Esprit Digital Operating Instructions
12
5
FAST RECYCLING OPERATION
As with any flash unit the useful life of the tube and the unit as a whole depends on the way it is
used. Avoiding excessive HEAT is the key to long life.
The fast recycling feature of the Esprit Digital allows a rapid sequence of high power flashes to be
obtained. However, this feature should be used sparingly since continuous rapid flashing can
cause overheating and subsequent damage to the flash tube and possibly the internal electronics.
Rapid sequences of flashes should always be followed by a reasonable cooling period, at least 10
to 20 minutes is advised either without flashing or at a substantially reduced rate.
The unit is equipped with overheat protection, not to limit performance but to prevent damage
under abnormal operating conditions. Repeated operation of the overheat protection should be
avoided by decreasing the flash power or repetition rate. Dimming or turning the modelling lamp
off will help prevent overheating.
Whenever possible, avoid rapid high power flashing when using restrictive reflectors such as a
snoot or grid reflector, particularly if the unit is pointing downwards.
The table below shows maximum number of flashes permissible at various flash rates and flash
settings before allowing the unit to cool. This cannot cover all combinations but should be used as
a guide to determine the maximum flash rate to meet your requirements.
ESPRIT DIGITAL 250DX
FLASH POWER
REPETITION RATE
MAXIMUM NO.
OF FLASHES
OPERATING TIME
F10 5 seconds
350
30 Minutes
F10 2 seconds
120
4 Minutes
F5
≈
1 second 900
15 Minutes
ESPRIT DIGITAL 500DX
FLASH POWER
REPETITION RATE
MAXIMUM NO.
OF FLASHES
OPERATING TIME
F10 10 seconds
100
15 Minutes
F10 2 seconds
45
1.5 Minutes
F5
≈
1 second 350
6 Minutes
FITTING THE MODELLING LAMP
Always switch off and disconnect from the supply before fitting or replacing the modelling lamp.
Wait a few minutes for the lamp and tube to cool and for the unit to self-discharge. The unit has a
flash off and auto-dump feature that operates whenever the unit is switched off. This is designed
to quickly reduce the capacitor voltage to a ‘safe’ value but it is still advisable to leave the unit for
as long as possible before changing either the lamp or flash tube.
Screw the modelling lamp into the ES lamp holder in the centre of the reflector. If the new lamp
fails to light then check the fuse, as this may blow when a lamp fails. Replace a blown fuse with
one of the correct type and rating.
When an umbrella mount is required a ‘Wide Angle Reflector’ should be fitted. Then insert the
umbrella through the hole in the Wide Angle Reflectors mounting bracket and lock in position with
the knurled screw.
Note: Take care when fitting and removing reflectors/accessories not to damage the flash tube
assembly. The flash tube is very delicate, avoid unnecessary handling of the glass tube. Always
switch off and disconnect from the supply before changing the flash tube assembly.
AC Supply
The unit operates from an AC Line voltage within the range 95V to 130V with a nominal frequency
of either 50Hz or 60Hz. Ensure that the Power ON/OFF switch on the unit is set to OFF. Use a
cable supplied by your Bowens dealer to connect to the AC supply. A 3-wire, earthed (grounded),
supply system must be used to ensure safe and reliable operation of the unit.
Triggering System
The Esprit Digital can be triggered by any of the following methods:
•
TEST/OPEN FLASH RELEASE Button
For testing or multiple flash applications the TEST button can be used. The unit will only
flash if the unit is charged and the ‘READY’ LED is either lit or flashing.
•
EXTERNAL SYNCHRONISATION Socket
The standard ¼" jack-type socket on the rear panel may be used for direct connection to a
camera set to “X” synchronisation. Remote triggering devices such as an Omni-cell may be
plugged directly into the socket or via an extension lead. The unit will only trigger via the
SYNC. socket if fully charged and the ‘READY’ LED is lit.
•
REMOTE PHOTO-CELL Button
The Esprit’s built in photocell enables the unit to be triggered by the flash from another flash
unit, IR Remote Trigger or small on-camera flash. The photocell is mounted behind the red
transparent cover on the top of the unit. Switch the photocell on or off using the ‘CELL’
button on the control panel, the photocell is on when the associated LED is lit.
NOTE: The photocell is extremely sensitive but some experimentation with positioning may be
necessary to ensure a reliable trigger, particularly if the cell is hidden from the source. Avoid
directly illuminating the photocell from a continuous light source since this can prevent correct
operation or in some circumstances result in spurious triggering.
Operation
Set the Power ON/OFF switch to ON. The control panel display will light and, after a short time,
the green ‘READY’ indicator should light. If this does not happen switch the unit off and refer to
the fault finding section.
Adjust the FLASH & MODELLING controls to provide the desired settings and select any options
required. Refer to the section on operation of the controls if required. Test flash the unit by
pressing the TEST button.
Excess energy is automatically dumped when the flash power setting is reduced. Both increasing
and decreasing the power setting generates heat inside the unit. Therefore avoid repetitive Up
and Down power changes.
Refer to page 12 if you intend to make continuous use of the fast recycling feature of the unit.
NOTE: If the unit is left unused for 6 months or predominantly used at low power settings it is
recommended that the power be increased to maximum and the unit left switched on occasionally
for at least 30 minutes to help preserve the life of the capacitors.
You are now ready to use the system.