Owner’s Manual www.PocketWizard.
Congratulations on the purchase of your new PocketWizard MultiMAX digital radio triggering system. The PocketWizard MultiMAX is a microprocessor-based radio slave system that uses advanced digital signaling to increase triggering range, reliability and reject radio noise from other sources. Since is utilizes Transceiver technology, it is both a transmitter and a receiver all in one. It is the most innovative and advanced wireless solution in the photographic industry.
Table of Contents “The FCC Wants You To Know” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Icons Used in this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Communication Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Basic Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
True Confirmation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Optional Flash Confirmation Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Menu System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Keypad Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 High Voltage Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Relay Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
T his US frequency MultiMAX is compatible with all US frequency PocketWizard products. It is not frequency compatible with CE or JAPAN PocketWizard products. Verify frequency compatibility before purchasing. Some products are not manufactured on every frequency. Always operate within local radio regulations. The FCC wants you to know: WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Icons Used in this Manual the information following this icon. It shows important notes about the subject N Read 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.
Features Communication Technology – – – – – Full Digital Radio Communication Microprocessor controlled 32 digitally coded channels Complex 16 or 24 bit coded signal Selective Quad-Triggering Basic Features – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Built-in hot shoe 1/4-20 female mounting thread Built-In AC adapter jack (see Page 49 for ordering information) Illuminated LCD panel Illuminated soft touch keypad 60 Hours battery life (depending on usage) Sync speeds up to 1/250 with focal plane shutter, 1/500 with leaf sh
MultiMax Part Reference Battery Door Latch Flexible Antenna ¼ - 20 Tripod Mount Status Light PORT 2 Output PORT 1 Input / Output Lanyard Loop LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) USB Port Power / TRANSMIT / RECEIVE Mode Switch ACC Port See page 49 for AC power information.
LCD Information 11
Controls Power Switch • TRANSMIT = Unit is powered on in TRANSMITTER (TX) mode • RECEIVE = Unit is powered on in RECEIVER (RX) mode • OFF = Unit is powered OFF Power Switch Keypad • A B C D L = Selects Quad-Triggering Zones and Local. Also used in menu navigation and numeric entry • TEST = Triggers MultiMAX. Press to test operation or to trigger remote units and/or attached cameras/flashes • Illuminates LCD and keypad. Hold down for key lock.
Getting Started Please pay attention to the following safety warnings: • • • • • • Operating temperature: above -15° C (5° F) and below 50° C (120° F) Storage temperature, without batteries: above -30° C (-22° F) and below 85° C (185° F) Remove batteries during storage. Battery Requirements: IEC:LR6 (AA) Size Do not remove instrument covers during operation. Do not operate the device in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
Battery Life The MultiMAX displays remaining battery life with a 3 segment battery icon in the upper left corner of the LCD: 3 segments displayed = batteries are fresh/new 2 segments displayed = batteries are good 1 segment displayed = replace batteries soon 0 segments displayed = install fresh/new batteries immediately With one set of standard Alkaline batteries the MultiMAX will operate for approximately 60 hours.
Quick Setup - Basic Radio Slave Operation Basic Setup for Remote Flash Turn off all equipment before installing batteries or making connections! 1. Install 2 AA batteries in each MultiMAX 2. Connect camera to first MultiMAX: a. Slide unit into camera hot shoe - or b. Use sync cable to connect camera’s PC terminal to CAMERA / PORT 1 3. Connect flash to second MultiMAX a. Use flash cable to connect flash unit’s sync terminal to FLASH / PORT 2 4. Turn both MultiMAX units on a.
Triggering Multiple Flashes With Multiple RECEIVE Units Multiple remote flash units may be triggered in sync with each other. 1. Install batteries in each additional MultiMAX unit 2. Use flash cable to connect each additional flash unit’s sync terminal to FLASH / PORT 2 3. Set power switch on each additional MultiMAX unit to RECEIVE mode 4. Set all MultiMAX units to same channel as TRANSMIT unit You’re all set! Use the camera normally.
Standard Radio Operation Transceiver Control The MultiMAX operates as either a transmitter or a receiver. To use the MultiMAX as a Transmitter (sending device) set the power switch to TRANSMIT. To use the MultiMAX as a Receiver set the power switch to RECEIVE. is a special mode that enables a MultiMAX to automatically switch from ☞ There RECEIVE to TRANSMIT then back to RECEIVE while triggering a remote camera. Read the Relay Mode section, Page 39, for more information.
Compatibility MultiMAX channels are compatible with all PocketWizard radio slave products per the table below: Digital Radio Model MultiMAX Compatible Channels Older MultiMAX units 1-16 17-32 Quad-Triggering or Fast Mode PocketWizard 10 Channel Classic 1-10 PocketWizard 16 Channel Classic 1-16 PocketWizard Plus PocketWizard Plus II 1-4 PocketWizard MAX 1-16 17-32 Quad-Triggering or Fast Mode Sekonic Digital Radio Transmitter Module RT-32 (L358, L608, L608 CINE) 1-16 17-32 Quad-Triggering Sekon
Selective Quad-Triggering (A B C D keys) This powerful feature is used to individually control up to 4 sets of MultiMAX units (set for RECEIVE mode) on the same channel. Each keypad letter, A B C D refers to an individual zone. Each zone can be independently selected or deselected from a MultiMAX (set for TRANSMIT mode). Follow the steps below to test Quad-Triggering: 1. Set one MultiMAX to TRANSMIT mode 2. Set up to 4 MultiMAX units to RECEIVE mode (same channel as TRANSMIT unit) 3.
Classic Channels Classic channels are compatible with early PocketWizard models and the PocketWizard Plus. Selective QuadTriggering is only available in channels 17 through 32. In channels 1 through 16 the display will show CLASSIC CHANNEL and zones A B C D do not appear. The A key simply toggles the remote receivers on or off and is displayed on the main screen as R. It is not possible to toggle both the remote (A key) and the local flash (L key) off at the same time when using a CLASSIC CHANNEL.
True Confirmation Because the MultiMAX is a true transceiver it automatically confirms triggering. It can perform this on two levels: it confirms the round trip radio signal and can confirm actual flash sync with an optional flash confirmation cable. It does this for all Quad-Triggering zones on every trigger. Confirmation is indicated visually on the main screen and audibly using beep modes. ☞ For audible confirmation settings see the Beep Menu section, Page 28.
onfirmation can only be performed using MultiMAX units on channels 17 and higher. N CPocketWizard Plus, Classic, and the original MAX do not perform confirmation. rue Confirmation is designed to work with one MultiMAX (set for RECEIVE mode) per N Tzone. Multiple RECEIVE units set to the same channel and zone will not individually confirm and may cause incorrect confirmation errors.
Menu System Navigation Many functions of the MultiMAX are accessed through easy-to-navigate menus. Press /MENU to enter the menu system. Menu items are selected by using the A B C D L keys. You can also use the ▲▼ keys to highlight the menu item you want, then press /MENU to select. While within the 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.
Numeric Entry Several menu items require a number or value to be entered. Numeric entry is performed with A B C D and ▲▼ keys. The A B C D keys each select and add 1 to a specific digit as follows: A – selects and adds 1 to the 4th digit from the right B – selects and adds 1 to the 3rd digit from the right C – selects and adds 1 to the 2nd digit from the right D – selects and adds 1 to the rightmost digit Once a digit has been selected, use the ▲▼ keys to adjust the number.
Main Menu From the main screen press /MENU to enter the Main Menu. The ▲▼ arrow keys can be used to highlight a menu function. Press /MENU to select that function. You can also press the corresponding letter as listed below. A: Advanced Menu – /MENU A Press A to enter the Advanced Menu. The Advanced Menu contains Delay modes (including Rear Curtain Sync), Intervalometer, Multipop, and SpeedCycler modes. B: Basic Settings – /MENU B Press B to enter the Basic Settings menu.
Basic Settings Press /MENU B to enter the Basic Settings menu. Press the corresponding letter for the setting you wish to adjust. A: Contact Time – /MENU B A Contact time is the length of time that CAMERA / PORT 1 or FLASH /PORT 2 outputs remain contacted. The default Contact Time of 0.08 is enough to trigger most camera motor drives and flashes. Many photographers will never need to adjust this number. Basic Settings Menu ontact time is how long the internal switch is held N Cclosed.
For triggering remote cameras, a longer contact time allows for continuous repeatable motor drive triggering (example: 5 frame bursts every trigger). It also allows for controlled bulb exposure.
B: Beep Menu – /MENU B B This menu controls the beep functions of a MultiMAX. Press the corresponding letter to set the desired function of the built-in speaker. A: Beep on All – /MENU B B A MultiMAX will beep on all triggering, confirmation errors, and zero counts as indicated below as well as on any key pressed. B: Beep on Trigger – /MENU B B B Beep on Trigger performs the same beeps as Beep On All minus the double beep when the Counter hits zero in Count Down, Multipop, or Intervalometer modes.
C: LCD Contrast Adjustment – /MENU B C Enters the LCD Contrast Adjustment screen. Use ▲▼ to adjust the contrast. Contrast can be affected by temperature. 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.
Counter Menu Press /MENU C enter the Counter Menu. This menu controls the counter functions of the MultiMAX. The counter can show the total number of triggers. Count is incremented on every trigger from any source: PORT 1, TEST button, Hot Shoe, or Radio Trigger. A: Count Up + Reset – /MENU C A Count is set to COUNT UP (example: 0,1,2,3,...) and the counter is reset to 0. The main screen will display COUNT ↑: 0.
Advanced Menu Press /MENU A to enter the Advanced Menu. This menu contains the advanced functions of the MultiMAX. Precision timing and sequencing operations are available in this menu. /MENU D to cancel advanced functions ☞ Press and return to normal mode. See the section on D:Go RECEIVE unit Advanced Menu Advanced and D:Go Normal, Page 25. A: Delay Menu – TRANSMITTER – /MENU A A Enters the delay menu for MultiMAX units (set for TRANSMIT mode).
B: Remotes Only – /MENU A A B Enters the numeric entry screen. Delays the Radio remote units only. PORT 2 will trigger immediately. Remote units will trigger after the displayed delay. If the contact time for the MultiMAX (set for TRANSMIT mode) is longer than the delay, PORT 2 will remain contacted for the delay time rather than the contact time. C: Rear Curtain – /MENU A A C Enters the Rear Curtain screen. Use this mode to trigger the flash at the end of an exposure rather than at the beginning.
A: Delay Menu - RECEIVER – /MENU A A Enters the delay menu for a MultiMAX (set for RECEIVE mode). Each RECEIVE unit can have its own delay for sequences or for synchronization. To easily delay all RECEIVE units the same amount, use the Transmitter’s delay. ECEIVE units set to delay do not perform N Rconfirmation. A: PORT 1 + PORT 2 – /MENU A A A Enters the numeric entry screen. PORT 1 and PORT 2 are delayed the same amount and trigger simultaneously after the set delay time.
C: Equalize – /MENU A A C Equalize Mode is a specialized delay mode for synchronizing multiple cameras to one flash. This mode is designed to work with shutter speeds up to 1/125 on some cameras, but there are many factors that could affect operation. This is the only place where Lag Times can be measured. ☞ Read the Camera Equalization section, Page 42, before continuing. Equalize mode is designed to be used with at least 3 MultiMAX units (set in RECEIVE mode).
B: Intervalometer (Time Lapse Photography) – /MENU A B Enters the Intervalometer interval setting screen. Intervalometer can be used to trigger a flash or a camera at a set interval (time gap between triggers) for a set number of triggers. The interval time is set in HH:MM:SS format (Hours:Minutes:Seconds) up to a maximum of 99:59:59. While Intervalometer is running, it will display a count down time until the next trigger on the main screen.
Î For delays longer than 9.9999 seconds (maximum available in delay modes) use Intervalometer or Multipop mode. Set the interval to the desired delay. Set the count to 1. Attach your camera to PORT 1 and trigger the MultiMAX . The camera will trigger after the set interval. ontact time is affected by Intervalometer mode. If you set an interval that is LESS N Cthan the contact time, the contact time becomes the interval minus 0.3 seconds.
The following chart is a starting point for calculating how the number of flashes or pops affects F-stops. Since every flash unit is different, use a light meter or other method for more precise calculations. Number of Pops Stops Number of Pops Stops 1 Add 0 stops 6 Add 2.5 stops 2 Add 1 stop 7 Add 3 stops 3 Add 1.5 stops 8 Add 3.5 stops 4 Add 2 stops 9 Add 4 stops ontact time is affected by Multipop mode.
D: Fast Mode - RECEIVER – /MENU A D The MultiMAX is designed to sync cameras and flash units at shutters speeds up to 1/250th for most focal plane shutters (35mm) and 1/500th for most leaf shutters. Some camera and flash combinations are capable of fast sync speeds up to 1/1000th. The MultiMAX (set for RECEIVE mode) is capable of operation at these speeds in Fast Mode. Check your camera’s and flash unit’s manuals for the maximum sync speeds allowed by your equipment.
Relay Mode (RECEIVE Mode Only) – L In this mode a remote camera’s motor drive is triggered by a MultiMAX (set for RECEIVE mode). The MultiMAX then switches to TRANSMIT mode and waits for a sync pulse from the camera. Upon getting the sync pulse from the camera the unit then triggers remote flash units via radio and returns to RECEIVE mode, ready to trigger the camera again. Using this mode it is possible, using only 3 PocketWizard units, to have complete wireless triggering.
Applications of Advanced Functions The applications below are unique ways to use the advanced functions of the MultiMAX. Many of them require fine-tuning or adjustment to work with different camera equipment. Always perform test exposures to insure reliable results. Self-Timer or Cable Release Delays, or Intervalometer and Multipop with a count of 1, can be used as a camera timer for self portraits or as a trigger delay to reduce camera shake.
Use the formula below to help calculate your maximum safe shutter speed based on your flash durations. to the Time Conversion Charts section, Page 54, to convert fractions into ☞ Refer decimals for the formula. 1. Add your maximum (longest) flash durations together (decimals, not fractions) 2. Add another 0.002 (focal plane) or 0.001 (leaf shutter) to compensate for shutter travel time 3. On the Shutter Speed Conversion chart find the next highest decimal number in the chart.
Camera Equalization Equalization, or synchronizing multiple cameras to the same flash, requires precision timing. Even though we perceive camera triggering activity as instantaneous, it is not. Even the flash, which appears to provide light only for an instant, has a time duration (flash duration) that needs to be factored into synchronization calculations. Every camera has a delay from the time it is triggered until the shutter is fully open.
• Multiple mechanical systems – cameras that have many changeable mechanically interacting parts (film backs, motor drives, lens shutters) are likely to have different lag times with different hardware combinations. A leaf shutter is in the lens so changing lenses on a leaf shutter camera will change lag time. In some medium format cameras having the film back loaded versus unloaded can make a significant difference.
Î Speed is not the most important factor in camera equalization, consistency is. If a slow camera has extremely consistent lag times it will be a better equalization candidate than a faster but inconsistent camera. The reason why it is important to know the approximate fastest lag time for a camera, especially an inconsistent one, is to calculate margin of error (discussed later in this section).
f your camera’s maximum sync speed is slower than the number listed then you must N Iuse the slower sync speed. Camera equalization does not give a camera faster sync speeds than the camera is designed to handle. For all shutters it can be assumed that a camera with faster external flash sync speeds (X sync) will have faster shutter travel than cameras with slower X sync speeds. Faster shutter travel times increase the allowable variance.
One Unit Equalization To equalize two cameras and one flash at 1/125 with one MultiMAX, follow these steps: 1. Set the MultiMAX to RECEIVE mode 2. Measure lag times of cameras as described and record the fastest lag for each 3. Determine which camera is faster and which is slower overall 4. Determine the delay time a. If the slow camera is more consistent use this formula: i. Slower Camera’s Fastest Lag Time MINUS Faster Camera’s Fastest Lag Time MINUS 0.0025 {calculated safety margin} b.
If using both MultiMAX units as RECEIVE units being triggered by any PocketWizard Transmitter follow these steps: 1. Set both units to RECEIVE mode 2. Measure lag times of cameras as previously described and record the fastest lag for each 3. Determine which camera is faster and which is slower overall 4. Determine the delay time a. If the slow camera is more consistent use this formula: i. Slower Camera’s Fastest Lag Time MINUS Faster Camera’s Fastest Lag Time MINUS 0.0025 {calculated safety margin} b.
Equalization Adjustments With all the variable factors above it may seem that performing the math necessary for equalization is daunting. Here are some techniques for fine- tuning or adjusting equalization times without using specific math: On some 35mm cameras you can gauge timing without using film. If your camera allows triggering with the film back open you can verify synchronization visually. 1. Perform the steps above to get basic equalization started 2. Point the flash at a blank wall 3.
Technical Information Specifications Weight: 5.4 ounces with alkaline batteries Dimensions: 1.4 inches deep x 2.1 inches wide x 4.0 inches tall (body only) Flexible antenna = 2.4 inches tall. 0.3 inches in diameter Batteries: 2 x AA (IEC:LR6), 1.5 V batteries, alkaline recommended Read the Getting Started section, Page 13, for more information ACC (Accessory Port): For AC Power use PW-AC-MX adapter Input / Output Ports: Size 3.
Radio Information • Transmit Output Power: 0.001 watt (1/1000 of a watt or 1 milliwatt) • Typical Transmitter Output Duration: 0.0005 seconds (1/2000 second or 50 microseconds) • Bandwidth: Narrowband, 70KHz TRANSMIT, 230KHz 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 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.
Maximum and Minimum Settings The following table details the maximum and minimum values allowed for each numeric entry setting available in the MultiMAX. Setting Maximum Minimum Contact Time 999.99 seconds or 16 minutes, 39.99 seconds .01 seconds Delay Time 9.9999 seconds .0001 seconds (add 0.0005 to displayed value for RECEIVE units triggered via radio) Interval (Intervalometer mode) 99:59:59 (1 second shy of 4 days, 4 hours or exactly 359,999 seconds) 1 second Interval (Multipop mode) 999.
Troubleshooting When in doubt ! Many issues can be resolved by powering the unit off and then back on again or by resetting to factory default settings. Before proceeding to any other troubleshooting procedure follow these steps: 1. Set power to OFF 2. Wait 10 seconds or until display completely blanks 3. Set power to RECEIVE or TRANSMIT Reset to Default Factory Settings 1. Set power switch to OFF 2. Press and hold C key 3. Continue to hold C and set the power switch to either RECEIVE or TRANSMIT 4.
Sustaining High Performance Long distance performance from your MultiMAX depends on the orientation and position of the units. Whenever possible, try to maintain a line of sight between the units and keep the antennas parallel. Make sure they are not near any large metal, concrete, or high water-content objects. People and trees are mostly water! Make sure they are not blocked by these objects or by hills.
Time Conversion Charts Fractions to Decimal: Here are some common photographic fractions in decimal values. All numbers are rounded to the nearest .0001 or 1/10,000th. times are not Rear Curtain Sync times. These are precision numbers. Rear ☞ These Curtain Sync numbers 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.
For more information about using your PocketWizard product visit: www.PocketWizard.com MultiMAX, USB version, Manual Change Revision 1.
