Pixel King ETTL Trigger Controller

Hi, David. Couldn't find quickly your previous posts on this.

I have several Kings (pre-production) that simply do not have any firmware to even activate the USB port. They cannot be updated.

I had one King that responded, but was not recognised by the updater. Pixel modified the installer for me, possibly temporarily. I was then able to force an update even although the updater thought I shouldn't. Without a similar unit I cannot test whether that forcing capability is still available. It wasn't shown on-screen, but the update button was still active.

So it seems that Pixel have released three categories - no USB capability; USB-capable but mis-identified; USB updateable. The first provides no connection; the second connects but cannot display current status. Have you updated a second TX, or do you have only the "baulky" one?

I would be very reluctant to run with mixed versions.

Clive,
I tried updating the TX and RXs with the latest version. As before, the RXs updated without a problem.
The TX on the other hand generates a USB error message from Windows 7 and the updater software has no idea that anything is attached.

If you have the hacked updater software you can share I'd be happy to give it a try.

Or, I'd be happy to ship you the unit to play with. Its basically useless to me.

Not sure whether to sell my RXs or buy another TX and throw this one in the trash, Pixel HK has been unresponsive to my requests for a replacement.

dmward wrote in post #14082323
Clive,
I tried updating the TX and RXs with the latest version. As before, the RXs updated without a problem.
The TX on the other hand generates a USB error message from Windows 7 and the updater software has no idea that anything is attached.

If you have the hacked updater software you can share I'd be happy to give it a try.

Or, I'd be happy to ship you the unit to play with. Its basically useless to me.

Not sure whether to sell my RXs or buy another TX and throw this one in the trash, Pixel HK has been unresponsive to my requests for a replacement.

Yeah mine was really buggy to the point where it was unreliable. I have photogadget sending me a replacement, but due to the length of time that it takes, I went aheead and bought a unit through Amazon that should be here this week. I hope at least one is in perfect working order. If Pixel would get this fixed, they would have the best triggers on the market!

ultimachi wrote in post #14088140
If Pixel would get this fixed, they would have the best triggers on the market!

Pixel is bad at identifying their units, and their dealers have no means of identifying which is which. Even Pixel have supplied me with a shipment containing one updatable and one non-updatable! And dealers could be careless or dishonest with returns.

This is so frustrating.
I suspect that the system has some potential, but if its this hard to get reliable hardware then what is the incentive.

PocketWizard sent me two MC2s during hardware beta to test.
They had bugs but they could always be updated.
Once they were in production mode, the firmware was stable and could easily be updated.

I guess that's the difference between a real supplier and a wannabe.

dmward wrote in post #14082323
The TX generates a USB error message from Windows 7 and the updater software has no idea that anything is attached.

If you have the hacked updater software you can share I'd be happy to give it a try.

Or, I'd be happy to ship you the unit to play with. Its basically useless to me.

Not sure whether to sell my RXs or buy another TX and throw this one in the trash, Pixel HK has been unresponsive to my requests for a replacement.

Bad deal! It sounds as though you have a pre-production unit, with no USB bootstrap capability.

Happy to send my updater, just in case, but it's very unlikely that anyone can do anything with the TX. (I have two TX, for backup. Handy for a second photog to use, too.)

What about the imbalance of firmware between this pre-pro and receivers with latest firmware update?

Pixel seems to be incapable of understanding why we think we have the right to fully understand the products we have purchased!

Trying to find out "what bugs" are fixed in an update is futile; they won't waste their time on describing possible incompatibilities between versions.

Nevertheless, not replacing a non-production unit is inexcusable. Did you purchase it from PixelHK, or from a distributor or stockist?

Can anyone confirm which flashes allow remote manual power control with Kings? All I have found is that 580ex II and 430ex II, but is there any 3rd party flashes such as Metz 58 or Nissin Di866?

If noticed that many people are using Yongnuo, but it doesn't support HSS.

I'd really appreciate if you guys could help me out choosing a new flash for me

Eemeli

according to a popular online retailer:

Compatibility

The Pixel King is compatible with the following devices:

Canon 450D, 500D, 550D, 600D, 40D, 50D, 60D, 5D, 5D Mark II, 7D, 1D Mark III, 1D Mark IV, 1Ds , 1Ds Mark II
Canon 580EX II, 580EX, 430EX II, 430EX, 550EX, Metz AF - 56
Yongnuo YN-565EX
Yongnuo YN-560 is released but all settings have to be done in flash
Yongnuo YN-468 works and settings can be done in camera menu but must be turned on before Pixel King receiver is turned on

The high speed sync feature is only supported for this flashes:

Canon 580EX II, 580EX, 430EX II, 430EX, 550EX

The camera external flash control menu can be used with this devices:

Canon 450D, 500D, 550D, 600D, 40D, 50D, 60D, 5D, 5D Mark II, 7D, 1D Mark III, 1D Mark IV, 1Ds , 1Ds Mark II
Canon 580EX II, 430EX II, Metz AF - 56
Yongnuo YN-565EX
Yongnuo YN-468 works and settings can be done in camera menu but must be turned on before Pixel King receiver is turned on

There are a number of differences between the lists that babel_fish provided, and the ones in my summary. I suggest that Eemeli follow the link in my signature.

CliveyBoy wrote in post #14111368
There are a number of differences between the lists that babel_fish provided, and the ones in my summary. I suggest that Eemeli follow the link in my signature.

Just FYI: There is also a significant difference from the list I posted and the list on PixelHK site.

Thank you!! So that means DI866 MK2 and Metz 58 works, great.

Eemeli

CliveyBoy wrote in post #14111368
There are a number of differences between the lists that babel_fish provided, and the ones in my summary. I suggest that Eemeli follow the link in my signature.

CliveyBoy,

Is there any difference between Metz AF-1 58 and AF-2 58 when using with Kings?

I mean is the older one a safe buy

Eemeli

CliveyBoy wrote in post #14088511
Pixel is bad at identifying their units, and their dealers have no means of identifying which is which. Even Pixel have supplied me with a shipment containing one updatable and one non-updatable! And dealers could be careless or dishonest with returns.

ehongisto wrote in post #14111509
Is there any difference between Metz AF-1 58 and AF-2 58 when using with Kings? I mean is the older one a safe buy

Sorry - I have neither to test. My listings started with Pixel's listing which have been confirmed by users over the last 11 months that I have worked with the Kings.

I found that European forums often covered the OEM brands, and used those resources with the Pixel Knights. I didn't continue that when the Kings came for testing.