The
V1.0.173 firmware update for the Cactus V6 introduces two new features:
- "group sequence": cycle through groups as trigger events occur.
- "dial lock": disable the dial so that one cannot inadvertently change all group levels with one's forehead while shooting.
The first "group sequence" feature is quite nice as it can be used to eliminate recycling pauses and to follow a moving object with light.
If one uses the sequence A-B-C-D (the other option is AB-CD) then one can use four groups to cycle through. While the last flash that fired recharges, then next one (in the next group) can accept the next trigger event immediately. This technique thus enables firing at 1/1 power without any recycling pause between the outputs.
An alternative to achieve the above is of course to reduce the power level of the multiple flashes and let them all fire simultaneously (e.g. in the same group). But if, for instance, you need 1/1 power for two shots in quick succession and only have two flashes to combine and the recycling speed at 1/2 power is not quick enough, the above technique is a solution.
I guess, however, the group cycling feature will be most interesting when the flashes are positioned at different places. One could thus follow a moving object with light by sequentially firing flashes positioned strategically.
I never felt I needed the new "dial lock" feature, but some people apparently move the dial with their forehead while looking through the viewfinder. By a long-press on "OK" one can now activate a "locked" mode in which the dial is locked by default and requires a quick push of the "OK" button to become temporarily enabled again.