Dual Flash - Why Do You Want This?

Why do you need / want 2 Flash units mounted together? The 2 units can be set to less than full
power for a faster recycling at a light output equivalent to a single unit, or setting the units at full
power will naturally give twice the light output, but with the recycle time of a single unit. The units
can be mounted to a monopod, so an assistant can hold it overhead, to a light stand for use
without an assistant, to a self supporting stand, or below a camera on a monopod for ease of
use for on the go flash photography, as in football under the lights. The 2 units can even be
mounted into a single softbox, using a custom mounting into a standard speed ring (images and
link coming).
If you are also using the RadioPopper P1 series where the receiver units use the fiber optic
cable, you will need a Dual Fiber Optic Bundle Mod to split the single receiver for the 2 flash
units.
Dual Flash Bracket - Monopod
(Under Camera Version): Overview
B(***)
This style of the Dual Flash Bracket - Monopod (Under
Camera Version) is for mounting to a specific monopod of
your choice, and will allow the mounting of two flash units
in a variety of ways using your shoes and cables or ones I
supply. The first image shows the Dual Linked Canon OCE3, while the second image shows the two flash units
mounted using the Dual Linked Hot Shoes. The Dual
Flash Holder itself can be secured in any of the metal
bracket holes, and the notched groove prevents any
rotation of the bracket once attached.
A Pocket Wizard, battery pack, or other device can be
installed into other holes as needed, or into optional
threaded inserts in the end faces of the Dual Flash Holder.
The heavy duty cast metal Tilt Head Adapter (or the Tilt
Head Adapter with the Quick Release Plate) secures the
bracket to the top of the monopod using a hardened 3/8
(or 1/4) inch threaded stud. Any number of optional flash
mount and trigger options can be employed using the
included thumbscrews, and then various cold shoes,
dedicated hot shoes as in the Dual Linked Canon OC-E3
(allows eTTL or manual control), or non-dedicated hot shoes as in the Dual Linked Hot Shoes,
shown here having been upgraded with the larger screws, rubber coiled cable, and ending in a
ScrewLock PC plug for connection to the camera PC jack.
Other connection options would include
the Dual Linked Hot Shoes with a
straight or coiled PVC cord, which can
end in the ScrewLock PC plug or the
standard PC plug. Using cold shoes, the
flash units can be triggered using a Dual
Linked Sync Cord, again made of PVC,
or rubber, straight or coiled, ScrewLock
PC plug, or standard PC plug, or mini or
even sub-mini plugs, as needed...
remember it is all custom made
specifically to your needs, or you can use
any shoes and cords you have. A second
Flash Holder can even be added should

additional devices be needed, such as a

video camera and video light.
Wireless Nikon Setup: A recent setup
just made for a Nikon photog, used cold
shoes for mounting the flash units, and
the
SU800
Wireless
Speedlight
Commander to trigger the two SB900
flash units in iTTL mode. Reports have
come back as: "Worked great, one of my
best purchases!"
This item can be supplied as just the metal bracket and flash holder to fit your monopod (if it has
a removable threaded post), or I can make everything to fit a new Velbon Neo Pod 6, and send
this all set up customized to your specs.
Basic Setup, Options, & Costs:
C(***)
The Dual Flash Bracket - Monopod basic setup consists of
the Locking Dual Flash Holder with 3 thumbscrews and
the Custom Steel Mounting Bracket. A High Density
Velcro strap secures the bottom of the metal bracket to
the monopod just above the last adjustment collar. These
items are sold together, and the cost is $75. An secondary
Dual Flash Holder is $40.

Since there are many different sizes of monopods, it is best to supply me with the
measurements as shown in the image: 1) the length from the top platform to just above the top
adjustment collar, 2) the diameter at this connection point, and 3) the size of the threaded stud
(1/4 in, 3/8 in, or both). If you are unsure, you can just send me your monopod, and I will make
the bracket to fit, or I will get a monopod like this one with a removable stud. For this Monopod
pictured (Velbon Neo Pod 6), the length is 12.5 inches, the diameter is 1.5 inches, and the stud
is a removable combination stud. (Some of the less expensive monopods have fixed in place
studs, which is not recommended in this setup.
The Heavy Duty Tilt Head Adapter and threaded stud is $35, and is needed to secure the metal
bracket to the top of the monopod. Additional threaded studs are $5 each (specify 3/8 or 1/4
inch), and additional bottom straps are $20 each. You can have threaded inserts put into the end
faces of the Dual Flash Holder for $15 each, if desired as a way to mount external battery packs
like the Canon CP-E4. A Pocket Wizard or other radio can be attached to one of the extra holes
in the metal bracket using a short thumbscrew ($10 for 2). Other thumbscrews can be seen in
the Hardware section here. Extra mounting holes (6 in total) to adjust the flash spacing adds
$20. The adapters which can also be used to secure the metal bracket to the monopod are the
same Tilt Head that has a Quick Relese Plate on top ($50) or the Quick Release Adapter that
doesn't have the Tilt Head section ($45) (images coming soon).
Flash Mounting / triggering options:
Dual Linked Cords - Coiled or Straight
D(***)
The Dual Linked Canon OC-E3 Off Camera Cord (coiled
section) can be made for $80 from 2 OC-E3 cords you
send me or it will cost $230 if I supply both of the OC-E3
cords. If you can only supply one cord, the finished Dual
Linked OC-E3 Cord will cost $150. The finished Dual
Linked OC-E3 Cord will allow the flash units to be
triggered in eTTL or manual mode. The flash ends are
hardwired together, so no connectors can get pulled apart.

If you tend to be any bit rough with your equipment, you should also consider the OCC Epoxy
Reinforcement for each of the flash ends, which will replace the short screws with 1/2 inch long
screws and nuts, and then fill the entire flash end housing with epoxy under pressure, capturing
the long screws in the epoxy, just as rebar in concrete. This mod is usually $60 each flash end,
but for this setup, the pair can be done for $100. No flash end mishaps have occurred in any of
the Epoxy Reinforcements already done.
Important Note on Generic OC-E3 Cords:
Some of the generic OC-E3 cords can indeed be used, but they have a 6 inch long straight tail
section on either side of the coiled section, while the Cannon branded cords tend to have a
straight section of only 2 or 3 inches. This is important as now it has to be specified (by the
photog) if the tail sections are desired to be long or short. It becomes an additional expense to
use the generic cords, and then make the tail section short, and would be better to just use a
Canon branded cord with short tails.
E(***)
The Dual Linked Canon OC-E3 Off Camera Cord (straight
section) will cost an additional $40 to heat treat and uncoil
the cable between the 2 flash sections. To have the cable
exit the sides of the flash ends (shown), as opposed to the
usual front of the flash end, will cost an additional $25.

F(***)
The Dual Linked Upgraded Hot Shoes with Rubber Coiled
Cable ending in a ScrewLock PC Plug is $135 and will
trigger the flash units in manual mode only, connecting to
the camera PC jack through the very secure ScrewLock
PC plug. The heavy duty rubber coiled cable will remain
flexible in most temperatures. Making these Dual Linked
Upgraded Hot Shoes with straight PVC cable, but still
having the ScrewLock PC plug is $115, while using a
standard PC plug would cost $95.

Dual Linked OC-E3 for 2nd AF Assist:

G(***)
Here is a specialized use of the Dual Linked OC-E3 for
Secondary AF Assist by the ST-E2 and can be made for
$80 from 2 OC-E3 cords you send me or it will cost $230 if
I supply both of the OC-E3 cords. If you can only supply
one cord, the finished Dual Linked OC-E3 Cord will cost
$150. As shown in the image, the primary flash end
should be reinforced with the longer screws, nuts, and
epoxy (OCC Epoxy Reinforcement), which will replace the

short screws with 1/2 inch long screws and nuts, and then
fill the entire flash end housing with epoxy under pressure,
capturing the long screws in the epoxy, just as rebar in
concrete.

This OCC Epoxy Reinforcement Mod is $60 in addition to making the Dual Linked OC-E3 cord
itself. No flash end mishaps have occurred in any of the Epoxy Reinforcements already done. It
is usually best, although not absolutely necessary, to have the IR CutOff Switch added to the
ST-E2 as well to prevent the IR interference with the flash unit, and this mod is $75.
Again, Why Do This: Having this ST-E2 in top of the flash head will provide an additional 2 AF
Assist LED's (from the ST-E2) which are raised up by about 6 inches from the AF Assist LED of
the flash unit. This is especially useful when trying to focus in low light conditions such as
weddings or other darkened room events.
As shown, this setup is really meant to use with a bracket where the flash end of the OC-E3 is
attached to part of the movable bracket. The same results can be achieved without a bracket
(flash directly on camera) by using a "Zero Height OCC" which can be seen in this Custom
Modded 580EX II (and below), using a mini-DIN connector tied into the on camera flash foot
assembly.
Secondary AF Assist w/ ST-E2 & Zero Height Dual Linked OC-E3:
H(***)
This flash has been modified with an output mini-DIN
connector, into a flash that has a "Zero Height OCC". It
was originally made for a photog as part of the Custom
Modded 580EX II so that this flash could sit in the camera
hot shoe, and be attached to a second EX flash unit sitting
next to the camera on a flat papparazzi type flash bracket,
without using a larger rotating or hinged type bracket or a
conventional Off Camera Cord for the primary flash.
Again, Why Do This: Having this ST-E2 in top of the
flash head will provide an additional 2 AF Assist LED's
(from the ST-E2) which are raised up by about 6 inches
from the AF Assist LED of the flash unit.
This is especially useful when trying to focus in low light conditions such as weddings or other
darkened room events.
For the most compact way to provide these same results would be to use a dedicated ST-E2,
remove and cover the foot assembly entirely, and then hardwire this modified ST-E2 with a
straight section of the mini-DIN connector set to connect into the modified EX flash unit. The
obvious problem with this approach is then the ST-E2 would be limited to a single use, without
being able to sit in a camera hot shoe by itself. A foam pad is provided to cushion between the
ST-E2 and the flash head, and the ST-E2 is best held in place using gaffers tape.
Costs: To add the molded mini-DIN connector into the foot assembly of any Canon EX flash unit
(as seen above) is $75, while it would be $95 to add the mating molded mini-DIN connector into
the ST-E2 unit like seen in this modified ST-E2 w/ Mini-DIN Connector. To remove the foot of the
ST-E2 and cover the opening to provide a smooth new "upper" surface would be $40. If you
prefer to use a flash end of the OC-E3 with the mating molded mini-DIN connector on a straight

cable (as seen here, item # 2), this item would be $110. Making this same item keeping some or
all of the existing coiled cord, and then assembling on a mini-DIN connector (as seen above),
would instead be $140.
Notes:
1) If you use this setup of the ST-E2 to provide additional AF Assist, and also plan to ever use
the Canon IR wireless system, then the IR ShutOff Switch must also be installed which is an
additional $60.
2) To get additional functionality of this whole setup, you can add in the camera end of the OCE3 with the attached molded mini-DIN connector (as seen here, item # 1), and this item would
be $70, (including the required gender changer adapter), if done as part of the same project
order, or $110 if done at a separate time. Additional details about the Mini-DIN Connector
Examples for th OC-E3 can be found here.

Double Flash Bracket - Under Camera

I(***)
This Double Flash Bracket is about as simple as you can
get, and is made to screw into the camera tripod socket
using the included thumbscrew and large neoprene antitwist washer. The flash units, camera, and mounting
shoes are not included, naturally. Many different Flash
Mounting Options are available, from plain cold shoes, to
Dual Linked Hot Shoes (non-dedicated), to Dual Linked
Dedicated Hot Shoes (Dual Canon OC-E3).

Place a master unit in the camera hot shoe, and you get a
3 flash setup in eTTL (iTTL for Nikon). The size and
spacing of the mounting holes can be customized to your
needs, or take it with 6 inches on one side, and 8 inches
on the other, with a one inch adjustment using the 3 holes
for the camera mounting.

The holes can be fully countersunk, and flat head screws used for a really flat overall profile, but
then a tool will be needed for the screw adjustments. This Double Flash Bracket including the
Thumbscrews (or flat head screws) and Neoprene Washers is $48 complete. Other head styles
of Thumbscrews are also available and can be seen in the Hardware Section.
Dual Flash Stand - PW, Batteries, Umbrella
J(***)
The NEWEST improvement to the Always Ready Dual
Flash and PW Stand is based on the first models, where
not only can it be mounted to an umbrella adapter or
monopod tilt head, but it can also be set up for self
standing on the floor, chair or any other relatively flat
surface. The optional extras, include an additional set of
mounting holes ($10) for the Hot Shoes: the normal CTC
(Center-To-Center) distance between the flash heads is
6.5 inches, but the extra holes will allow the flash units to
be as close as 4.5 inches CTC.

These 4 mounting holes can be threaded to lock in the

bolts from the bottom, and the optional ($25) threaded
adjusters are used to allow rotational adjustments without
turning the stand.

The PW or other radio can be mounted to several different

locations, unit upside down! including the umbrella riser
(front or back), or underneath the base plate of the unit.
Both 1/4-20and 3/8-16 threaded inserts (metal) are
centered in the bottom plate to increase your mounting
options, and the optional threaded inserts ($15 each) that
are on either end of the base plate for mounting anything
like the Canon CP-E4 battery packs (or the Nikon SD-8A
units).
Each of these battery packs normally comes with a
reduced shaft thickness thumbscrew, but these are also
available here as needed (if you have lost yours).
Attaching a battery pack on either side of the unit will aid
in balancing, and presents a narrow profile with the thin
edge facing forward. With the battery packs facing
forwards, or backwards, the setup can still sit on a flat
surface, and will allow the unit to be angled upwards as
needed (although it would be hard to use an umbrella in
this fashion).
If you are trying to use an extra large umbrella, you should look at the Extended Umbrella Riser
optons for this Dual Flash Stand. This is $55, but due to the extra secure attachment to the base
using 3 bolts, both parts must be made at the same time.
K(***)

These improvements for the Always Ready Dual Flash &

PW Stand have been based upon the many requests for
these items; the base is slightly larger than the original
version for better stability on the ground, and has the
optional provisions of extra threaded inserts, and extra
holes for different mounting options. The stand is still
$150, and includes the umbrella riser, and Dual Linked
Hot Shoes. The hot shoes are attached to the bracket
using slotted machine screws which can be adjusted from
below. "Topside Adjusters" (set of 2) are available (seen in

the first image) for $25, and require that the 4 mounting
holes are threaded to lock the bolt in place.

The Dual Linked Hot Shoes are best upgraded with longer screws which is $15 each hot shoe,
or $25 for the set, as in this link. The threaded inserts on each end of the bracket add $15 each,
which will allow you to mount the battery packs using the reduced shaft thumbscrew that came
with the battery pack. I can make up these reduced shaft thumbscrews if you can't find the
original ones. There are both 1/4-20, and 3/8-16 threaded inserts on the underside of the stand,
and you should use a heavy duty tilting umbrella adapter when mounting this stand with 2 flash
units, and PW's. The cast metal tilt head mount ($35) seen in some of the images further down
in the section is just one type of compact, low profile mounting device that you can use.
The less versitle, but more compact Monopod version of this stand is a narrower bracket that
can only be mounted to a stand or to the top of a monopod (it will not balance on a flat surface).
The bracket needs to be increased in length if the battery pack threaded inserts are needed on
the end faces.

Dual Flash Stand w/ Extended Umbrella Riser

L(***)
This version of the dual stand, the Dual Flash Stand w/
Extended Umbrella Riser, is the same size and basic costs
as the regular Dual Stand, except that the umbrella riser
has been extended to the full width as the base, to provide
a more secure way to hold a larger umbrella when the
stand is securely mounted. Notice that there are now two
(2) winged thumbscrews, to tighten against a spring loaded,
captured pressure plate, and the Umbrella Riser itself is
mounted to the base using 3 long screws. The base has the
usual 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch threaded inserts on the bottom,
and side mounted threaded inserts can be installed at $15
each to hold external battery packs, or other devices.
A long winged thumbscrew can hold a Pocket Wizard to either side of the Umbrella Riser, and is
included. The base model of this Dual Stand is still $150, and the Extended Umbrella Riser will
add $55. The other parts and options are the same as for the regular Dual Stand, and include
the Topside Adjusters (set of 2) for $25, and an extra set of 2 mounting holes for $10. This item
was just customized for a photog who wanted a set of 4 unthreaded holes along one edge, and
another set of 4 threaded holes along the other edge to use with the "Topside Adjusters". The
flash mounts should be attached to a set of holes close to the back edge, but since the unit
without the shoes can be turned either way, it can be used in either configuration.
Dual Flash Stand Metal
Here is a NEW Dual Flash & PW Bracket (Metal). The slots allow for easy adjustments of
whatever type of shoes you choose, and at only $35 for the bracket, this is a steal while it lasts.

M(***)

The slots are a bit tight for normal 1/4 inch screws, so a
set of 3 reduced neck captive thumbscrews is currently
available for $20. Additional Thumbscrews are also found
in the hardware section here. Like many of the other dual
brackets on the market, thumbscrews, mounting shoes,
dual linked sync cords, hot shoes, and the umbrella
adapter are not included, but all are available in many
different styles.

This next image shows the Metal Bracket with the SmithVictor Locking Cold Shoes, mounted Pocket Wizard, and
the Impact # 3117 Umbrella Adapter, all set up, and ready
to go, just waiting for 2 flash units, and a Dual Linked Sync
Cord or Hot Shoes to fire the flash units from a single
Pocket Wizard unit. To see another style of inexpensive,
but well made dual flash metal bracket, battery packs, and
plenty of other great items, see the Master himself: Al
Jacobs, at http://www.aljacobs.com/.
You might recognize that his bracket started as a standard construction item for reinforcing "2
by" lumber, and then is sent for very nice finishing. Again, the mounting shoes and umbrella
adapter, and screws are not included.

Dual Flash Bracket - Monopod Version

N(***)
Here is a NEW Dual Flash & PW Bracket (monopod
version), where the flash units are only 4 inches apart,
CTC (center to center), so the entire setup can fit onto a
monopod, light stand, or clamp arrangement. Using an
optional Tilt Head, or Umbrella Adapter, the setup can be
easliy positioned to the desired angle.

The spacing between the individual flash heads is enough

that an Umbrella Riser can be secured to the bracket as in
the right image. In these 3 images, the two flash units are
fired from a single PW connected using a shortened Dual
Linked Hot Shoe Cable which can be seen close up in the
Parts View image below.

For extra strength and security, especially when this unit is

mounted on a moving monopod, the Hot Shoes have been
upgraded using larger, longer, stronger screws. The
individual mounting shoes are secured to the bracket
using the Quick Adjust Thumbscrews, so they can easily
be rotated or removed as needed.

.
The image below (Parts View) shows the Dual Flash & PW Bracket in pieces without the flash
units attached. Using this bracket with a light stand, any Umbrella Adapter that accepts a
threaded stud like the Impact # 3117 or Bogen / Manfrotto # 026 can be used instead of the Tilt
Head Adapter.

An alternative to using the Dual Linked Hot Shoes to mount and sync the flash units, cold
mounting shoes along with a Dual Linked Sync Cord can be used as seen in the two images
below. The specific sync cord will naturally depend on the specific sync port of the flash, whether
it be a ScrewLock PC, Standard PC, Mini, or Sub-Mini.
The Dual Flash Bracket with the
Umbrella Riser, Cold Shoes and
Thumbscrews
is
$90.
The
Lightweight Dual Linked PC Plug
Sync Cord ending in a straight mini
plug is $30, and other type and styles
of Dual Linked Sync Cords are also
available, or just ask for a
combination if you don't see it. The
heavy duty, cast metal Tilt Head
Mount is $35. Using the Upgraded
Dual Linked Hot Shoes instead of the
Cold Shoes and Lightweight Dual
Linked PC Plug Sync Cord will add
$85. Additional threaded insets can
be added to any of these brackets for
$15 each as a way of mounting
external battery packs (like the
Canon CP-E4, or the Nikon SD-8A).
The length of this Monopod Mount
Dual Flash & PW Bracket will have to
be increased to prevent interference
of the crossing screws.

For an even more secure way of mounting 1 or 2 battery packs to the monopod, see the Battery
Pack Bracket in the posts below.
Dual Flash Bracket - Monopod Version (Short):
O(***)
This version of the Dual Flash Bracket (monopod version)
has been shortened to 5.5 inches, for those who intend to
not use the PW. It is priced just as the version just above
where the PW is attached to the base bracket. Also shown
in this version is the Quick Release Tilt Head Mount which
is $50. Notice that there is only a very small amount of
space between the side of the flash units and the umbrella
riser. If you are using the original RadioPoppers units
(model P1) that send the signal via a fiber optic bundle,
this size Dual Flash Bracket will work just fine, and you
can even use just a single RP Receiver if you also do the
RadioPopper Dual Fiber Optic Bundle Mod.
The newer PX model of the RP attaches to the side of the Nikon flash units to cover the IR
Sensor, and for this about an inch of extra space is needed between the side of the flash, and
the umbrella riser, as in the newest version of the Dual Flash Bracket - Medium sized version,
shown below.
For an even more secure way of mounting 1 or 2 battery packs to the monopod, see the Battery
Pack Bracket in the posts below.

Dual Flash Bracket - Monopod Version (Medium)

P(***)
Here is a slightly longer version of the Dual Flash Bracket
(monopod version), and being referred to as the Medium
Length Version. Instead of the 4 inch CTC (Center to
Center) separation in the (Short Length Version), (see
above), each flash mounting shoe has been moved
outboard by 1 inch, for a total separation of 6 inches, in a
similar fashion to the Dual Flash Stand. This version is
meant to fit on a monopod or light stand, and will not
banance by itself on a table or the floor. There is a hole
provided in the Umbrella Riser that will allow mounting of
a PW unit, when the correct length screw is used.
Just like the other Monopod versions, the Original, and the Short, there is a 1/4-20 threaded
insert in the bottom, for attaching this bracket to a stand or monopod. The heavy duty cast metal
Tilt Head Mount ($35) or Quick Release Tilt Head Mount (shown and is $50), allow the Dual
Flash Bracket to angle, and still allow the monopod to be carried vertically, greatly reducing the
amount of work required to carry the unit.
The Dual Flash Bracket with the Umbrella Riser, Cold Shoes and Thumbscrews is $90, just like
the other versions. The Lightweight Dual Linked PC Plug Sync Cord ending in a straight mini
plug is $30, and other type and styles of Dual Linked Sync Cords are also available, or just ask
for a combination if you don't see it. Using the Upgraded Dual Linked Hot Shoes instead of the
Cold Shoes and Lightweight Dual Linked PC Plug Sync Cord will add $85. Additional threaded
insets can be added to any of these brackets for $15 each as a way of mounting external battery
packs (like the Canon CP-E4, or the Nikon SD-8A).
For an even more secure way of mounting 1 or 2 battery packs to the monopod, see the Battery
Pack Bracket in the posts below.
Single/Dual Battery Pack Bracket - Attached to Dual Flash Bracket - Monopod Version
Q(***)
The Battery Pack Bracket will allow 1 or 2 battery packs
(Canon CP-E4, or the Nikon SD-8A) to be secured along
the center line of the monopod, and presents a smaller
profile as compared to when the packs are mounted to the
outboard ends of any of the Dual Flash Stands, or
Brackets.

They are attached through the center mounting hole, and

then strapped in place using the heavy duty double sided
Velcro so the packs will not swing or move around.

The single or double reduced shaft thumbscrew can be

placed in any of the threaded or non-threaded holes in the
custom bracket, and then held in place with a thumbnut on
the back side, and the short double Velcro strap on the
bottom. The lower end of the battery packs are held
securely to the Battery Pack Bracket using the longer
double sided Velcro strap, which then is wrapped around
the monopod as well for a secure fit.

Keeping the battery packs close to the center line of the

monopod also presents a smaller moment arm, and even
though the total weight is the same as when the packs are
at the ends of the Dual Flash Bracket, the total item is
much easier to carry and move around in the close in
configuration.

In these last 2 images, you can see the close up of the

Battery Pack Bracket both attached to the monopod, and
then separate. The Heavy Duty Double Sided Velcro
straps are attached to the Battery Pack Bracket so they
won't get lost, and several holes are provided, both
threaded and non-threaded.

This Battery Pack Bracket, including the Single and Double Length Reduced Shank
Thumbscrews, Thumbnut, and attached Heavy Duty Double Stick Velcro straps is $75, and is
currently sized for use with the Velbon Neopod line of monopods (shown is the Neopod 6). Other
monopods can possibly be used, although you might have to send it to me for accurate sizing
and fit. If only the Single Length Thumbscrew is needed, you can deduct $10 for a total of $65
Monopod Belt Pouch
R(***)

This Monopod Belt Pouch is made from a heavy duty

nylon, with reinforced seams. It will slide onto a waist belt
om either or 2 loops, and will make it easy to hold and
support a monopod. The overall size is 4 inches x 8
inches and and sells for just $25.

Single Flash & PW Stand

S(***)

These next 4 pictures show the Always Ready Flash &

PW Stand. Store this setup with the PW and flash already
mounted in the hot shoes, and you are ready for an
immediate setup of the off camera flash. Especially useful
during those pressure shoots when every minute counts.
Works especially well just sitting on the floor, a chair, or a
table. Just turn on the PW and flash unit, place the block
on a flat surface or mount on a stand through the bottom
1/4-20 threaded socket. Complete with 2 Hot shoes to
hold a flash and a PW for $115.

T(***)

The optional aux sync jack in the wired hot shoe allows
another flash to be quickly connected (daisey chained)
and fired without using another PW. This feature is $95.

U(***)

Standard slotted screws are provided to mount the shoes

to the stand, or optional recessed quick adjust screws (2)
can be supplied for an additional $10, as seen in the Dual
Stand with Optional Quick Adjust Screws below.

V(***)

For the Nikon SB800 with the 5th battery holder specify
EXTENDED length block to keep 1" separation between
PW and the battery compartment. For the Bowens Pulsar
radio: change 0.625" to 1.0"

W(***)

The Always Ready Dual Flash, PW, & Umbrella Stand will
hold 2 flash units, the PW, and an umbrella (depicted by
the red rod) along the center axis of the flash heads. This
stand, INCLUDING the Dual Linked Hot Shoes to RA Mini
Plug is $150. The Always Ready Dual Stand can mount to
a light stand, tripod or just sit on any flat surface.

X(***)

The underside exploded view shows the dual threaded

inserts, and flat head screws for mounting the Dual Linked
Hot Shoes.

Y(***)

The standard flat head mounting screws can be replaced

with Quick Adjust Thumbscrews for $15, by counterboring
the underside of the Always Ready Dual Flash Stand. The
screws can be brass as shown or the stronger 3/4"
hardened steel black thumbscrews with the black plastic
knurled cover which are used in many of my newer
custom projects. This image also shows the Adjustable
Support Mount, $15, which allow an angle adjustment and
mounting of the Always Ready Dual Flash Stand. The
Adjustable Support Mount will fold flat and out of the way
when not in use.

Z(***)

As an alternative to the Adjustable Support Mount (shown

above), any light stand adapter (shown is the Impact #
3117) can be used to allow an angle adjustment of the
Always Ready Dual Flash & PW Stand.

Upgraded Hot Shoe

AA(***)

If you are hard on your equipment, broke the hot shoe, or

just want it strengthened before you get it, the Upgraded
(Repaired) Kaiser Hot Shoe shown in the top image has
larger and longer hardened screws set in epoxy along with
a heavier cable. Compare this to the OEM version in the

bottom image where the small steel screws are just set
into the plastic along with the thin cable. To fit the larger
screws, the original holes are countersunk for a flush fit,
and the body is epoxied together.

This upgrade costs $15 (each hot shoe) if done when this item is ordered, or a minimum of $25 if
done as a true after the fact repair. For the Dual Linked Hot Shoes, both Hot Shoes can be
upgraded for the total charge of $25.

Dual Flash Bracket - plain steel

AB(***)
For those who want a simpler solution, which is meant to
be used attached to a light stand (ie Denis Reggie style),
the Dual Flash Bracket shown here can hold 2 flash units,
with adjustable spacing, and holes are provided to mount
1 or 2 PW's (Pocket Wizards). This plain Dual Flash
Bracket, drilled, threaded, and polished 12 ga galvanized
steel angle, is available for $40 (as shown). It is also
available in a Quad Flash Bracket (below) which will hold
up to 4 flash units and up to 4 PW's for $55. (Having
multiple PW's allows you to take advantage of the
SpeedCycler features of the MultiMax PW.)
The centerline holes have a standard 3/8 inch thread for direct connection onto a light stand, or
the threaded stud of an umbrella bracket.
To mount 2 flash units to this stand, and have them fired
by a single PW, use the Dual Linked Hot Shoes to RA Mini
Plug ($85), and Thumbscrews (2 for $6). If the flash units
are being fired by 2 separate PW's (SpeedCycler function
of the MultiMax PW), then use 2 Hot Shoe to Mini Plug
adapters ($35 each). If you wish to shoot into or through
an umbrella, use the Umbrella Riser ($30) (below).
Various other hot and cold shoe Flash Mounting Options
can be seen in the Plugs, Jacks, Cable and Hardware
section, or you can easily supply any shoe you have that
accepts a standard 1/4 inch screw.
As a Package Special, you can get a combination of 2 cold shoes (item D) and 4 thumbscrews
for $35 when you purchase the Dual Bracket.
AC(***)

An extra long thumbscrew, rubber washer, and locking

knob (shown below) is available for $20 to allow 1 or 2
Canon CP-E4 or Nikon SD-8A battery packs can be
mounted to one of the open holes of the Dual Flash
Bracket.The shaft of the thumbscrew is a reduced
thickness to easliy fit through the mounting hole in each of
the batery packs. Two packs can be mounted using the
one screw.

AD(***)

The Umbrella Riser is supplied with the Standard

Mounting Pin shown for attachment to the Dual or Quad
Flash Bracket and is $30 when purchased with the Dual or
Quad Flash Bracket, or $40 when purchase alone. It can
be customized as to size of mounting hole and length for
the same $40. The Alt Mounting Pin (see inset) is $5, and
will allow a direct connection to a standard 3/8 inch
threaded stud of a light stand or umbrella bracket.

If your stand has only a 1/4 inch threaded end, then you will need the Reducing Coupling ($8,
not shown), instead of the 3/8 inch Alternate Mounting Pin ($5).
If the Umbrella Riser is not being used, then the threaded stud of a light stand or umbrella
bracket can screw directly into one of the threaded center holes of the Dual or Quad Flash
Bracket.
AE(***)

AF(***)

Here (image left) you can see how the Umbrella Riser
($30) is attached to the Dual Flash Bracket ($40) with the
included Standard Mounting Pin, which then fits into one
of the clamping ends of a standard umbrella bracket like
the Impact #3117 (next 3 images below). The Alternate
Mounting Pin ($5) allows a direct connection to a threaded
stud of a light stand or umbrella bracket while still keeping
the Umbrella Riser rigidly attached to the Dual or Quad
Flash Bracket.

AFIn these images (click to enlarge), you can see how the Dual Flash Bracket is set up with
two flash units, and one or two PW's (two PW for independant control of the flash units, or use of
the SpeedCycler function of the MultiMax PW). The Umbrella Riser is shown and attached
using the Standard Mounting Pin, clamped into the Impact #3117 umbrella bracket.