Difference between revisions of "HyperSync Setup"

Revision as of 13:43, 25 June 2013

This page describes how to configure your PocketWizard radios for using HyperSync to capture flash above X-sync. This page will provide details on configuring your radios in the PocketWizard Utility for best HyperSync performance.

HyperSync requires at least one ControlTL radio like the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 to serve as the transmitter. Receiving radios may be ControlTL radios like the FlexTT5, PowerMC2, or PowerST4, or Standard Channel radios like the MultiMAX, Plus II, Plus III, or PlusX.

To learn what HyperSync is and how it differs from other flash sync techniques, visit the Understanding HyperSync and High Speed Sync page. For basic information on HyperSync, return to the main HyperSync page.

All ControlTL Radios – HyperSync Automation

Performing HyperSync is easiest with all ControlTL radios, transmitter and receivers. Non-ControlTL receivers (Standard Channel radios) do not have the benefit of HyperSync Automation, and require more manual adjustment for best results. While default HyperSync settings for ControlTL radios will usually provide great results, they may also be reconfigured by the photographer.

First configure your transmitting MiniTT1 or FlexTT5, and then your receiving PocketWizard radio. Steps for configuring your ControlTL transmitter and receiver are detailed below.

How to Configure the ControlTL Transmitter

When using a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 as a transmitter to perform HyperSync, follow these steps to configure your radio.

For Nikon users:

For the most consistent results and most flash energy in frame with Nikon radios, it is highly recommended that you enable “HyperSync Only:”

1. Connect your transmitting MiniTT1/FlexTT5 to the PocketWizard Utility via USB, and check the "Advanced Mode" box
2. Navigate to the "HyperSync/HSS" tab
3. Enable “HyperSync Only”
4. Click "Apply Changes"

If the “HyperSync Only” control is left at its default (disabled) less flash energy will be captured in frame and HyperSync will not be able to optimize flash timing.

For Canon users:

For best performance with Canon radios, it is highly recommended that you manually select your camera model:

1. Connect your transmitting MiniTT1/FlexTT5 to the PocketWizard Utility via USB
2. Navigate to the "Misc” tab
3. Use the drop-down menu to select the camera model
4. Click "Apply Changes"

How to Configure the Receiving FlexTT5 and AC9 AlienBees Adapter

When using a Canon or Nikon FlexTT5 with an attached AC9 AlienBees Adapter as your receiver, follow these steps to configure your radio:

1. Connect your receiving FlexTT5 to the PocketWizard Utility via USB and make sure that the “Advanced Mode” box is checked
2. Navigate to the “HyperSync/HSS Tab” and select the flash connected to the AC9 AlienBees Adapter using the "AC9 Flash" dropdown menu
3. Set “ Optimize HyperSync Automation For:” to either "Reduced Clipping" or "Highest Energy" (default =“Reduced Clipping”)
4. Click "Apply Changes"
5. Connect the receiving FlexTT5 and AC9 AlienBees Adapter to the flash

HyperSync Automation is currently implemented for the following Paul C. Buff flashes and AC9 Adapter:

If you wish to use a flash that does not appear on the list above with an AC9 AlienBees Adapter, try selecting a flash of a similar power output.

How to Configure the Receiving PowerMC2

When using a PowerMC2 as your receiver, follow these steps to configure your radio:

1. Connect your PowerMC2 to the PocketWizard Utility via USB, and make sure that the “Advanced Mode” box is checked
2. Navigate to “Optimize HyperSync Automation For:” on the “HyperSync/HSS” tab; choose "Reduced Clipping" or "Highest Energy"
3. Click "Apply Changes"
4. Connect the PowerMC2 to the flash

HyperSync Automation with the PowerMC2 is intended for use with the Einstein E640 flash. Using the Einstein’s “Color” mode will provide the best results. The E640 only provides its best HyperSync results when set to full power (+3 on the AC3 ZoneController or master speedlight). Due to its IGBT design, settings lower than full power may result in clipping.

How to Configure the Receiving PowerST4

When using a PowerST4 as your receiver, follow these steps to configure your radio:

1. Connect your PowerST4 to the PocketWizard Utility via USB, and make sure that the “Advanced Mode” box is checked
2. Navigate to “Optimize HyperSync Automation For:” on the “HyperSync/HSS” tab; choose "Reduced Clipping" or "Highest Energy"
3. Click "Apply Changes"
4. Connect the PowerST4 to the flash or pack

HyperSync Automation is currently implemented for the following Elinchrom flashes and PowerST4: