New to off camera flash

Quick question - I have a Canon 600ex-rt. If I get a single pocket wizard plus x (or any other simple radio trigger) and put that on my camera and set the flash unit to radio slave, will it fire? I know I will lose ETTL functionality but just wanted to know if it would simply trigger the flash. I can set it manually to suit. Just want to test things out.

Thanks in advance.

Won't work. Best bet is to order a Yong Nuo YN-E3-RT. That will let you not only trigger the 600ex (s), but also let you control power remotely.

Thanks for the reply. Can you tell me why it won't work? If it's just sending a simple radio signal to the flash unit and the flash unit is set to receive said signal and only has to fire, I don't see what would be stopping it from doing that?

Will the 600ex-rt only receive certain types of signals when set to radio slave mode? I thought that would be a catch-all for any incoming trigger (assuming the channels are set the same).

Again - complete noob here seeking enlightenment.

Different wireless protocols and coding I believe. Just like the remote for your TV won't control your CD player.

Another cheaper alternative would be to use the 7D's on board flash to trigger the 600 in optical mode. But this is notoriously unreliable. You can't go wrong with a YN-E3-RT for $150.

Thanks again. I've looked at the YN-E3-RT and I'm definitely interested in going down that route.

If you have made the investment in a 600EX-RT why would you want to dumb it down with a cheap radio trigger? The YN-E3-RT for $125 will provide you with all the functionality the system has to offer plus it will give you 2nd curtain sync in wireless operations. It will allow your 7D to use the <Gr> mode.