I received my Yongnuo YN560-TX flash controller this week. This device can control groups of Yongnuo YN560-III flashes, triggering as well changing the power zoom and other functions of the flash remotely via radio signal. You can put each flash in to 1 of 6 groups (A-F), and every flash in each group will be set as defined by the YN560-TX. This means you can have your flash inside a soft box or clamped up out of reach and you will easily be able to raise or lower the power of that flash.
Set Groups on the YN560-III Flash
The YN560-III flash has always the label GRP between the middle two buttons, but they never seemed to do anything. Well now, after paring with the YN560-TX that group function will be enabled. There seems to be a few people who have had issues with getting this to work. All I can say is, read the manual for the YN560-TX, specifically parts 5 Preparation and then 6 Activate Group Function of YN560-III.
- Turn on both the YN560-III and YN560-TX and ensure both are using the same Channel.
- On the YN560-TX push the ZOOM/CH and the Hz/FN buttons, and it will display ACT (active)
- On the YN560-III the blue light under the PILOT light should come on
- On the YN560-III push the OK button.
- You should now have Gr (Group) displayed on the flashes LCD below Ch (Channel)
- You should now be able to set each flashes group using the GRP buttons on the flash.
Control
With the YN560-TX connected to your remote flashes you are able to control (for each flash group):
- Power output, moving from 1/1 to 1/128 power in full stops or 1/3 stops
- Zoom the flash from 24-105mm
- Modes. Set the group to Manual, Multi or off. In Multi you are able to remotely set the number and frequency of the flashes
Range
I haven’t done a decent range test yet, but with the YN560-III flash units inside my garrage I was able to use the YN560-TX to trigger and adjust them while I was outside in the back yard. Probably around 30m with brick walls and the like in between. I’m sure someone out there will do a more comprehensive test on range.
Trigger with RF-603C
You can use an Yongnuo RF-603C to remotely trigger the YN56-TX. With the YN560-TX on the camera hot shoe. The cable release (from the RF-603C) connected from the YN560-TX to the camera. The RF-603C can trigger the camera (and flash) remotely.