Speedotron power supplies. Failure to do so may cause the power supply
to intermittently misfire. Do not use a three prong-to-two prong “ground
eliminator” adapter.
• Once the light units are properly assembled and installed, the power cord
is installed and the sync extension is connected, turn the
Power
switch on.
Do not
immediately fire the unit on the first use or when the unit has been
idle for periods over 3 weeks. Allow several minutes for the power
supply’s capacitors to form. Once this procedure has been followed at
these times, subsequent use of the power supply requires no waiting
period.
•
Ready/Push to Flash
button may be depressed to verify proper system
operation.
• When Power is on, be sure
Ready/Push to Flash
indicator is illuminated
before switching
Power, Combine/Isolate,
or
Fast/Slow*
controls.
Do not
move these switches while the unit is recycling.
• Each Black Line power supply's unique features are fully explained in the
next section of this manual.
Never attempt to make repairs to your Speedotron equipment. All
electronic flash systems operate on high voltage and power.
It is very dangerous to open a power supply.
To summarize, set-up should go as follows:
• Make sure power supply is off (both
Model
and
Power
switches in the off
position) and unplugged.
• Connect light units to power supply. Inspect all connections, flash tubes
and modeling lights. Set desired ratio.
• Connect sync cable to power supply and camera
• Connect power supply to AC. Turn on power supply and wait for it to reach
full charge.
• Test to see that all light units are flashing and slave triggers (if any) are
functioning.
Power Ratios
Black Line equipment is capable of symmetrical (all light units receiving the
same amount of light) or asymmetrical (ratioed) power distribution. Controlling
distribution is as easy as flipping a switch.
Each power supply is divided into three channels with different levels of
power, except for the 405 (which has two). These channels may may be joined
for even (symmetrical) output to all outlets or separated for unequal
(asymmetrical) output to a set of outlets in one or more channels. Power
distribution charts are provided in the next section of this manual and on the
side of each power supply.
When we refer to ratioing, we are describing the levels of power output
from the power supply to the light units only. These power output ratios do not
mean that the light falling on the subject will be at that same ratio. This will only
occur if the light units are the same and have the same flash tube, reflector,
cable length, light control accessories, are at the same distance to the subject,
and there is no overlap of lighting on the subject, etc. Power output ratios are
only offered as a guide to help you determine your lighting arrangements.
*Not available on 405 power supplies.
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General Instructions and Information
Although Speedotron Black Line power supplies vary in power
and features, they all operate under the same principles. The
following instructions apply to the entire Black Line series. For
maximum equipment life and for safe, dependable operation of
power supplies, we advise you to follow these general rules.
•
Information contained in this manual is applicable to New Speedotron
Equipment
at the time of writing. Some information may not be applicable
to older Speedotron equipment.
• Before doing anything with the power supply make sure that the
Model
and
Power
switches are in the off position and the
Reset
button (circuit
breaker) is fully depressed into its socket.
• Connect light cable(s) to the
Light Unit Outlet(s)
on the power supply
(with the103, 202VF and 206VF lights, connect the light unit cable to the
light unit before connecting to power supply), selecting the appropriate
outlets for the desired power level. (Refer to the diagrams on the side of
the power supply.)
• To insert, align the light unit plug with the power supply outlet and apply
even pressure while pushing. Make sure that all light unit cables are firmly
seated and you hear or feel the quick release ring
click
into place or the
lockring of 206 light units is fully threaded.
• Make sure cables are out of pathways or are taped to the floor to prevent
accidentally disconnecting cables from power supply.
•
Never
connect or disconnect a light unit while the power supply is turned
on.
Never
insert or remove flash tubes while the light unit is connected to
the power supply. Be sure flash tubes are fully seated into light unit
sockets. (Read instructions in the Light Units section of this manual for
more information on light unit assembly and operation.)
• Always make sure your
Model
and
Power
switches are off when
disconnecting or connecting light units. Speedotron power supplies are
equipped with arc-protected outlets. However, as with any electrical
equipment, arc-over (an electrical discharge between two physically
disconnected electrical terminals) is a possibility. When light cables, flash
tubes or power cords are improperly seated, arc-over may occur. Also, if
your light unit or power supply malfunctions, or the power cord or the
internal wiring in the studio is improperly terminated or defective, there is a
chance of arc-over. Severe power supply damage and operator injury may
result if arc-over occurs.
• Plug sync extension into
Sync
socket and connect other end to PC cord for
camera. These sync extensions have a 1/4” international (phone jack) plug.
• Insure that protective flashtube covers are removed from light units before
turning on model lamps or flashing.
• A slave tripper (Speedotron #23510) may be installed in the
Sync
socket to
fire the power supply. The 1005 features a built-in slave trigger for added
convenience.
• Connect AC power cord into
Power Input
on power supply. Always use a
three-wire ground power cord and a properly grounded wall outlet with all
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