Pocket Wizard MultiMAX Owner'S Manual Download Page 2

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Page 50:

The PocketWizard Radio Frequencies
table refers to USA frequencies. CE
units do not operate on these
frequencies and are not compatible with
PocketWizards on these frequencies.

CE PocketWizard Radio Frequencies:

Channel Frequency

Unit

Digital

Code

1 - 16

433.62

MHz

Plus or

MultiMAX

16 Bit

17 - 32

434.22

MHz

MultiMAX

Only

24 Bit

(20 Bit in

FAST

MODE)

Special Note Revision 1.00 (LPF205B)

Summary of Contents for MultiMAX

Page 1: ...MAX now includes the ACC port The unit cannot be powered from this port differs from US units but other functions are enabled as they become available Page 18 As of this printing the CE MultiMAX is additionally compatible with Profoto Acute2R CE version flash generators The CE MultiMAX is not compatible with the following products as these products were not produced on CE frequencies 10 Channel Cl...

Page 2: ...perate on these frequencies and are not compatible with PocketWizards on these frequencies CE PocketWizard Radio Frequencies Channel Frequency Unit Digital Code 1 16 433 62 MHz Plus or MultiMAX 16 Bit 17 32 434 22 MHz MultiMAX Only 24 Bit 20 Bit in FAST MODE Special Note Revision 1 00 LPF205B ...

Page 3: ...www PocketWizard com Owner s Manual ...

Page 4: ... ...

Page 5: ...less solution in the photographic industry As a stand alone unit the MultiMAX offers precision special effects functions not available in any wireless triggering device It incorporates integrated Trigger Time Control software True Trigger Confirmation and Selective Quad Triggering all of which offer solutions to photographic challenges that hinder today s photographer s creativity Unparalleled in ...

Page 6: ...rted 13 Safety Warnings 13 Battery Information 13 Battery Life 14 Mounting 14 VELCRO 14 1 4 20 Mount 14 Shoe Mount 14 Lanyard 14 Quick Setup Basic Radio Slave Operation 15 Basic Setup for Remote Flash 15 Triggering Multiple Flashes With Multiple RECEIVE Units 16 Connecting MultiMAX set for TRANSMIT mode to Flash 16 Standard Radio Operation 17 Transceiver Control 17 Channels 17 Compatibility 18 Sel...

Page 7: ...8 A Beep on All 28 B Beep on Trigger 28 D Beep Disable 28 C LCD Contrast Adjustment 29 D RESET 29 Counter Menu 30 A Count Up Reset 30 B Count Down Reset 30 C Clear Reset 30 D Disable 30 Advanced Menu 31 A Delay Menu TRANSMITTER 31 A Remotes PORT 2 31 B Remotes Only 32 C Rear Curtain 32 A Delay Menu RECEIVER 33 A PORT 1 PORT 2 33 B PORT 2 33 C Equalize 34 B Intervalometer Time Lapse Photography 35 ...

Page 8: ... Advanced Functions 40 Self Timer or Cable Release 40 TTL Auto flash Helper 40 Programmed Sequence Shooting 41 Recycle Lockout 41 Camera Equalization 42 Lag Time Measurement 43 One Unit Equalization 46 Two Unit Equalization 46 Equalization Adjustments 48 Technical Information 49 Specifications 49 Radio Information 50 Maximum and Minimum Settings 51 Saved Settings 51 Troubleshooting 52 When in doub...

Page 9: ...and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications However there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on the user is encouraged to try to correct the...

Page 10: ...con It shows important notes about the subject being discussed Follow this icon for more detailed information on the subject in another section Î Find valuable tips and techniques with this icon Warning or caution Refer to www pocketwizard com for updated information ...

Page 11: ... with leaf shutter Fast Mode syncs up to 1 1000 with compatible cameras and flashes Adjustable contact closure time Compatible with all US frequency PocketWizard products see Page 7 Protects cameras from high sync voltage Customizable audible beep settings Weighs less than 5 5 ounces with batteries USB port for future upgrades Special Features Transceiver Technology True Confirmation Quad Triggeri...

Page 12: ...quid Crystal Display Power TRANSMIT RECEIVE Mode Switch Hot Shoe Input MENU Key Channel Numeric Entry UP DOWN Keys Zone Menu Numeric Entry Keys Battery Door 20 Tripod Mount Battery Door Latch Flexible Antenna ACC Port TEST Button Back Light Key Lock See page 49 for AC power information USB Port ...

Page 13: ...11 LCD Information ...

Page 14: ...for menu selection selecting channels and numeric entry Port 1 Port 2 CAMERA PORT 1 Input from camera sync terminal external trigger button Flash Confirmation Cable or other device Output to camera motor drive flash or other device FLASH PORT 2 Output to flash camera motor drive or other device Status LED Displays the following information Blinking every few seconds power on ready for trigger Blin...

Page 15: ...ified in documentation Battery Information CAUTION Turn OFF your equipment PocketWizard units electronic flash units cameras etc before making connections or changing batteries Install 2 fresh AA IEC LR6 batteries into the MultiMAX Make sure to note proper polarity Alkaline batteries are recommended Rechargeable batteries will also work though operation time may be reduced WARNING To avoid battery...

Page 16: ...X continually regulates the battery power which gives excellent performance throughout the life of the batteries The unit will continue to function normally until the batteries are nearly exhausted N The MultiMAX voltage regulation is very efficient There is only a small benefit when using Lithium batteries Lithium batteries are designed for the quick burst high current draw found in cameras and p...

Page 17: ...o connect flash unit s sync terminal to FLASH PORT 2 4 Turn both MultiMAX units on Set power switch on MultiMAX attached to camera to TRANSMIT mode Set power switch on MultiMAX attached to flash to RECEIVE mode 5 Set both MultiMAX units to same channel and Quad Triggering zone Use to set channel default is CH 17 Use A B C D L to select Quad Triggering zones default is TRANSMIT A B C D L RECEIVE A ...

Page 18: ...set Use the camera normally Connecting MultiMAX set for TRANSMIT mode to Flash A flash can be connected to a MultiMAX set for TRANSMIT mode It will trigger in sync with the remote flash units This flash is called the local flash and is usually mounted on a camera bracket 1 Use a flash cable to connect the flash unit s sync terminal to FLASH PORT 2 of the MultiMAX set for TRANSMIT mode 2 Use the L ...

Page 19: ... on specific PocketWizard radio frequencies This enables many photographers to work in the same area It also enables a photographer to control multiple remote devices cameras flash units etc A MultiMAX set for TRANSMIT mode will trigger any number of MultiMAX units set for RECEIVE mode set to the same channel Units set to different channels will not interfere with each other From the main screen p...

Page 20: ...etWizard Receivers 1 16 1 32 Quad Triggering Kodak DCS Pro 14n DCS Pro 14nx and DCS Pro SLR n Digital Cameras with PocketWizard Upgrade 1 16 1 32 Quad Triggering Nikon D1 series with PocketWizard Upgrade 1 16 1 32 Quad Triggering The digital radio design of the MultiMAX will enable it to be fully compatible with future PocketWizard products PocketWizard manufactures products for 3 different world ...

Page 21: ...ent zone 4 On the TRANSMIT unit use the A B C D L keys to select which zones will trigger The zone is selected when the letter is displayed on the LCD screen The zone is deselected when a dot appears where the letter would be displayed 5 Press the TEST key on the MultiMAX set for TRANSMIT mode unit to trigger the selected zones Any number of MultiMAX units set for RECEIVE mode may be set to the sa...

Page 22: ...y off at the same time when using a CLASSIC CHANNEL Operation on these channels is identical to the function of the LOCAL BOTH REMOTE switch found on PocketWizard Plus and Classic Transmitters L Key On any channel the L key toggles the local flash on or off in a MultiMAX set for TRANSMIT mode See the Connecting MultiMAX set for TRANSMIT mode to Flash section Page 16 for more information The L key ...

Page 23: ...only in the event of an error will the zone letters invert Optional Flash Confirmation Cable Using the flash confirmation cable the MultiMAX can confirm flash sync for all four zones on every trigger 1 Attach flash confirmation cable to PORT 1 for each MultiMAX set for RECEIVE mode 2 Locate the sensor so that it can only see the flash from the correct flash unit 3 Press the TEST button on a MultiM...

Page 24: ...e channel and zone are a mix of flash and non flash confirmation units then accurate flash confirmation will not be reported The following table shows how confirmation works in different modes MultiMAX Mode Radio and Flash Confirmation A RECEIVE unit using Selective Quad Triggering Provides normal radio and or flash confirmation A RECEIVE unit set to a Delay mode Will not provide confirmation A RE...

Page 25: ...menus the MENU key performs two functions If a menu is displayed pressing MENU will select the highlighted item Use the key to exit the menus at any time If a numeric entry is displayed pressing MENU stores the displayed number in memory and proceeds to either the next input screen or the main screen depending on mode Î In the next chapters many of the headings will be followed by MENU and some le...

Page 26: ... hold for faster entry Numbers entered in this fashion are saved when the MENU key is pressed and will remain saved even after power is turned off If the unit is powered off while a numeric entry screen is displayed the displayed number will not be saved N L can also be used in Numeric Entry In some cases D and L select the same digit To perform a Lag Time Measurement use Equalize Mode see Page 34...

Page 27: ...nu C Counter Menu MENU C Press C to enter the Trigger Counter Menu which contains Counter direction and other counter functions Reset Clear Disable and Load D Go Advanced MENU D D Go Normal MENU D Press D to toggle between the last Advanced mode used and Normal mode This function enables a quick return to standard or normal operation from an advanced function The settings of the advanced function ...

Page 28: ... trigger is received Additional triggers occurring during contact time are ignored N Contact time is NOT the length of time a MultiMAX set for TRANSMIT mode will send a radio triggering signal Contact time affects PORT 1 and PORT 2 only and does not affect radio trigger transmission Pressing and holding TEST on a MultiMAX set for TRANSMIT mode will continuously send the radio trigger signal and ho...

Page 29: ...r B mode When triggered the shutter will remain open for the contact time For triggering a remote flash contact time can act as a flash recycle lockout Example of Flash Recycle Lockout To guarantee that a flash cannot be triggered faster then its recycle time set the contact time to be just longer than the recycle time This method of flash recycle lockout does not work with all flash systems as so...

Page 30: ...gle Long Beep Indicates Trigger Error Single Very Short Beep When any Key is pressed C Beep on Zero Error MENU B B C The MultiMAX unit will not beep on normal triggering The MultiMAX will beep only when the counter reaches zero and on confirmation errors in the following manner Beep Characteristic Indicates Single Long Beep Indicates Trigger Confirmation error or remote MultiMAX unit set for RECEI...

Page 31: ...re Setting the contrast to a middle setting is recommended for most situations D RESET MENU B D Resets the unit to factory defaults CLEAR RESET is performed as if you held C on power up see Page 52 for more information on Factory Defaults You will be asked to Press C to confirm Pressing any other key except TEST will cancel the reset operation ...

Page 32: ...down function could be used to indicate the number of remaining frames for a remote camera C Clear Reset MENU C C Count direction is not changed Counter is reset to 0 if count direction is set to up or the counter is reset to the load value if count direction is set to down If the counter is disabled then this function will enable the counter using the last count direction set The Counter is clear...

Page 33: ...s will be used immediately on trigger This is useful for fine tuning a delay or adjusting rear curtain sync The maximum delay is 9 9999 seconds For longer delays see the Intervalometer section Page 35 A Remotes PORT 2 MENU A A A Enters the numeric entry screen Delays the remote units and PORT 2 Remote units and PORT 2 will fire at the same time after the displayed delay PORT 2 will remain contacte...

Page 34: ... delayed Use the keys to set the rear curtain sync time equal to the camera s shutter speed Common rear curtain sync times are available per the table below Rear Curtain Sync Time Decimal Equivalent Actual Delay Used 1 1 1 second 0 98 seconds 1 2 0 5 seconds 0 49 seconds 1 4 0 25 seconds 0 24 seconds 1 8 0 125 seconds 0 119 seconds 1 15 0 0667 seconds 0 062 seconds 1 30 0 0333 seconds 0 029 second...

Page 35: ...t time Triggers can come from either the TEST key or a radio trigger from any PocketWizard Transmitter On the main display a small letter D will appear to denote that PORT 2 will be delayed Pressing L will toggle Relay Mode on and off but PORT 2 will still trigger after the set delay See the Relay Mode section Page 39 for more information B PORT 2 MENU A A B Enters the numeric entry screen PORT 1 ...

Page 36: ...ction 3 If the Equalize Screen is not displayed then press MENU A A C from the main screen to enter Equalize Mode This enters the numeric entry screen and 0 1500 seconds are displayed 4 Press the TEST key The camera should trigger and a lag time camera triggering delay will be measured and displayed Press TEST every few seconds for 5 to 15 exposures until you see the fastest lag time lowest number...

Page 37: ...e AFTER first interval PORT 2 first trigger takes place BEFORE first interval N A MultiMAX set for TRANSMIT mode does not send interval radio triggers The MultiMAX set for TRANSMIT mode will send out a single radio trigger pulse at the beginning of the first interval only It will continue to trigger devices attached to its PORTs but it will not send a radio trigger for any more intervals For remot...

Page 38: ... is for triggering a flash multiple times from one trigger It can be used during one long exposure to increase depth of field or for special effect sequencing The interval setting is normally used to set a safe flash recycling time while the count is set to the number of flashes or pops desired Multipop is identical in function to Intervalometer with one exception the multipop interval range has f...

Page 39: ...ugh remote flash units and trigger faster than a single flash can recycle by using multiple flash units It can also be used for triggering remote cameras sequentially This mode only works with Quad Triggering channels 17 and higher and two or more MAX or MultiMAX units set for RECEIVE mode 1 From the main screen press MENU A D to enable SpeedCycler mode on a MultiMAX set for TRANSMIT mode 2 Enable...

Page 40: ...d is locked pressing any of the keys A B C D L or MENU will display the message KEYPAD LOCKED High Voltage Protection Manyelectroniccamerascanbedamagedbyhighflashsyncvoltage Refertoyourcamera s manual formore information TheMultiMAXprotectsthecamerafromhighflashsyncvoltage The MultiMAX canacceptupto250volts but thereisonlyasafe3 1voltspresentatthehotshoeorPORT 1 Acamera triggeringaMultiMAX setforT...

Page 41: ...r attach the MultiMAX to the camera s hot shoe 5 Connect the camera s motor drive to PORT 2 6 Trigger the MultiMAX via radio trigger The camera s motor drive will trigger and the MultiMAX display will change to TRANSMIT mode The MultiMAX will wait 1 5 seconds for a trigger from the camera If it gets a trigger in that time it will trigger the remote flash units and return to RECEIVE mode If it does...

Page 42: ...e it measured the light from the remote flash The reverse of this can also be undesirable If the remote flash is in Automatic mode it may quench too early because it sensed the light from the on camera flash Using Delay mode can help solve this problem Follow the steps below if using a TTL or Automatic flash attached directly to the camera 1 Attach the camera s PC terminal to PORT 1 on a MultiMAX ...

Page 43: ...sh unit s longest flash duration Programmed Sequence Shooting Traveling stroboscopic effects can be achieved by using multiple MultiMAX units set for RECEIVE mode in delay mode Set each RECEIVE unit to a different delay and trigger from a PocketWizard The sequence is identical on repeat triggers Recycle Lockout Some flash units can be damaged if they are triggered too quickly or before they are fu...

Page 44: ...e operation for the majority of photographic situations Cameras are usually designed to respond predictably shot to shot but are not necessarily or specifically designed to do so with the precision needed for equalization Many factors can affect a camera s lag time Camera Pre Trigger status cameras that have a two stage trigger button half press wakes up the camera full press triggers the camera w...

Page 45: ...ation but can also be useful in special effects industrial commercial or other photography that requires critical trigger timing Using the information above set up your camera for best equalization performance Attach a MultiMAX set for RECEIVE mode to the camera as follows 1 Place a MultiMAX in the camera s hot shoe or attach a cable from the camera s PC terminal to PORT 1 2 Attach the cable from ...

Page 46: ...is table are based on a 1 1000th or faster flash duration Shutter Speed Probable maximum safe lag time variation for average focal plane 35mm camera Probable maximum safe lag time variation for average leaf shutter camera F 8 0 1 300 0 0003 0 0013 1 250 0 0010 0 0020 1 200 0 0020 0 0030 1 180 0 0025 0 0035 1 125 0 0050 0 0060 1 90 0 0080 0 0090 1 60 0 0137 0 0147 1 30 0 0303 0 0313 1 15 0 0637 0 0...

Page 47: ...posure for focal plane shutters You will see a loss in F stop exposure using a leaf shutter if the flash is generating light as the shutter aperture opens or closes A variable flash duration will also affect these calculations A slow flash is visible for longer and more likely to affect exposure while the shutter is in motion A short flash duration reduces the likelihood of timing variances affect...

Page 48: ... same as above but allows the two cameras to be more remote The difference in calculations compensates for radio trigger delay 1 Set one MultiMAX to RECEIVE mode and one to TRANSMIT mode 2 Using the RECEIVE unit measure the lag times of each camera as described above and record the fastest lag for each 3 Determine which camera is faster and which is slower overall 4 Determine the delay time If the...

Page 49: ... is more consistent use this formula i Slower Camera s Fastest Lag Time MINUS Faster Camera s Fastest Lag Time PLUS 0 0025 calculated safety margin 5 Attach the slower camera s motor drive to either PORT on the first unit 6 Attach the faster camera s motor drive to either PORT on the second unit 7 On the second unit press MENU A A A then enter the calculated delay time from Step 4 8 Make sure ther...

Page 50: ...he hard line is the shutter in motion while the flash is still generating light 8 Adjust the shutter speed up or down until you see a perfect circle Î The delay time setting screen is instantly active While in numeric entry mode you can adjust the delay up or down and the displayed value will be executed on the next trigger Using the through the back method above or by shooting film Polaroid or di...

Page 51: ...Specs MAX Input Voltage 250 VDC MAX Input Current 4 0 A for 20 microseconds 0 25 A continuous Reverse Polarity Specs MAX Input Voltage 200 VDC MAX Input Current 2 0 A for 20 microseconds pulse only no continuous contact Port 1 and Hot Shoe voltage present Output Voltage 3 1 VDC typical safe for digital cameras Port 1 and Hot Shoe triggering threshold 2 2 VDC PORT 1 and Hot Shoe holding current 0 0...

Page 52: ...Hz RECEIVE PocketWizard Radio Frequencies Channel Frequency Unit Digital Code 1 through 16 344 04 MHz Classic Plus MAX and MultiMAX 16 Bit 17 346 50 MHz MultiMAX and MAX only 24 Bit 20 Bit in FAST MODE 18 347 00 MHz 19 347 50 MHz 20 348 00 MHz 21 348 50 MHz 22 349 00 MHz 23 349 50 MHz 24 350 00 MHz 25 350 50 MHz 26 351 00 MHz 27 351 50 MHz 28 352 00 MHz 29 352 50 MHz 30 353 00 MHz 31 353 50 MHz 32...

Page 53: ...operating at 30 parts per million The maximum run time for Multipop with count set to 9999 is over 115 days The maximum run time for Intervalometer with count set to 9999 is just over 114 years You may need to use an AC adapter for this operation as batteries are unlikely to last 114 years Saved Settings Settings are saved whenever the MENU key is pressed The following settings are always RESET on...

Page 54: ...rs Default factory settings are as follows Channel 17 Display Contrast Medium Transmitter Zones A B C D L all enabled Delay Time 0 0100 sec Receiver Zone A Equalize Calculated Time 0 1500 sec Relay Mode OFF Interval Time 00 00 01 Operating mode NORMAL Multipop Time 1 00 sec Contact Time 0 08 sec Counter Mode OFF Beep Mode All Counter Load 36 Fast Mode OFF N Ihe following indicators may operate err...

Page 55: ... solution is usually the same move the unit a few inches or feet away from the problem area Î Visit www pocketwizard com for more troubleshooting information As more information becomes available it will be posted there Be sure to check out the Frequently Asked Questions section on the website Positioning Poor Acceptable Best Worst Blocking Signal Positioning Poor Acceptable Best Worst Blocking Si...

Page 56: ...ers are always less than the exact conversions Refer to the Rear Curtain section Page 32 for more information Fraction Decimal Fraction Decimal 1 2 0 5 seconds 1 180 0 0056 seconds 1 4 0 25 seconds 1 200 0 005 seconds 1 8 0 125 seconds 1 250 0 004 seconds 1 15 0 0667 seconds 1 500 0 002 seconds 1 30 0 0333 seconds 1 1000 0 001 seconds 1 60 0 0167 seconds 1 2000 0 0005 seconds 1 90 0 0111 seconds 1...

Page 57: ...55 ...

Page 58: ...For more information about using your PocketWizard product visit www PocketWizard com MultiMAX USB version Manual Change Revision 1 3 LPF100 ...

Page 59: ......

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