More fun with a PLM V2, PW AC7, and a 3/8" steel rod ...

kenyee wrote in post #11312360
...
BTW, when you said "screwed onto", did you have to add some threads to the rod? Or do you mean the thumbscrew to hold the cage in place?

Mounting the PLM V2 cage to the steel rod (whether 7mm or 3/8") is where things get a bit complicated. The cage is normally attached to the stock PLM positioning rod using a supplied 5/16-24 screw. In other words, the cage must be screwed into something.

A 3/8" steel rod presents a solid, unthreaded end to the cage. I haven't the means or ability to drill and tap the end of the rod so another solution was needed. That solution was made from a 2-1/2" length of 5/8" diameter aluminum rod. One end was drilled and tapped to accept the 5/16-24 bolt that attaches the cage while the other end was drilled to accept the 3/8" rod:

That does make it a lot more complicated. I don't have the tools to build that adapter either
Back to looking for a 7mm rod for now...

kenyee wrote in post #11313070
That does make it a lot more complicated. I don't have the tools to build that adapter either
Back to looking for a 7mm rod for now...

Yes, the 7mm rod will allow you to use the stock positioning rod that comes with the PLM V2 and no adapter will be required. 7mm steel rod is plenty strong enough to support the PLM and the strobe.

Here's one source for 7mm SS rod:

http://www.mcmaster.co​m …inless-steel-rods/=9sffpj

Part number 1272T16 (7mm x 1m) should work fine.

Dave F.

Thanks Dave.

I don't even own any Pocket Wizard triggers but I just finished ordering the PW AC7 so I can use it with my 580EX II and my umbrellas or Softlighter II and get the flash right at the center. I know I could rig up something for less, but at $35 (Amazon), the AC7 seemed like a no-brainer.

Only downside: One more thing to pack/carry!

I hope to eventually get a couple PLM V2s. But I'll wait until they are well off backorder and all of the "revision'ing" is done.

Mark

P.S. Thanks for helping me spend more money, Dave!

Whoops... In doing a little more research on the AC7, I came across this topic:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=908266

According to that topic, the AC7 won't work with the Canon or Yongnuo battery packs. Yet, Dave, you are clearly using a Yongnuo pack in your photos and you haven't taken a Dremel to the AC7 either.

Did Pocket Wizard fix their oversight? And, if so, how recently? Is it likely the one I have coming from Amazon is the newer version?

Oh.... one more question... Is the clearance too tight to allow for a sync cable to plug into the side of the 580EX II and still allow it to fit inside the AC7?

Maybe I was premature in placing my order? I want to use both the Yongnuo battery pack AND my Elinchrom Skyports (via sync cable) with the 580EX II and AC7.

Thanks!

Mark

Mark,
Somewhere there is a thread that showed how Dave modified the plug on the pack to plug in with cable toward back of flash, and also shortened the plug so the top is closer to the flash.
That permits it to work without cutting out the bulge.

I have 3 AC7s and all are modified via the Dremel route to work with "stock" pack plugs.

They are great as umbrella holders. I have 3 580EXs, one in each AC7. I don't even take the flashes out of the AC7s when I put them away. I do take the FlexTT5s off.

I have some V1 PLMs as well as V2 and plan to do some testing.

I haven't been bothered with the light stand in front so will probably pass on Dave's mod for back mounting. Although its a nicely thought out approach.

Thanks David! I found that topic and Dave's messages:

https://photography-on-the.net …p?p=11213205#po​st11213205

Rats! I don't want to take the Dremel to either the AC7 or the Yongnuo cable, let alone pull the battery pack apart. I have the technical skill, I just don't want to have to mess with it.

Amazon was already preparing the AC7 for shipment. I'm on the phone now to see if I can get it cancelled. They are having "technical difficulties" and can't access my account.

Boy, the folks at Pocket Wizard need to enlist the services of some more competent beta testers BEFORE they start shipping their products in quantity. They allow a bulge for the power cable, yet neither the Canon 8-cell pack nor the popular Yongnuo pack will fit in their due to orientation and height. Amazing!

Mark

Mark Booth wrote in post #11317520
...Boy, the folks at Pocket Wizard need to enlist the services of some more competent beta testers BEFORE they start shipping their products in quantity. They allow a bulge for the power cable, yet neither the Canon 8-cell pack nor the popular Yongnuo pack will fit in their due to orientation and height. Amazing!...

Very true, Mark plus they've got we'd call in New York chutzpah. Big as life on the side of the AC7 box:

tetrode wrote in post #11317598
If it's any consolation, PW will be producing a mini extension cord "solution" for their faux pas. When we'll see it is anybody's guess.

Thanks, Dave! Chutzpah is right, but that's nothing new for PW.

Everyone please forgive me.... I know Pocket Wizard products are hugely popular among photographers. They are a standard. But....

The CORRECT approach would be for PW to redesign the AC7 so that ALL plugs fit, regardless of orientation. Make the bulge a little bigger and add a bulge to the front if necessary. Or, put a cutout there (if the RF shielding characteristics aren't severely compromised). Making and selling a mini extension cord is a rinky-dink way of going about fixing the problem.

Thankfully, I was able to cancel my Amazon order.

Mark