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Pclix XT User Manual 3.2
Once you know the model code for your specific still camera or video camera you can proceed. The
Pclix XT has been designed so that you can enter the programming mode the same way for all the
User Programmable options. This makes learning the various functions of the device easier to grasp.
Later in this manual we will go into more detail regarding the other User Preferences. However for
now, all we need to do is set the camera model. Start by making sure that the Pclix XT POWER switch
is in the OFF position. Then set gray dials to the desired Camera Model Code, the LEFT dial is for the
tens, the RIGHT for the ones. That is to say if your Camera Model Code is "56" then the LEFT dial will
be set to "5" and the RIGHT dial to "6". Once both dials are at the correct number position, hold down
the red FIRE button while sliding the POWER switch to the ON position. The RED LED will flash 3 times
to indicate you are entering the programming mode. Once the RED LED has completed it's three
flashes release the red FIRE button, the GREEN LED will then flash 4 time to indicate you have
successfully defined the camera model. NOTE: The Pclix XT has error checking built into the camera
model programming mode. If you try to program an invalid number the RED LED will light and stay lit.
At this point you must turn OFF the Pclix XT and start over, ensuring you have correctly set the dials to
a valid model number. The last step is to exit the programming mode by simply turning OFF the Pclix
XT. You have now successfully set the Pclix XT to control the camera of your choice. In a nutshell, all
user programming is entered and exited this same way.
Now lets make sure the Pclix XT can trigger your camera. The first thing you should do is set both the
LEFT and RIGHT dial to zero. Now follow these next few steps. Turn ON your camera, remove the lens
cap and put your camera into manual focus. If your camera is going to be triggered using Infrared
Light then it must be put into "Infrared Remote" in order to receive the Infrared trigger, if you are
unsure how to do this please see your camera manual. On the other hand if you are using a Camera
Control Cable make sure the cable is connected between the Pclix XT and your camera. Next turn ON
the Pclix XT. There will be 3 GREEN flashes to indicate you have started it up correctly. If you are
controlling your camera using Infrared Light, then point the Pclix XT towards the infrared receiver on
the front of your camera. Normally the infrared receiver is behind a small plastic red window above
and to one side of the lens. Now push the red FIRE button on the Pclix XT. Your camera should take an
image. You can now proceed to the next chapter "Basic Operation". If your camera did not respond,
then re-read this section of the manual beginning with at "Setting Your Camera Model" to make sure
you did not miss a step.
Communicating with your Camera:
As mentioned there are two ways for the Pclix XT to communicate with your camera, Infrared Light
and Camera Control Cable. Let's deal with Infrared Light first.
Infrared Light:
If you are going to be communicating with your camera using Infrared Light you have two options.
Every Pclix XT has a built in Infrared LED on the front panel of the device. If you have programmed
your Pclix XT using any of the camera model codes other than "50" then you are able to trigger your
camera without any cables attached. The one drawback to this approach is the camera needs to "see"
the Pclix XT. This means the Pclix XT must be in front of the lens but NOT necessarily in the frame. You
can easily point the Pclix XT towards the camera just outside of the frame and it will happily instruct
your camera to take an image. Likewise, you can use this same technique when using the Pclix XT as
a simple wireless remote. The Pclix XT will trigger your camera up to 4.5 meters away and in some
cases further.
The second Infrared method is to plug in one of our Infrared Camera Cables(C-100, C-200, C-150)
into the 1/8" (3.5mm) jack on the front panel of the Pclix XT. When this cable in installed, the Infrared
LED on the front panel will be disabled. Using this cable allows you to position the Pclix XT behind the
camera making the operation a little easier and the controls more accessible. There is however one
small drawback to this method. Being, what is the best solution to attaching the Infrared Cable to the
camera? Since camera models come in a variety of shapes and sizes coming up with one solution to
attach the cable to your camera is a difficult challenge. After trying many different methods the
simplest solution for most cameras seems to be a few small piece of black electrical tape. It sounds
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1017 Visual Effects Inc. - copyright © 2011
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