Speedotron Studio Lights

General Information

Power Supplies

Although Speedotron power supplies vary in power and features, they all operate under the same principles. The following instructions apply to both the Black Line and Brown Line series. For maximum equipment life and for safe, dependable operation of power supplies, we advise you to follow these general rules:

• Unpack equipment carefully. Examine all packing material. Should you notice any breakage or defect, notify the dealer and carrier (if shipped to you) immediately. Please read all instructions before assembling your flash system in order to avoid damage to your equipment or injury to yourself.

• 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 units to the outlet(s) on the power supply before connecting power to power supply.  Selecting the appropriate outlets for the desired power level. (Refer to the diagrams on the side of the power supply.)

To connect light units:

Black Line- 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.

Brown Line- Align the light unit plug with the power supply outlet and apply even pressure while pushing. Black colored light unit connectors are of the "quick release" type that only require pushing the connector firmly until it is fully seated. Silvery colored light unit connectors must be threaded until they are fully seated. Both types prevent accidental cable removal. Make sure all light unit cables are firmly seated to prevent connector damage.

• 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.

• 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 cord (1/4" mono or AC twin-blade type) into Sync socket and connect other end to the flash sync connector on your camera. A slave tripper (Speedotron #23510) may be installed in the Sync socket to fire the power supply. If the slave tripper fails to trigger the power supply when another flash fires, remove the slave, rotate it 180° and reinstall it in the socket.

• 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 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. Note: It is recommended that the user turns on the power supply for about 10 to 20 minutes each month. This simple procedure prevents premature failure by maintaining the "elasticity" of the capacitors.

• 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 (available on select models) controls. Do not move these switches while the unit is recycling.

• Each power supply's unique features are fully explained in the product 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.

 
Power Ratios
Speedotron lighting 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 two or three channels with different levels of power. These channels 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 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.

Light Units General Instructions

• Unpack and examine all equipment carefully. Should you notice any breakage or defect, notify your dealer (and carrier if it was shipped) immediately. The flash tube(s) and model lamp(s) are packed in their original cartons. This affords sufficient protection and reduces the incidence of breakage during shipping. Make sure all packing materials are removed before using. This includes pipe cleaners (used as packing material) inside flash tubes.
• Install model lamp and flash tubes. Always handle lamps and flash tubes with care. Avoid touch the bulbs with bare hand due to the grease from skin could cause uneven heat distribution on the bulb surface and thus shorten the bulb life. If your fingers come in contact with the glass of the model lamp, wipe off carefully with alcohol.
• Bulbs could become hot after use. Wear gloves or use cloth cover when handling bulbs. Allow lamps to cool before handling.
• When removing or replacing lamps and tubes, always disconnect light units from power supply.
• Never connect or disconnect light units while power is on. Do not insert or remove flash tubes or model lamps while power is on.
• Flash tubes must be inserted into the sockets all the way. A slight rocking motion may be necessary when installing the larger flash tubes. New flash tubes and sockets fit very tightly. Be sure all flash tubes and model lamps are fully seated into light unit sockets.
• It is important to observe the maximum watt-seconds rating of these light units. Never subject a flash tube to more watt-seconds than it is designed to handle. All Speedotron Black Line flash tubes are designed to accept a minimum of 2400Ws. All Brown Line light units can handle at least 400 watt-seconds, and specific units are designed for a maximum of 1200 or 1600 watt-seconds. For power supplies that can produce more than 400Ws of power, you must be very careful that the flash tube you are using in your light unit can handle all the available power. Never subject a flash tube to more watt-seconds than it is designed to handle. If you are not sure that your flash tube can handle the power provided by the set-up you are using, check the technical specifications of the light unit in addition to the Power Distribution Chart on the side of your power supply. We recommend that you purchase at least one light unit that will accept the full output of the power supply.
• Light units come with a 5/8" light stand mount. The umbrella bracket is drilled to accept 3/8" diameter umbrella shafts (must be used with 7" umbrella reflector).
• Install the desired reflector into the light unit. Align the round notches on the reflector with the nylon buttons on the light unit, then twist firmly clockwise, (viewed from front and insuring that reflector assembly is bottomed on mounting socket) approximately 1/4 of a turn. This should securely mount the reflector into the light unit housing.
• Turn on power supply, wait for Ready light, then press Push to Flash button to verify proper operation. At this time, if you have a fan cooled unit, the fan should be operating. The model lamp is controlled by the Model switch at the power supply. Some light units also have a Model switch on the top or side of the light unit.
• For maximum performance and tube life, the model lamp should be used only when necessary and turned off after initial set-up or focusing is done. Although the forced air cooling is more than ample for normal usage, turning off the model lamp will eliminate heat and enable the light to run cooler, extending the life of all components.
• After extended use, inspect flash tubes for cracks and any unusual darkening (arc-over) around the plugs. This is particularly important for multi-tube flash lights. If cracks or darkening are noted the flash tube is, most likely, near the end of its duty cycle. Cracked tubes will probably misfire. The normal life expectancy is 100,000 flashes for the majority of Speedotron Black Line flash tubes.
• Be sure replacement flash tubes are designed for the watt-second output requirements of Speedotron light units. Never subject a flash tube to more watt-seconds than it is designed to handle. Applying too much power severely shortens the life of flash tubes, may cause fine cracks to develop in the tube that may cause tube failure or, in the most extreme case, may cause a tube to shatter. For this reason, we suggest you always use Speedotron flash tubes and model lamps to insure safe and dependable operation.

General Maintenance and Care

All Speedotron equipment is ruggedly built. Nevertheless, it should be treated with the same care given to other pieces of quality photographic equipment. To protect the user, all Speedotron equipment is designed to be safe when used in accordance with instructions. To assure the maximum in safe, dependable service, the following guidelines should be carefully observed.

• Avoid kinking or pulling cables. Disconnect cables by pulling on the plug only. Never pull plugs out by the cable. Light cables as well as sync cords and AC power cords should be occasionally checked for wear, cracks, separation between cable and plug, and for indications of arc-over.
• Do not wrap the light unit cables around the light units. Coiling cables tightly stresses the internal wires and may lead to premature cable failure. If possible, keep the coil diameter at least 10 inches.
• If a cable becomes frayed, the insulation damaged, or the connectors bent or broken, have them repaired immediately.
• Keep all connectors, plugs and sockets free of dust, moisture and corrosion.
• Do not connect or disconnect light units or insert or remove flash tubes while the power supply is on.
• When using your equipment, be sure all cable, sync, power and flash tube connections are completely and properly installed.
• Do not attempt to make repairs to your Speedotron equipment yourself. It is very dangerous, and will void your warranty. Consult your dealer regarding authorized service in your area, or return the equipment to Speedotron. When you are not using your equipment, it is recommended that you store it in a dry place. Equipment should be charged up and flashed a few times at least once a month. This will keep your equipment in top working condition for many years.
• With your light unit disconnected, occasionally remove the reflector and clean the interior surface with a light solvent or soap and water. Carefully remove the flash tube, and clean the glass cover. Only in this way will you conserve a consistent color temperature and light output. Dirt and dust deposits on the tube and reflector act like a filter to alter color.
• To extend the life of the model lamp, it should be turned off after set-up and focusing.