receiver. To fire the local pack, the local - both - remote switch should be in the Local or Both
position. NOTE: Most modern flash packs have low voltage, low current sync terminals. Some
older packs have as much as 400 volts applied across the sync terminals. The PocketWizard
Max is designed to work with voltages as high as 300 volts, and may not work with higher
voltage packs. If you have an older flash unit, check with the manufacturer to make sure your
pack will not exceed these limits. You may also purchase an LVT (Low Voltage Trigger) from
LPA Design or your strobe manufacturer.
TRANSMITTER and RECEIVER ORIENTATION
Long range performance of your PocketWizard Max radio slave system is dependent on orienting
and positioning the units properly. In general, it is a good idea to have line of sight between the
transmitter and the receivers. If this is not possible, try to keep the units away from large metal,
concrete, or water-filled objects. (remember that people and trees are both full of water.)
Receivers can be mounted to flash packs using Velcro tape or with the 1/4-20 threaded insert as
long as you are sure that the receiver is mounted such that the antenna is completely above the
top edge of the pack. It is best under all circumstances to avoid any contact between the antenna
of the units and anything metallic.
You may find "dead spots" in some areas. These are caused by a number of different things, but
the solution is almost always the same - try moving the unit a few inches to one side or the other.
Again, try not to put the units behind concrete, metal, hills - anything that absorbs radio.
Advanced uses - 4 channel triggering
When used on channels 1-4 is compatible with the PocketWizard Plus and when used on
channels 1-16 is compatible with the older original PocketWizard. However, the PocketWizard
Max has an additional 16 channels (channels 17 to 32) that allow for more advanced uses.
Please note that channels 17-32 cannot be used with any older PocketWizard products or the
PocketWizard Plus
After you have changed the channel number to one of these channels (for example, channel 17)
on both the Transmitter and Receiver, you will note that the Receiver will have an A, B, C, or D
shown on the LCD display. If you see a large “17 A”, then the receiver is set to channel 17,
subchannel “A”.
The Transmitter will also show, by default, A - B - C - D - L when set to channel 17. If you or
someone else has used your PocketWizard Max before, some or none of the letters may be
showing. To toggle on or off any particular channel, press the appropriate key on the keypad.
So, what does all this mean? You could, for example have four receivers with strobes attached to
them in four corners of a room set up on channel 17A, 17B, 17C and 17D. Then, set your
transmitter to channel 17. If “A - B - C - D - L” are shown on your display, all the receivers will
respond when you trip your camera or press the TEST button. Then, you could press the ‘B’ key.
You will now note that the display shows A - - C - D - L. Note that the “B” has disappeared.
The next time you trip your shutter or press the TEST button, all the strobes except B will
respond and trip their strobe.
Each key on the top row will toggle on or off the respective indicator on the display.
