Sekonic L-758DR won't fire PW Flex TT5

[wcameron]

I'm struggling through the transition from PW II+'s to the flex and mini. I've finally figured out how to get flashes flashing (not always easy with these ones as compared to the II+'s)

One thing that just won't happen, is my 758DR firing a 580exII atop my Flex TT5.

Help please.

[TMR Design]

I'm struggling through the transition from PW II+'s to the flex and mini. I've finally figured out how to get flashes flashing (not always easy with these ones as compared to the II+'s)

One thing that just won't happen, is my 758DR firing a 580exII atop my Flex TT5.

Help please.

Are you sure you have the transmit channel set correctly on the Sekonic L-758DR?

[wcameron]

Thx TMR I think I have the right channel set. I have the Flex set to channel 1. With the terrible documentation who really ever knows.

When I connect to the PocketWizard Utility it tells me that Configuration C1 (Channel 1?) is set to ControlTL Tx Channel 1, Standard Tx Channel 1, Use ControlTL for Rx Channel (yes whatever that might mean) = ControlTL Rx Channel 1

If that all somehow means that Channel 1 = Channel 1 Then I'm all set up correctly. My kingdom for some English

I should also clarify, the Flex was purchased at B&H US and the 758 was purchased in Canada. My PW II+'s were also purchased at B&H and the 758 fires them without a problem so I know the transmitter IS the correct North American frequency.

Thanks for your help. It seems the manual talks a lot about the unit and nothing about the terrible software.

[TMR Design]

Thx TMR I think I have the right channel set. I have the Flex set to channel 1. With the terrible documentation who really ever knows.

When I connect to the PocketWizard Utility it tells me that Configuration C1 (Channel 1?) is set to ControlTL Tx Channel 1, Standard Tx Channel 1, Use ControlTL for Rx Channel (yes whatever that might mean) = ControlTL Rx Channel 1

If that all somehow means that Channel 1 = Channel 1 Then I'm all set up correctly. My kingdom for some English

I should also clarify, the Flex was purchased at B&H US and the 758 was purchased in Canada. My PW II+'s were also purchased at B&H and the 758 fires them without a problem so I know the transmitter IS the correct North American frequency.

Thanks for your help. It seems the manual talks a lot about the unit and nothing about the terrible software.

OK, so with the PW Plus II's set to channel 1, does the Sekonic meter fire them? That will tell us if the meter is set to transmit on channel 1.

[wcameron]

Yes. I've used the PW II+'s for over a year with this meter. It's just the flex that I can't get to work.

I appreciate your patience. It's always tough when your doing tech support online.

Thanks Rob (just noticed your sig - sorry for not reading closer earlier)

I'd love to learn what the cryptic terms like ControlTL Tx and Standard Tx even mean. There seems to be no definition in the user's guide.

[wcameron]

Anybody else have any ideas on this? Can anyone else get their Sekonic to fire the Flex?

With the Sekonic set to channel 1, if I click the test button, the red signal light on the Plus IIs indicates a signal, but not on the Flex. The test button on my Mini causes a red light on both the Plus IIs AND the Flex.

While I haven't been able to find the previous similar thread that I read, I believe the person solved it by going to the config program and deselecting the "Use ControlTL for Rx Channel".

I just found the "Help" button on the PocketWizard Utility and checked out the info on this button. Here is what it says:

"Use ControlTL for Rx Channel Check Box

Check this box to have the FlexTT5 radio listen on a ControlTL channel (set below with ControlTL Rx Channel).
Uncheck this box to listen on a Standard channel (set below with Standard Rx Channel). E-TTL II commands will not be received.
Receiving radios can only listen on one channel at a time; either ControlTL or Standard. If your transmitter is a MiniTT1 radio and you are triggering a remote radio that is expected to respond to E-TTL II commands, then you must use a ControlTL channel. If your transmitter is a Plus II or MultiMAX radio, then use a Standard channel.

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 flashes. The ControlTL system synchronizes both triggers precisely."

Does this mean that I'm basically screwed if I want the option of using both manual AND ETTL with the Flex in terms of using my Sekonic to fire them? My inference is that If I want it to read ETTL signals, then I have to keep listening on the ControlTL Channel, but if I want to use my Sekonic, I need to connect to my computer, change this setting and then I'll be able to trigger the Flex.

AAAARRRGGHH

So here's my solution - and it really sucks because it really means that I have ONLY one effective PW channel

On the PWUtility go to Config CI
-Select ControlTL and Standard TX Channel 1
-Select Use ControlTL for RX Channel
-this will allow you to use ETTL with the Flex and Mini set to C1

Now on the PWUtility go to Config C2
-Select ControlTL and Standard TX Channel 1
-DESELCT Use ControlTL for RX Channel
-Change Standard RX Channel to Channel 1
-This will allow you to use the Sekonic to trigger the Flex like a normal PW Plus II+ with the Flex set to C2 and the PW II+ and Sekonic set to Channel 1

Essentially, config 1 is your ETTL trigger on C1 and config 2 is your standard trigger with the flex and mini set to C2 and Sekonic and PW II+ set to Channel 1

Works, but sucks. Hope I never find a busy airspace without a laptop.

[Palladium]

I think I read it in the manual - put you flash in "M" mode not the "ETTL" for fire the Sekonic. At least on my 358.

Whatever standard channel you using on the flex make sure your meter is also set to the channel and your flash in "M".

[Palladium]

a couple of quotes from Patrick of PW from the PW FlickR thread

http://www.flickr.com/groups/pocketwizards/discuss/72157615680009991/

patrick.clow (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21782937@N02/) says:

The Sekonic meters *can* trigger the FlexTT5 just fine when the FlexTT5 is listening in Standard Channel mode. The Sekonic meters won't trigger them in ControlTL (the E-TTL II) mode as the meters don't know those channels.

The LEARN mode thing is because the Sekonic meters put out 3 little pulses when you trigger them, and then stop. This is not enough for the new radios to find them when scanning through the channels in LEARN mode. You *might* be able to teach the new units from a Sekonic if you triggered the Sekonic like you were playing Nintendo Track & Field, but even then, it would be some work. Best bet would be to set the FlexTT5 channel on the computer to match the Sekonic, and then use it normally.

~ Patrick from PocketWizard





1. The Sekonic module can use all 32 of PocketWizard's Standard Channels. Channels 17 and higher can use zones. So you set the Sekonic to Transmit on 25 A (via its menus), and set the FlexTT5 to receive on Standard Channel 25 (via the computer) and set the Zone using the ABC switch on the side of the Flex. You would then connect up your flash to the Flex in manual mode. Press the button on the Sekonic and the remote flash will trigger. Use any other PocketWizard transmitter set to the same channel (new or old) on your camera and it triggers from there, too. Note, the Sekonic cannot be hooked up to the camera to be an on-camera transmitter.

[wcameron]

Thanks Palladium. Your post reiterates some of my discoveries from my previous post. IF you want to use the flex for any ETTL work, then the "Use ControTL for RX Channel" option must be selected. This option though will prevent the Sekonic from being able to fire the flash atop the FlexTT5.

If you want to use the Flex (along with your PW II+ units) with your Sekonic with the flashes in manual mode then you must deselect the "Use ControlTL for RX Channel" option. This will allow the Sekonic to fire but you won't be able to the ETTL options of the Flex.

My solution, detailed above allows me to use C1 to fire a flash on the Flex in ETTL mode. C2 changes the flex into Standard Mode so that it can work WITH your traditional PW II+ units and the Sekonic on Channel 1.

Unfortunately it leaves me with only one effective channel. Channel 1 with ETTL or Channel 1 in Standard Mode.

[Raceshooter]

I think a lot of the frustration with these units would be solved by Pocket Wizard presenting the User Guide in a little smarter way. If you go 'online' and download the updates, they are so concerned with what they've fixed, that it's thrown at the user first.

I've done some serious tech writing and course development work in the past.

Here's a free tip!

1. Give an overview of how your product works.
2. Make sure you introduce the reader to all and any acronyms, new concepts, and terms.
3. Illustrate a working example of the setup.
4. If possible (or necessary) give another example.
5. Summarize what they accomplished.
6. NOW is the time to show what enhancements and fixes you done. Start with the oldest and and end with the newest.

I think PW will, if not solve their rush to deliver a completely tested product, will at least quit adding to the customer irritation.

PS I'm available!

[Steve Wintrow]

if you are using ettl mode for the flex and flash you do not need to use the meter. i found if you set the flash.... 580 EX or 430 EXII to manual you can use your meter and the sekonic will fire the flash. the manual setting is the only time you would need your meter.

[Shenanigans]

Steve, is setting the flash to Manual all you had to do?

I tried this today with my L-758DR, FlexTT5, 580EX-II set to manual. The Sekonic still will not fire the flash.

[TMR Design]

You must set your flash to manual to use the Sekonic to meter and to do consistently.

[george m w]

I tried this today with my L-758DR, FlexTT5, 580EX-II set to manual. The Sekonic still will not fire the flash.
Shenanigans....did you get your Sekonic to fire your flash ?

[Shenanigans]

I sure did. I followed "wcameron" instructions posted above and I reprogrammed one of the FlexTT5 units. My C2 settings turned out slightly different than in his post, but the Sekonic L758-DR now fires that unit.

I'll take some before and after screen shots and post them here today or tomorrow. I'd like to get some help figuring out what exactly I did and what, if any, features of this FlexTT5 I turned off in order for it to work with the Sekonic.

I have two more FlexTT5 to program, so when I do that, I'll get the screen shots.

[george m w]

I sure did. I followed "wcameron" instructions posted.....
Sounds good. I have not used mine yet for control TL....so far all I'm using them for is 'dumb triggers' for the alienbees, but eventually, I want to play with them to run the speedlite in ETTL.

Thanks,

[RLipp69]

good stuff

[F4 Cyborg]

I'm curious, why you would need to use your flash meter in ETTL mode? When I use my 608 I am setting manual output of the lights the way I want them.

[jemurphy99]

Here's a new question I would appreciate knowing the answer to....!

If I have a miniTT1 on my 40D with no flash mounted and have a TT5 with a 580EX ii mounted.... when I rotate (zoom in/out) my zoom lens (70-200 or whatever) will the flash head on the 580EX ii automatically adjust as it does when the flash is simply mounted directly on the camera? I don't see it happening and I wonder if there's a setting I've missed!!!! I'm not even sure if it is "supposed" to do that via the PW TT5.

Thanks!

Jim

[k_strecker]

Here's a new question I would appreciate knowing the answer to....!

If I have a miniTT1 on my 40D with no flash mounted and have a TT5 with a 580EX ii mounted.... when I rotate (zoom in/out) my zoom lens (70-200 or whatever) will the flash head on the 580EX ii automatically adjust as it does when the flash is simply mounted directly on the camera? I don't see it happening and I wonder if there's a setting I've missed!!!! I'm not even sure if it is "supposed" to do that via the PW TT5.

Thanks!

Jim

The zoom setting of the flash auto-sets to 35mm . . . unless you set the flash zoom manually to something else.

You wouldn't want your off-camera flash auto-zooming when you zoom the lens on-camera. You'd get funky results.

what you see is normal. Best practice is to manually set the zoom level of the flash for the look that you want.

[jemurphy99]

Thanks!! That's what I figured. It wouldn't make sense for the flash to zoom to 105mm for example, if the flash was only 10 feet away from the subject but the camera and photographer were 60 ft away zoomed in to 200mm. I just got the TT5 yesterday. I've had the TT1 for a month or so and it works great with my Plus IIs. Hope I have no RF issues. So far, so good.

Thanks again!!

[picworx]

Just received my Flex TT5's today and have read some of the posts above, I have unselected the ControlTL and left the standard channel to 1 and it won't fire.

I have also reset the TT5 back to factory defaults and still no luck firing the 580EX in manual mode


argggghhh

[PacAce]

Just received my Flex TT5's today and have read some of the posts above, I have unselected the ControlTL and left the standard channel to 1 and it won't fire.

I have also reset the TT5 back to factory defaults and still no luck firing the 580EX in manual mode


argggghhh

Make sure you have the receiver channel set instead of the transmit channel in the Channel tab, as show in the screenshot below (circled in red):

413629


Also, make sure that "Transmitter Only Mode" is not checked in the "Misc" tab.

After you've made your change, make sure to click on the "Set Both Configs" button at the bottom of the window. (The screen will gray out and then come back after the config is done).

413626


After configuring the FlexTT5, unplug the unit from the USB cable and then press and hold the Test button while turning on the unit (to C1 or C2). Keep the Test button pressed down until the 2nd blink of light flashes twice (about 3 seconds after switching the unit on). Then turn off the unit.

Set the Sekonic to whatever Standard channel you set the FlexTT5 to.

BTW, I'm assuming that you're trying to trigger your flash, set to manual mode, with the Sekonic meter or a legacy PW unit like the Plust II since the FlexTT5 won't work in E-TTL mode if its set to receive on the Standard Channels.

[picworx]

Ok I didn't do the transmitter check box, I will copy these settings exactly and try them right now

[PacAce]

Ok I didn't do the transmitter check box, I will copy these settings exactly and try them right now

By default, "Transmitter Only Mode" would be unchecked so, unless you went out of your way to check it, it should still be unchecked but it's good to make sure it is not.

If you still can't get your FlexTT5 to fire, post the settings (all the tabs) of you FlexTT5 here so we can take a look at it.

[picworx]

Ok no luck my version of the utility is a bit newer than yours but the settings seem the same, I have configed it like your screen shots and did a reset and then tried channel 1 and no fire then tried channel 22 but it wants an A,B,C,D on the Sekonic L-358

[PacAce]

Ok no luck my version of the utility is a bit newer than yours but the settings seem the same, I have configed it like your screen shots and did a reset and then tried channel 1 and no fire then tried channel 22 but it wants an A,B,C,D on the Sekonic L-358

I have the latest (beta) firmware installed on my FlexTT5 and PocketWiard Utility v1.18.9. What version of the FlexTT5 and PW Utility do you have. I'll see if I can load the same firmware and utility to duplicate your problem.

This is how you check your firmware level, if you're not sure (the App version build):

413633

[picworx]

Force TTL Mode was checked I also unchecked it but no luck,

whats the best way to post the settings?

[picworx]

Mine is version 4 build 300 and the utility is 1.18

[PacAce]

Force TTL Mode was checked I also unchecked it but no luck,

whats the best way to post the settings?

I just take a screen shot and post it. With Windows, make sure the PW Utility is active and press and hold the Alt key and the press the Print Scrn key. The clipboard will contain the screen image of your PW Utility window. Paste it into PS or any other image editor.

For the Mac, press and hold the Command key and the Shift key and then press the 4 key. Use the mouse to select the area of the screen you want to a screen shot of. The screen shot file will be saved on your Desktop.

[picworx]

ok here is the misc tab

[PacAce]

Mine is version 4 build 300 and the utility is 1.18

Just reset my FlexTT5 to v4 built 300 and it's working as expected. Are you sure you have your flash set to Manual mode? If the flash is in E-TTL mode, it will not fire even though the FlexTT5 will flash the LCD in red when triggered.

BTW, if you're up to it, you might want to download the latest version (4.374) which is in Beta right now. There are a lot of fixes in it which the current release version doesn't have. You can download the beta from here:

http://www.pocketwizard.com/support/downloads/beta

[picworx]

absolutely its in Manual mode I read that earlier in some of the posts, in the config you show earlier what channel should the sekonic L-358 be set to, the module is new out of the box from adorama today

[PacAce]

absolutely its in Manual mode I read that earlier in some of the posts, in the config you show earlier what channel should the sekonic L-358 be set to, the module is new out of the box from adorama today

Hmm, not sure what the issue may be with your FlexTT5. Maybe there's something the matter with it and needs to be exchanged. I did notice that your unit is much older than my oldest unit I got from B&H on Nov 8. The hardware version on that unit is 107-105. The newest one I have has a hardware version of 108-112. Yours shows as 107. Your serial number is lower, too.

[picworx]

woooooh it works now with the sekonic on channel 1 within 1 ft of the TT5 but anything greater forget it,

[PacAce]

woooooh it works now with the sekonic on channel 1 within 1 ft of the TT5 but anything greater forget it,

Did you remember to put up the antenna? I had the same issue with range when I forgot to put up the antenna. Makes me wonder how many people complain about the distance they're getting when they just plain forgot to put up the antenna,

[picworx]

yes its up for sure and I pointed it toward the sekonic at different angles and distance is still no go past a couple feet using my 580 EXII , your config shows channel 1 on your unit how far do you get and what flash do you have and is it shielded with the new AC5 soft shield?

[PacAce]

yes its up for sure and I pointed it toward the sekonic at different angles and distance is still no go past a couple feet using my 580 EXII , your config shows channel 1 on your unit how far do you get and what flash do you have and is it shielded with the new AC5 soft shield?

I have the 580EX II. Although I got more than the 1 foot distance you got, I was surprised at how short a distance I'm getting with the Sekonic (I have L-558R) as the trigger. I'm getting around 25 ft. with both the 580EX II and the 580EX II. I can get a much greather range with my 550EX. My house isn't long enough to see what the limit is with the 550EX but is a lot more than with the 580EX or 580EX II.

My AC5 hasn't arrived yet so, no, I'm not using it.

[picworx]

I guess my concern now is that using the Sekonic to trigger these units in manual is useless to me as my speedlights will be further away than a few feet, at this point I plan to call PW and see what they say

[whitedog]

I too had the same problem not being able to fire my FlexTT5's with the Seconic L758DR. But now it's working perfectly. To reinterate what Patrick explained, when you run the PocketWizard Utility, you are shown "Configuration C1" and "Configuration C2". I kept "Config C1" as is so that I am able to use the C1 setting to fire my Canon 580EXII's in ETTL mode (Sekonic not involved here). Then I changed the settings for "Config C2" by UNCHECKING the "Use ControlTL for Rx Channel" box, and then set the "Standard Tx" to Channel 2 (but you can use any channel). Now, if I want to just use the 580EXII's in ETTL mode while connected to the TT5's, I use C1 setting on the TT5. If I want to use my Sekonic to fire/measure the flash (s), then I set my TT5 to C2 setting. Works just as promised. The main thing to keep in mind here is you must use "Standard Tx", NOT "ControlTL Tx" if you want Sekonic to fire /measure the flash. Use "ControlTL Tx" only for the ETTL modes without the Sekonic.

However, another way to measure the light coming from the flash or multiple flashes, is to set the Sekonic on Flash Setting (little flash icon - looks like lightning bolt). Next set your shutter speed on the Sekonic to match camera. Then press the measure button on the Sekonic and place it in the appropriate place in the scene. You now have 90 seconds to take your shot and the Sekonic will record the light from the flash (s).

Regards,
Bob

[Shenanigans]

How old is the battery in your meter? If it is very old and weak, it would explain the one foot range.

[whitedog]

How old is the battery in your meter? If it is very old and weak, it would explain the one foot range.
Agree with Shenanigans....my Sekonic meter works fine from quite some distance (I've used it at nearly 100yds away). So check your battery.

Bob

[-AP-]

Good thread, it helped me a lot getting the 358 to fire. I would like to be able to adjust the flash with the AC3 but that doesn't look possible with the above stated settings.

EDIT: This pretty much sums up the AC3 and Sekonic wireless module.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkLqmmnfybs&feature=youtube_gdata

[mikewinburn]

here's a couple links that can be of benefit for those entering this arena now, though this is an older thread:

A Video showing you how to set your TT5 to receive Sekonic Triggering:

http://www.youtube.com/user/pocketwizardvids#p/u/8/zOOq3sX6Ki4

A less than clear, and marginally helpful explanation from the PocketWizard updated site:
(Using the pocket Wizard Utility)
http://www.pocketwizard.com/inspirations/tutorials/pocketwizard_utility/

[phillip2446]

i have 10 tt5 for my canon 580 ex2 flashes and 2 ac3. i have updated all the firmware for all the units.
i did the uncheck box for configuration 2 and changed the channels. i have done this so many times today. i have reset to factory default and updated everything then redid the settings. it is so frustrating that is does not work. the tt5 sees the signal from the 758dr but it won't fire the flash. i cannot figure this out. help please.

thanks

[Duff]

I ran into the same problem last night with the TT5/AC9 attached to my AB1600s. It would light jup the red light in that mode, but would not fire the strobes. I am beginning to believe that this is due to the complicated nature that the PW "talks" to these flashes, rather than just triggering them with a shorted circuit.

I would sure love some insight into how to get things to work like they used to with my +IIs AND still be able to uhse my AC3 to set the manual light levels. I understand that with the lights in Auto mode, the level is being adjusted and set by the camera dynamically, but you should be able to set them manually and then meter and have that set off the lights.

I love the versatility of these things, but HATE the complexity and lack of true documentation.

[roomak]

Uncheck ControlTL from PW settings.
Choose and remember channel.
Remember if it was C1 or C2 :D
Set that C switch to the right one in transmitter and receiver
Set that channel in lightmeter
change flash setting from TTL to M.
You're good to go.

[markhyo]

I ran into the same problem last night with the TT5/AC9 attached to my AB1600s. It would light jup the red light in that mode, but would not fire the strobes. I am beginning to believe that this is due to the complicated nature that the PW "talks" to these flashes, rather than just triggering them with a shorted circuit.

I would sure love some insight into how to get things to work like they used to with my +IIs AND still be able to uhse my AC3 to set the manual light levels. I understand that with the lights in Auto mode, the level is being adjusted and set by the camera dynamically, but you should be able to set them manually and then meter and have that set off the lights.

I love the versatility of these things, but HATE the complexity and lack of true documentation.

I posted this in another thread but here's how you can use Sekonic meters with the PW Mini/Flex while using controlTL to change power settings on various flashes:

Here's what I recommend and how I use my PW's with my 2 - 430EXII's and AB800 w/AC9. Since you can't trigger the flashes with the L-358 when using ControlTL you can sort of work around it. If you don't already have an AC3 get one!!! This will make life so much easier. I left my Config 1 & 2 (C1 and C2) in the Control TL1 mode. C1 is set to channel 18 and C2 is set to Channel 2. It really doesn't matter what the channels are but just use what works best for you.

With the AC3 instead of using A or Automatic mode change it to Manual mode or M. You still leave your flashes in Ettl but this will allow you to change the power of the flashes manually with the AC3. To meter your lights simply set it to power level you want to start with on AC3. Set your meter to Cordless mode and press the meter button. The meter will now wait to see a flash and give you a reading once detected. Use the test button on the miniTT1 to fire your flashes. When you use the test button it will stay at the power you last dialed on the AC3. Using it this way defeats the purpose of the PW module for the Sekonic L-358 (or 758) but you will still have control over your flashes without physically walking over to them every time you need to make a change.

Another reason to use the AC3 is that you have 3 groups to work with. If you have one flash in group A and another in group B you can physically turn off group A and concentrate on metering the other group. Then you can switch, repeat rinse.

I don't know if PW will come up with a new controlTL module for the L-358 but for now this seems to work best.

@Duff as for the AB flashes not firing with the AC9 what I've found when using it with the TT5 you should turn on your AB first and make sure the power is set to the maximum power setting! Then turn the TT5 on and you should be good to go! If the power is not set to the max setting many times the recycle light will just stay red on the AB and the when triggering the flash you'll see the red light blink on the TT5 but nothing happens. Occasionally you'll might hear a click from the AB but it never goes off. Give that a try and let me know how it works out.

[Methodical]

With the latest update, the Sekonic trigger is a moot point. With the latest update, you can remove the TT1 from the camera and trigger the flash using the test button. So using the AC3, I can adjust the manual power from the spot I am taking the reading (i.e. don't have to go to the flash to make any adjustments). Easy as pie now.

It makes getting the AC3 even a better deal now. I wonder if they are going to jack up it's price.

Quote from PW:

About Flash Power Control without a Camera

Photographers can now take their AC3 and transmitting radio off-camera and use it to set power levels for any flash with a ControlTL receiver, making it more convenient to use an optically triggered light meter, or control the power levels with just a MiniTT1/FlexTT5 and AC3 in their hand while another photographer takes the pictures. Previously, an AC3 ZoneController on a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 needed to be on camera to send manual power levels to remote flashes. Now, when connected to a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5, manual power levels are transmitted to remote flashes when the TEST button is pressed even when the transmitter is off the camera. This affects both speedlights connected to receiving FlexTT5s and larger flashes like AlienBees and Elinchrom RX units with ControlTL receivers.

Disclaimer: I use 2 580 exIIs and the Sekonic L308s.

[KurtGoss]

With the latest update, the Sekonic trigger is a moot point. With the latest update, you can remove the TT1 from the camera and trigger the flash using the test button.

I just tried it and it works... no need for the PW transmitter in the Sekonic anymore.

[Duff]

Quote from PW:

About Flash Power Control without a Camera

Photographers can now take their AC3 and transmitting radio off-camera and use it to set power levels for any flash with a ControlTL receiver, making it more convenient to use an optically triggered light meter, or control the power levels with just a MiniTT1/FlexTT5 and AC3 in their hand while another photographer takes the pictures. Previously, an AC3 ZoneController on a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 needed to be on camera to send manual power levels to remote flashes. Now, when connected to a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5, manual power levels are transmitted to remote flashes when the TEST button is pressed even when the transmitter is off the camera. This affects both speedlights connected to receiving FlexTT5s and larger flashes like AlienBees and Elinchrom RX units with ControlTL receivers.

Disclaimer: I use 2 580 exIIs and the Sekonic L308s.
Thanks for the info. This makes things interesting and, at least, allows you to check lighting without shutter actuations pilling up on the camera. Now, if they could just figure out a way for the transmitter in the Sekonic to be useful again, I wouldn't feel like I wasted my money on it. :confused:

[Methodical]

And I was about to buy the L358 and the transmitter until I saw the features of the updates. I still may buy it though, but without the transmitter, but I will have to see if there's a significant difference between it and the L308s.

...Now, if they could just figure out a way for the transmitter in the Sekonic to be useful again, I wouldn't feel like I wasted my money on it. :confused:

[BubbaJon]

Now, if they could just figure out a way for the transmitter in the Sekonic to be useful again, I wouldn't feel like I wasted my money on it. :confused:
I agree - how tough can it be? No different that pressing the test button for sure.
I had discovered the solution to triggering with my Sekonics long ago but the tradeoff was my PowerST4 receiver for my Ranger had to be one or the other - there is no channel setting (which irritates me no end). So no way to set your receiver up for an auto/manual setup. I suspect the AB unit works the same way. Really - you'd think someone on the engineering team was an actual photographer - or at least had enough sense to consult one.