Commlite ComTrig T320 Radio Synchronizer Overview

According provided by Comlite ComTrig T320 radio synchronizer thanks a lot to Aleks de Kairo who makes amazing coffee watch.

Commlite ComTrig T320 Radio Synchronizer Overview

Commlite ComTrig T320 is a good radio trigger for remote control of flashes and cameras. ComTrig T320 does not support remote flash control in automatic TTL mode (such synchronizers are called 'Non-TTL'). When using it, the flash output will have to be set manually.

Type of transmitter

T320 synchronizer consists of a transmitter T320-TX and receiver T320-RX... Both the receiver and the transmitter use 2 conventional 'AAA' mini-finger batteries for power. The cases are pleasant to the touch and well-assembled, even the battery compartment covers are well made. The transmitter leg is metal, and the receiver leg is plastic, but with a metal threaded insert for the tripod head. T320-TX and T320-RX are fixed with a special twist-lock, I really miss such a lock on my radio synchronizer Yongnuo Digital RF-602 / N.

Receiver. Compartment for batteries.

The transmitter and receiver outwardly differ only in the name and foot of the shoe, they are easily confused with each other - you have to carefully watch who is who.

Different legs at the receiver and transmitter

The T320 synchronizer can use 7 communication channels and operates at a frequent 2.4 GHz. For proper operation, both the receiver and transmitter must be set to the same communication channel. There are four LEDs on the top of the transmitter and receiver, which combine to indicate the selected channel. On the right is the CH button (chanel - channel), when you click on it, the channels change in a circle from 1 to 1 + 2 + 3 + 4. Also, the T320-TX and T320-RX have an LED that notifies of the operating mode: solid green - receiving a flash wake-up signal or a signal for focusing, red - triggering. The T320-TX and T320-RX have a “test” button with which you can test the flash firing.

The T320-TX and T320-RX are suitable for both Nikon cameras and Canon cameras. I also worked without problems with the synchronizer taking pictures of the Pentax K-5 camera, apparently, one central sync contact is enough to trigger it.

An example of working with ComTrig T320 in classic mode: into the hot shoe of my camera Canon 350D I installed the T320-TX transmitter, turn it on, select the second communication channel. I install a flash in the T320-RX receiver Yongnuo Speedlite YN560-II, on the receiver I select the second communication channel, and on the flash I set the desired work power, for example 1/32. YN560-II I repeat on a rack with an umbrella and install it in the right place for me. While releasing the camera shutter YN560-II It will work and highlight the desired subject. In such a bunch Canon 350D will not actually 'know' that there is any transmitter installed on it, nor will the camera adjust the sync speed and white balance, as it would be if instead of the T320-TX installed a conventional external flash.

T320-TX Transmitter Can Run Through. In this mode, the transmitter wears on the camera’s hot shoe, locks in there, and dresses on the T320-TX external flash. At the same time, the camera sees an external flash and you can work with it in any mode, as if the T320-TX weren’t. When the shutter is released, the T320-TX can additionally ignite other flashes, as a result, you can get a lighting scheme, where external flash the camera will operate in TTL mode, and using the T320-TX, other flashes will be ignited at the time of shooting.

End-to-end operation example: into the hot shoe of my camera Nikon D80 I installed a T320-TX transmitter, and a Nikon flash was installed in the transmitter SB-910... The camera “sees” the external flash SB-910 and can work with it in any available automatic mode, for example, in TTL + BL + FP or Master mode. Second flash, Nikon SB-900, I install the T320-RX in the receiver, put it in manual control mode and set the power I need, for example 1/16. Therefore, during shooting, the flash SB-910 can create basic lighting using any available auto mode, and the Nikon flash SB-900 can give extra light for the effect I need. True, all the same is much easier to organize with Nikon CLS.

In addition to the receiver and transmitter, the ComTrig T320 comes with instructions in Chinese and English, a warranty card, an accessory card, a synchronizer cable for studio flashes, an adapter for studio flashes and a cable for controlling the camera. My camera Nikon D700 normally works with shutter speeds no shorter than 1/250, 1/320 already gives a small black bar at the bottom of the frame.

The T320-TX can be used directly to control studio flashes.

An example of such work: T320-TX transmitter I attach to the camera shoe Nikon D700, I insert a sync cable for studio flashes into the 'Flash' hole of the T320-TX. When the shutter is released, the T320-TX will ignite the studio flashes.

Receiver and transmitter with cables from the delivery box

ComTrig T320 got to me with a cable to control a 1N camera. This cable is suitable for distant camera control D200, D4, D3, D3s, D3x, D300, D300s, D700, D800, D800E. The 1N cable is inserted into the 'Camera' hole of the T320-RX. This is a very nice feature that allows you to control the camera remotely. The range of the ComTrig T320 is as much as 120 meters.

Remote camera control example: T320-RX receiver I install in the camera’s hot shoe Nikon D700... I connect the 1N cable with one end to the T320-RX in the 'Camera' connector, and the other end to Nikon D700. I choose the same channel on the receiver and transmitter. When the T320-TX tester button is pressed halfway, the camera focuses, when the T320-TX tester is fully pressed, the camera takes a picture.

You can use the T320-TX with a 1N cable as a regular remote control cable, such as the Nikon MC-30.

Camera control example: I connect the 1N cable with one end to the T320-TX to the 'Camera' connector, and the other end to Nikon D700. When the T320-TX tester button is pressed halfway, the camera focuses, when the T320-TX tester is fully pressed, the camera takes a picture.

Each camera requires its own special cable, here is the compatibility label (scan from the instructions):

Cables for Commlite ComTrig T320

Conclusions:

ComTrig T320 is a pretty good simple radio trigger for external and studio flashes. She is attracted by a simple setting, minimal shutter speed synchronization equal to 1 / 320s, end-to-end TTL mode and the ability to remotely control the camera.

Thank you for attention. Arkady Shapoval.