Canon FlexTT5, MiniTT1 User Manual

Page 1
Owner’s Manual
MiniTT1™/FlexTT5™ for Canon
340 – 354 MHz, US FCC/Canada IC
Page 2

Safety Warnings

Please pay attention to the following safety warnings:
• Operating temperature: above -15° C (5° F) and below 50° C (120° F)
-- Remove batteries during storage.
• Battery Requirements: Qty. 2 AA (IEC:LR6) for FlexTT5 CR2450 or CR2354 for MiniTT1
• Do not remove instrument covers during operation.
• Do not operate the device in the presence of ammable gases or fumes. Operation of any electrical instrument in such an environment constitutes a denite safety hazard.
• There are no user serviceable parts inside the MiniTT1 or FlexTT5. Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modication of the instrument. Refer servicing only to qualied and authorized personnel.
• Red LED’s are used for dim light application and do not indicate a hazardous status.
• The MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 are accessory devices for cameras and ashes. Do not use this product in a manner not specied in documentation.
WARNING – To avoid battery leakage, follow these guidelines:
• Always remove the batteries when the unit is not in use for extended periods of time, or during shipping or long distance travel.
• Never mix old and new batteries. Always use a fresh pair of matched batteries.
• Always change batteries promptly at the rst indication of low battery operation.
• Do not use or leave the unit in extreme temperature or humid environments.
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Page 3

Congratulations

Congratulations on your purchase of the PocketWizard MiniTT1™/ FlexTT5™ System for
Canon DSLR E-TTL II cameras and flashes. Canon owners can use the MiniTT1 Transmitter and
FlexTT5 Transceiver to control single or multiple off-camera Canon E-TTL II ashes at speeds up to
8fps. The PocketWizard ControlTL™ System takes the complex E-TTL II data being sent through
the camera’s hot shoe and digitally interprets and transmits it as a reliable radio signal. You can now
place E-TTL II (or manual) ash units anywhere to illuminate the scene: Around corners, out-of-sight
and in bright sunlight. The MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 are compatible with any PocketWizard for triggering
manual ash or remote cameras.
This US FCC/ Canada IC frequency PocketWizard radio slave is compatible with all US frequency PocketWizard products. It is not frequency compatible with CE or JAPAN PocketWizard products. Verify frequency compatibility before purchasing. The MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 are protected by various patents and other patents pending.
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Page 4

Table of Contents

Safety Warnings 2
Congratulations 3
Batteries 6
MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 Key Features 7
MiniTT1 Feature Call-outs 8
FlexTT5 Feature Call-outs 9
READ ME FIRST 10
Powering On 11
Basic Wireless E-TTL II: MiniTT1 OO FlexTT5 12
No Flash on Camera 12
Flash on Camera 13
Ratio Wireless E-TTL II: MiniTT1 OO FlexTT5 14
Flash on Camera 14
General E-TTL II Considerations 15
Manual Flash 16
Remote Speedlites 16
Other Manual Flashes 17
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Page 5

Table of Contents (cont’d)

HyperSync® & High Speed Sync (FP Flash) 18
Advanced Features via PocketWizard Utility 20
Channels 22
Channel Tables 23
LEARN Mode 24
Remote Camera Triggering 26
Auto-Relay Mode 27
Reset 28
Status LED 29
Mounting 30
Long Range Performance 31
Troubleshooting 32
Canon Compatibility 35
Specifications 36
FCC Warning 39
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Page 6

Batteries

CAUTION
Turn OFF your equipment (PocketWizard units, electronic flash units, cameras, etc.) before making connections or changing batteries.
FlexTT5:
Install 2 fresh AA (IEC:LR6) batteries into the FlexTT5 Transceiver. Make sure to note proper polarity. Alkaline batteries
are recommended. Rechargeable or other chemistry batteries will also work, though life expectancy may vary. Life expectancy = ~60 hours with alkaline batteries
MiniTT1:
Install a fresh CR2450 or CR2354 coin cell battery into the MiniTT1 Transmitter. Make sure to note proper polarity. The CR2450 is recommended for longer battery life. The MiniTT1 saves batteries by automatically entering an extremely low power state when the camera enters sleep mode, or if not on a camera and TEST is not pressed for 10 seconds. Life expectancy = 100’s of hours/thousands of triggers and varies based on usage prole
MiniTT1 and FlexTT5:
Look at the normal LED blink to determine battery level, or use the PocketWizard Utility.
LED Blink:
Green Good battery
Amber Warning – battery low
Red Very low battery – change immediately
6
FlexTT5 Battery Polarity
MiniTT1 Battery Polarity
CR2450 & CR2354 batteries
Page 7

MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 Key Features

ControlTL: PocketWizard’s newest rmware platform taps into the camera’s digital communications
to enable an entirely new level of remote ash capabilities through our proven radio system, beginning with remote TTL for Canon E-TTL II ash systems with Slide-n-Shoot Simplicity.
HyperSync - Achieve better than X-sync with many
cameras and ashes – up to 1/500th second.
FP/High-Speed Sync: Need more speed? Push
beyond 1/500th and go into FP/High-Speed sync mode automatically. No buttons to press or settings to change other than your shutter speed will give you ash sync all the way to 1/8000th.
Power Tracking: When working in E-TTL II, you can
change any of your control settings on your ash or camera and the system adjusts for those changes.
Eight Frames per second: Never before have you
been able to shoot remote E-TTL II at this speed. Nothing else comes close.
Low Profile Design: The FlexTT5 lies at to stay out of
the way and uses a ip-up antenna for additional range when needed. The MiniTT1, with an internal antenna, weighs in at 2.3 oz. and is the smallest PocketWizard ever.
7
What’s in the Box?
- MiniTT1 or FlexTT5
- Batteries
- USB Cord
- QuickGuide
Page 8
MiniTT1
8
Internal Antenna
page 31
Configuration/Channel 1 Configuration/Channel 2 Power Off
page 11, 22
TEST/LEARN Button
page 24
Status LED
page 29
Battery Compartment
(on bottom)
page 6
USB Connector
(under rubber cover)
page 20
Canon-style Hot Shoe
with Pass Through
page 12
Locking Ring
(on bottom foot)
page 12
Page 9
FlexTT5
USB Connector (behind antenna)
page 20
Adjustable Antenna
page 31
Zone Selector
page 14
Configuration/Channel 1 Configuration/Channel 2 Power Off
page 11, 22
TEST/LEARN Button
page 24
Remote Studio or other flash Triggering Port
page 17
Remote Camera Triggering Port
page 26
Status LED
page 29
9
Lanyard Loop
page 30
Battery Compartment
(2 AA [IEC:LR6])
page 6
1/4-20 mount
(on bottom)
page 30
Canon-style
Hot Shoe with
Pass Through
page 12
Locking Ring
(on bottom foot)
page 30
Page 10

READ ME FIRST

If this is the first time you are using a remote E-TTL II flash system, we recommend you consult your camera and flash manuals for your camera for the basics of positioning your flash units.
Review the owner’s manuals for your camera and flash system. For most b asic functions when using Canon’s system or PocketWizard’s, operation is identical. Important exceptions will be noted in this manual.
All equipment should be turned OFF when making connections, otherwise unwanted triggering may occur when inserting or removing a flash or camera cable.
The first exposure after making in itial connections or powering on may not be properly exposed. The first shot is a camera calibration shot. Always test fire at least twice!
You may use a FlexTT5 as a transmitter instead of a MiniTT1 in all scenarios.
Make sure all PocketWizard radios are set to the same PocketWizard channel. The PocketWizard channel is used instead of Canon’s E-TTL II communication channel. See the LEARN Mode and channels section for more information.
IMPORTANT: Canon flashes set to <SLAVE> and connected to FlexTT5 radios will have
slave mode automatically turned off, but will still functi on as s laves correctly. S et the Canon slave group via the FlexTT5 Zone Switch.
Only compati ble Can on Speedlites can be used in the Min iTT1 or FlexTT5 hot sh oe. Other brands of hot shoe flashes, E-TTL compatible or manual, will not trigger.
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Page 11

Powering On

1. Turn OFF all your equipment (PocketWizard radios, electronic flashes, cameras, etc.) before making connections.
2. When all equipment is connected, turn ON you r MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 first by setting the powe r switch to C.1 or C.2 (see Channels for more information on C.1 and C.2). Verify radio blinks normally (short blink every 2 seconds)
3. Turn on your connected camera and flash equipment last.
The first exposure after making initial connections and powering on may not be pro perly exposed. The first shot is a camera calibration shot. Always test at least twice.
Connecting a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 to your camera when the camera is al ready t urned on may cause erratic behavior. Eit her follow the sequence above or let your camera “sleep”, then try again.
NOTE: A few flash adjustments may not be available when the
flash is in the sho e of a powered on MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 and sitting on a n activ e camera. For ex ample, you cannot take a 580EX II out of <MA STER> mode if the flash is in the ho t shoe of a powered on remote FlexTT5. Turn the MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 off, wait for the camera to sle ep, or remove th e flash from the shoe to access these special mode changes.
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Power switch OFF
Power switch ON and set to C.1
Page 12
Basic Wireless E-TTL II: MiniTT1 OO FlexTT5

No Flash on Camera

This simple mode of operation allows you to use one or more remote E-TTL II ashes as one zone of light. All remote E-TTL II ashes will re at the same power level which is chosen automatically by the camera.
1. Slide the MiniTT1 Transmitter onto the camera and tighten the locking ring.
2. Slide the remote Speedlite onto a FlexTT5 Transceiver, tighten the locking ring, and secure the FlexTT5. Repeat for each remote Speedlite. The remote Speedlites should be set to normal mode, not <MASTER> or <SLAVE>.
3. Trigger normally.
Please read your Canon manuals on Fully
O
Automatic Wireless Flash (also called E-TTL II Wireless Autoash).
This mode of operation is the same as using Canon’s wireless system with one of the following directly in the shoe of the camera:
• A Canon ST-E2 in non-ratio mode
• A 580EX (I or II) Speedlite in <MASTER> mode, main ash off, in non-ratio mode.
MiniTT1 on camera shoe
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Speedlite on FlexTT5 mounted on
flash stand
Page 13
Basic Wireless E-TTL II: MiniTT1
FlexTT5 (cont’d)
OO

Flash on Camera

This mode is identical to the previous page, adding a ash to the top hot shoe of the MiniTT1. All remote E-TTL II ashes and the master ash will be treated as one zone of light and will re at the same power level which is chosen automatically by the camera.
IMPORTANT: The Speedlite in the MiniTT1’s top shoe
must be in <MASTER> mode, otherwise the remote ashes will not trigger. Wait for the camera to sleep, turn OFF the MiniTT1, or remove the ash from the shoe before engaging <MASTER> mode.
Please read your Canon manuals for the steps to enter
O
<MASTER> mode.
1. Slide the MiniTT1 Transmitter onto the camera and tighten the locking ring.
2. Slide a Canon Speedlite set for <MASTER> onto the MiniTT1 and secure its locking shoe.
3. Slide the remote Speedlite onto a FlexTT5 Transceiver, tighten the locking ring, and secure the
FlexTT5. Repeat for each remote Speedlite. The remote Speedlites should be set to normal ETTL mode, not <MASTER> or <SLAVE>.
4. Trigger normally.
NOTE: You can use a 430EX (I or II) as a single zone master! These ashes do not have a master
mode, and cannot usually trigger remote E-TTL II ashes. Enable Force TTL Master Mode in the PocketWizard Utility and they can.
This mode also benets the 580EX (I or II) by reducing the “ickering pre-ash” normally associated with master mode. On that ash, set the wireless selector to <OFF> and enable Force TTL Master Mode. See the PocketWizard Utility help for more information.
13
Speedlite on MiniTT1 in camera shoe
in <MASTER> mode
Page 14
Ratio Wireless E-TTL II: MiniTT1 OO FlexTT5

Flash on Camera

This mode uses Canon’s Wireless Flash Ratio with E-TTL II system. Place remote ashes into different slave groups and control the balance of light among the groups or zones.
Please read your Canon manuals for more information
O
on Flash Ratio with E-TTL II and how to control groups from the master ash.
1. Slide the MiniTT1 Transmitter onto the camera and tighten the locking ring.
2. Slide a Canon Speedlite (set for <MASTER>) onto the MiniTT1 and secure its locking shoe. Enable slave groups in the master Speedlite per ash manual instructions.
3. Set the remote FlexTT5 radios to the desired slave group (A, B, C) by using the Zone Switch on the side. Note that PocketWizard Zones are used instead of Canon slave groups.
4. Slide the remote Speedlite onto a FlexTT5, tighten the locking ring, and secure the FlexTT5. Repeat for each remote Speedlite. The remote Speedlites should be set to normal ETTL mode, not <MASTER> or <SLAVE>. The slave group is set by the Zone Switch and not in the remote ash. All remote E-TTL II ashes on the same Zone will be treated as one zone of light.
5. Adjust ratios using the master Speedlite’s ash controls.
6. Trigger normally
You may use Canon’s Speedlite Transmitter, the ST-E2, instead of a 580EX to control ratios.
14
Ratio Mode
FlexTT5 Zone A
FlexTT5 Zone B
Page 15
Ratio Wireless E-TTL II: MiniTT1
FlexTT5 (cont’d)
OO

General E-TTL II Considerations

There are several important factors to keep in mind when using the ControlTL system to extend Canon’s wireless functionality:
• Operate the camera normally by pressing the shutter release button halfway to establish focus or metering before shooting. On some Canon cameras, pressing the shutter release button too quickly before camera wakeup may cause the pre-ash to miss or cause an over/under-expose.
• The range of Canon’s E-TTL II ability to measure light may be exceeded by the range of the ControlTL system. In other words, it is possible to place Speedlites so far away that the camera cannot accurately measure their light in the frame. Adjust your remote ashes to light the subject better so the camera can make a proper exposure calculation.
• Angle of operation is extended. You can place ashes in more places, including behind you, than allowed by Canon’s light pulse system.
• Consider your metering mode carefully: center-weighted, evaluative, spot, etc. When pushing the envelope of ash distances, you need to be sure you craft your remote lighting in a way that works with your metering mode.
• Review the Troubleshooting section for more information.
Canon ST-E2
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Page 16

Manual Flash

There are many ways to use PocketWizard radios to trigger manual ashes. Any PocketWizard Transmitter can be used for triggering remote manual ashes. You may have as many remote PocketWizard radios on the same channel as you would like.
The FlexTT5 used as a receiver can trigger a compatible Canon Speedlite set to manual mode in its shoe, or trigger a manual ash (studio pack, monolight, non-Speedlite hotshoe ash) connected to .
The MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 used as a Transmitter can trigger and provide HyperSync for any PocketWizard radio including the Plus II, MultiMAX, or OEM ash packs with a built-in PocketWizard. See HyperSync for more information.
NOTE: You can use manual ashes while using E-TTL II ashes. Manual ashes will not be calculated as
part of the E-TTL II exposure, so compensate accordingly. The manual ashes will re in sync with the main ash burst, and not in sync with the E-TTL II pre-ash.

Remote Speedlites

Please read your Canon manuals for the steps to enter manual mode. Usually it is engaged by
O
pressing MODE on the Speedlite until M appears.
If you are transmitting on a Standard channel, and wish to trigger a remote Speedlite, the Speedlite must be set to manual mode. If the Speedlite in the shoe of the remote FlexTT5 is set to E-TTL, the LED on the FlexTT5 will blink red indicating an error. Set the ash to manual.
NOTE: Only compatible Canon Speedlites can be used as a manual ash in the FlexTT5 hot shoe. Other
brands of hot shoe ashes, E-TTL compatible or manual, may not trigger.
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Page 17

Manual Flash (cont’d)

Other Manual Flashes

Connect the remote FlexTT5’s port to your ash’s sync terminal using:
a) the correct PocketWizard ash sync cable for best results.
- or -
b) your ash’s original sync cable and a PocketWizard PC female adapter, part number MPCF (804-605).
Visit the PocketWizard.com Cable Finder for help selecting the correct ash sync cable. Using a PocketWizard direct cable is always preferred over an adapter for ultimate reliability.
DO NOT connect a ash to port. You could damage your FlexTT5. This port is only for triggering a Canon motor drive and is not designed for the voltages or current found on ashes.
Attempting to connect 2 ashes to the port, or 1 ash to this port while there is another in the FlexTT5’s shoe, can be dangerous. Different ashes can have very different sync voltages. Connecting them together could cause damage to the ashes, and they may not trigger. 2 identical ashes with known identical sync voltages may work when connected together, but operation is not guaranteed to be risk free.
For guaranteed safety and secure triggering, one PocketWizard per remote ash is recommended. If you need to trigger more than 1 ash from a single remote FlexTT5, consider setting the additional ash to use its optical slave.
17
Use for remote manual flash
FlexTT5 mounted with Velcro®
& connected to studio flash
Page 18

HyperSync® & High Speed Sync (FP Flash)

HyperSync allows for a PocketWizard connected ash to begin ring just *before* the camera triggers a sync pulse. Since you are triggering “faster than a wire” with HyperSync, you can sync at shutter speeds faster than X-sync for many cameras and get more usable ash energy before Auto FP (High Speed Sync) is activated.
Adjusting HyperSync is done in the PocketWizard Utility (see next page for adjustment suggestions). Proper adjustment is dependent on on your equipment’s abilities. Try the default setting and look for clipping (black lines in your images). Adjust up or down as needed to eliminate the black lines. It is not always
possible to eliminate the black lines as the shutter speed increases.
HyperSync is used with shutter speeds as follows:
1/200 and slower HyperSync not used
1/250 through 1/350 Auto-calculated HyperSync offset used
1/400 Full HyperSync offset used
1/500 Auto-calculated HyperSync offset used
1/640 and faster FP Flash / High Speed Sync engaged
NOTE: If you have a ash in the shoe of the MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 on your camera, it must be set to
High Speed Sync (FP Flash). If not, the camera will be limited to a 1/200 shutter speed and will not use HyperSync timings. If there is no ash in the shoe of MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 on your camera, HyperSync and High Speed Sync will be used automatically with your remote ashes.
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Setting the HyperSync Offset in the PocketWizard Utility
Page 19

HyperSync® & High Speed Sync (FP Flash) (cont’d)

HyperSync is set in a transmitting radio only. It is not used in a remote FlexTT5. All receiving PocketWizard radios, including the Plus II, etc., will trigger in sync with HyperSync. At 1/640 and above, Standard triggers
are not sent.
NOTE: HyperSync requires a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 as a
transmitter. A Standard transmitter like a Plus II cannot trigger a remote FlexTT5 and achieve HyperSync.
If you are seeing Front Curtain clipping (top of frame is dark), then your HyperSync offset should be moved towards 0 (zero). If you are seeing Rear Curtain clipping (bottom of frame is dark), then your HyperSync offset should be moved away from 0 (zero).
When making adjustments, try adjusting in 30 micro­second steps until you see some changes, then try smaller steps to ne tune your setting. Remember to press Set Both Configs in the Utility after every adjustment.
For some camera and ash combinations it is not possible to eliminate clipping, especially at the faster HyperSync shutter speeds like 1/400 and 1/500. Use a slower
shutter speed or use 1/640 or higher and engage FP Flash/High Speed Sync. FP Flash/High Speed Sync
is not available on shutter speeds between 1/250 and 1/640 when using ControlTL radios.
Front Curtain Clipping = move HyperSync
slider towards 0
Rear Curtain Clipping = move HyperSync
slider away from 0
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Page 20

Advanced Features via PocketWizard Utility

Advanced features in the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 are available when using the PocketWizard Utility and connecting your radio to your PC or Mac via a USB cable. Be sure to install the Utility before connecting!
Download the latest version of the Utility at PocketWizard.com here. Be sure to read the help within the Utility for more information on how to use it.
Turn your radio on before connecting to your computer and you will see battery level in addition to detailed status information.
Review the Reset section in this manual to understand more about the features set in the Utility and how you can revert them to their factory defaults in the eld.
Firmware: The Maintenance section of the Utility is your
portal to rmware updates via the internet.
Channels: Within the Utility you can set the channels that
will be used for C.1 and C.2. See the Channels and Learn Mode sections in this manual for more information on how setting channels works in the eld and via the Utility.
HyperSync: This powerful feature is set within the Utility.
See the HyperSync section of this manual for more information.
PocketWizard Utility
MiniTT1 USB port
20
FlexTT5 USB port
Page 21

Advanced Features via PocketWizard Utility (cont’d)

Remote TTL Flash Sleep Delay: Normally your ControlTL transmitter tells all remote E-TTL II ashes to
sleep when the camera sleeps. This saves batteries in the remote ash but could cause the ash to take a moment to be ready before the next trigger. Enable this feature to have your ControlTL transmitter wait to tell all remote E-TTL II ashes to sleep until a time after the camera sleeps. This feature can be independently over-ridden by a remote ash using Flash Idle Time Out Mode.
Flash Idle Timeout Mode: If you are using a standard transmitter like a Plus or MultiMAX, the sleep
command is never issued – the ash would always remain powered on. Enabling this feature causes the connected ash to remain awake for a set period after any radio activity, then enter its sleep mode for power saving. This control overrides Remote TTL Flash Sleep Mode.
Force TTL Master Mode: Enables the use of a 430EX or 430EX II in the shoe of a ControlTL transmitter
as a master to trigger remote ashes. The transmitter tells the camera that <MASTER> mode is active even though that mode is not available or set in the ash. This also benets the 580EX. Set the 580EX in the shoe to normal mode (<MASTER>=OFF) and enable Force TTL Master Mode. This will make the 580EX in the shoe not emit communication ashes. This reduces the “ickering pre-ash” that bothers some subjects.
Camera Model: Set to Auto, your radio uses the rst trigger of a session as a calibration shot. You can
select your exact camera model. This will eliminate losing a rst shot to calibration BUT means you cannot swap your radio onto another model of camera, nor will you be able to Auto-calibrate your selected camera if some variable (temperature, new camera rmware, potentially certain custom functions) throws off the timing. Auto is the recommended and default setting.
Bottom Shoe Disable Mode: Check this box to turn off the bottom shoe on a FlexTT5. This is useful for
remote cameras where you want to deploy the FlexTT5 radio in the shoe, but do not want the FlexTT5 to act as an Auto-Relay transmitter.
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Page 22

Channels

Channels enable you to work with other photographers and to keep your triggering exclusive. Some channels operate on different frequencies to help you avoid interference. All PocketWizard radio slaves set to the same channel work together.
ControlTL uses a new channel system in addition to the Standard channel system used in other PocketWizard radios. The MiniTT1 Transmitter and FlexTT5 Transceiver can trigger all existing PocketWizard radios. They can also be taught channels (including new ControlTL channels) by existing PocketWizard transmitters. The FlexTT5 can operate as a receiver for any PocketWizard transmitter.
IMPORTANT: When a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 is used as a transmitter, it always sends out 2 triggers, one
ControlTL trigger on a ControlTL channel, and one Standard trigger on its channel. This enables you to use an E-TTL II system with other manual ashes. The ControlTL system synchronizes both triggers precisely.
MiniTT1 & FlexTT5 Channel HyperSync E-TTL II Compatibility (See Page 25)
MiniTT1 ControlTL Channels 1 – 20 Yes Yes FlexTT5 Standard Channels 1 - 32
Zones A, B, C
Plus II & Plus Standard Channels 1 – 4 Yes No
MultiMAX & MAX Standard Channels 1 – 16 Yes No
(see Page 25) Quad-Triggering Channels 17 - 32 (Zones A, B, C)
OEM units w/ PocketWizard Standard Channels 1 – 16 Yes No (see Page 25) Quad-Triggering Channels 17 - 32 (Zones A, B, C)
Canon E-TTL II system channels are not used by the ControlTL system.
22
Page 23

Channel Tables

A MiniTT1 Transmitter or a FlexTT5 Transceiver always transmits on a Standard Channel and a ControlTL Channel for every trigger. Make sure you choose a set of channels/ frequencies that will not interfere with or trigger other PocketWizard users.
When using ControlTL channels 5 through 14, you might interfere with a MultiMAX user on Standard Channels 17 through 26, even if you select a different Standard Channel in the Utility. Check with other users in the area and be sure to select a channel that will not interfere.
ControlTL channels 1-4 are repeated when teaching with a Standard transmitter like the MultiMAX or a Legacy PocketWizard on Standard channels 5 -16. That means if you teach a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 channel 5 in the eld, it will trigger other Control radios listening on ControlTL channel 1.
NOTE: Early Quick Guides refer to “Legacy Channels”
instead of Standard channels. They are the same thing.
23
Standard
Channel
1 344.04 1 340
2 344.04 2 345
3 344.04 3 341
4 344.04 4 346
5 344.04 1 340
6 344.04 2 345
7 344.04 3 341
8 344.04 4 346
9 344.04 1 340
10 344.04 2 345
11 344.04 3 341
12 344.04 4 346
13 344.04 1 340
14 344.04 2 345
15 344.04 3 341
16 344.04 4 346
17 346.5 5 346.5
18 347 6 347
19 347.5 7 347.5
20 348 8 348
21 348.5 9 348.5
22 349 10 349
23 349.5 11 349.5
24 350 12 350
25 350.5 13 350.5
26 351 14 351
27 351.5 15 340.5
28 352 16 341.5
29 352.5 17 342
30 353 18 342.5
31 353.5 19 343
32 354 20 345.5
Standard
Frequency
ControlTL
Channel
ControlTL
Frequency
Page 24

LEARN Mode

Channels can be taught via the PocketWizard Utility. See the Utility’s help for more information. Teaching via the Utility is recommended. Channels can also be taught in the eld using PocketWizard transmitters.
Transmitting channel: A MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 learning from a PocketWizard transmitter will learn both a Standard channel as well as a corresponding ControlTL channel for transmitting. Review Page 22 for more information about corresponding channels.
Receiving channel: A FlexTT5 Transceiver can only receive on one channel at a time. It receives on *either* a ControlTL *or* a Standard channel, not both simultaneously. When being taught from a Standard PocketWizard transmitter it will learn to receive only on a Standard channel.
For remote E-TTL II systems, teach the MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 to be used as the primary transmitter rst, then use it to teach all the remote FlexTT5 radios their ControlTL channel.
IMPORTANT NOTES: Hold radios at least 2 feet apart when teaching/learning. A connected flash may
trigger during LEARN. To avoid undesired flashing from remote radios that have already been taught or have already had their channel set, turn them OFF.
1. Turn the MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 radio ON and select the channel, C.1 or C.2, to be taught.
2. Press and hold TEST for several seconds. When the LED blinks amber, release TEST.
3. Quickly press and hold TEST on the teaching transmitting radio (MiniTT1, FlexTT5, Plus II, MultiMAX,
etc.). When the LED on the radio being taught blinks green, channel is learned.
1 green blink = Low Standard channel learned (1 through 16)
2 green blinks = High Standard channel learned (MultiMAX 17 through 32)
3 green blinks = ControlTL channel learned (ControlTL 1 through 20)
See page 29 for more information on the LED sequence.
24
TEST/LEARN Button
Page 25

LEARN Mode (cont’d)

For remote E-TTL II to function, the ControlTL channel must be learned. If you see only 1 or 2 green blinks after teaching then a Standard channel was learned and E-TTL II will not function. If you desire E-TTL II functionality, teach the FlexTT5 again from the MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 to be used as the primary transmitter and look for 3 green blinks.
To teach all radios in a system Standard channels, use the Standard transmitter as the teaching radio for all learning radios, including MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 to be used as the primary transmitter.
If you see no green blinks during the LEARN cycle then the radio did not learn a new channel and will use the previous one. Hold the radios farther apart and try teaching again.
SPECIAL NOTES
• Activating LEARN in a MiniTT1 causes a large drain on the coin cell battery. To maintain the best battery life, use the PocketWizard Utility to teach channels to the MiniTT1 whenever possible.
• Channels learned in the eld are not displayed in the PocketWizard Utility.
• A Sekonic Meter cannot be used to teach. Its brief trigger mode is not compatible with LEARN.
• Custom IDs from MultiMAX radios are not learned.
• FAST MODE in a MAX Receiver or MultiMAX (set for RECEIVE) offers no benet when triggered by a ControlTL transmitter. Turn FAST MODE off for best performance. If left on, it will negatively affect HyperSync timing.
• HyperSync requires a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 as a transmitter. A Standard transmitter cannot trigger a FlexTT5 and achieve HyperSync.
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Remote Camera Triggering

As with other PocketWizard radios, the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 can be used to trigger a remote camera. To perform this operation a PocketWizard motor drive cable is required. For cameras with Canon’s E3 connector, you need the PocketWizard CM-E3-ACC cable. For cameras with Canon’s N3 Motor drive connector, you need the CM-N3-ACC cable.
1. Slide the FlexTT5 onto the shoe of the remote camera to be triggered.
2. Connect the motor drive cable from port on the FlexTT5 to the remote terminal on the camera.
3. Use the MiniTT1 or any PocketWizard Transmitter to trigger
If you are using the MiniTT1 radio as the transmitter, be sure to hold it properly to maximize range. Using the MiniTT1 in this manner causes a large drain on the coin cell battery. To maintain the best battery life, use a FlexTT5 or another PocketWizard as the hand held transmitter.
NOTE: With this remote camera setup you are engaging
Auto-Relay Mode and sending triggers one channel higher. Read more about that mode for information about using a camera with remote ash.
NOTE: The FlexTT5 should be in the shoe of the remote camera
to be triggered. Removing it from the shoe may cause unwanted triggering to occur.
NOTE: Continuous motor drive triggering of remote cameras is
not available. Single shot mode is required.
26
FlexTT5 connected to remote camera
Hold up and away for best range
Page 27

Auto-Relay Mode

You can trigger ashes in sync with your remote camera. This is called Relay Mode. Here’s how it works:
• Press TEST on a PocketWizard that you are holding in your hands.
• The FlexTT5 connected to your remote camera receives the signal and triggers your camera.
• The FlexTT5 switches to transmit mode and waits for the camera to provide a sync pulse.
• The FlexTT5 triggers the ash in its shoe in sync with other remote PocketWizard radios.
The channel used for relay transmitting is 1 channel higher than the taught or default channel, unless you set the channels using the PocketWizard Utility. Be careful not to teach or set your remote ashes the same channel as your remote camera or proper synchronization will not occur.
Example: If you taught the camera-connected FlexTT5 unit Standard Channel 3 then relay transmit occurs on both ControlTL and Standard Channel 4.
Remember, set the transmitter in your hand and the receiving channel on the remote FlexTT5 connected to your remote camera to the same channel. Set the transmitting channel in that camera’s FlexTT5 to the channel you wish to use for your remote ashes.
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FlexTT5 configured for Auto-Relay
with local Speedlite
Page 28

Reset

The MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 can be reset in the eld. There are two types of reset.
RESET A: Returns both C.1 and C.2 to the channels you last set
in the PocketWizard Utility. Reset A is primarily used for resetting channels that were taught in the eld.
1. Turn the radio off
2. While holding TEST, slide the power switch to C.1 (C.1 and C.2
are always reset together).
3. Hold TEST for a few moments until you see 2 green blinks, then release TEST. The channels are restored to their last Utility values. If you’ve never set the channels using the Utility, then the channels are restored to factory defaults.
RESET B: Returns all of your radio’s settings, including channels and all settings from the
PocketWizard Utility, to factory defaults.
1. Turn the radio off
2. While holding TEST, slide the power switch to C.1 (C.1 and C.2 are always reset together).
3. Hold TEST for ~10 seconds until you see 4 green blinks, then release TEST. The radio is reset
to factory defaults.
Default Settings:
ControlTL Tx Channel = 1 HyperSync Offset = -170 Standard Tx Channel = 1 Remote TTL Flash Sleep Delay = Disabled Use ControlTL for Rx Channel = Enabled Flash Idle Time Out Mode = Disabled ControlTL Rx Channel = 1 Force TTL Master Mode = Disabled Camera Model = Auto Bottom Shoe = Enabled
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Flex TEST button
Page 29

Status LED

The Status LED indicates that the unit is powered on, and displays battery level and other special status modes. Under normal operation the LED will display a short blink every 2 seconds. This is the normal “powered on and waiting for trigger” blink. The color of the LED indicates battery level:
Green Good battery
Amber Warning – battery low
Red Very low battery – change immediately
Triggering: a pulsing red LED in sync with TEST indicates normal transmission. If TEST is held for 10
seconds, LEARN mode will be activated – see LEARN mode for information. A short red blink in sync with the camera’s trigger indicates normal transmission or reception.
Red blinking indicates an error condition. Power off the unit, reseat all connections, and power back
on. If the error persists, verify your settings. For example if you are using a Standard channel to trigger a FlexTT5 with a Speedlite in it set to E-TTL, this is an error. The ash needs to be set to manual (See Manual Mode for more information).
Learning LED sequence: Holding TEST for 10 seconds will cause the unit to pulse red (continuously transmitting), then it will ash amber 4 times (indicating the beginning of Learn mode), then it will pulse
amber while listening for a channel to learn. If it learns a channel, it will blink green 1, 2, or 3 times
depending on the channel learned, then ash amber 1 more time to indicate LEARN is complete. If no channels are learned, the radio returns to normal “waiting for trigger” blinking. See LEARN Mode for more information.
A normal green blink occurs on power up initialization and after Set Both Configs has been pressed in the PocketWizard Utility. If TEST is held on power up then RESET may occur causing 2 or 4 green blinks to occur. See RESET for information. Steady green blinks during rmware updates are also normal.
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MiniTT1 Status LED FlexTT5 Status LED
Page 30

Mounting

Mount a remote FlexTT5 Transceiver using any of the following methods.
®
Velcro
30
Speedlite Stand
Maximum range, OC-E3 cord with added ferrite clampMaximum range, no cord
Page 31

Long Range Performance

Long distance performance from your PocketWizards 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. While radio does not require line of sight, it does help dramatically. Make sure the units 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. Do not mount the units close to the ground – try to have them several feet above the Earth or building oors whenever possible.
Maintain at least 36” (~ 1 meter) distance between antennas. Avoid direct antenna contact with anything metallic. “Dead spots” have a number of causes, but the solution is usually the same: move the unit a few inches or feet away from the problem area.
SPECIAL NOTE: Some Canon ash models emit RF interference that can reduce the effective operating
range of many radio slaves, including the FlexTT5. Those models include: 430EX, 580EX, 580EX II and others. For those model ashes, please consider the mounting suggestions in the pictures above to optimize range. If using Canon’s off shoe cord OC-E3, consider adding a ferrite clamp on the cable near the ash to further increase range.
The Canon 430EX II performs dramatically better in this regard. It does not require special mounting consideration and yields greater range.
31
Best
Positioning
Blocking Signal
AcceptableWorst
Page 32

Troubleshooting

Why is my photo not properly exposed?

Consult the owner’s manuals for your ash and camera to understand how exposure decisions are made. While the ControlTL system can greatly expand the operating range of Canon’s E-TTL II system, and over­come inherent problems with an optical communication system, it does nothing with exposure decisions made by the camera. Make certain your shooting situation allows enough direct or reected pre-ash to be visible to the camera.
If you have more than one remote E-TTL II ash (either in basic E-TTL II mode or on one Canon group/zone when using ratios) then it is one “piece of light.” If the camera can measure the output from one ash, but does not see the other, it will make a calculation based on the light it sees. Both ashes will get sent the same value from the camera and both ashes will trigger at that same value. This may not yield the results you want. You may need to reposition the ashes to ensure the camera yields a proper exposure.
Why didn’t my remote flash trigger in the exposure?
Watch the remote ash as you trigger. If you see the small pre-ash happen, but not a 2nd ash, then the camera decided not to use that ash in the exposure. The camera did not see enough of the pre-ash to make a ash exposure calculation. The radios and ash are working properly. Reposition the ash or subject so that the reected light will be more visible to the camera, or add another ash to provide more pre-ash light for the camera to measure. If you are using a light modier on the remote ash, try adjust­ing it to allow more light or consider removing it. Other questions to consider in your shooting scenario:
• Is the ambient light brighter than the pre-ash from the camera’s perspective?
• Is the pre-ash to subject distance too great or at too great an angle relative to the camera?
• Is the subject too small (not enough reected pre-ash reaching the camera) for the metering mode selected in the camera?
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Page 33

Troubleshooting (cont’d)

Why is my exposure bouncing around?

If you are in Shutter Priority mode (Tv) and the ambient light levels are changing dramatically shot to shot, it is possible for the camera and ash to mis-communicate. The camera may have shifted values before the radio had time to transmit them. Try another mode or make sure to remain half-pressed on the shutter release longer after a dramatic light change.
Why does my flash say TTL and not E-TTL?
This can occur if you make ash connections with the ash turned on as you slide it onto MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 or if some other communication error occurs. Make sure all equipment is turned off before making connections. Turn everything off and back again.

Why won’t my camera go above 1/200 shutter speed?

If you have a ash in the shoe of the MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 on the camera, make sure it is set to High Speed Sync (FP Flash) per your ash instructions.
If you have a powered off MiniTT1 in the shoe, either turn it back on and select C.2 (make sure no one is using this channel!) or remove the unit from the shoe.
What Canon features are not available through the ControlTL system at this time?
Rear Curtain Sync, FEB, stroboscopic, adjusting ash settings via the camera’s menus, individual manual control of slave groups without using Canon’s ratio system, FEC set on the ash, and other features not expressly mentioned. These features may be implemented soon so be sure to check www.PocketWizard.com for future rmware updates.
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Page 34

Notes

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Page 35

Canon Compatibility

The MiniTT1/FlexTT5 are E-TTL II compatible with these Canon cameras:
DSLR Cameras 1Ds MKIII, MKII, 1D MKIII, MKII, 1D MKII N
5D, 5D MKII 20D, 30D2, 40D, 50D Rebel XT /350D, Rebel XTi /400D, Rebel XS / 1000D, Rebel XSi /450D
The MiniTT1/FlexTT5 are E-TTL II compatible with these Canon flashes:
Flash Units 580EX, 580EX II, 430EX, 430EX II
NOTES on overall system performance (visit PocketWizard.com for the latest updates):
1. HyperSync performance varies by camera. Although all cameras listed will have some HyperSync benet,
some will not achieve 1/400 or 1/500. See PocketWizard.com for a listing of specic camera capabilities and HyperSync settings.
2. Commonly, a normal shutter release occurs after rst pressing the shutter button halfway to establish focus and exposure. If the camera is in sleep mode and the shutter release is pressed all the way down without rst establishing focus and exposure, the rst exposure may not be proper.
3. Canon ash models 430EX, 580EX, and 580EX II emit RF interference that can substantially reduce the effective operating range of many radio slaves, including the FlexTT5. For these model ashes, please utilize the mounting suggestions on Page 30 to optimize range. Using Canon’s off shoe cord OC-E3, greatly improves range. Consider adding a ferrite clamp on the cable near the ash to further increase range. The Canon 430EX II performs dramatically better in this regard. It does not require special mounting consideration and yields greater range.
NOTES for specic cameras:
1. On the 5D MarkII, a ash mounted in the hot-shoe of a MiniTT1/FlexTT5 on camera will currently not function.
This should be solved with further testing.
2. When remote triggering the 30D camera, it must be set to “Auto Power Off – Disable” otherwise
once camera sleeps, trigger will not work.
35
1
Page 36
Specifications
See Channel Tables for more information on Standard and ControlTL Frequencies and Channels
MiniTT1 FlexTT5
E-TTL Compatibility Canon E-TTL II Canon E-TTL II
Maximum Range MiniTT1 triggering remote PocketWizards FlexTT5 triggering remote PocketWizards
on Standard channels: on Standard channels: 1200 feet (365 meters) 1200 feet (365 meters)
MiniTT1 triggering remote FlexTT5 FlexTT5 triggering remote FlexTT5 using ControlTL channels: using ControlTL channels: 800 feet (240 meters) 800 feet (240 meters)
See Long Range Performance and SPECIAL NOTE regarding interference from some ash models for more information.
Frequency 340 - 354 MHz 340 - 354 MHz
Channels 52 Channels over 26 Frequencies 52 Channels over 26 Frequencies
Transmit power Less than 0.001 watt Less than 0.001 watt
(1/1000 of a watt or 1 milliwatt) (1/1000 of a watt or 1 milliwatt)
Power 3VDC Lithium coin cell: 2 x AA ( IEC:LR6 ) Alkaline CR2450 or CR2354 recommended, other chemistries (NiMH, NiCad, Lithium) allowed
Battery Life Hundreds of hours depending on 60 Hours shooting habits
Auto Power-off Sleeps when the camera sleeps
Zones 3: A-B-C 3: A-B-C
Maximum FPS 8 FPS 8 FPS
(Frames Per Second)
Minimum Receive 80 milliseconds Contact Time
36
Page 37
Specifications (cont’d)
MiniTT1 FlexTT5
Camera/P1 Port 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo miniphone for 2-stage remote camera triggering. Port Voltage Handling: up to 50 Volts, 100 milliamp continuous Tip = Trigger Ring = Pre-Trigger Sleeve = Ground
Flash/P2 Port 1/8” (3.5 mm) mono miniphone. Port Voltage Handling: up to 200 Volts, 4 amps peak, 250 milliamp continuous, non-polarized
Voltage present 3.3 VDC (all pins) - safe for all Canon cameras 3.3 VDC (all pins) - safe for all Canon cameras
Hot Shoe voltage protection Hot Shoe: up to 50V Hot Shoe: up to 50V
USB 5VDC regulated, 100mA 5VDC regulated, 100mA
Pin 1 Positive, Pin 4 Ground Pin 1 Positive, Pin 4 Ground
Mounting Hot-shoe Hot-shoe, 1/4-20, lanyard, Velcro
Construction High impact plastic, captive battery door. High impact plastic, captive battery door.
Hot-shoe made of glass reinforced resin. Hot-shoe made of glass reinforced resin.
Dimensions 2.8” (7.1 cm) long x 1.9” (4.9 cm) 3.6” (9.2 cm) long x 2.9” (7.3 cm) wide x wide x 1.3” (3.3 cm) tall 1.4” (3.6 cm) tall, antenna lowered
Antenna Internal 2.7” (6.9 cm) rubberized, 180 degree swing
Weight (with batteries) 2.3 oz (65 grams) 5.4 oz (153 grams)
2.0 oz (57 grams) without battery 3.8 oz (108 grams) without batteries
Operating Temperature Above -15 C (5 F) and below 50 C (120 F) Above -15 C (5 F) and below 50 C (120 F)
Storage Temperature Above -30 C (-22 F) and below 85 C (185 F) Above -30 C (-22 F) and below 85 C (185 F)
without batteries without batteries
37
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38
Page 39

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.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, 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 interference by one or more of the following measures:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
3. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or television technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and also with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
MiniTT1 FCC ID Number: KDS-PW3-004
FlexTT5 FCC ID Number: KDS-PW3-005
MiniTT1 CANADA IC: 2170A-PW3004
FlexTT5 CANADA IC: 2170A-PW3005
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Page 40
For more information on this product, including detailed features and specications, go to:
www.PocketWizard.com
© 2009 LPA Design, Inc. All rights reser ved. Product features and specica tions are subject to change without notice. PocketWizard, ControlTL, MiniTT1, FlexTT5, HyperSync, Plus II and MultiMAX are either trademarks or registered trademarks of LPA Design, Inc. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
This product is covered under a warranty. For more information on this warranty and to register your product, please go to www.PocketWizard.com/support.
US Patent: 5,359,375 and Patents Pending
V1.0 – February 2009 – LPF381
MAKE IT POSSIBLE
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