Connecting Flashes WirelesslyUpdated an hour ago
The FJ Wireless system allows a single trigger to connect to and control multiple FJ Wireless flashes. For example, an FJ-X3 trigger can control compatible FJ Wireless flashes such as the FJ80 II, FJ80 SE, FJ400 II, and FJ800. The FJ-T1 and FJ-X2m triggers can also be used to control FJ Wireless lights.
Additionally, FJ speedlights, including the FJ80 II and FJ80 SE, have built-in wireless transmitter functionality, allowing them to control other off-camera FJ Wireless flashes.
Important terms:
- Host: The on-camera unit that controls off-camera flashes
- Client: The off-camera flash being remotely controlled
Getting Connected
There are two primary settings involved when connecting Hosts and Clients:
- Channel
- Group
Channel
The Channel allows the Host, such as a trigger, to communicate with Client units, such as off-camera flashes.
All FJ Wireless equipment you want to use together, including both Hosts and Clients, must be set to the same channel.
Recommended starting point:
- Start on Channel 5 and move higher if you experience misfires or connectivity issues.
Channel/Wireless interference
Different environments and nearby wireless devices can create varying levels of wireless interference. Interference may cause symptoms such as flashes not firing, delayed firing, or the trigger not reliably controlling flash settings.
Interference can come from sources such as:
- Cellular network towers
- Wi-Fi routers
- Mobile hotspots and other wireless devices
- Many phones, tablets, or computers operating in a small area
- Large bodies of water, such as pools
- Metal or highly reflective surfaces, such as sheet metal, warehouse interiors, or factory environments
Be mindful of your shooting environment. Before starting your session, take a handful of test shots on location to confirm that your wireless connection is working reliably.
Group
The groups shown on your trigger, such as A, B, C, and so on, can be thought of as control zones. Groups allow you to control a specific light or set of lights within the selected channel.
After setting your Host and Client units to the same channel, assign each Client to the desired group for proper control and organization. Take note of the group settings on your Host unit, as the Host will override adjustments made directly on the Client unit.
Group Examples
A typical 3-light portrait setup may look like this:
- Main light: Group A
- Fill light: Group B
- Background or rim light: Group C
Assigning each light to its own group allows you to control each light independently for consistent, precise control.
A more complex, dramatic portrait might look like
- One main light: group A
- Two rim lights: B
- Two background lights: C
- One gelled light: Group D
For copy work or passport photography, assigning multiple lights to the same group can be beneficial.
Passport photography typically requires even lighting with little to no shadows. One way to achieve this is to position two lights at the same power, each placed at a 45-degree angle from the subject and at an equal distance from the subject.
In this example, if you are using two identical lights, such as two FJ80 II speedlights, setting both lights to Group A allows you to adjust them together and keep them firing at the same power.
Additional Steps
For more details on connectivity, how to connect, and troubleshooting connection issues, please see our troubleshooting guides