Frustration with Pocketwizard

When they initially came out, I got two FlexTT5 and a MiniTT1. I've since sucked it up and bought the AC7 shield for the Flex as I definitely have RF issues.

I realized recently that the AC7 doesn't have the ability to use a battery pack. I emailed Pocketwizard about the issue and they said that they will be selling a cable to use with the AC7 that will come out in November time frame.

I get it that there are RF issues, and the finger pointing game will never arrive at a true fault.... However, the AC7 took a year to come out, and I had to buy that. But, due to the design of the AC7, I have to buy, yet another item for this system? A fix to the fix, I'd call it. I hope they reconsider the decision to charge for this cord.

Have you tried using it without the AC7?

isn't the issue mostly about range?
From my own experience and reading, RF isn't an issue unless you're dealing with long range

OP already mentioned he has RF issues.

My suggestion is to use AC5 sock until the cable is available. It's free at least.

Yeah, I do have RF issues. But, that wasn't my gripe. My gripe was that the "Fix" for the issue... The AC7 -- requires it's own fix -- a separately sold cable to work with battery packs.

The AC5 sock, I've tried, but hate the lack of access to the 580exii. Also, the AC5 lifts the speedlight soo high that the distribution of light on an umbrella is far off the center axis. The AC7 is great in addressing that issue. But, needless to say, it has it's own.....lack of access to the battery port on the 580exii.

There's a thread here where someone moded their AC7 and cut out a slot, using a Dremel, where the plug for the battery pack goes. If you are concerned about RF interference via the new cut opening, I would suggest using aluminum foil to cover it.

ecub wrote in post #11041852
There's a thread here where someone moded their AC7 and cut out a slot, using a Dremel, where the plug for the battery pack goes. If you are concerned about RF interference via the new cut opening, I would suggest using aluminum foil to cover it.

I appreciate the resourcefulness. But, for $225 for the FlexTT5 + $35 for an AC7 and I have to use a Dremel and aluminum foil to get it working?

wdwpsu wrote in post #11041891
I appreciate the resourcefulness. But, for $225 for the FlexTT5 + $35 for an AC7 and I have to use a Dremel and aluminum foil to get it working?

Just get rid of them and get an alternative solution.
It's just not for everybody, and your circumstances make it too much of a hassle.
I certainly wouldn't put up with what you are dealing with.

I agree with ootsk, just get rid of them and your headache. That, or get rid of your Canon speedlites as they use the same frequency as the PW hence the RF interference. Of course, that's probably the least practical solution.

ootsk wrote in post #11042136
Just get rid of them and get an alternative solution.
It's just not for everybody, and your circumstances make it too much of a hassle.
I certainly wouldn't put up with what you are dealing with.

That's what I did and went back to the PW Plus II's. Not to mention the Plus II's are compatible with any flash/camera combo and that's a BIG plus in my book.

wdwpsu wrote in post #11041891
I appreciate the resourcefulness. But, for $225 for the FlexTT5 + $35 for an AC7 and I have to use a Dremel and aluminum foil to get it working?

It wasn't designed for the external battery pack, which is a design flaw. But if you have issues, I believe, in fact, I'm VERY positive you can put batteries inside the Canon 580ex.

ecub wrote in post #11043256
It wasn't designed for the external battery pack, which is a design flaw. But if you have issues, I believe, in fact, I'm VERY positive you can put batteries inside the Canon 580ex.

Is that covered in the manual?