Difference between revisions of "HyperSync Setup"

Latest revision as of 08:26, 29 October 2020

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.

What HyperSync results can I get with my camera and flash?

Thankfully, we have done a lot of the work for you by sharing images that we have captured using as many combinations of camera and flash model as possible. Our examples are available below. Simply click on your camera and find the flash that you wish to use with HyperSync. There are countless combinations of flashes and cameras in the world, and we will add more cameras and flashes as time goes by. If you don't see your equipment, feel free to contact us directly: http://www.pocketwizard.com/contact/inquiry/

There are 3 main factors that determine how fast you can HyperSync:

-the size of your sensor: a crop frame sensor can usually sync faster than a full frame sensor.

-the speed of your camera's shutter blades: not the actual shutter speed, but how fast they move. Faster blades = faster sync speeds.

-flash duration: the longer the flash duration, the faster you will be able to sync. Think of flash duration on a strobe like an open window and your shutter speed like a water balloon. Your goal is to throw the balloon through the window without breaking the glass, the balloon, or hitting the sill. If you are using a flash with a long duration, it's like the window is open all the way. When you throw the balloon through it (take a photo), you have a pretty good "margin of error" and are likely to not have a problem getting it to the other side. However, if your window opening is very small (like a very short flash duration), your aim needs to be very precise and exact or the balloon will miss and make a big splash. And if the balloon is too big, it will still hit the window.

The important thing to remember with HyperSync is that it is not a "one size fits all" setup. You will need to test to see how fast you can sync with your specific equipment. With some setups, you might be able to sync up to 1/8000 but with other camera and flash combinations, the fastest you might be able to sync is 1/320 before you start to see banding. Be sure to test each flash and camera model at the power level you plan to use. Most flashes have the longest duration at full power. Also keep in mind that even if you start to see a bit of gradient along the top, it might be ok if you are shooting outside in bright sunlight, as it almost works like a graduated neutral density filter. Or if you are seeing banding along the bottom, you might be able to use a fasters shutter speed by using a wider lens and cropping out the banding.

The results below were produced with the steps detailed on the bottom parts of this page.

* These cameras do not support HyperSync or HSS/FP-Sync operation: D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3300, D3200, D3100, D3000, D40x, D40

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. Be sure the "Advanced Mode" box in the bottom left corner of the Utility is checked.

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"

NOTE: If you are a Nikon user with ControlTL receivers, and 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. If you are a Nikon user attempting to use HyperSync with Standard Channel receivers (like the Plus II, Plus III, PlusX, or MultiMAX), you must enable "HyperSync Only." Please read the section ControlTL Transmitter, Standard Receiver, below, for more information.

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 and check the "Advanced Mode" box
2. Use the drop-down menu to select the camera model in the Channels tab
3. Click "Apply Changes"

NOTE: If you are a Canon user attempting to use HyperSync with Standard Channel receivers (like the Plus II, Plus III, PlusX, or MultiMAX), you must enable "HyperSync Only." Please read the section ControlTL Transmitter, Standard Receiver, below, for more information.

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

This video shows you how to set up your transmitter and receiver for HyperSync for the Nikon system of radios.

This video shows you how to set up your transmitter and receiver for HyperSync for the Canon system of radios.

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” tab; choose "Reduced Clipping" or "Highest Energy"
3. Click "Apply Changes"
4. Connect the PowerMC2 to the flash

This video shows you how to set up your transmitter and receiver for HyperSync for the Nikon system of radios.

This video shows you how to set up your transmitter and receiver for HyperSync for the Canon system of radios.

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 Speedlite). Due to its IGBT design, settings lower than full power may result in clipping.

You can read more about this behavior on the IGBT-controlled flashes vs. Voltage-controlled flashes page.

Before you connect a PowerMC2 to the PocketWizard Utility via USB, make sure to disconnect the radio from the Einstein flash. Failure to disconnect the PowerMC2 from the flash before connecting it to the Utility could result in damage to the radio.

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” tab; choose "Reduced Clipping" or "Highest Energy"
3. Navigate to the Misc Tab and select S-head or A-head if you have a Ranger RX, or select your Digital RX series head if you're using a Digital 1200 or 2400 pack.
4. Select your flash model as well.
5. Click "Apply Changes"
6. Connect the PowerST4 to the flash or pack

This video shows you how to set up your transmitter and receiver for HyperSync for the Nikon system of radios.

This video shows you how to set up your transmitter and receiver for HyperSync for the Canon system of radios.

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

How to Configure the Receiving FlexTT5 P2 Port

When using a FlexTT5 as your receiver connected to a flash via the P2 port, 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; use the “ P2 HyperSync Flash Duration” drop-down to select a timing setting – 10 is often a good starting-point
3. Click "Apply Changes"
4. Connect the FlexTT5 to the flash or pack via the P2 port and appropriate cable

If you notice clipping in frame, choose a different “P2 HyperSync Flash Duration” value - if you have a smaller flash or Speedlite connected via the P2 port, start by testing with lower numbers, if you have a studio strobe or larger flash, you will likely see the best results with higher numbers

ControlTL Transmitter, Standard Receiver (Plus II, Plus III, Plus IV, PlusX, MultiMAX, MultiMAX II)

Performing HyperSync is possible with a ControlTL transmitter and Standard Channel receivers like the MultiMAX, Plus II, Plus III, or PlusX.

Only ControlTL radios have HyperSync settings that can be adjusted. When using Standard Channel radios as receivers, all HyperSync settings or offsets will need to be manipulated on the transmitter. The Standard Channel receivers need only be set to use the correct channel and then connected to the remote flashes. The transmitting MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 can account for the flash duration of remote flashes in one of two ways, “ HyperSync Flash Duration For Standard Channels” or “ Manual HyperSync For Standard Channels.” Find more information on these options on the HyperSync/HSS Tab page.

When using a mix of ControlTL and Standard Channel radios to perform HyperSync, determine whether you would like to use “HyperSync Flash Duration For Standard Channels” or “Manual HyperSync For Standard Channels.” and follow the instructions below.

===How to Configure the ControlTL Transmitter - HyperSync Flash Duration For Standard Channels=== Be sure the "Advanced Mode" box in the bottom left corner of the Utility is checked. Follow these steps to configure your ControlTL transmitter using HyperSync Flash Duration For Standard Channels:

1. Connect your transmitting MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 to the PocketWizard Utility via USB and make sure that the “Advanced Mode” box is checked
2. Navigate to the "HyperSync/HSS" tab
3. Enable “HyperSync Only”
4. Select a value 1-10 for the “HyperSync Flash Duration for Standard Channels” – 10 is often a good starting-point
5. Canon users only: Navigate to the “Channel” tab and manually select your camera model
6. Click "Apply Changes"

If you notice clipping in frame, choose a different “HyperSync Flash Duration for Standard Channels” value – some experimentation may be necessary to find the best setting for your camera and flash combination

How to Configure the ControlTL Transmitter - Manual HyperSync For Standard Channels

Follow these steps to configure your ControlTL transmitter using Manual HyperSync For Standard Channels:

1. Connect your transmitting MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 to the PocketWizard Utility via USB and make sure that the “Advanced Mode” box is checked
2. Navigate to the "HyperSync/HSS" tab
3. Enable “HyperSync Only”
4. Enable “Manual HyperSync For Standard Channels” by clicking the check-box
5. Use the slider to set a Manual HyperSync Offset – the greatest offset (all the way to the left) is often a good starting point
6. Canon users only: Navigate to the “Channel” tab and manually select your camera
7. Click "Apply Changes"

If you notice clipping in frame, choose a different Manual HyperSync Offset value – typically the maximum offset (slider all the way to the left) works well as a starting point. Not all cameras can use the full range of this setting. Some cameras will show no change beyond certain offset value. This is a limitation of the camera. Some experimentation may be necessary to find the best setting for your camera and flash combination