September 7, 2011 – PRESS SUMMARY – PocketWizard, announces a major new update to its ControlTL firmware for both Nikon and Canon versions of its MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radios. Available now, version 3.0 for Nikon and Version 6.0 for Canon include several new features and updates to make the system more powerful than ever including HyperSync™ Automation, SpeedCycler and Off Camera Power Control. Any current owner of the ControlTL system can install these new features and updates for free using the PocketWizard Utility.
About HyperSync Automation
A number of enhancements have been made to the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5’s HyperSync feature. These changes can improve the performance of HyperSync and make it easier to configure. This new method adjusts HyperSync timing in two separate places – on the transmitter and on the receiving ControlTL radio. The transmitting or on-camera MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 automatically adjusts HyperSync to compensate for changes made to shutter speed. Photographers can further refine HyperSync via the PocketWizard Utility.
The receiving ControlTL radio can additionally compensate for shutter speed and flash power level by automatically making adjustments to achieve the fastest possible sync speed for supported configurations, such as a FlexTT5 with speedlights, an AC9 AlienBees Adapter, a PowerST4, or a PowerMC2. Some configurations require adjustments via the PocketWizard Utility.
HyperSync can now be customized on a per-flash basis. When using multiple flashes of different makes/models, HyperSync adjustments can now be made individually on each receiving FlexTT5 unit. If using an AlienBees flash with an AC9 AlienBees Adapter, users simply specify the flash under the Sync Timing tab in the PocketWizard Utility and the radios will automatically use the best timings for every shutter speed.
About SpeedCycler with an AC3 ZoneController
Previously only seen with PocketWizard’s MultiMAX radios, this new mode is designed to rapidly cycle through multiple flash units fired individually in sequence. This allows photographers to fire a camera in sync with flashes faster than a single flash unit can recycle. It can also be used for triggering remote cameras sequentially. SpeedCycler is engaged on a transmitting MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 via the PocketWizard Utility.
SpeedCycler mode requires an AC3 ZoneController in the top hot-shoe of the on-camera PocketWizard radio. Zones A, B, and C will be triggered sequentially and individual zones can be disabled by setting the AC3’s Zone Switch to the off position. Both TTL and manual flash controls are supported.
Receiving MultiMAX radios can be used instead of FlexTT5s provided they are set to a standard channel between 17 and 32. Users need to set the Standard Transmit Channel on the transmitting ControlTL radio to match the receiving MultiMAX unit.
About Flash Power Control without a Camera
Photographers can now take their AC3 and transmitting radio off-camera and use it to set power levels for any flash with a ControlTL receiver, making it more convenient to use an optically triggered light meter, or control the power levels with just a MiniTT1/FlexTT5 and AC3 in their hand while another photographer takes the pictures. Previously, an AC3 ZoneController on a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 needed to be on camera to send manual power levels to remote flashes. Now, when connected to a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5, manual power levels are transmitted to remote flashes when the TEST button is pressed even when the transmitter is off the camera. This affects both speedlights connected to receiving FlexTT5s and larger flashes like AlienBees and Elinchrom RX units with ControlTL receivers.
For more information on how to update visit: http://www.pocketwizard.com/support/downloads/
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Founder of Current Photographer, co-host of The Digital Photography Cafe Show, Designer, Photographer, and overall tech geek.