Pocket Wizard PowerMC2 User manual

Quick Guide
MAKE IT POSSIBLE™
Please read this Quick Guide thoroughly before operating. Also, review
the product manuals for your camera, ash systems, and other
PocketWizard radios.
This PocketWizard radio runs on powerful software called
ControlTL
®
- Control The Light. It can be congured for your specic
needs using the PocketWizard Utility which can be downloaded at:
www.PocketWizard.com/support/downloads
The PowerMC2 Receiver requires a transmitting PocketWizard radio and a
compatible Einstein
™
E640 Flash. A transmitting ControlTL radio like a MiniTT1
®
or FlexTT5
®
is required for full functionality.
The PowerMC2 requires no batteries. It is powered from the remote port of your
Einstein
™
E640 Flash.
UPDATE FIRMWARE: Be sure to upgrade all your PocketWizard ControlTL
radios (including this one) to the latest rmware for proper functionality.
For PowerMC2 to function, Einstein
™
E640 Flash must have rmware
version 26 or later installed.
Receiver with
®for Einstein™E640

Status LED / TEST Button
All equipment should be turned OFF when making connections or unwanted triggering or other erratic
behavior may occur.
WARNING: To avoid electrical damage, never connect the PowerMC2 to a USB while it is installed in the
Einstein
™
E640 Flash. Always remove the radio module from the ash pack before connecting it to the USB.
The rst exposure after making initial connections or powering on may not be properly exposed and ash
power levels may not be set as expected. Always test at least twice.
All information in this Quick Guide is subject to change. Visit www.PocketWizard.com/support to nd the
latest ash and features compatibility, Quick Guides, and Owner’s Manuals or visit wiki.pocketwizard.com.
READ ME FIRST:
USB Port
Connector Pins

1. Connect the PowerMC2 to your Einstein
™
E640 Flash
 viatheremoteport,thenpowerontheash.
2. Select the Channel and Zone A, B, or C via the E640’s
LCD.
3. Set up your PocketWizard transmitter and
take pictures normally.
4. Adjust the camera’s Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC) to
 adjustthepowerofyourremoteash.SeetheBasic
Power Control section for more information about FEC.
Make sure all your radios are set to the same
PocketWizard channel.
The Status LED blinks green every few seconds to
indicate normal operation. It will blink red in sync
with a trigger.
MomentarilypressingTESTwilltesttriggertheash.
Your PowerMC2 needs to be on the same channel as your
transmitter. Channels can be set via the E640’s built-in LCD. The PowerMC2 is capable of receiving on either
ControlTL Channels for use with ControlTL radios like the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 or Standard Channels for triggering
with the PlusX, Plus III, Plus II, and MultiMAX.
To set the channel, press the Einstein’s
™
FUNCTION button until the Channel selection box is highlighted and
then change channels with the ADJUST buttons. Press the FUNCTION button again to specify a zone. When using
ControlTL Channels or Standard Channels 17-32, you can specify zone A, B, or C.
To use your PowerMC2:

ControlTL allows you to adjust your remote studio ash’s output
power directly from the camera position in three ways:
Basic Power Control - With just a ControlTL transmitter on your camera, use your camera’s
FECtoadjustremoteashoutputpower.ThisiscalledPowerTracking - Full Manual and is
the default when you are not using an AC3 ZoneController on your ControlTL transmitter. See
the Basic Power Control section for more information.
Automatic PowerTracking - When engaged, any changes to aperture and ISO on your camera
areautomaticallytrackedbyyourremoteashoutputpowertomaintainthecurrentexposure
level. For example, if you open the aperture on your camera by one stop, then the power output
levelonyourremoteashwilldecreasebyonestop.
There are two ways to engage Automatic PowerTracking:
No AC3 ZoneController on your ControlTL transmitter - Set the PowerTracking mode in the PocketWizard Utility
to a setting other than Full Manual for Automatic PowerTracking using just your camera’s controls.
AC3 ZoneController Auto Mode - Add an AC3 ZoneController set to A (Auto) on your ControlTL transmitter to
adjust power output level independently for up to 3 zones of light in conjunction with Automatic PowerTracking.
See those sections, as well as the PocketWizard Utility section, for more information.
AC3 ZoneController Manual Mode – With an AC3 ZoneController on your ControlTL transmitter, you can
havesimpleanddirectcontroloveryourashoutputpower.SeethesectiononUsing an AC3 ZoneController
for more information.
& PowerTracking

With only a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 on your camera, your
camera’s FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation) control
willadjustyourashpoweroutputlevelforallyour
PowerMC2-connectedashesasshowninthetable
on the right.
Nikon: The camera’s FEC or EC (Exposure Compensation)
controlwilladjustashpoweroutputlevel.TheNikonD3
series cameras do not have an FEC adjustment. You can
use the EC adjustment on all Nikon cameras, including the
D3series,wheneveraashpoweroutputleveladjustment
is needed.
Canon: Both the camera’s ISO and FEC controls will adjust
ashpoweroutputlevel.ChangestoFECwilladjustash
power output level as shown in the table on the right. Changes
fromtheISOusedforyourrstpicturewilladjustashoutput
powerlevelrelativetoFEC.Forexample,ifyourrstpicture
wasatISO200,andyouadjustedISOdownto100,yourash
power level would be 1 stop brighter for all FEC settings.
This operation assumes PowerTracking is set to Full Manual in
the PocketWizard Utility which is the default.
You can use any PocketWizard receiving radios together in the
same exposure, including other ControlTL radios. Remember
thatstudioandmanualashoutputwillnotbecalculatedas
part of an E-TTL / i-TTL exposure.
Basic Power Control
Camera FEC/EC
- or -
AC3 Power Dial
in Manual
+ 3
+ 2.7
+ 2.3
+ 2
+ 1.7
+ 1.3
+ 1
+ 0.7
+ 0.3
- 0
- 0.3
- 0.7
- 1
- 1.3
- 1.7
- 2
- 2.3
- 2.7
- 3
Einstein™E640
Power Output
1/1
1/2 + 0.6
1/2 + 0.3
1/2
1/4 + 0.6
1/4 + 0.3
1/4
1/8 + 0.6
1/8 + 0.3
1/8
1/16 + 0.6
1/16 + 0.3
1/16
1/32 + 0.6
1/32 + 0.3
1/32
1/64 + 0.6
1/64 + 0.3
1/64

ControlTL®Center Point: The center point for all ControlTL operations, including Basic Power Control, PowerTracking, or
whenusinganAC3ZoneController,is3stopsdownfromyourash’smaximum.Forexample,inBasicPowerControlthis
means0onyourcamera’sFECequals1/8onyourashandFEC+3equals1/1(fullpower).Thissettingmaybe
customized using the PocketWizard Utility under the PowerTracking tab.
Camera FEC Range and Basic Power Control: You can change the center point to better match your camera’s FEC
range by adjusting the Flash Exposure Compensation control in the PocketWizard Utility for each PowerMC2.
ThissettingmustbeconguredoneachreceivingPowerMC2radio.
Camera FEC
Range
Maximum remote
Einstein™E640 power
level available using
default settings
Minimum remote
Einstein™ E640 power
level available using
default settings
Set each
PowerMC2 FEC
so camera
maximum FEC
equals ash
maximum
output power
Set each
PowerMC2 FEC
so camera
minimum FEC
equals ash
minimum
output power
Canon +3 / -3 1/1 at FEC +3 1/64 at FEC -3 0 -2
Canon +2 / -2 1/2 at FEC +2 1/32 at FEC -2 +1 -3
Nikon +1 / -3 1/4 at FEC +1 1/64 at FEC -3 +2 -2

Using an AC3 ZoneController
AnAC3ZoneControlleronyourtransmittingControlTLradioallowsyoutoadjusttheremoteashoutputpowerforup
to 3 zones independently, in either Manual or Automatic modes.
Set the Zone on your PowerMC2-equipped Einstein
™
E640 Flash to Zone A, B, or C as desired.
Manual Mode:
WithanAC3ZoneSwitchsettoM(Manual),theAC3PowerDialforthatzonesetstheabsoluteashpoweroutputas
showninthetableforBasicPowerControl.Yourcamera’sFEC/EC,ISO,andaperturecontrolswillnotaffecttheash
output power levels for AC3 zones set to M.
Automatic Mode:
With an AC3 Zone Switch set to A (Automatic), Automatic PowerTracking using Center on ISO & Aperture with First Shot
is engaged. See the Automatic PowerTracking section for more information. The AC3 Power Dial for a zone sets the
ashpoweroutputlevelforthatzonerelativetotheControlTLcenterpoint.Yourcamera’sFECcontrolcanbeusedto
adjustashoutputpowerlevelforallzonessettoA(Auto).
Off:
WithanAC3ZoneSwitchsettoØ(Off),ashesinthatzonewillnottrigger.

Automatic PowerTracking
When Automatic PowerTracking is engaged, any changes to aperture and ISO on your camera are automatically
trackedbyyourremoteashoutputpowertomaintainthecurrentexposurelevel.Forexample,ifyouopentheaperture
onyourcamerabyonestop,thenthepoweroutputlevelonyourremoteashwilldecreasebyonestop.
To engage Automatic PowerTracking when you are not using an AC3 ZoneController, set the PowerTracking mode to
a setting other than Full Manual. This is done in the PocketWizard Utility for your transmitting ControlTL radio only.
PowerTracking has several modes of operation available. See the PocketWizard Utility section on adjusting this setting
via the PowerTracking Tab for more information.
The following directions are for the PowerTracking mode Center on ISO & Aperture with First Shot.
Inthismode,theapertureandISOassetonthecamerafortherstexposurewillbealignedwiththeControlTLcenter
point(3stopsdownfromyourash’smaximumoutputpower).ForexampleifyourcameraissettoISO100andF:5.6
foritsrstexposure,thenthoseexposuresettingswillyieldaashoutputpowerof1/8.SeetheControlTL Center Point
section for more information.
To set the aperture and ISO values that will be aligned with the ControlTL center point:
1. Turn on your camera and transmitting MiniTT1 or FlexTT5, but wait to press your shutter button or take any pictures.
2. Set the aperture and ISO you wish to align with the center point. Set the shutter speed as desired, however changes
to shutter speed will not affect PowerTracking.
3. Press the shutter button to take a picture. The center point is now aligned with your aperture and ISO settings.
4. Use your camera’s FEC control to get the exposure the way you want it. If you are unable to achieve the exposure
you want using this control, try adjusting the Flash Exposure Compensation control in the PocketWizard Utility for
each PowerMC2, use a different aperture or ISO, or consider an AC3 ZoneController.
5.Asyouadjustyourcamera’sISOandaperture,ashpoweroutputwillautomaticallytracktomaintainthecurrent
exposure level.

To change the values used for the center point, turn off your transmitter then turn it back on and follow these steps
again. See the PowerTracking Tab in the PocketWizard Utility section below for more information.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Shooting in Shutter Priority/Tv, Program, Full Auto, or shooting quickly or making rapid exposure
changesisnotrecommended.Theashvaluesmaychangerapidlyandyourremoteashmaynotbeabletokeepup.
Honoryourash’sreadywaittimeor“dump”asnecessary.
FEC NOTE: Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC) can be set in many places and all values are added together.
FECcanbeset:
• OnthePowerDialsoftheAC3ZoneController
• OnthecameraforallzonesexceptAC3Manualzones
• Fortransmittingradios,thePocketWizardUtilitycanadjustthePowerTrackingcenterpointforISOandaperture
which affects all zones
• ForaPowerMC2,thePocketWizardUtilitycanadjustFECforthedirectlyconnectedashonthePowerTrackingtab
IfthecombinedFECsettingsaremoreorlessthanyourash’scapabilities,thentheashwilloperateatmaximumor
minimum output accordingly.

PocketWizard Utility
Some settings require the PocketWizard Utility software and your ControlTL radio
connected to a computer via the Mini-USB port. Download the Utility at:
www.PocketWizard.com/support
WARNING: To avoid electrical damage, never connect the PowerMC2 to a USB while it is installed in the Einstein
™
E640Flash.AlwaysremovetheradiomodulefromtheashpackbeforeconnectingittotheUSB.
PowerMC2 Receiver Utility settings:
Exposure Tab
Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC):Offsetsexposurefortheconnectedashonly.Thissettingcanbeused
asasimpleFECcontrolforanindividualash,oritcanbeusedtosetashesonthesamezonetodifferentpower
outputs or to balance them. This setting is cumulative with other FEC values set in the system. This control can also
be used to adjust where the PowerTracking center point aligns with your camera’s FEC control. See the FEC NOTE and
Camera FEC Range section for more information. Default = 0.0
Sleep Tab
Modeling Light Sleep: The modeling light will turn off after the set time if no triggers are received. Uncheck the box to
have the modeling light stay on. Default = Enabled at 600 seconds (10 minutes)
Hibernate: When an Einstein™ E640 Flash is turned off, it’s actually in STANDBY Mode and can be turned on remotely
via a ControlTL radio. Uncheck the box to have the E640 never automatically power off.
Default = Enabled at 60 minutes
IMPORTANT: Make sure to press the Set Conguration button to save your settings.

FlexTT5 or MiniTT1 Transmitter settings that affect the use of a
PowerMC2:
Modeling Tab
Modeling Light Control: Check this box to control modeling light behavior from the transmitter. Default = Enabled
Control Mode: Determines when the modeling light will go to its active setting. Set to Camera Wake to have the
modeling light go active when the camera’s shutter release is half-pressed. Set to AF-Assist to have the modeling light
go active only when the camera requests auto-focus assist. Default = Camera Wake
Modeling Light Autotrack: Enable this control for the modeling light level to track with the camera exposure
or AC3 Power Dial settings. Default = Enabled
Modeling Light Active XX%: Sets the active output level of the modeling light if Autotrack is not used.
Default = 100%
Modeling Light Sleep: Check this box to have the modeling light automatically go to a set output level after
a set time. If this box is unchecked, the modeling light will never sleep. Default = Enabled
Modeling Light Sleep XX%: Sets the output level of the modeling light when it sleeps. Default = 10%
Modeling Light Delay After Camera Sleeps: Sets the number of seconds after the camera sleeps (meters go
inactive) when the modeling light will go to its sleep value. Default = 30 seconds

PowerTracking Tab
PowerTracking Control: AdjustshowControlTL-capableremotestudioashes,likeashesconnectedtoa
PowerMC2, respond to the AC3 ZoneController in Auto Mode, or to a ControlTL Transmitter with no AC3. See the
ControlTL & PowerTracking section for information.
Full Manual (default): Turns off PowerTracking for aperture and ISO. See the Basic Power Control section
for more information.
Nikon: WithnoAC3ZoneControlleronthetransmitter,onlythecamera’sFEC/ECcontrolwilladjustash 
power output level.
Canon: WithnoAC3ZoneControlleronthetransmitter,thecamera’sISOandFECcontrolswilladjustash
power output level.
With an AC3 ZoneController on the transmitter, any zones set to Auto Mode will operate as Center on ISO
& Aperture with First Shot (see below) when this control is set to Full Manual. AC3 Manual Mode
 canbeusedtoadjustashoutputpowermanuallywithanAC3.
Center on ISO & Aperture with First Shot: ApertureandISOassetonthecamerafortherstexposure 
 willbealignedwiththeControlTLcenterpoint(3stopsdownfromyourash’smaximumoutputpower).For 
 exampleifyourcameraissettoISO100andF:5.6foritsrstexposure,thenthoseexposuresettingswillyield
 aashoutputpowerof1/8.Adjustmentstoaperture,ISO,andFECwilladjustashoutputpoweraccordingly,
as will adjusting the Power Dial on AC3 zone in Auto Mode. See the Automatic PowerTracking section
for more information.
Center on ISO & Aperture: Lets you set the aperture and ISO that will be aligned with the ControlTL center
 point(3stopsdownfromyourash’smaximumoutputpower).Adjustthedrop-downboxesfortheAperture 
Center-On and ISO Center-On values you want to use.

Center on Aperture Only: PowerTracking will only work with aperture changes. Set the desired aperture using
the Aperture Center-On control. ISO changes will be ignored for PowerTracking for Nikon cameras, and FEC/ISO
changes for Canon cameras.
Center on ISO Only: PowerTracking will only work with ISO changes for Nikon cameras and FEC/ISO changes for
Canon cameras. Set the desired ISO using the ISO Center-On control. Aperture changes will be ignored
for PowerTracking.
No Change (trigger only): Turns off PowerTracking and the Power Dials on the AC3 ZoneController will not
 adjustthepoweroutputofyourremoteash.Usethissettingifanotherphotographeriscontrollingtheash’s 
 manualpoweroutput,likewhensharingasheswithanotherphotographerandyouwanttousetheexactsame 
 manualashoutputpower.
For other PocketWizard Utility settings, refer to the documentation for the MiniTT1, FlexTT5, AC3 ZoneController,
PowerST4 for Elinchrom, or other ControlTL radios or accessories.
P owerMC2 radio information (RECEIVE ONLY):
340.00 – 354.00 MHz, US FCC/IC
433.42 – 434.42 MHz, CE
IMPORTANT: US FCC / Canada frequency radios are NOT compatible with CE frequency radios or Japan frequency
radiosandviceversa.Formoreinformationonfrequency,pleasegoto:
www.PocketWizard.com/wheretobuy/frequency
Temperature
OperatingTemperature:Above-15°C(5°F)andbelow50°C(120°F)
StorageTemperature:Above-30°C(-22°F)andbelow85°C(185°F)

PocketWizard.com
10208 v1.2
Warranty:
This PocketWizard product is covered under a two-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. For warranty details, and to
register your product, please go to www.PocketWizard.com/support or contact your local PocketWizard Distributor.
Distributor contact information can also be found at www.PocketWizard.com. To receive a copy of the two-year limited
manufacturer’s warranty on this PocketWizard product, e-mail us at w[email protected] or write to us at
LPADesign,Inc.,21GregoryDrive,Suite140,SouthBurlington,VT05403,UnitedStatesofAmerica,Attn:Warranty.
©2011,2013LPADesign,Inc.Allrightsreserved.Productfeaturesandspecicationsaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.PocketWizard,ControlTL,MiniTT1,
FlexTT5, PowerST4, AC3, AC9, HyperSync, PlusX, Plus III, 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.
Einstein™is a trademark of Paul C. Buff
Formoreinformationonthisproduct,includingdetailedfeatures,specications,etc.,gotowww.PocketWizard.com or wiki.pocketwizard.com.
Patents:www.pwpatents.com
MAKE IT POSSIBLE™