Pclix XT User manual

Pclix XT User Manual
Version 3.2
March 2011
For more information regarding our
products please visit us at www.pclix.com
This manual will only be distributed as a digital file,
which in a small but important way helps our environment.
Please recycle whenever you can.

A quick note about this manual. It covers all features and operational aspects of the Pclix XT. The Pclix
Flash Drive which came with your order also has 3 Pclix Time-Lapse Tips documents with loads of
interesting information to get you going in the right direction. For those downloading this User Manual
from our Website this same Time-Lapse Tips information can also be found at www.pclix.com.
Index
Page
User Warning (Please Read)
4
Introduction
5
What’s Inside the Box
5
User Interface
6
Power Adapter (optional)
6
Battery Installation
6
Setting Your Camera Model (50-89)
7
Still Camera Model Programming Chart
7
Video Camera Model Programming Chart
9
Communicating with your Camera
10
Using Infrared Light
10
Using a Camera Control Cable
11
Basic Operations Mode
11
Advanced Operations Mode
12
Programming & Using the User Intervals (90-99)
12
Factory Pre-Programmed User Intervals
13
User Interval Programming Sequence
14
Split Second Mode (00,01)
14
Setting Delay Start Option
15
Delay Start Time Programming Sequence (12)
16
Delay Start OFF / ON Programming Sequence (10,11)
16
Setting Image Count Option
16
Image Count Programming Sequence (22)
17
Image Count OFF/ON Programming Sequence (20,21)
17
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Index
Page
Setting Bulb Length Option
17
Bulb Length Programming Sequence (32)
18
Bulb Length OFF/ON Programming Sequence (30,31)
19
Bulb Toggle OFF/ON Programming Sequence (33,34)
19
User Preferences
19
Setting Interval Warning Length (40)
19
Setting Shutter Push Length (41)
20
LED Trigger Swapping (Green 42, Red 43)
20
Infrared Repeat Value (44)
21
Quick Canon Setup for Video Recording (45)
21
Save User Setup to Flash Memory (46)
22
Recall User Setup From Flash Memory (47)
22
Display Firmware Version (48)
23
Reset Pclix XT to Factory Settings (49)
23
Quick Pclix XT Programming Guide
24
Quick Canon Setup Programming Guide (See Page 21 for more Information)
25
Pclix XT Technical Specifications
26
Time-lapse Tips, Tricks and Resources
27
Time-Lapse Shooting Equation
27
Warranty Information
28
Our Copyright - Please Respect it!
28
Thank You
28
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User Warnings:
Do not leave batteries in the Pclix XT for extended periods of time if you intend not to use the device.
Ensure that you have installed the batteries correctly. Do not attempt to charge the batteries of the
Pclix XT and always use a fresh pair when required. Properly dispose of old batteries. If your
community has a recycling program that accepts batteries make use of it, not only for the batteries in
this product but for others as well. Batteries may explode or leak if handled incorrectly. Do not dispose
batteries in fire of any kind.
Please keep the Pclix XT out of the reach of children. While the Pclix XT is too big to fit down a child’s
throat the batteries are not, nor is the nylon hand strap. The camera cable could become tangled
around a child’s neck causing injury or death. It is your responsibility to ensure this device is stored in
a safe place away from children and pets.
While the Pclix XT is a tough little device it is not waterproof nor is it weather proof. Treat it the way
you would treat your camera. If you are in dicey weather consider protecting your Pclix XT using a
small plastic ziplock bag or something similar. Water or weather damage of any kind to the Pclix XT
will void the warranty.
Pclix and our parent company 1017 Visual Effects Inc. will not be responsible for any lost income due
the use, misuse or failure of this device however caused. Nor will we be held liable for any damages
including all camera equipment as a result of the use of this product.
Pclix and our parent company 1017 Visual Effects Inc. reserves the right to change the specifications
of the hardware and software described in this manual at any time without notice. We also reserve the
right to release, update or discontinue any of our products at anytime.
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Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a Pclix XT. While this device is extremely easy to get
the hang of, we strongly recommend you carefully read through this entire manual. By doing so, you’ll
learn all the various options and features built into every Pclix XT; plus you’ll get some tips and tricks
for time-lapse photography as well. We encourage you to provide any feedback regarding our
products, service or support. Please visit our website at www.pclix.com to do so. Enjoy.
Introduction:
For decades cinematographers have been using very expensive motion picture equipment to
photograph all kinds of amazing time-lapse sequences. During that time time-lapse photography was
out of the reach for most people due to the high cost of the equipment needed, the film stock,
processing and either transferring the results to videotape or projecting it in a theater. Those days are
behind us. With the huge advances in digital still cameras, digital video cameras, personal computers
and the availability of dozens of software applications this type of photography is available to just
about anyone, including you. By adding the Pclix XT into the mix you now have the ability to shoot
time-lapse images anywhere, anytime.
With no special adjustments other than setting the camera model code to suit your camera, your new
Pclix XT can turn your digital still camera or video camera into a time-lapse movie-making machine
with intervals from 1 - 89 seconds in 1 second steps; 2, 5, 10, 20, and 30 minute intervals; and 2, 4,
12, and 24 hour intervals right out of the box. Longer or in-between intervals can be readily set as
described in the advanced section below. As well the Pclix XT can also trigger a camera in tenths of a
second instead of just whole seconds using the Split Second Mode. This means you can set an interval
anywhere between 0.1 – 9.9 seconds in tenths of a second.
The Pclix XT is based upon our original and very popular Pclix XT model. The difference between the
two is quite substantial when it comes to the software. Again we have designed the XT model as was
the original LT with you the photographer in mind. Not only will the Pclix XT allow you to photograph
truly amazing time-lapse sequences, it’s also extremely easy to use. The Pclix fits into just about any
camera bag, it’s built to tough standards and will run on two AAA batteries for about a month. Using
the Pclix XT you can very accurately photograph time-lapse sequences using any interval you choose
between 0.1 and 9.9 seconds in tenths of a second or 1 second to 100 hours in one second
increments. As well you can set the number of images to be taken, program a delayed start, define
the shutter length using the bulb feature and set the Pclix XT to control one of dozens of different still
cameras or video cameras. The Pclix XT can also be used to remotely start and stop cameras shooting
video, not only this but it can do it from up to 200 feet away. This is extremely popular with
cinematographers shooting video with Canon 5DMKII or 7D cameras models.
The Pclix XT will trigger with any digital still or video camera that is listed on our compatible camera
listings that has an Infrared Remote feature or the ability for a contact switch closer. Many cameras
have at least one of these options, however, sadly many have neither. Currently the Pclix XT is
compatible with dozens of camera models from Nikon, Canon, Fuji, Olympus, Sony, JVC, Samsung,
Panasonic, Sanyo, Aiptek, Minolta and Pentax. See our website for a current listing of all compatible
still and video cameras.
What’s Inside the Box:
•Pclix XT
•Black Nylon Tripod/Hand strap with a 360 degree swiveling plastic hook
•2 x AAA Alkaline Batteries
•Pclix XT User Manual and Demo Files on a 1GB Flash Drive. Just give it a twist.
•2 x Laminated Quick Reference Cards, 1 for General Operation, 1 for Canon DSLRs
•2 x 1.375” Velcro Dots so that you can mount your Pclix XT anywhere
•Camera Control Cable – (Optional) Included if ordered.
•3 Volt Power Adapter – (Optional) Included if ordered.
•Some very good Karma
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User Interface:
The Pclix XT consists of four simple switches, first a black POWER switch along the right side of the
device, a red FIRE switch on the top face and finally two grey rotating dial switches each numbered 0
to 9. For the purpose of this manual we will refer to these two grey dials as the LEFT dial and RIGHT
dial. For the most part think of the LEFT dial as “the tens” and the RIGHT dial as “the ones”. However
they do have other meanings in the programming menu discussed later in this manual. Above and a
little to either side of the grey dials are two LEDs with an icon beside each. On the right next to the
camera icon is GREEN LED when lit, on the left a clock icon beside a RED LED when lit. Using these
four simple controls you will be able to set and control all of the features and options of the Pclix XT.
There are three other items on the front panel of Pclix XT to help it do what it does. The first is
another LED that looks much the same as the two LEDs on the top face, however this is an Infrared
LED used to trigger your camera using Infrared light. Infrared light is invisible to the human eye so
you will never see this LED light up. Beside the IR LED there’s a 1/8” stereo connector, this connector
does one of two things. The first allows you to plug in one of our Infrared Control Cables or secondly
one of our Directly Connected Camera Control cables. Only one can be used at a time and the type of
cable must be defined in the camera model preference. The last connection on the front face is for an
external power source. This power jack makes it possible to power the Pclix from a source other than
the internal batteries allowing the Pclix XT to run for years instead of a month with the internal
batteries. We can supply a few optional power accessories should you need them. Visit our website for
more information.
Power Adapter:
If you’ve ordered the optional power adapter it will be included with your order. The obvious
advantage of this adapter is you do not have to worry about batteries running low. There are many
instances when a time-lapse sequence could take a lot longer than a month to shoot. Buildings can
take many months or longer to complete so do many scientific experiments. In cases like these, an
adapter can be used to power the Pclix for years if necessary.
Battery Installation:
The Pclix XT uses two AAA Alkaline batteries that are included with your order. To install the batteries
simply slide the battery cover door located on the backside of the Pclix in the direction of the arrow.
The battery holder has the proper polarity printed on it to ensure the batteries are installed correctly.
DO NOT use rechargeable batteries with the Pclix XT, rechargeable batteries are generally 1.2 volts
each not the 1.5 volts required by the Pclix.
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NOTE: The Pclix XT can trigger a camera in two ways. One with infrared light, the other by using a
dedicated Camera Control Cable wired from the Pclix XT to your camera. When using Infrared Light
the Pclix is designed to function properly down to around 2.2 volts. If you are experiencing a situation
where your camera is properly connected and the Pclix XT appears to be working correctly and no
triggers are being received by your camera then replace the batteries. If that fails to correct the
problem then contact us for further assistance.
Setting Your Camera Model:
The first thing you must do before all others is to ensure the Pclix XT is programmed to the correct
Camera Model Code for the still or video camera which you are wanting to trigger. Once set the Pclix
XT remembers this User Preference forever or until you change it at a late date. There are two reasons
why you might change this User Preference later. One, you might want to use the Pclix XT to trigger a
different camera model using either infrared light or a Camera Control Cable. The second is if you
want to alternate between triggering a video camera to take an image or to start and stop recording
video. Basically once this user preference is set like all user preferences it is saved in flash memory.
The flash memory of the Pclix XT is retained while the unit is off and even if the batteries are
removed.
So let’s proceed to set your Pclix XT to control your particular camera. In order to perform this
function the power switch of Pclix XT must be in the OFF position. Simply slide the BLACK power
switch towards you using your right thumb to turn OFF the device.
Now from the two different charts on the following few pages you are going to have to determine the
Camera Model Code that is associated with your still camera or the infrared remote model number
which is used to trigger your particular video camera. If you are connecting the Pclix XT to your
camera using one of our directly connected Camera Control Cables, then the model code will be “50”
regardless of the camera’s make and model. Let’s say that again. If you are using a directly connected
Camera Control Cable connecting the Pclix XT and your camera together you must use model code
“50”. Otherwise if your camera will be triggered using infrared light then the Camera Model Code will
be between 51 and 89. For example to trigger the Nikon D3000 with infrared light you would set the
Pclix XT Camera Model Code to “51”. The following camera compatibility chart is used to determine the
Camera Model Code for STILL cameras ONLY. If you will be triggering a still camera which is supported
by the Pclix XT then locate the Camera Model Code from the first column of the chart which matches
your camera. There is a forth column in the following tables called IR Repeat Value, ignore it for now,
we will discuss that function later in the manual.
Still Camera Camera Model Codes and Compatibility Listing.
Model
Code
Still Camera
Make and
Infrared
Remote Model
Number
Still Camera Models
Supported by the Pclix XT
IR
Repeat
Value
50
Used for ALL
cameras when
using any of our
Camera Control
Cables to the
right.
To be used ONLY with the following Camera Control Cables;
C-300, C-320, C-350, C-400, C-500, C-530, C-540, C-700.
(Again, this model code is NOT to be used when triggering
your camera using infrared light, see below)
Not
Used
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Model
Code
Still Camera
Make and
Infrared
Remote Model
Number
Still Camera Models
Supported by the Pclix XT
IR
Repeat
Value
The Following Codes are used to trigger a camera using infrared light.
The Following Codes are used to trigger a camera using infrared light.
The Following Codes are used to trigger a camera using infrared light.
The Following Codes are used to trigger a camera using infrared light.
51
Nikon
ML-L3
D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70, D70s, D80, D90, D3000, D3100,
8400, 8800
2
52
Sony
(Instant)
RMT-DSRL1
NEX5, A230, A290, A330, A380, A390, A450, A500, A550,
A580, A700, A900, SLT-A33, SLT-A55
5
53
Sony
(2 Second
Delay)
RMT-DSRL1
NEX5, A230, A290, A330, A380, A390, A450, A500, A550,
A580, A700, A900, SLT-A33, SLT-A55
5
54
Canon
WD-DC100
Powershot Pro90 IS, Pro 1, Pro S1, G1, G2, G3. G5, G6, S60,
S70
6
55
Olympus
RM-1(CH1),
RM-2
E1, E10, E20, E20N, E100RS, Evolt E300, Evolt E330, Evolt
E500, C2000z, C2020z, C-2030z, C2040z, C2100z, C-2500z,
C3000z, C3020z, C-3030z, C-3040z, C-4040z, C5050z,
C7000, C7070, C50, C60, C730UZ, C740, C750UZ, C755UZ,
C770UZ, D-40, Stylus 300, Stylus 400, Stylus 410, C770
3
56
Olympus
RM-1(CH2)
E1, E10, E20, E20N, E100RS, Evolt E300, Evolt E330, Evolt
E500, C2000z, C2020z, C-2030z, C2040z, C2100z, C-2500z,
C3000z, C3020z, C-3030z, C-3040z, C-4040z, C5050z,
C7000, C7070, C50, C60, C730UZ, C740, C750UZ, C755UZ,
C770UZ, D-40, Stylus 300, Stylus 400, Stylus 410, C770
3
57
Minolta
RC-3
DiMAGE A200, F100, F200, F300, S305, S404, S414
3
58
Pentax
RC-E, RC-F,
RC-WP
W90, *istDS2, *istDS, *istDL2, *istDL, *istD, *ist, K100D,
K110D, K200D, K10D,K20D,K-M,K-7, Optio S6/S60, Optio
S5z/S5n/S5i, Optio S4i/S4, Optio SV/SVi, Optio 550/555,
Optio 750z, Optio 330/430[rs], MZ-6
1
59
Fuji
RM-S2
Fuji FinePix S2000HD
2
60
Samsung
SRC-A3
Samsung NV7, NV10, NV11, NV15, NV20, NV24HD, NV30,
NV40, SL820, TL320, L74W HZ10W, HZ15W
1
61
Canon
(Instant)
RC1, RC5, RC6
EOS 550D(Rebel T2i), EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 7D, EOS 500D
(Rebel T1i), EOS 450D(Rebel XSi), EOS 1000D(Rebel XS),
EOS 400D(Rebel XTi), EOS 350D(Rebel XT), EOS 300D, EOS
30/33/30V, EOS 50/55, EOS kissIII, EOS kissIIIL, EOS 100,
EOS 10, EOS 300V, EOS 300X, 300VQD, EOS IX, IXUS jr/II/
III, SURESHOT, ELAN7, Rebel T1 Date, Rebel T2 Date,
Z180u, Z155, 120, 370Z, 370Z
1
62
Canon
(2 Second
Delay)
RC1, RC5, RC6
Same as above provided the camera supports a 2 Second
Delay infrared trigger. Many do, some don’t. Please check
your camera manual if you are not sure. This code is also
used to start and stop the Canon 5DMKII and 7D recording.
1
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Video Camera Camera Model Codes and Compatibility Listing.
The chart below lists all the Video Camera Infrared Remotes which the Pclix XT supports. If your
camera came with one of these Infrared Remotes or it’s compatible with one of these remotes the
Pclix XT will be able to trigger your camera. We support two buttons on each of the supported
remotes, the photo button and the record button. The record button is a toggle meaning that the first
push starts recording, the second push stops recording. There are two codes listed for each remote,
the first will cause the video camera to take a still, the second will toggle the camera in and out of
record. PLEASE NOTE: The Sony RM-F-300 remote does not have a photo button and therefore only
recording start and stop is supported.
Model
Code
Video Camera
Manufacturer
and Function
Video Camera Infrared Remotes Supported
IR
Repeat
Value
63
64
Canon
- Photo Button
- Record Button*
Canon Infrared Remotes; WL-D85, WL-D87
2
65
66
Canon
- Photo Button
- Record Button*
Canon Infrared Remotes; WL-D86, WL-D88, WL-D89
2
67
68
Sony
- Photo Button
- Record Button*
Sony Infrared Remotes; RMT-808, RMT-814, RMT-830,
RMT-831
5
69
70
Sony
- Photo Button
- Record Button*
Sony Infrared Remotes; RMT-835
5
71
72
Sanyo
- Photo Button
- Record Button*
Sanyo Infrared Remotes; Xacti BRC-C3
2
73
74
Panasonic
- Photo Button
- Record Button*
Panasonic Infrared Remotes; LSSQ0336, N2QAEC000003,
N2QAEC000012, N2QAEC000013, N2QAEC000018,
VSQW0044
2
75
76
Panasonic
- Photo Button
- Record Button*
Panasonic Infrared Remotes; N2QAEC000023
2
77
78
JVC
- Photo Button
- Record Button*
JVC Infrared Remotes; RM-V730U, RM-750U, RM-751U
5
79
80
Aiptek
- Photo Button
- Record Button*
Aiptek Infrared Remote; ZPT-RM
2
81
Sony
- Record Button*
Sony Infrared Remotes; RM-F-300 Record Start and Stop
ONLY - Bulb MUST be turned ON
4
* The Record Button is a toggle, first press is “start” recording, second press is “stop” recording.
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Once you know the model code for your specific still camera or video camera you can proceed. The
Pclix XT has been designed so that you can enter the programming mode the same way for all the
User Programmable options. This makes learning the various functions of the device easier to grasp.
Later in this manual we will go into more detail regarding the other User Preferences. However for
now, all we need to do is set the camera model. Start by making sure that the Pclix XT POWER switch
is in the OFF position. Then set gray dials to the desired Camera Model Code, the LEFT dial is for the
tens, the RIGHT for the ones. That is to say if your Camera Model Code is “56” then the LEFT dial will
be set to “5” and the RIGHT dial to “6”. Once both dials are at the correct number position, hold down
the red FIRE button while sliding the POWER switch to the ON position. The RED LED will flash 3 times
to indicate you are entering the programming mode. Once the RED LED has completed it’s three
flashes release the red FIRE button, the GREEN LED will then flash 4 time to indicate you have
successfully defined the camera model. NOTE: The Pclix XT has error checking built into the camera
model programming mode. If you try to program an invalid number the RED LED will light and stay lit.
At this point you must turn OFF the Pclix XT and start over, ensuring you have correctly set the dials to
a valid model number. The last step is to exit the programming mode by simply turning OFF the Pclix
XT. You have now successfully set the Pclix XT to control the camera of your choice. In a nutshell, all
user programming is entered and exited this same way.
Now lets make sure the Pclix XT can trigger your camera. The first thing you should do is set both the
LEFT and RIGHT dial to zero. Now follow these next few steps. Turn ON your camera, remove the lens
cap and put your camera into manual focus. If your camera is going to be triggered using Infrared
Light then it must be put into “Infrared Remote” in order to receive the Infrared trigger, if you are
unsure how to do this please see your camera manual. On the other hand if you are using a Camera
Control Cable make sure the cable is connected between the Pclix XT and your camera. Next turn ON
the Pclix XT. There will be 3 GREEN flashes to indicate you have started it up correctly. If you are
controlling your camera using Infrared Light, then point the Pclix XT towards the infrared receiver on
the front of your camera. Normally the infrared receiver is behind a small plastic red window above
and to one side of the lens. Now push the red FIRE button on the Pclix XT. Your camera should take an
image. You can now proceed to the next chapter “Basic Operation”. If your camera did not respond,
then re-read this section of the manual beginning with at “Setting Your Camera Model” to make sure
you did not miss a step.
Communicating with your Camera:
As mentioned there are two ways for the Pclix XT to communicate with your camera, Infrared Light
and Camera Control Cable. Let’s deal with Infrared Light first.
Infrared Light:
If you are going to be communicating with your camera using Infrared Light you have two options.
Every Pclix XT has a built in Infrared LED on the front panel of the device. If you have programmed
your Pclix XT using any of the camera model codes other than “50” then you are able to trigger your
camera without any cables attached. The one drawback to this approach is the camera needs to “see”
the Pclix XT. This means the Pclix XT must be in front of the lens but NOT necessarily in the frame. You
can easily point the Pclix XT towards the camera just outside of the frame and it will happily instruct
your camera to take an image. Likewise, you can use this same technique when using the Pclix XT as
a simple wireless remote. The Pclix XT will trigger your camera up to 4.5 meters away and in some
cases further.
The second Infrared method is to plug in one of our Infrared Camera Cables(C-100, C-200, C-150)
into the 1/8” (3.5mm) jack on the front panel of the Pclix XT. When this cable in installed, the Infrared
LED on the front panel will be disabled. Using this cable allows you to position the Pclix XT behind the
camera making the operation a little easier and the controls more accessible. There is however one
small drawback to this method. Being, what is the best solution to attaching the Infrared Cable to the
camera? Since camera models come in a variety of shapes and sizes coming up with one solution to
attach the cable to your camera is a difficult challenge. After trying many different methods the
simplest solution for most cameras seems to be a few small piece of black electrical tape. It sounds
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