PocketWizard Announces the Easy-to-Use Plus X Transceiver

PocketWizard has just announced a new addition to their formidable lineup of radio transceivers: the Plus X. The Plus X is poised to be their simplest transceiver yet, due to its minimal design and straightforward operability. With few controls on the unit itself, there is little to modify aside from the basic channel selections.This pared-down concept does not limit its functionality, however, as it retains full backward compatibility with previous PocketWizards and excels in performing its dedicated task in a highly efficient manner that is easy for the operator to intuit.

Design

The Plus X Transceiver is designed for simple and intuitive operation, yet still maintains the general performance abilities of other PocketWizards. This transceiver supports the use of 10 different channels in order to better facilitate working amongst other photographers, or for more selective control over different lighting groups. The standard 10 channels are compatible with all previous PocketWizard iterations, and channel selection is easily controlled by simply rotating the main dial on the Plus X. The manual selection ensures a simplified means for changing channels—requiring no menu navigation—and the dial is backlit when turned on, for greater visibility while working. A tri-color LED indicator is also integrated into the design to provide a simple visual indication of the remaining battery life, and when a transmission is occurring. The transceiver is also designed with an internal antenna, similar to the Plus III transceiver, to lessen the likelihood of damage and to provide a more streamlined appearance.

Connectivity

Echoing the simplicity in design is a similar approach to connectivity. Like all PocketWizards, the unit can attach to the camera simply, by slipping into the camera’s hot shoe, with no cables required. For attaching to external strobes and remotes, the Plus X has a 3.5mm miniphone sync port for extensive compatibility across devices. A miniphone-to-miniphone cable, stereo miniphone-to-phono (1/4”) adapter, and a miniphone-to-locking PC cable are all included with the transceiver, and other optional dedicated cables are also available for further compatibility with most lighting, camera and remote systems.

As regards connectivity between the PocketWizards themselves, it, too, is a straightforward affair due to the Auto-Sensing technology that provides an intelligent connection between radios. This technology can instantly detect and determine whether or not to function as a transmitter or receiver, depending on whether or not it is sending or receiving a signal. If desired, though, you can also set the Plus X to function in “transmit only” mode, to eliminate a camera-mounted flash from firing when working among other photographers who are also using PocketWizards. The Auto-Sensing technology also enables an auto-relay mode, which provides the ability to remotely trigger both a camera and wireless flash setup by using only three radios. The radio that is connected to the camera, which requires a motor drive cable for remote use, will both receive the signal from the handheld trigger, and then relay that signal to the third radio that is connected to the flash system.

Reliability

As with other PocketWizards, the Plus X shares the same reliability and assured use in regard to overall performance. A 1600’ working range gives plenty of reach to suit demanding distant location shoots and a 1/250 second sync speed with focal plane shutters, or 1/500 second with leaf shutters, provides the ability to keep up to the pace of the fastest camera and lighting systems. Additionally, the Plus X has a triggering rate of up to 14.5 fps for working with fast-moving subject matter in continuous shooting modes. As previously mentioned, the Plus X is fully backward compatible with all PocketWizard radios for easy integration into an already existing remote setup. This compatibility is extended to all other PocketWizard-enabled equipment, too, including strobe packs, monolights and light meters.

For more information, stop by the B&H SuperStore in New York, speak with a sales professional on the telephone at 1-800-606-6969 or contact us online via Live Chat.