If your PocketWizard radio triggers are not working as expected, don’t panic! There are several steps you can take to diagnose and resolve the issue. In this article, we’ll walk you through common troubleshooting techniques to help get your PocketWizard system up and running smoothly again.
Check Your Firmware
One of the most common reasons for PocketWizard misfiring or not triggering at all is outdated firmware. Make sure all of your PocketWizard radios are using the latest firmware version by connecting them to the PocketWizard Utility and navigating to the “Update” tab. Click the “Check for Updates” button to see if any new firmware versions are available for your specific radios.
It’s also important to ensure that your camera and flashes are using the latest firmware. Outdated firmware on these devices can sometimes cause compatibility issues with PocketWizard radios. Check the manufacturer’s website for any available firmware updates and install them as needed.
Perform a Factory Reset
If you’ve updated the firmware on your PocketWizard radios and are still experiencing issues, try performing a factory reset. This will restore the radios to their default settings and can often resolve any configuration problems that may be causing misfiring or lack of triggering.
To perform a factory reset, follow these steps:
Power on the radio
Press and hold the “Channel” button
While holding the “Channel” button, press and release the “Test” button
Release the “Channel” button when the LED starts flashing
Repeat this process for each PocketWizard radio in your system.
Check Your Connections
Ensure that all cables and connections are secure and undamaged. Check the sync ports on your camera, flashes, and PocketWizard radios for any debris or damage. If you’re using a PC sync cord or other third-party cable, try replacing it with a PocketWizard-branded cable to rule out any compatibility issues.
Make sure that your PocketWizard radios are properly paired with your camera and flashes. Refer to the user manual for your specific model to ensure you’re following the correct pairing procedure.
Adjust Your Channels and Zones
PocketWizard radios use specific channels and zones to communicate with each other. Make sure that all of your radios are set to the same channel and that any zones are configured correctly.
If you’re using the E Release firmware, you can take advantage of additional channels and zones for more precise control over your lighting setup. However, make sure that all of your radios are using the E Release firmware for compatibility.
Check for Interference
Radio interference from other wireless devices or environmental factors can sometimes cause PocketWizard misfiring or lack of triggering. Try moving your PocketWizard radios away from any potential sources of interference, such as Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, or other radio transmitters.
If you’re shooting in an area with a lot of ambient radio noise, consider using the E Release firmware, which offers improved resistance to interference for more reliable triggering.
Test Individual Components
If you’re still having trouble, try testing each component of your PocketWizard system individually. Connect your camera directly to a flash using a PC sync cord and see if it fires. Then, connect your camera to a PocketWizard radio and test the triggering. Finally, connect your flash to a PocketWizard radio and test the triggering.
This process of elimination can help you identify which component is causing the issue and guide you towards a solution.
By following these troubleshooting steps and ensuring that your PocketWizard system is properly configured and maintained, you should be able to resolve most common issues and enjoy reliable wireless triggering for your camera and flashes.