Difference between revisions of "AC9 AlienBees Adapter"

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{{recommended reading|MiniTT1 and FlexTT5|}}
 
{{recommended reading|MiniTT1 and FlexTT5|}}
 
=Adapter for Paul C. Buff lighting systems.=
 
=Adapter for Paul C. Buff lighting systems.=
−
The AC9 AlienBees Adapter paired with a FlexTT5™ Transceiver enables remote power control of AlienBees or White Lightning flash.  With a MiniTT1™ Transmitter or FlexTT5™ Transceiver on your camera, you can now adjust the power settings on your AlienBees or White Lightning flashes from the camera’s position.  Add the AC3 ZoneController and you can control three different groups of lights in 1/3-stop increments with a six-stop range.  Utilize PocketWizard’s unique features such as HyperSync™ and Optimized Rear Curtain Sync for maximum control of your lighting. 
+
{{ Annotated image |right|caption=AC9 AlienBees Adapter.
−
{{ Annotated image |float=right|caption=AC9 AlienBees Adapter.
+
 
| image=AC9.jpg
 
| image=AC9.jpg
 
| image-width= 200
 
| image-width= 200
 
}}
 
}}
−
<div style="float: left;">videoflash>IAMWxEylEOM&autohide=1&autoplay=1|425|240</videoflash></div>
+
The AC9 AlienBees Adapter paired with a [[MiniTT1_and_FlexTT5|FlexTT5/FlexTT6™ Transceiver]] enables remote power control of [http://www.paulcbuff.com/ AlienBees or White Lightning] flashes.  With a MiniTT1™ Transmitter or FlexTT5/FlexTT6™ Transceiver on your camera, you can now adjust the power settings on your AlienBees or White Lightning flashes from the camera’s position.  Add the [[AC3 ZoneController]] and you can control three different groups of lights in 1/3-stop increments with a six-stop range.  Utilize PocketWizard’s unique features such as HyperSync™ and Optimized [[Rear Curtain Sync]] for maximum control of your lighting. 
  
  
 +
=Using your AC9=
 +
{{ Annotated image |right|caption=AC9 with FlexTT5 on AlienBees strobe.
 +
| image=AC9AlienBees.jpg
 +
| image-width= 200
 +
}}
  
 +
'''Make sure all your radios are set to the same PocketWizard [[Channels|ControlTL channel]].'''
  
  
 +
#With all units powered off, slide the AC9 onto your remote FlexTT5/FlexTT6 and connect the REMOTE cable from the AC9 to the flash.<br>
 +
#Turn on the flash first, then the remote FlexTT5/FlexTT6 radio. If this order is reversed, the flash may not trigger properly. The AC9’s Status LED blinks green occasionally to indicate normal operation.<br>
 +
#Turn on the modeling light and set it to Cycle or Ready mode as desired, and disable the optical slave by inserting a plug or adapter into the sync port. Power level will be set by the AC9.<br>
 +
#Turn on your PocketWizard ControlTL transmitter and then your camera.  <br>
 +
#Shoot a calibration shot (1/125 for Nikon and 1/160 for Canon. The first shot for Canon will not fire the flash-shoot another to confirm connection.) <br>
 +
#Take pictures.<br>
 +
#Adjust the Camera’s Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC) to adjust the output power of your remote flash. See the Camera FEC Range and Basic Power Control sections for more information on FEC.
  
  
 +
'''Note:''' The AC9 overrides flash power output settings you make directly on your flash. If you wish to control the flash from its control panel, then you need to disconnect the REMOTE cord and connect a regular sync cord from the P2 port on your FlexTT5/FlexTT6 to your flash.
  
  
 +
'''<i>Important:</i>''' The AC9 will only work with a transmitting ControlTL radio in the hot shoe of a compatible camera. The AC9 will NOT work when connected to a radio in Basic Trigger Mode. If you wish to use your receiving FlexTT5/FlexTT6 in Basic Trigger Mode, disconnect the REMOTE cord and connect a regular sync cord from the P2 port on your FlexTT5 to your flash.
  
 +
----
 +
==== [[ControlTL]] ====
  
 +
[[File:controltl.jpg|right]]
 +
PocketWizard’s newest firmware platform taps into the camera’s digital communications to enable an entirely new level of remote flash capability through our proven radio system.  ControlTL allows for remote Manual Power Control of your AlienBees or White Lightning flashes.  [[ControlTL]] [[Update Tab|firmware]] is configurable and upgradeable for “future-proof” continuous improvement.
  
 +
==== Manual Power Control ====
 +
[[File:manual_power_control.jpg|right]]
 +
Adjust the manual power settings of your remote AlienBees flash directly from a [[AC3 ZoneController]], or master flash mounted on your on-camera [[MiniTT1_and_FlexTT5|MiniTT1 or FlexTT5/FlexTT6]].  You can independently control the power output of up to three remote groups of lights (you can have as many lights in each group as you want) from full power down to the lowest setting through the user interface on the back of the master flash or with the dials of the AC3 ZoneController.  Now you can work with total control with your remote lights, without leaving your shooting position.
  
 +
==== [[HyperSync]] ====
 +
[[File:Hypersync.jpg|right]]
 +
Our patented HyperSync® technology allows photographers to achieve faster X-sync speeds with full power flash.  That extra speed can be used to freeze action or cut ambient light - both of which can produce results never possible before. HyperSync works automatically with the AC9 and FlexTT5/FlexTT6 in conjunction with your [http://www.paulcbuff.com/ AlienBees or White Lightning] flash.  All you need is a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5/FlexTT6 on camera to gain the benefits of HyperSync. While performance varies by the camera and flash equipment being used, HyperSync will get the maximum possible out of any configuration.
  
 +
NOTE: When using a White Lightning X1600 or X3200, the blue "Range" button needs to be depressed so the flash will fire at higher power levels (from 1/32-full power).
  
−
 
+
==== [[PowerTracking]] ====
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
=Features=
+
−
 
+
−
===== ControlTL =====
+
−
[[File:controltl.jpg|right]]
+
−
PocketWizard’s newest firmware platform taps into the camera’s digital communications to enable an entirely new level of remote flash capability through our proven radio system.  ControlTL allows remote TTL systems as well as Manual Power Control.  ControlTL firmware is configurable and upgradeable for “future-proof” continuous improvement.
+
−
 
+
−
===== Manual Power Control =====
+
−
[[File:manual_power_control.jpg|right]]
+
−
Adjust the manual power settings of your remote AlienBees flash directly from a [[AC3 ZoneController]], or master flash mounted on your on-camera [[MiniTT1_and_FlexTT5|MiniTT1 or FlexTT5]].  You can independently control the power output of up to three remote groups of lights (you can have as many lights in each group as you want) from full power down to the lowest setting through the user interface on the back of the master flash or with the dials of the AC3 ZoneController.  Now you can work with total control with your remote lights, without leaving your shooting position.
+
−
 
+
−
===== [[PowerTracking]] =====
+
 
[[File:powertracking.jpg|right]]
 
[[File:powertracking.jpg|right]]
−
When engaged, any changes to aperture and ISO on your  
+
When engaged, any changes to aperture and ISO on your camera are automatically tracked by your remote flash output power to maintain the current exposure level. For example, if you open the aperture on your camera by one stop, then the power output level on your remote flash will decrease by one stop.   
−
camera are automatically tracked by your remote flash output power to maintain the current  
+
−
exposure level. For example, if you open the aperture on your camera by one stop, then the  
+
−
power output level on your remote flash will decrease by one stop.   
+
  
−
===== Basic Power Control =====
+
==== [[PowerTracking#Basic Power Control|Basic Power Control]] ====
  
−
With only a MiniTT1® or FlexTT5® on your camera, your camera’s FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation) control will adjust your flash power output level for all your AC9-connected flashes as shown in the table on the right. --->
+
With only a MiniTT1® or FlexTT5® on your camera, your camera’s FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation) control will adjust your flash power output level for all your AC9-connected flashes as shown in the table below:
−
{| border="1" align="right" style="text-align:center;"
+
<div align="center">
 +
{| class="wikitable" style= border="1"
 
|-
 
|-
 
!colspan=3|AlienBees, White Lightning, Zeus Power Output Settings
 
!colspan=3|AlienBees, White Lightning, Zeus Power Output Settings
Line 53: Line 61:
 
|'''Camera FEC/EC <br> - or -<br>AC3 Power Dial in Manual'''
 
|'''Camera FEC/EC <br> - or -<br>AC3 Power Dial in Manual'''
 
|'''Most Models'''
 
|'''Most Models'''
−
|'''White Lightning X1600,<br> X2400 & X3200 Only;<br>Low Range Mode'''
+
|'''White Lightning X800,<br> X1600 & X3200 Only;<br>Low Range Mode'''
 
|-
 
|-
 
| +3
 
| +3
−
|1/1
+
| style="background-color:#A4D3EE;" |1/1
−
|1/4
+
| style="background-color:#A4D3EE;" |1/4
 
|-
 
|-
 
| +2.7
 
| +2.7
Line 68: Line 76:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| +2
 
| +2
−
|1/2
+
| style="background-color:#A4D3EE;" |1/2
−
|1/8
+
| style="background-color:#A4D3EE;" |1/8
 
|-
 
|-
 
| +1.7
 
| +1.7
Line 80: Line 88:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| +1
 
| +1
−
|1/4
+
| style="background-color:#A4D3EE;" |1/4
−
|1/16
+
| style="background-color:#A4D3EE;" |1/16
 
|-
 
|-
 
| +0.7
 
| +0.7
Line 91: Line 99:
 
|1/32 + 0.3
 
|1/32 + 0.3
 
|-
 
|-
−
|0
+
| style="color:white; background-color:#919191" |0
−
|1/8
+
| style="background-color:#A4D3EE;" |1/8
−
|1/32
+
| style="background-color:#A4D3EE;" |1/32
 
|-
 
|-
−
| -0.3
+
| style="color:white; background-color:#919191" | -0.3
 
|1/16 + 0.7
 
|1/16 + 0.7
 
|1/64 + 0.7
 
|1/64 + 0.7
 
|-
 
|-
−
| -.7  
+
| style="color:white; background-color:#919191" | -0.7  
 
|1/16 + 0.3
 
|1/16 + 0.3
 
|1/64 + 0.3
 
|1/64 + 0.3
 
|-
 
|-
−
| -1
+
| style="color:white; background-color:#919191" | -1
−
|1/16
+
| style="background-color:#A4D3EE;" |1/16
−
|1/64
+
| style="background-color:#A4D3EE;" |1/64
 
|-
 
|-
−
| -1.3
+
| style="color:white; background-color:#919191" | -1.3
 
|1/32 + 0.7
 
|1/32 + 0.7
 
|1/128 + 0.7
 
|1/128 + 0.7
 
|-
 
|-
−
| -1.7
+
| style="color:white; background-color:#919191" | -1.7
 
|1/32 + 0.3
 
|1/32 + 0.3
 
|1/128 + 0.3
 
|1/128 + 0.3
 +
|-
 +
| style="color:white; background-color:#919191" | -2
 +
| style="background-color:#A4D3EE;" |1/32
 +
| style="background-color:#A4D3EE;" |1/128
 +
|-
 +
| style="color:white; background-color:#919191" | -2.3
 +
|1/32
 +
|1/128
 +
|-
 +
| style="color:white; background-color:#919191" | -2.7
 +
|1/32
 +
|1/128
 +
|-
 +
| style="color:white; background-color:#919191" | -3
 +
| style="background-color:#A4D3EE;" |1/32
 +
| style="background-color:#A4D3EE;" |1/128
 
|}
 
|}
 +
</div>
  
−
{{nikononly}} The camera’s FEC or EC (Exposure Compensation) control will adjust flash power output level. The Nikon D3 series cameras do not have an FEC adjustment. You can use the EC adjustment on all Nikon cameras, including the D3 series, whenever a flash power output level adjustment is needed.
+
=Requirements=
  
−
{{canononly}} Both the camera’s ISO and FEC controls will adjust flash power output level. Changes to FEC will adjust flash power output level as shown in the table on the right. Changes from the ISO used for your first picture will adjust flash output power level relative to
+
The FlexTT5/FlexTT6 for Canon requires AC9-C / FlexTT5 for Nikon requires AC9-N.  
−
FEC. For example, if your first picture was at ISO 200, and you adjusted ISO down to 100, your flash power level would be 1 stop brighter for all FEC settings. This operation assumes PowerTracking is set to Full Manual in the PocketWizard Utility which is the default.You can use any PocketWizard receiving radios together in the same exposure, including other ControlTL radios. Remember that studio and manual flash output will not
+
−
be calculated as part of an E-TTL / i-TTL exposure.
+
  
−
=How to use your AC9=
+
The AC9 AlienBees Adapter requires a receiving FlexTT5/FlexTT6, a transmitting PocketWizard ControlTL radio such as a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5/FlexTT6, and a compatible Paul C. Buff flash with a REMOTE terminal.
−
{{ Annotated image |float=right|caption=AC9 with FlexTT5 on AlienBees strobe.
+
−
| image=AC9AlienBees.jpg
+
−
| image-width= 300
+
−
}}
+
−
 
+
−
'''Make sure all your radios are set to the same PocketWizard ControlTL channel.''' For more information on Channels, see our [[Channels]] wiki page.
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
1.  Slide the AC9 onto your remote FlexTT5 and connect the REMOTE cable from the AC9 to the flash.
+
−
 
+
−
2. Turn on the flash first, then the remote FlexTT5 radio. If this order is reversed, the flash may not trigger properly. The AC9’s Status LED blinks green occasionally to indicate normal operation.
+
−
 
+
−
3.  Turn on the modeling light and set it to Cycle or Ready mode as desired, and disable the optical slave by inserting a plug or adapter into the sync port. Power level will be set by the AC9.
+
−
 
+
−
4.  Set up your camera and PocketWizard ControlTL transmitter. 
+
−
 
+
−
5. Take pictures.
+
−
 
+
−
6. Adjust the Camera’s Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC) to adjust the output power of your remote flash. See the Camera FEC Range and Basic Power Control sections for more information on FEC.
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
'''Note:''' The AC9 overrides flash power output settings you make directly on your flash. If you wish to control the flash
+
−
from its control panel, then you need to disconnect the REMOTE cord and connect a regular sync cord from the P2
+
−
port on your FlexTT5 to your flash.
+
−
 
+
−
==Requirements==
+
−
 
+
−
The FlexTT5 for Canon requires AC9-C / FlexTT5 for Nikon requires AC9-N.
+
−
 
+
−
The AC9 AlienBees Adapter requires a receiving FlexTT5, a transmitting PocketWizard ControlTL radio such as a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5, and a compatible Paul C. Buff flash with a REMOTE terminal.
+
  
 
==Compatibility==
 
==Compatibility==
  
−
{| border="1"
+
<div align="center">
 +
{| border="1" class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
 
!colspan=5|AC9 AlienBees Adapter Compatiblity
 
!colspan=5|AC9 AlienBees Adapter Compatiblity
Line 170: Line 164:
 
|Z1250
 
|Z1250
 
|UZ800
 
|UZ800
−
|Ultra600
+
|Ultra 600
 
|-
 
|-
 
|B800
 
|B800
Line 176: Line 170:
 
|Z2500
 
|Z2500
 
|UZ1600
 
|UZ1600
−
|Ultra1200
+
|Ultra 1200
 
|-
 
|-
 
|B1600
 
|B1600
 
|X2400
 
|X2400
−
|Ultra1800
 
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 +
|Ultra 1800
 
|-
 
|-
 
|ABR800
 
|ABR800
Line 190: Line 184:
 
|
 
|
 
|}
 
|}
 +
</div>
 +
 +
==Specifications==
 +
 +
<div align="center">
 +
{| border="1" class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
|'''Mounting'''
 +
|Hot Shoe
 +
|-
 +
|'''Status Indicator'''
 +
|LED: Green status indicator
 +
|-
 +
|'''Operating Temperature'''
 +
|Above -15° C (5° F) and below 50° C (120° F)
 +
|-
 +
|'''Storage Temperature'''
 +
|Above -30° C (22° F) and below 85° C (185° F)
 +
|-
 +
|'''Construction'''
 +
|high impact plastic - ''RoHS Compliant''
 +
|-
 +
|'''Power'''
 +
|Receives power from attached radio
 +
|-
 +
|'''Dimensions'''
 +
|1.9" (4.7cm) long x 1.6" (4.0 cm) wide x 1" (2.5 cm) tall
 +
|-
 +
|'''Weight'''
 +
|.81 ounces (22.96 grams)
 +
|-
 +
|'''Included In the Box'''
 +
|AC9 Adapter, RJ-14 connector cord, sync adapter plugs for disabling the optical slave, lanyard and velcro for attaching FlexTT5/FlexTT6 onto AliensBee or White Lightning flash, Quick Guide
 +
|-
 +
|'''Requirements'''
 +
|Dedicated AC9 Version for Nikon and Canon systems. Must be used in conjunction with a remote FlexTT5/FlexTT6 radio.
 +
|}
 +
</div>

Latest revision as of 06:04, 15 October 2019

Next recommended reading: MiniTT1 and FlexTT5

Adapter for Paul C. Buff lighting systems.

{{{annotations}}}

AC9 AlienBees Adapter.

The AC9 AlienBees Adapter paired with a FlexTT5/FlexTT6™ Transceiver enables remote power control of AlienBees or White Lightning flashes. With a MiniTT1™ Transmitter or FlexTT5/FlexTT6™ Transceiver on your camera, you can now adjust the power settings on your AlienBees or White Lightning flashes from the camera’s position. Add the AC3 ZoneController and you can control three different groups of lights in 1/3-stop increments with a six-stop range. Utilize PocketWizard’s unique features such as HyperSync™ and Optimized Rear Curtain Sync for maximum control of your lighting.


Using your AC9

{{{annotations}}}

AC9 with FlexTT5 on AlienBees strobe.


Make sure all your radios are set to the same PocketWizard ControlTL channel.


  1. With all units powered off, slide the AC9 onto your remote FlexTT5/FlexTT6 and connect the REMOTE cable from the AC9 to the flash.
  2. Turn on the flash first, then the remote FlexTT5/FlexTT6 radio. If this order is reversed, the flash may not trigger properly. The AC9’s Status LED blinks green occasionally to indicate normal operation.
  3. Turn on the modeling light and set it to Cycle or Ready mode as desired, and disable the optical slave by inserting a plug or adapter into the sync port. Power level will be set by the AC9.
  4. Turn on your PocketWizard ControlTL transmitter and then your camera.
  5. Shoot a calibration shot (1/125 for Nikon and 1/160 for Canon. The first shot for Canon will not fire the flash-shoot another to confirm connection.)
  6. Take pictures.
  7. Adjust the Camera’s Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC) to adjust the output power of your remote flash. See the Camera FEC Range and Basic Power Control sections for more information on FEC.


Note: The AC9 overrides flash power output settings you make directly on your flash. If you wish to control the flash from its control panel, then you need to disconnect the REMOTE cord and connect a regular sync cord from the P2 port on your FlexTT5/FlexTT6 to your flash.


Important: The AC9 will only work with a transmitting ControlTL radio in the hot shoe of a compatible camera. The AC9 will NOT work when connected to a radio in Basic Trigger Mode. If you wish to use your receiving FlexTT5/FlexTT6 in Basic Trigger Mode, disconnect the REMOTE cord and connect a regular sync cord from the P2 port on your FlexTT5 to your flash.

ControlTL

Controltl.jpg

PocketWizard’s newest firmware platform taps into the camera’s digital communications to enable an entirely new level of remote flash capability through our proven radio system. ControlTL allows for remote Manual Power Control of your AlienBees or White Lightning flashes. ControlTL firmware is configurable and upgradeable for “future-proof” continuous improvement.

Manual Power Control

Manual power control.jpg

Adjust the manual power settings of your remote AlienBees flash directly from a AC3 ZoneController, or master flash mounted on your on-camera MiniTT1 or FlexTT5/FlexTT6. You can independently control the power output of up to three remote groups of lights (you can have as many lights in each group as you want) from full power down to the lowest setting through the user interface on the back of the master flash or with the dials of the AC3 ZoneController. Now you can work with total control with your remote lights, without leaving your shooting position.

HyperSync

Hypersync.jpg

Our patented HyperSync® technology allows photographers to achieve faster X-sync speeds with full power flash. That extra speed can be used to freeze action or cut ambient light - both of which can produce results never possible before. HyperSync works automatically with the AC9 and FlexTT5/FlexTT6 in conjunction with your AlienBees or White Lightning flash. All you need is a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5/FlexTT6 on camera to gain the benefits of HyperSync. While performance varies by the camera and flash equipment being used, HyperSync will get the maximum possible out of any configuration.

NOTE: When using a White Lightning X1600 or X3200, the blue "Range" button needs to be depressed so the flash will fire at higher power levels (from 1/32-full power).

PowerTracking

Powertracking.jpg

When engaged, any changes to aperture and ISO on your camera are automatically tracked by your remote flash output power to maintain the current exposure level. For example, if you open the aperture on your camera by one stop, then the power output level on your remote flash will decrease by one stop.

Basic Power Control

With only a MiniTT1® or FlexTT5® on your camera, your camera’s FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation) control will adjust your flash power output level for all your AC9-connected flashes as shown in the table below:

AlienBees, White Lightning, Zeus Power Output Settings
Camera FEC/EC
- or -
AC3 Power Dial in Manual 		Most Models White Lightning X800,
X1600 & X3200 Only;
Low Range Mode
+3 1/1 1/4
+2.7 1/2 + 0.7 1/8 + 0.7
+2.3 1/2 + 0.3 1/8 + 0.3
+2 1/2 1/8
+1.7 1/4 + 0.7 1/16th + 0.7
+1.3 1/4 + 0.3 1/16 + 0.3
+1 1/4 1/16
+0.7 1/8 + 0.7 1/32 + 0.7
+0.3 1/8 +0.3 1/32 + 0.3
0 1/8 1/32
-0.3 1/16 + 0.7 1/64 + 0.7
-0.7 1/16 + 0.3 1/64 + 0.3
-1 1/16 1/64
-1.3 1/32 + 0.7 1/128 + 0.7
-1.7 1/32 + 0.3 1/128 + 0.3
-2 1/32 1/128
-2.3 1/32 1/128
-2.7 1/32 1/128
-3 1/32 1/128

Requirements

The FlexTT5/FlexTT6 for Canon requires AC9-C / FlexTT5 for Nikon requires AC9-N.

The AC9 AlienBees Adapter requires a receiving FlexTT5/FlexTT6, a transmitting PocketWizard ControlTL radio such as a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5/FlexTT6, and a compatible Paul C. Buff flash with a REMOTE terminal.

Compatibility

AC9 AlienBees Adapter Compatiblity
AlienBees White Lightning Zeus UltraZAP Ultra
B400 X800 Z1250 UZ800 Ultra 600
B800 X1600 Z2500 UZ1600 Ultra 1200
B1600 X2400 Ultra 1800
ABR800 X3200

Specifications

Mounting Hot Shoe
Status Indicator LED: Green status indicator
Operating Temperature Above -15° C (5° F) and below 50° C (120° F)
Storage Temperature Above -30° C (22° F) and below 85° C (185° F)
Construction high impact plastic - RoHS Compliant
Power Receives power from attached radio
Dimensions 1.9" (4.7cm) long x 1.6" (4.0 cm) wide x 1" (2.5 cm) tall
Weight .81 ounces (22.96 grams)
Included In the Box AC9 Adapter, RJ-14 connector cord, sync adapter plugs for disabling the optical slave, lanyard and velcro for attaching FlexTT5/FlexTT6 onto AliensBee or White Lightning flash, Quick Guide
Requirements Dedicated AC9 Version for Nikon and Canon systems. Must be used in conjunction with a remote FlexTT5/FlexTT6 radio.
Retrieved from "https://wiki.pocketwizard.com/index.php?title=AC9_AlienBees_Adapter&oldid=4079"