Difference between revisions of "The FAQ"

From PocketWizard Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Line 1: Line 1:
−
'''Our TOP TEN (plus more!) most asked simple questions.'''
+
Do you have questions about PocketWizard radios in general? Check out these Frequently Asked Questions, compiled by [http://www.pocketwizard.com/contact/inquiry/ PocketWizard tech support].
  
−
It’s understandable you might get into a situation while working with the [[MiniTT1_and_FlexTT5|MiniTT1® and FlexTT5®]] and today’s complex camera systems where you’re not sure why something isn’t working as you would expect it. Most of the time, there is a simple solution. We asked our [http://www.pocketwizard.com/contact/inquiry/ tech support] crew to give us the “Top Ten” questions consumers asked to keep their system working properly. Here they are:
+
====Nothing is working! What should I do?====
  
−
__TOC__
+
Try the following steps:
 +
* Check your [[batteries]] - sometimes low batteries can affect radio performance.
 +
* Make sure all of your radios have been updated to the latest firmware. Connect your radio to the [[PocketWizard Utility]] and navigate to the "[[Update Tab]]." Click the “[[Update Tab#Check for Updates Button|Check for Updates Button]].”
 +
* Make sure your camera and flashes are using the latest firmware, too!
 +
* Perform a [[Factory Reset]] on all of your radios.
 +
* Take your first shot at 1/160th or 1/200th so the system can properly calibrate timing.
 +
* Contact [http://www.pocketwizard.com/contact/inquiry/ PocketWizard tech support] for troubleshooting help.
  
−
====Nothing is working! What should I do?====
 
  
−
A: Try these steps:
+
====What cable do I need?====
  
−
*Check the [[batteries]]: weak batteries can cause strange behavior.
+
You can use the [http://www.pocketwizard.com/support/cable_finder/ Cable Finder] at [http://www.pocketwizard.com/ PocketWizard.com] to find the right cable for lots of different cameras and flashes.
−
*Make sure all radios are updated to the latest [[PocketWizard Utility|firmware]]. Try our [[Beta Lab|beta firmware]] as it often has new fixes ready to be tried.
+
−
*Also check the firmware in your camera, and flashes if applicable!
+
−
*[[Factory Reset]] the radios.
+
−
*Take your first shot at 1/160th or 1/200th so the system can properly calibrate timing.
+
−
*Wait about 3 seconds after turning on your radio before taking your first picture.
+
−
*Take your time! Whenever possible, compose the image with the shutter release half-pressed before taking the picture.
+
−
*If still having issues after trying the above, save your camera’s custom functions, reset the camera, then start adding them back in one at a time.
+
  
 +
Contact [http://www.pocketwizard.com/contact/inquiry/ PocketWizard tech support] if you still have questions.
  
−
====In what order should I turn things on?====
 
  
−
A: Top down: Flash, then radio, then camera. Wait 2-3 seconds between each step. Older Quick Guides may have this slightly different, but top down works for all current radios and firmware.
+
====How many radios do I need?====
  
−
+
You will need one radio per device. That means one for each camera and one for each flash in use.
−
====My Nikon camera won’t let me choose a shutter speed faster than x-sync. How can I shoot at faster shutter speeds?====
+
  
−
A: Nikon cameras require that FP-sync is enabled to shoot faster than x-sync if they detect a TTL-capable device in their hot shoe. Enabling FP-sync is done in the Custom Settings menu. Set “e1 flash sync speed” to 1/250s (Auto FP).
 
  
−
''Note that some cameras may have different a different menu setting to enable Auto FP, and that some cameras are not capable of HSS/FP-Sync operation. Check your camera's manual for more information.''
+
====Is my camera or flash compatible with your radios?====
  
 +
Virtually all cameras and flashes with a standard size hot-shoe, PC socket, or sync port are compatible with Standard Channel radios like the [[Plus II]], [[Plus III]], [[PlusX]], and [[MultiMAX]].
  
−
====The ISO on my remote Nikon Speedlight is stuck at 200. What’s wrong?====
+
Visit our [[Canon Compatibility]] or [[Nikon Compatibility]] pages to see if your camera or flash is compatible with our [[ControlTL]] radios like the [[MiniTT1 and FlexTT5]].
  
−
A: It isn’t required for TTL operation on the remote flash and has no effect on exposure, so the radios do not transmit camera setting information like ISO to remote flashes. The remote FlexTT5 simply gives the flash a default value on power-up, which is ISO 200.
+
Contact [http://www.pocketwizard.com/contact/inquiry/ PocketWizard tech support] if you still have questions.
  
  
−
====I set my speedlight to MASTER and stuck it on a remote FlexTT5. Why won’t it control other flashes when I have a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 on my camera?====
+
====When will you have TTL support for the Canon 1DX, 6D, and T4i?====
  
−
A: The ControlTL® system, just like Nikon and Canon native systems, expects the MASTER speedlight to be only at the camera position so “Remote MASTER” operation is not supported. Setting a remote flash to MASTER mode will result in an [[Status LED#Error Condition|Error Condition]] You need a receiving FlexTT5 for each remote speedlight.
+
Adding full TTL support for the [[1D X]], [[6d|6D]], [[T4i]], and newer Canon cameras is our firmware team's #1 priority. With its newest generation of products, Canon drastically changed the way their cameras communicate through their hot-shoes. We need to spend time reverse-engineering every signal that comes up through the shoe and writing new code for it.
  
−
+
Once we have decoded the information, a lot of testing occurs. Bugs may present themselves at any point in this process, delaying the schedule. Unfortunately, when dealing with beta firmware, there is no such thing as a fixed schedule. We are working quickly to include full TTL compatibility in a future firmware release.
  
−
====My remote speedlights don’t change their zoom when I zoom the lens on my camera. What’s wrong?====
+
We will be announcing on our [https://www.facebook.com/pocketwizards Facebook page] when we have a beta firmware and added support for any new cameras.
  
−
A: Zoom tracking is a feature for on-camera flash and would cause some lighting issues if done on remotes. Nikon and Canon native systems do not have zoom tracking for remote or slave flashes either.
 
  
−
+
====I can’t update my firmware. Why won’t the Utility recognize my radios?====
  
−
====How can I trigger a FlexTT5 from a RT-32 PocketWizard module-equipped Sekonic meter?====
+
Try the following steps:
 +
* Start by making sure you're connecting your radios directly to your computer, rather than through a USB hub.
 +
* Try disconnecting all additional USB devices from your computer.
 +
* Uninstall the [[PocketWizard Utility]] and reinstall the latest version, available for download on our website, http://www.pocketwizard.com/support/downloads/.
 +
* Attempt to update the radios using another user account.
 +
* Attempt the update while running your computer in Safe Mode.
 +
* Contact [http://www.pocketwizard.com/contact/inquiry/ PocketWizard tech support] for troubleshooting help.
  
−
A: This PW TV episode explains it all: <div align=center><videoflash>zOOq3sX6Ki4&autohide=1|425|240</videoflash></div>
 
  
−
''Note: We recommend using Basic Trigger Mode to set the Standard Channel, instead of the "Use ControlTL for Receive" checkbox mentioned in this video. Check Basic Trigger Mode under the Misc tab first, and then set your Standard Receive Channel under the Channels Tab. If using a Canon FlexTT5, you'll need to first uncheck Force TTL Master Mode.''
+
====I think my radio needs to be repaired. What do I do?====
  
−
You may also be interested in the RT-32CTL module: http://wiki.pocketwizard.com/index.php?title=Sekonic_RT-32CTL_module
+
Contact [http://www.pocketwizard.com/contact/inquiry/ PocketWizard tech support]. Warranty and repair inquiries are handled by the distributor in the region in which the radios are purchased, so please include this information in your message.
−
 
+
−
====What cable do I need?====
+
  
−
A: You can use the [http://www.pocketwizard.com/support/cable_finder/ Cable Finder] at PocketWizard.com to find the right cable for lots of different cameras and flashes.
 
  
−
+
====Why does PocketWizard make radios in two different frequencies?====
  
−
====Can I combine radio and optical so I don’t have to buy as many FlexTT5s? Can I connect more than one speedlight to a single FlexTT5?====
+
Our radios are sold in [[Frequency|two different versions]] to comply with radio laws in different countries. In the United States, the FCC reserves the 344-354 MHz frequency for PocketWizard systems. In Europe, regulations assign 433-434 MHz. A PocketWizard sold in the USA bears the letters “FCC” on the outer shell; a European version will have the letters “CE.”
  
−
A: Currently you need to have one FlexTT5 for each speedlight you want to control via radio.
 
  
−
+
====Can I buy my radios directly through PocketWizard?====
  
−
====Is “xxxxxxx” brand/model flash compatible with your radios?====
+
Sorry! We don’t sell our radios directly. Check out our website for information on where to buy PocketWizard products: http://www.pocketwizard.com/wheretobuy/
  
−
A: Some third party flashes are compatible with our radios – you can read more about our radios compatibility on their respective product pages ([[Canon_Compatibility|FlexTT5 for Canon]], [[Nikon_Compatibility|FlexTT5 for Nikon]]). Also, almost any flash can be used in [[Misc Tab#Basic Trigger|Basic Trigger Mode]] for simple triggering operation.
 
  
 +
====The hot-shoe on my radio broke off! How do I get it fixed?====
  
−
====Will you ever have ControlTL in a Sekonic meter?====
+
Contact [http://www.pocketwizard.com/contact/inquiry/ PocketWizard tech support]. Warranty and repair inquiries are handled by the distributor in the region in which the radios are purchased, so please include this information in your message. You can either send your radio in for repair or request a replacement hot-shoe to do the repair yourself.
  
−
A: We do! Check out the RT-32CTL module, available from Sekonic: http://www.sekonic.com/Products/All/Accessories/RT-32CTL-Radio-Transmitter-Module-for-L-358-and-L-758-series.aspx
+
====Questions about your specific radio?====
  
−
You can also read more about this module on our Wiki Page here: http://wiki.pocketwizard.com/index.php?title=Sekonic_RT-32CTL_module
+
Check out our other FAQ pages for more information on your radios:
  
−
====Why can't I use a cable from my camera to the FlexTT5's P1 or P2 port to trigger my remote flashes?====
+
:[[Plus III FAQ]]
  
−
A: The P1 and P2 ports on the FlexTT5 are transmit only. With Canon you can use the OC-E3 cable from your camera's hot shoe to the bottom of the FlexTT5 (or MiniTT1) to use the radio in it's default ControlTL settings. With Nikon, you can do the same with the SC-28 or SC-29 cable.
+
:[[PlusX FAQ]]
  
−
You can see a full list of compatible Canon cameras and flashes here: http://wiki.pocketwizard.com/index.php?title=Canon_Compatibility
+
:[[MultiMAX FAQ]]
−
You can see a full list of compatible Nikon cameras and flashes here: http://wiki.pocketwizard.com/index.php?title=Nikon_Compatibility
+
  
−
If you are trying to trigger your non-compatible camera together with remote strobes with a FlexTT5, you would need to use a female hot shoe adapter under your FlexTT5's shoe to trigger the radio. For example, if you're trying to trigger from a PC sync port on a non-compatible camera, you would need a PC to female hot shoe cable.
+
:[[MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 FAQ]]
  
−
Note: You will need to use your radios in Basic Trigger mode with non compatible cameras for the best results. For more information on Basic Trigger mode, see the Basic Trigger Mode section here: http://wiki.pocketwizard.com/index.php?title=Misc_Tab#Basic_Trigger
+
:[[PowerMC2 FAQ]]
  
 +
:[[PowerST4 FAQ]]
  
−
Still have a question? Search this [[Main_Page|Wiki]], see a list of our [http://www.pocketwizard.com/support/repair/ worldwide distributors], or [http://www.pocketwizard.com/contact/inquiry/ contact us by email]!
+
:[[PocketWizard Utility FAQ]]

Revision as of 11:39, 19 March 2014

Do you have questions about PocketWizard radios in general? Check out these Frequently Asked Questions, compiled by PocketWizard tech support.

Nothing is working! What should I do?

Try the following steps:

  • Check your batteries - sometimes low batteries can affect radio performance.
  • Make sure all of your radios have been updated to the latest firmware. Connect your radio to the PocketWizard Utility and navigate to the "Update Tab." Click the “Check for Updates Button.”
  • Make sure your camera and flashes are using the latest firmware, too!
  • Perform a Factory Reset on all of your radios.
  • Take your first shot at 1/160th or 1/200th so the system can properly calibrate timing.
  • Contact PocketWizard tech support for troubleshooting help.


What cable do I need?

You can use the Cable Finder at PocketWizard.com to find the right cable for lots of different cameras and flashes.

Contact PocketWizard tech support if you still have questions.


How many radios do I need?

You will need one radio per device. That means one for each camera and one for each flash in use.


Is my camera or flash compatible with your radios?

Virtually all cameras and flashes with a standard size hot-shoe, PC socket, or sync port are compatible with Standard Channel radios like the Plus II, Plus III, PlusX, and MultiMAX.

Visit our Canon Compatibility or Nikon Compatibility pages to see if your camera or flash is compatible with our ControlTL radios like the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5.

Contact PocketWizard tech support if you still have questions.


When will you have TTL support for the Canon 1DX, 6D, and T4i?

Adding full TTL support for the 1D X, 6D, T4i, and newer Canon cameras is our firmware team's #1 priority. With its newest generation of products, Canon drastically changed the way their cameras communicate through their hot-shoes. We need to spend time reverse-engineering every signal that comes up through the shoe and writing new code for it.

Once we have decoded the information, a lot of testing occurs. Bugs may present themselves at any point in this process, delaying the schedule. Unfortunately, when dealing with beta firmware, there is no such thing as a fixed schedule. We are working quickly to include full TTL compatibility in a future firmware release.

We will be announcing on our Facebook page when we have a beta firmware and added support for any new cameras.


I can’t update my firmware. Why won’t the Utility recognize my radios?

Try the following steps:

  • Start by making sure you're connecting your radios directly to your computer, rather than through a USB hub.
  • Try disconnecting all additional USB devices from your computer.
  • Uninstall the PocketWizard Utility and reinstall the latest version, available for download on our website, http://www.pocketwizard.com/support/downloads/.
  • Attempt to update the radios using another user account.
  • Attempt the update while running your computer in Safe Mode.
  • Contact PocketWizard tech support for troubleshooting help.


I think my radio needs to be repaired. What do I do?

Contact PocketWizard tech support. Warranty and repair inquiries are handled by the distributor in the region in which the radios are purchased, so please include this information in your message.


Why does PocketWizard make radios in two different frequencies?

Our radios are sold in two different versions to comply with radio laws in different countries. In the United States, the FCC reserves the 344-354 MHz frequency for PocketWizard systems. In Europe, regulations assign 433-434 MHz. A PocketWizard sold in the USA bears the letters “FCC” on the outer shell; a European version will have the letters “CE.”


Can I buy my radios directly through PocketWizard?

Sorry! We don’t sell our radios directly. Check out our website for information on where to buy PocketWizard products: http://www.pocketwizard.com/wheretobuy/


The hot-shoe on my radio broke off! How do I get it fixed?

Contact PocketWizard tech support. Warranty and repair inquiries are handled by the distributor in the region in which the radios are purchased, so please include this information in your message. You can either send your radio in for repair or request a replacement hot-shoe to do the repair yourself.

Questions about your specific radio?

Check out our other FAQ pages for more information on your radios:

Plus III FAQ
PlusX FAQ
MultiMAX FAQ
MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 FAQ
PowerMC2 FAQ
PowerST4 FAQ
PocketWizard Utility FAQ
Retrieved from "https://wiki.pocketwizard.com/index.php?title=The_FAQ&oldid=2834"