apply to: (a) damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, flood, fire, earthquake, mold, or other external causes; (b) damage caused by operating the product outside the permitted or intended uses described by Westcott; (c) a product or part that has been modified to alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Westcott; or (d) cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches, dents, and broken plastic. Disclaimer: By purchasing, borrowing and/or using this product for any event, both public or private, you, the customer, accepts all responsibility and releases Westcott, and its associates, of any and all liability in the event of manufacturer’s defect, malfunction or misuse of the product which may lead to further injuries or complications unforeseen by the user. Westcott is not responsible for any potential or incurred damage caused by failure to properly mount, hang, or store the product, which includes, but is not limited to damage to cameras, electronics, electrical equipment, buildings, building materials, personal injury, death, or disability, fire damage, or any and all other damage not mentioned previously. Please contact Westcott’s Repair Department for a Return Authorization Number “RMA” prior to... -
Page 25: Legal Information
Repair Department: 419-243-7311 (International) Email: service@fjwestcott.com Shipping: F.J. Westcott Co, 1425-B Holland Rd. Maumee, OH 43537 Legal Information Westcott products are made to the company’s traditionally high standards of quality and comply with all applicable government safety regulations and requirements. In an effort to provide the best quality products possible, we periodically make product modifications. Actual products may not be identical to items pictured. Future firmware updates may result in performance enhancements, removal of features to achieve optimal performance, and modified menu options and layouts. Made in the USA. ©F.J. Westcott Co. All rights reserved.
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