Difference between revisions of "PowerST4"

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The PowerST4 Receiver enables remote power control of Elinchrom RX flashes using PocketWizard ControlTL technology.  With a MiniTT1 Transmitter or FlexTT5 Transceiver on your camera and a PowerST4 plugged into your Elinchrom RX flash, you can now adjust the flash power settings [[PowerTracking#Basic Power Control|directly from the camera]]. Add the [[AC3 ZoneController]] and you can control three different zones of lights in 1/3-stop increments with up to a six-stop range.  Utilize PocketWizard’s unique features such as [[HyperSync]] and Optimized [[Rear Curtain Sync]] for maximum control of your lighting.
 
The PowerST4 Receiver enables remote power control of Elinchrom RX flashes using PocketWizard ControlTL technology.  With a MiniTT1 Transmitter or FlexTT5 Transceiver on your camera and a PowerST4 plugged into your Elinchrom RX flash, you can now adjust the flash power settings [[PowerTracking#Basic Power Control|directly from the camera]]. Add the [[AC3 ZoneController]] and you can control three different zones of lights in 1/3-stop increments with up to a six-stop range.  Utilize PocketWizard’s unique features such as [[HyperSync]] and Optimized [[Rear Curtain Sync]] for maximum control of your lighting.
  
 
<div align=center><videoflash>IAMWxEylEOM&loop=0&rel=0?&autohide=1|425|240</videoflash></div>
 
  
 
=Using your PowerST4=
 
=Using your PowerST4=
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====DETAILS ABOUT RANGER PACK COMPATIBILITY:====
+
=====Important Details=====
*In order to connect to Ranger RX series packs, the PowerST4 requires an Elinchrom female 5-pin to male 7-pin adapter. For longer range performance, and for general use, we recommend an [http://www.elinchrom.us/ranger-remote-cable-8 Ranger Remote Cable 8' (Elinchrom Part # EL 11107)]. This will allow for raising the PowerST4 antenna above the pack's ground level position for better reception when using a light stand or other support. For shorter ranges, the [http://www.elinchrom.us/ranger-adaptor-for-skyport-rx-receiver Ranger RX Adapter, (Elinchrom Part # EL 19374)] can be used.  
+
*In order to connect to Ranger RX series packs, the PowerST4 requires an Elinchrom female 5-pin to male 7-pin [http://www.elinchrom.us/ranger-adaptor-for-skyport-rx-receiver Ranger RX Adapter, (Elinchrom Part # EL 19374)]. The PowerST4 will connect directly to the 5-pin RX port of Style RX and Digital RX series packs/heads.  
  
*The PowerST4 will connect directly to the 5-pin RX port of Style RX and Digital RX series packs/heads. 5-pin to 5-pin Elinchrom extension cables allow you to extend the PowerST4 away from the pack/head, if you are in difficult radio reception scenarios.
+
*For longer range performance, and for general use, we recommend the [http://www.elinchrom.us/ranger-remote-cable-8 Ranger Remote Cable 8' (Elinchrom Part # EL 11107)], or other compatible Elinchrom extension cable. This will allow for raising the PowerST4 antenna above the pack's ground level position, or optimizing reception in other challenging environments like arena cat walks.
  
  
Elinchrom has discontinued these cables and they are becoming increasingly difficult to find.  [http://michaelbass.blogspot.com/2007/09/sync-cords.html#ElinchromRXcables Micheal Bass] offers a solution.
+
Elinchrom has discontinued these cables and they are becoming increasingly difficult to find.  [http://michaelbass.blogspot.com/2007/09/sync-cords.html#ElinchromRXcables Michael Bass] offers a custom solution.
 +
 
  
 
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<div align="center">
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|-
 
|-
 
|[http://www.elinchrom.us/ranger-remote-cable-157 EL 11108]
 
|[http://www.elinchrom.us/ranger-remote-cable-157 EL 11108]
|15.7ft / 4.8m
+
|15.8ft / 4.8m
 
|Ranger RX
 
|Ranger RX
 
|Female 5-pin to Male 7-pin Elinchrom Cable
 
|Female 5-pin to Male 7-pin Elinchrom Cable
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|-
 
|-
 
|[http://www.elinchrom.us/cable-remote-12m-5-poles-m-f EL 11100]
 
|[http://www.elinchrom.us/cable-remote-12m-5-poles-m-f EL 11100]
|3.5ft / 1.2m
+
|3.9ft / 1.2m
 
|Style RX, Digital RX
 
|Style RX, Digital RX
 
|Female 5-pin to Male 5-pin Elinchrom Cable
 
|Female 5-pin to Male 5-pin Elinchrom Cable
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|-
 
|-
 
|[http://www.elinchrom.us/cable-remote-48m EL 11102]
 
|[http://www.elinchrom.us/cable-remote-48m EL 11102]
|14ft / 4.8m
+
|15.8ft / 4.8m
 
|Style RX, Digital RX
 
|Style RX, Digital RX
 
|Female 5-pin to Male 5-pin Elinchrom Cable
 
|Female 5-pin to Male 5-pin Elinchrom Cable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[http://www.elinchrom.us/cable-remote-96m EL 11103]
 
|[http://www.elinchrom.us/cable-remote-96m EL 11103]
|28ft / 9.6m
+
|31.5ft / 9.6m
 
|Style RX, Digital RX
 
|Style RX, Digital RX
 
|Female 5-pin to Male 5-pin Elinchrom Cable
 
|Female 5-pin to Male 5-pin Elinchrom Cable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[http://www.elinchrom.us/cable-remote-192m EL 11104]
 
|[http://www.elinchrom.us/cable-remote-192m EL 11104]
|57.5ft / 19.2m
+
|63ft / 19.2m
 
|Style RX, Digital RX
 
|Style RX, Digital RX
 
|Female 5-pin to Male 5-pin Elinchrom Cable
 
|Female 5-pin to Male 5-pin Elinchrom Cable
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The following Elinchrom cables are '''not''' compatible with the PowerST4:  EL 11085, EL 11086, EL 11087.  Those cables are for older analog Elinchrom Style S packs which are not compatible with the PowerST4.  
 
The following Elinchrom cables are '''not''' compatible with the PowerST4:  EL 11085, EL 11086, EL 11087.  Those cables are for older analog Elinchrom Style S packs which are not compatible with the PowerST4.  
  
If you wish to make your own extension cables, these links may help.  These are suggestions for connectors only.  You'll need to source your own cable.  The 5-pin connector on the PowerST4 seems to be a standard 5-pin 240 degree DIN (sadly not the more common 180 degree like used in MIDI). You might find connectors from places like SwitchCraft:
+
If you wish to make your own extension cables, these links may help.  These are suggestions for connectors only.  You'll need to source your own wire.  The 5-pin connector on the PowerST4 seems to be a standard 5-pin 240 degree DIN (unfortunately not the more common 180 degree like used in MIDI cables). You might find connectors from places like SwitchCraft:
  
 
*[http://www.switchcraft.com/productsummary.aspx?Parent=526 http://www.switchcraft.com/productsummary.aspx?Parent=526]
 
*[http://www.switchcraft.com/productsummary.aspx?Parent=526 http://www.switchcraft.com/productsummary.aspx?Parent=526]
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*7-pin Male connector is probably a DIN 270 degree = 15CL7MX
 
*7-pin Male connector is probably a DIN 270 degree = 15CL7MX
 
 
  
 
====Specifications:====
 
====Specifications:====

Latest revision as of 06:44, 9 July 2015

Receiver with ControlTL for Elinchrom RX

PWPOWERST4A lbox.jpg

The PowerST4 Receiver enables remote power control of Elinchrom RX flashes using PocketWizard ControlTL technology. With a MiniTT1 Transmitter or FlexTT5 Transceiver on your camera and a PowerST4 plugged into your Elinchrom RX flash, you can now adjust the flash power settings directly from the camera. Add the AC3 ZoneController and you can control three different zones of lights in 1/3-stop increments with up to 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 PowerST4

PWPOWERST4B lbox.jpg

1. Connect the PowerST4 to your RX flash pack via the remote port, then power on the flash.

2. Select Zone A, B, or C with the Zone Switch on your PowerST4. Default = A

3. Set up your PocketWizard transmitter and take pictures normally.


Make sure all your radios are set to the same PocketWizard channel. See the Learn Mode and PocketWizard Utility sections for more information on channels. Default = ControlTL 1

The Status LED blinks Green every few seconds to indicate normal operation. It will blink Red in sync with a trigger.

Momentarily pressing TEST/LEARN will test trigger the flash. See the Learn Mode and Reset sections for more information on those functions.


NOTE: The PowerST4 overrides settings you make directly on your flash. If you would like to change the beeper, modeling light, or optical slave mode on your flash, just set those features on your flash before you turn on your camera’s transmitter. You can also adjust these settings from your transmitter via the PocketWizard Utility. See that section for more information.


If you would like the flash to simply trigger at the output power you set, and not accept power changes from the radio, follow these steps: Make sure to allow a few seconds between each step!

1. Turn the flash on and change the power level

2. Then press TEST on the PowerST4.

3. Wait a few seconds for 3 amber blinks from the PowerST4's LED.

To allow the PowerST4 to control the flash features again, turn the flash OFF and back ON.


Note: When receiving on Standard Channels, the PowerST4 will be unable to do any form of PowerTracking, or remote Manual Power Control. You must be using a ControlTL radio in ControlTL radio mode for the Elinchrom flash to be able to engage in any form of ControlTL feature.


PowerST4 FAQ

Having trouble with your PowerST4? Check out our PowerST4 FAQ page!

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 remote TTL systems as well as Manual Power Control. 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 Elinchrom flash directly from a AC3 ZoneController, or master flash mounted on your on-camera 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.

HyperSync
Hypersync.jpg

Our patent pending 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 PowerST4. All you need is a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 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.

PowerTracking
Powertracking.jpg

When working with certain manual flashes, you can change any of your settings on your camera and the system adjusts for those settings. Change your camera's exposure compensation to adjust the flash output, or make adjustments in aperture or ISO and the system balances your flash for proper exposure.

Basic Power Control

If you have a ControlTL transmitter like the MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 then you can control your flash’s output level remotely. Add the AC3 ZoneController for even more control.

Read the PowerTracking section for more information on using the PowerST4 when no AC3 is present, or when using an AC3 in Auto Mode.

In AC3 Manual Mode, the AC3 Power Dial sets the flash power output as shown in the table below:

Elinchrom PowerST4 Manual Power Output Settings
AC3 Power Dial
in Manual
300RX 600RX RangerRX/
1200RX
2400RX
+3 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5
+2.7 5.1 6.1 7.1 8.1
+2.3 4.8 5.8 6.8 7.8
+2 3.5 4.5 6.5 6.5
+1.7 4.1 5.1 6.1 7.1
+1.3 3.8 4.8 5.8 6.8
+1 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5
+0.7 3.1 4.1 5.1 6.1
+0.3 2.8 3.8 4.8 5.8
0 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5
-0.3 2.1 3.1 4.1 5.1
-0.7 1.8 2.8 3.8 4.8
-1 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5
-1.3 1.1 2.1 3.1 4.1
-1.7 0.8 1.8 2.8 3.8
-2 0.5 1.5 2.5 3.5
-2.3 0.5 1.5 2.1 / 2.5* 3.5
-2.7 0.5 1.5 1.8/ 2.5* 3.5
-3 0.5 1.5 1.5 / 2.5* 3.5

The numbers in the table are within +/- 0.1 stops.

PocketWizard Utility
Pw utility.jpg

Use the PocketWizard Utility software with the on-board USB port to program the PowerST4 to any PocketWizard channel and zone as well as many other custom settings. ControlTL radios can be upgraded whenever updates and feature enhancements are available.

Compatibility:

PowerST4 Series Compatiblity
Style Digital Ranger *
300RX 1200RX Ranger RX
600RX 2400RX Ranger RX Speed
1200RX Ranger RX Speed A/s

When using a Ranger RX or Digital RX series pack, make sure to set the flash head in use in the PocketWizard Utility, under the Misc Tab for optimal HyperSync performance.


Note: The PowerST4 is not compatible with the Ranger RX Quadra. Use a Plus series radio, MultiMAX, or the P2 port of a FlexTT5 as a receiving radio for that pack.


Important Details
  • In order to connect to Ranger RX series packs, the PowerST4 requires an Elinchrom female 5-pin to male 7-pin Ranger RX Adapter, (Elinchrom Part # EL 19374). The PowerST4 will connect directly to the 5-pin RX port of Style RX and Digital RX series packs/heads.
  • For longer range performance, and for general use, we recommend the Ranger Remote Cable 8' (Elinchrom Part # EL 11107), or other compatible Elinchrom extension cable. This will allow for raising the PowerST4 antenna above the pack's ground level position, or optimizing reception in other challenging environments like arena cat walks.


Elinchrom has discontinued these cables and they are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Michael Bass offers a custom solution.


Elinchrom RX Cables & Part Numbers
Elinchrom Part Number Length For Use With Description
EL 19374 Adapter Ranger RX Female 5-pin to Male 7-pin Elinchrom Adapter
EL 11110 0.66ft (7.9 inches) / 0.2m Ranger RX Female 5-pin to Male 7-pin Elinchrom Cable
EL 11106 3.9ft / 1.2m Ranger RX Female 5-pin to Male 7-pin Elinchrom Cable
EL 11107 7.9ft / 2.4m Ranger RX Female 5-pin to Male 7-pin Elinchrom Cable
EL 11108 15.8ft / 4.8m Ranger RX Female 5-pin to Male 7-pin Elinchrom Cable
EL 11109 31.5ft / 9.6m Ranger RX Female 5-pin to Male 7-pin Elinchrom Cable
EL 11100 3.9ft / 1.2m Style RX, Digital RX Female 5-pin to Male 5-pin Elinchrom Cable
EL 11101 7.9ft / 2.4m Style RX, Digital RX Female 5-pin to Male 5-pin Elinchrom Cable
EL 11102 15.8ft / 4.8m Style RX, Digital RX Female 5-pin to Male 5-pin Elinchrom Cable
EL 11103 31.5ft / 9.6m Style RX, Digital RX Female 5-pin to Male 5-pin Elinchrom Cable
EL 11104 63ft / 19.2m Style RX, Digital RX Female 5-pin to Male 5-pin Elinchrom Cable

If you own the Elinchrom EL 19342 Hand Remote Set then you can use its cable with your PowerST4.

The following Elinchrom cables are not compatible with the PowerST4: EL 11085, EL 11086, EL 11087. Those cables are for older analog Elinchrom Style S packs which are not compatible with the PowerST4.

If you wish to make your own extension cables, these links may help. These are suggestions for connectors only. You'll need to source your own wire. The 5-pin connector on the PowerST4 seems to be a standard 5-pin 240 degree DIN (unfortunately not the more common 180 degree like used in MIDI cables). You might find connectors from places like SwitchCraft:

  • 5-pin Female might be = 13EL3FX
  • 5-pin Male might be = 12CL5MX
  • 7-pin Male connector is probably a DIN 270 degree = 15CL7MX

Specifications:

Frequency 340.00 - 354.00 US FCC/IC
433.42 - 434.42 MHz - CE
Channels 52 Channels over 26 Frequencies - US FCC/IC
35 Channels over 5 Frequencies - CE
Antenna 2.7" (6.9 cm) rubberized
Mounting Five-pin remote socket
Zone Select Switch A-B-C
Status Indicator LED: Green, Amber, Red Status indications
USB USB Compliant 2.0, Mini-B Connector, 5VDC regulated, 100mA, Pin 1 Positive, Pin 4 Ground
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, rubberized antenna, RoHS Compliant
Power Receives power from attached flash
Dimensions 3.6" (9.2cm) long x 2.2" (5.5 cm) wide x 1" (2.5 cm) tall
Weight .77 ounces (21.83 grams)
Requirements Must be used in conjunction with a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 on camera for power control capability.
May be paired with any PocketWizard transmitter or transceiver for simple triggering.