On 2012-05-17, Pocketwizard released the first round of planned beta firmware for their TT1/TT5 units.
Version 6.021 (TT1/TT5 for CANON) mainly adds compatibility for the new PW module for Sekonic light meters which now has Control-TL channels.
While I do not have one of the new modules, I updated my MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 units because of several new features/fixes that are unrelated to the Sekonic light meter (see Pocketwizard 6.021 release notes [PDF]).
For instance, the “calibration shot” no longer triggers the flashes. The calibration shot is that first shutter actuation you take whenever you turn on the TT1/TT5 that is on the hot shoe of the camera, so that you can sync the Pocketwizard transmitter with the camera body. Before it would always trigger remote flashes changes it so it no longer does. This is not a big deal, but it does alleviate a minor annoyance, especially that frame is always a junk frame (the exposure is always ‘weird’; e.g. clipped / black bar due to shutter curtain not synced, bizarre color cast, etc).
But the one new feature I am happy about is the improved responsiveness of the flash output data communications from the AC3 to the remote flashes.
When using the AC3 on a TT1/TT5 to control power output on a remote flash/strobe, any adjustment made on the AC3 often required the operator to half press the shutter button or hit the test button on the TT1/TT5 to ‘push’ the new power output setting to the remote strobe. This has always been an annoyance to me, albeit minor. But now, whenever you physically rotate the dial on the AC3, it pretty much sends the new power output setting to the remote strobe instantaneously.
I documented this improved performance in a video.
While running anything beta is always risky, I think the improved response time for the TT1/TT5+AC3 is worth upgrading to 6.021 beta. If you’re interested in trying the Pocketwizard beta firmware for your own TT1/TT5 units, head over to the Pocketwizard Beta Lab web page for more information.
