What all "cool" things can the PW MultiMax do?

I just want to know - what can the MultiMAX do? I mean, more than "rear curtain sync", "FAST sync mode", and PW groups.

Another question - the SpeedCycler mode to sequentially trigger flashes (or cameras) - does it require MultiMAXs on both the sending and receiving end?

Right now, I have one MultiMAX and several Plus IIs. SpeedCycler would allow me to trigger one set of strobes and then the second set of strobes while the first set recycles, effectively allow me to motor off several frames for indoor sports. Is this possible with my current setup?

dshankar wrote in post #7098619
I just want to know - what can the MultiMAX do? I mean, more than "rear curtain sync", "FAST sync mode", and PW groups.

https://photography-on-the.net …hp?p=3672691&po​stcount=12

dshankar wrote in post #7098619
Another question - the SpeedCycler mode to sequentially trigger flashes (or cameras) - does it require MultiMAXs on both the sending and receiving end?

You need one MM set to transmit mode and two or more MM units set to receive mode. In addition, they all need to use the higher channels so that Zone triggering can be used.

dshankar wrote in post #7098619
Right now, I have one MultiMAX and several Plus IIs. SpeedCycler would allow me to trigger one set of strobes and then the second set of strobes while the first set recycles, effectively allow me to motor off several frames for indoor sports. Is this possible with my current setup?

No (see above). The Plus II units do not support zone triggering which is required for the SpeedCycler feature.

Selective quad triggering is a very nice feature, IF you need it. I use Pocket Wizard's and a Sekonic L-758DR and it allows me to group strobes and enable or disable them by those groups. You can also enable or disable those groups from the MultiMax mounted on the camera's hot shoe. It's very cool for multiple setups when you want 2 some lights to fire and others not to fire, and then you move to another shooting location and need to disable the lights you just used and enable the other ones.

Also, if you want to meter some lights with others off you can do that. The nice thing about that is that you don't have to physically power the lights on and off, and you can still make use of the modeling lights for ambient room light or to assist with auto-focus.

Little features that may be inconsequential by never seem to get mentioned are things like the battery level indicator in the MultiMax that is nonexistent on the Plus II and more importantly and never discussed is the difference in the build of the foot. The plastic is of a different quality and consistency and fits in to the camera's hot shoe more snug and the way the foot is mounted to the casing is more secure and heavy duty. I never see anyone mentioning this but I have seen an participated in many threads with questions about the somewhat flimsy foot that has a lot of 'wobble' on the Plus II. The MultiMax has a much tighter tolerance and the foot does not have that small degree of rotation within the chassis of the Pocket Wizard.

I realize those things are not features but they should be mentioned and most often are not.

TMR Design wrote in post #7099414
Selective quad triggering is a very nice feature, IF you need it. I use Pocket Wizard's and a Sekonic L-758DR and it allows me to group strobes and enable or disable them by those groups. You can also enable or disable those groups from the MultiMax mounted on the camera's hot shoe. It's very cool for multiple setups when you want 2 some lights to fire and others not to fire, and then you move to another shooting location and need to disable the lights you just used and enable the other ones.

Also, if you want to meter some lights with others off you can do that. The nice thing about that is that you don't have to physically power the lights on and off, and you can still make use of the modeling lights for ambient room light or to assist with auto-focus.

Little features that may be inconsequential by never seem to get mentioned are things like the battery level indicator in the MultiMax that is nonexistent on the Plus II and more importantly and never discussed is the difference in the build of the foot. The plastic is of a different quality and consistency and fits in to the camera's hot shoe more snug and the way the foot is mounted to the casing is more secure and heavy duty. I never see anyone mentioning this but I have seen an participated in many threads with questions about the somewhat flimsy foot that has a lot of 'wobble' on the Plus II. The MultiMax has a much tighter tolerance and the foot does not have that small degree of rotation within the chassis of the Pocket Wizard.

I realize those things are not features but they should be mentioned and most often are not.

Oh I totally know what you mean. I have one MultiMAX and a few Plus IIs, and I'm buying two more PWs - I just don't know if I can afford more MultiMAXs. I mean for $300 I can either have two more Plus IIs, or just one MultiMAX :/ It's a tough question...and I don't think I can justify paying $600 for just radio triggers when I'm trying to save money and cut corners.

TMR Design wrote in post #7099414
...difference in the build of the foot. The plastic is of a different quality and consistency and fits in to the camera's hot shoe more snug and the way the foot is mounted to the casing is more secure and heavy duty. I never see anyone mentioning this but I have seen an participated in many threads with questions about the somewhat flimsy foot that has a lot of 'wobble' on the Plus II. The MultiMax has a much tighter tolerance and the foot does not have that small degree of rotation within the chassis of the Pocket Wizard....

both the MM and the Plus II's both use the same part number for replacement & repair of the hot shoe mount.

Palladium wrote in post #7099514
both the MM and the Plus II's both use the same part number for replacement & repair of the hot shoe mount.

That may be so but they are clearly different.. I have two of each right in front of me and have opened up both of them and mounted them to cameras.

Palladium wrote in post #7099514
both the MM and the Plus II's both use the same part number for replacement & repair of the hot shoe mount.

TMR is right. I've had Plus IIs easily fall off the hot shoe when they're just lightly tapped!! Quite annoying.

The part number may be the same and perhaps along the way the part was changed. It's hard to say but I just checked again and there is a slight difference in the part between the MultiMax and the Plus II but more noticeable is the lack of play in the way the foot comes out the bottom of the Pocket Wizard. There is substantial play with the Plus II.