Difference between revisions of "MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 FAQ"

Latest revision as of 10:35, 12 September 2019

Do you have a question about your MiniTT1, FlexTT5, or FlexTT6? Check out these Frequently Asked Questions, compiled by PocketWizard tech support.

Is my camera or flash compatible with ControlTL radios like the MiniTT1, FlexTT5, and FlexTT6?

Check out our Canon Compatibility and Nikon Compatibility pages for specific information on your gear.

I just upgraded my firmware and it doesn't work! What do I do?

After updating your firmware, always perform a factory reset with the radio: See RESET B here, or simply hold TEST before you power on your radio and continue to hold TEST for 10 seconds until you see 4 green blinks. While the PocketWizard Utility performs a factory reset automatically when you upgrade the firmware, and has a Factory Reset button on the Update tab, Reset B remains the recommended method after a firmware upgrade.

In what order should I turn everything on?

Power everything on “from the top down.” Local flash, then transmitting radio, then camera. Next remote flash, then receiver. Wait 2-3 seconds between each step.

Why doesn’t my Canon camera fire the flash on the first shot following power-on?

With a Canon camera and ControlTL radios the first exposure after initial connection or power-on is the calibration shot. It is recommended that you take the calibration shot at 1/160. This initiates communication between the camera and radio. This shot will not fire remote flashes.

My Nikon camera won’t let me choose a shutter speed faster than X-sync! How can I use HSS/FP speeds or HyperSync?

Nikon cameras require that FP-sync be 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).”

Nikon D600, Nikon D610, and Nikon Df users set your “e1 Flash Sync Speed” to “1/200s (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. Enter your camera model into this wiki’s search bar for more information, or visit this page.

Why is there such a long delay between shots when I use my FlexTT5 / FlexTT6 in a remote camera setup?

When a FlexTT5 or FlexTT6 is used as a receiver on a remote camera, attached to the hot-shoe and receiving on ControlTL channels, the radio cannot listen for an incoming radio trigger while also communicating with the camera's metering system. This metering system is active and communicating with the radio whenever the shutter and aperture are displayed on the top of the camera's LCD display. This shuts off after about 5-8 seconds, at which point you will be able to trigger the remote camera again. This mode of operation is useful if want a remote camera to relay a TTL signal to a remote speedlight.

To disable the communications that prevent the FlexTT5 / FlexTT6 from listening for incoming trigger signals, you can put the receiving radio into Basic Trigger Mode via the PocketWizard Utility, under the "Misc Tab." Once you've enabled Basic Trigger Mode and set the radio to receive on a Standard Channel, you should be able to trigger the camera as quickly as you can press the test button on the radio in your hand.

How can I increase my range?

Check out our Long Range Performance page for tips.

Contact PocketWizard tech support for help with unique long-distance setups.

Can I use the AC3 ZoneController and my ControlTL radios to control the power of my mirrorless camera?

Yes! You can use your radios to control the manual power of compatible remote speedlights with almost any camera – mirrorless, film, and other non-compatible cameras with standard sized hot-shoe mounts will work.

Read more on our Power Control for Non-Compatible Cameras page.

What’s the fastest shutter speed I can use with HyperSync?

The maximum attainable shutter speed with HyperSync that produces an acceptable image depends on a variety of factors, from the age of the camera, the age of the flashes, to the type of cameras used. You can use HyperSync with any cameras on the supported list, but to find out the maximum usable shutter speed your camera can achieve, you will need to do some testing with your gear.

Check out our HyperSync Performance with your Camera article to see example images!

Visit the HyperSync Setup page for help configuring your gear.

The ISO on my remote Nikon Speedlight is stuck at 200. What’s wrong?

This setting 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.

My remote speedlights don’t change their zoom when I zoom the lens on my camera. What’s wrong?

Zoom tracking is a feature for on-camera flash and would cause lighting errors if performed on remotes. Nikon and Canon native systems do not have zoom tracking for remote or slave flashes, either.

Why won't my Plus radio trigger my FlexTT5 / FlexTT6?

The Plus and MultiMAX radios can transmit and receive on Standard Channels. While the ControlTL radios can transmit on both ControlTL and Standard Channels at the same time, they can only receive on one or the other. The default is to receive only on ControlTL Channels.

To enable it to receive a Standard Channel signal: plug the FlexTT5 / FlexTT6 into your computer with the Utility running. On the Channel Tab, note that the Standard Receiving Channel is grayed out. Choose which Configuration setting you want to change and unclick the “Use ControlTL for Receive Channel” box. The Receiving ControlTL Channel will now gray out. You can then change the Standard Receiving Channel to match the Transmitting Channel you wish to use on your Plus or MultiMAX. Click “Apply Changes” and wait for the radio to reset.

Please remember, when using Standard Channels, all ControlTL functions are disabled, meaning that you will be unable to use TTL, remote power changes, or High Speed Sync/FP. You will need to adjust settings on the back of the flashes manually and your maximum sync speed will be X-sync.

My Nikon remote flashes don't fire when I have a flash on camera. Why not?

When using a flash on your transmitting radio, it needs to be set to Master Mode. You can use any compatible Nikon flash that works as a Master flash or use an SU-800. You then use the Nikon CLS menu to adjust the power to your remote flashes. The Nikon ABC Zones correspond to the ABC Zones on the remote FlexTT5s. See the Advanced Wireless TTL page for details.

My Nikon remote flashes aren't firing when I take a picture, there's a 1-2 second delay. What's happening?

Check your flash setting. Chances are good that the Red Eye Reduction setting is turned on and the camera thinks it's sending out the preflash. If you see a little eyeball in your LCD, change it to just the lightning bolt, no eyeball, and that should solve the issue!

What's the difference between the FlexTT5 and FlexTT6?

When Canon introduced their newest line of cameras, starting with the 1DX Mark II and 5D Mark IV, we tried to create firmware so our current radios could work with the newer bodies. Unfortunately, we were not able to do so and needed to create a new model, the FlexTT6. WE had to make an internal hardware change in the FlexTT6 so the radio could work with the newer cameras but the functions are the same as the FlexTT5. With a FlexTT6 on the camera, FlexTT5 radios will work perfectly as receivers, as long as the firmware has been updated to the most recent version. Any other adapters, like the AC3 and AC9, will work as well as the PowerST4 and PowerMC2 receivers, in addition to PocketWizard compatible Sekonic meters. And of course, the FlexTT6 will also work with our Plus radios as well.

There is no need for a Nikon FlexTT6 at this time.