Pocketwizard Flex problem

Quick question, one of my pocketwizard flex tt5's will only fire in TTL mode except if I disable the bottom shoe (in the utility program) updated firmware and reset to factory settings. When I disable the bottom shoe it will transmit fine to the other two but when the shoe is active first when a flash is put on it immediately goes into TTL mode in C1 and C2 and then when I attach it to a camera (5d) the red firing light continually comes on.

Friggin thing is doing my head in, is it fuct or just a setting problem. Anybody else have this problem?

Keith

Red firing light is odd.

My flex unit was sent in for the "TYPICAL" broken shoe problem. After I got it back from warranty repair it didn't work. Shipped it back and it turned out the board fried.

TTL may be an issue with the ribbon connected to the shoe on the Flex unit. In Canada the flex units have a 3 yr warranty. I'd look into getting it fixed. I was so irritated that that my shoe broke that I bought a 4th flex unit so I have a backup/redundancy.

I have one with a broken shoe too, pith

I agree its a pain to have to buy an extra one for redundancy sakes.

Hi Keith,

I would begin with the following trouble-shooting procedure to help identify the cause:
1.> Just choose any 2 PW Flex TT5's for now
2.> Mount 1 TT5 on the camera and the other TT5 on the flash unit - and see whether E-TTL/E-TTLii
3.> Simply, switch the TT5 combination around until you know for sure which TT5 is preventing using E-TTL/E-TTLii

It could be a contact pin issue on either 1 of you 3 PW TT5s (and or the 5D camera hotshoe contacts)
Also, check the 5D in-Camera Menu settings and go-through the settings to see whether TTL is actually configured (I cannot remember the 5D menu options as this camera is not with me at the moment).
It may even be a contact pin issue directly with the flashgun.

BTW: how many PW TT5 units are you using and which flashguns? - would be good to know!

Hi Cham, I have it down to one particular unit. I use them ( three PW Flex TT5 units) with two 580exII flashguns and on a 5d and 1dmk3, the other two units can be a bit problematic too with dropped connection but the defective unit just wont play ball. Found out it under warranty and will be going back to be replaced/fixed, thought somebody else might have had the same problem and it was a settings issue? I reckon its a pin issue on the bad PW

Thanks

So, if the other 2 x PW TT5's synch OK. 1 TT5 with a given camera - say the 5D in this instance, and the other mounted to the 580exII.

Why not try the problem TT5 connected to the 2nd 580exII and see if this combination works.
(The TT5 contact pins to 580exII flashgun mount might still be OK). At least you can use the kit for emergency use!