Yes, it’s been awhile since the last update and for those that feed off every tidbit of information, we apologize for our silence as we work on the products you are anxiously waiting for.  Here’s what we can tell you today.

AC7 RF Shield:  The mold making process takes time and the molds for the AC7 are now in the finishing stages.  We’ve received “first shots” and made some tweaks and are awaiting the next round of samples.  The “shoe filter” component of this product is an assembly of several parts and production of this is moving in parallel with the shield.

We are expecting to see the first production shipments in a few weeks.

We have several units in testing and the results have been excellent so far.   In the shots below we were in an old quarry near Burlington, Vermont.  The range across the quarry was measured via Google Earth at 280 feet and the flash fired without a hitch.

Range Testing the AC7 at 280 feet (85 meters).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To see a larger version, click here.

 

AC5 RF Soft Shield: 

AC5 RF Soft Shield

As an alternative to the hard shell AC7, we’ve been working on a fabric version of an RF shield.  After extensive research and testing, we’ve found what  we’re looking for in a combination of the shoe filter found on the AC7 combined with a simple fabric cover for the flash.  The inside of the fabric uses an RF shielding material and is backed with a regular fabric.  Put together, you have a very powerful shield that packs away into a very small space.  Is it pretty?  No, but it works.

Details on distribution of both the AC7 and the AC5 will be available shortly.

Zone Controller: Tooling times have been far longer than expected.   First production units are anticipated towards the end of the year and not early November as our optimism had previously predicted.  We have prototypes in testing and the results have been great. 

Firmware & Utility:  The latest version of the firmware, v4.30, solved a lot of open issues, especially with the 5D Mark II camera.  The next release, scheduled for November, will add a couple new features and 7D compatibility.  To ensure firmware performance, we will be launching a public beta-test program in the near future.   You will be able to download beta versions of the new firmware and test it for yourself before the final release becomes available.  Your feedback on the beta firmware will help improve the final release.  Click here to learn  more about becoming a Beta Tester for the new Firmware and Utility.

Other Info:  Like most consumer products companies, we are constantly working on new stuff and right now PocketWizard has never been busier in product development.  A month ago we teased about two new products and then fell silent.  What happened?  First, these products are still coming and they will greatly expand the capabilities of the ControlTL system and the MiniTT1 Transmitter and FlexTT5 Transceiver.  For several reasons, but especially our desire to provide you with accurate release date information, we’re going to hold the announcement until we have firm availability dates.   


Rumors:  We’ve been seeing and hearing some interesting things from the marketplace.  One rumor is that there are new frequency radios coming to the market.  We believe that the frequencies we operate on (FCC 344MHz and CE 433MHz) are the best available and we will continue to improve the ControlTL system reliability and performance on these frequencies.  With the latest firmware and upcoming RF shields, product performance should now meet or exceed almost everyone’s expectations.  If your radios have the latest firmware and are still not operating consistently, even at close range, please contact us so we can troubleshoot and if needed, we’ll have you send them in for a warranty checkup.


Nikon:  Our development of the Nikon system continues.  The anticipated release date is still being targeted as January 2010.

That’s it for now.

The PocketWizard Team.