Compatibility
Apple released the first Apple M1 Chip, which is a central processing unit for its line of Macintosh computers. It was designed from the very start to work with macOS Big Sur. At this time, the Air Direct Utility software supports the latest Windows and Mac operating systems but is not currently compatible with devices using the latest Apple M1 chips.
We’re happy to announce that those who wish to update to Big Sur on their Mac, they are now afforded the opportunity to utilize the Air Direct Wireless Tethering System seamlessly while being on the latest macOS.
Note: If you have a previous version of the Air Direct ADU software, please update to the latest version of the Air Direct ADU software prior to installing macOS Big Sur. Updating to macOS Big Sur prior to updating the Air Direct ADU software will require additional steps. For more information regarding the Big Sur compatible Air Direct ADU update, visit https://tethertools.com/adu/.
Installation
The included DC Power Cable provides flexibility to power the Air Direct with alternate power sources, and to hot-swap a discharged battery for a fresh battery. Other power sources you can use, depending on your application, include a USB battery bank or a USB wall adapter. Minimum output of the battery or wall adapter should be 5V/2A.
NOTE: Using the DC Power Cable will only power the Air Direct, it will not recharge the TT-LP-E6 battery.Air Direct can achieve transfer at up to 200 feet. The 2.4gHz allows for longer distances. The 5gHz will give you faster transfer rates.
Transfer speeds will vary based on a number of factors including the camera, file format, tethering software, and computer specifications. When using the faster 5 GHz setting on the Air Direct, the average user will see real-world performance of transfer rates in the 4 – 7 MB/s (Megabyte per second) range.
To estimate the average real-world transfer time of your files, you can divide the file size (in Megabytes) by an average transfer rate of 5.5 MB/s. The result is a rough estimate of the time that it will take to transfer the file via the Air Direct when using the 5 GHz setting. See the example below:
If your camera produces files that are roughly 35 MB. Divide the file size by the average transfer speed (5.5 MB/s) to get a rough estimate of the transfer time:
35 / 5.5 = 6.36
The 35 MB file will take approximately 6.4 seconds to transfer via the Air Direct when set to 5 GHz.
Note: Slower processors, limited computer resources and tethering software image processing can further delay the image before it is available for viewing within the tethering software.
2.4 GHz will transfer at a slower rate. To roughly estimate transfer times on the 2.4 setting, you can double the time estimated using the 5 GHz setting.
You will need to reset the Air Direct device to the factory settings in order to reset the password to the default, 12345678. To Reset, power the Air Direct, either with a battery or the DC power cable. Wait until the power light and the Wi-Fi indicator light are solid. With a small pin, press the pin into the small pinhole on the side of the device and hold until the blue light begins to flicker. Remove the pin. The device is now Reset.
Yes, you can change the password in the ADU preferences section. Select Preferences, then Update Password.
Setting Air Direct WiFi as your default WiFi network will help to automatically connect when the Air Direct is on. This is helpful in locations with many WiFI networks like events or conferences. Also setting Air Direct as the default will also prevent disconnections in a location where another default network may already be established, like a studio or home network.
Mac OSX
Navigate to Wi-Fi > Open Network Preferences in the top navigation bar.
This will open the network dialog window, check Automatically join this network, then click on “Advanced”.
In the advanced settings, drag the Air Direct Wi-Fi network (AIR_DIRECT_XXX) to the top of the preferred wireless networks list. The network at the top has the highest priority.
Windows – Click the wireless icon in the notification area. Select the wireless network named “AIR_DIRECT_XXX”. Check the box for “Connect Automatically” and then click “Connect.” This automatically moves the network up the priority list.
IOS – There is no way to directly update the priority on an iOS device. To prioritize networks on iOS, use a Mac OSX computer that shares the same iCloud account as the iOS device. Update on the MAC computer and iCloud will sync to all other devices.
Android – Prioritize Wi-Fi networks must be done via an App. Available Apps included WiFi Prioritizer or Wi-Fi Switcher both which are free.
The Air Direct connects to your camera’s USB port, leaving the hot shoe free for use with other equipment. The Air Direct has been designed with flexible options for mounting and use. Our recommended option is to mount the Air Direct Arca Clamp to your L-Bracket.
Other alternative methods for mounting and use include:
- Mount on the camera’s hot shoe if it is available.
- Attach the Air Direct to a tripod leg using the StrapMoore.
- Mount to an arm or clamp with the 1/4″-20 thread on the bottom of the cold shoe.
- Use a longer USB cable, allowing you to carry the Air Direct in your pocket.
Troubleshooting
Applications running in the background may interfere with the tethering software’s ability to connect with the camera. This includes applications that are running in application windows, as well as applications running in the background and in the Taskbar or Menu Bar. Some types of applications that are known to cause issues include, but are not limited to:
- Cloud software (i.e. Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)
- Anti-Virus or Firewall (Defender, Avast, etc.)
- Tethering Applications (Imaging Edge, Acquire, EOS Utility, etc.)
Check to make sure you only have one tethering software application open. Having multiple tethering software applications open at the same time can cause connection issues. Some software, including many camera utility applications, may launch automatically and may only run in the Taskbar (Windows) or Menu Bar (MacOS). These applications can attempt to automatically connect to the camera even if it is not clear that they are open.
Check for software running in the background:
It is a best practice to close all software that is not actively used in tethering. Check the Dock (MacOS) or Taskbar (Windows) as well as the Menu Bar (MacOS) or System Tray (Windows) to be sure no applications are running other than your intended tethering software. The Activity Monitor (MacOS) or Task Manager (Windows) can be used to identify applications that are running in the background as well as to quit those applications.
Turn off Auto-Connect and Auto-Start features in camera software:
Some software applications have settings that allow the software to automatically launch at startup and/or launch or connect when the operating system recognizes a camera has been connected. This can cause issues connecting your camera to your intended tethering software. Be sure that any installed tethering software or camera utilities are not set to automatically start or automatically connect with the camera.
Yes. For more detailed instructions on how to set this up with your Sony camera, read our helpful tech tip here.
Currently, the Air Remote Mobile Tethering App supports Canon and Nikons cameras only.
There are many inexpensive after-market USB WiFi dongles that will upgrade legacy technology to the more recent 5GHz / Wireless 802.11ac standards. Here are some options from Amazon.
The camera may be set to go into sleep mode after a predetermined time. When a camera goes to sleep, whether tethered wireless or with a cable, it will lose connection with the device it is connected. The camera’s sleep parameters can be adjusted in the camera’s menu settings.
The Air Direct device may also be disconnecting because there is a “Higher” priority known Wi-Fi network available. Best practices are to set your Air Direct as the highest priority network, so when the Air Direct is turned on, your computer or phone will stay locked on that network.
To set the Air Direct as the default Wi-Fi network, check out this FAQ here. If you require internet access while using the Air Direct, you can Bridge.
Tethering with the Air Direct to your computer is the same as tethering with a cable. Make sure you follow the same tethered workflow best practices when using the Air Direct – update your camera firmware, have only one tethering software program open at a time, disable antivirus software and/or firewalls. If connection cannot be made, reestablish the connection from camera to computer following the Quick Start Guide Steps.
Firewalls or security software could interfere with your connection. We recommend following the same best practices as when tethering with a cable. While shooting, disable any anti-virus software and/or firewalls. You may also want to disable Google Drive and Dropbox from syncing in the background. As always, run only one tethering software at a time for best result.
