Page 1
impact
TM
EX-100A Monolight
INSTRUCTIONS
Page 2
Thank you for your purchase of the Impact EX-100A Monolight. The
EX-100A Monolight is economical and lightweight, yet durable enough to
give you many years of trouble-free service and enjoyment. Please read
these operating instructions and safety precautions carefully before
operating this equipment.
Features
• Three-stop range – full power to 1/8 power, steplessly
• Buil t-in opt ical slave
• Modeling lamp can be set to proportional or full power
• Accepts Elinchrom-s tyle reectors and head accessories
(8-inch grid reector included)
• Tactile, “grippy” feel that resist s slipping, scratches, and shock damage
• Commonly available 1/8˝ mini-plug sync input
• Low 4.3V trigger voltage – safe for any camera’s circuitry
Power Requirements
This light comes in two models; one is designed for use with 110 /120 V AC power in the US
and the other for 220V AC power in Europe. Neither model can be used ou tside of its
nati ve power region. Both are supplied with a three-prong, grounded plug. Do not
attempt to defeat this safet y feature. If necessary, use only grounded extension cords
rated for six amps or greater.
Warning
There are no user-serviceable parts inside the unit. Only qualied service engineers
should access the inside of the case (Danger – high-vol tage parts inside). Avoid damage
to both the ashtube and modeling lamp. If the modeling lamp or ashtube become
cracked or damaged in any way, they should be replaced immediat ely. Do not use your
ash unit in an environment where moisture or ammable vapor is likely to come in
contact with the unit . Turn the power off and unplug the power cord when the unit is not
in use. Always remove the modeling lamp and replace the protective cap when
transporting the unit. Avoid s trong light falling onto the slave cell as it will prevent
efcient operation. If the uni t blows a fuse, a replacement fuse can be inser ted in the
pull-out compartment on the back of the unit . To ensure long life of the ash capacitors,
the ash unit should be powered up and red several times at least every t wo months .
All ima ges in this manua l are for illustrat ive purposes onl y. You r unit may differ s lightly from th e one pictured.
Page 3
Preparing Your Monolight for Use
Mount on a stand
(1) Select a stand or support
system of suitable weight
and dimensions to ensure
stable operation of the unit.
Install Reector &
Modeling Lamp
(2) Remove the protective
cap by pressing in and
turning it coun terclockwise. Pull the cap of f
and set aside.
(3) Install the modeling
lamp by screwing it into the
threaded socket.
CAU TION: Do not touch the lamp with your bare hands. Oil residue from your ngers can
cause the surface of the lamp to heat unevenly and explode. Use white cotton gloves or a
clean cloth.
(4) Install the reector where t he protective cap was before. Align the two notches on
the re ector with the white guidelines on the ash unit, press the reector in and rotate
clockwise unt il it locks in place. Rotate the outer ring to secure the reector.
Note: Take care when tting or removing reectors or softboxes to not damage the
ashtube assembly. The ashtube is very delicate. Always switch off the unit and
disconnect the power before tting or changing lamps, ashtubes, reectors, or softboxes.
1
3 4
2
Page 4
A B
F G
D
C
E
H
I
Page 5
Operating Instructions
Legend
A – Recycle Indicator L ight F – Fuse Holder
B – Pho tocell G – Power Socket
C – Power Regulator Dial H – On/ Off Switch
D – Sync Jack I – Modeling Light Switch
E – Test Fire Button
Power Supply
Plug the power cord into the back of the ash unit. Before plugging the power cord into
the wall socket, make cert ain that the power switch is set to the OF F (circle) posi tion.
Note: The EX-100A flash unit comes in two designs; one is designed for use with 110/120V
AC power in the US and the other for use with 220V AC power in Europe. Neither model can
be used outside of its native power region.
Power Switch
Turn the power swi tch to the ON (line) position.
The flash will sound a beep and then sound a
second beep indicating that ash power has been
reached and the unit is ready to re. The green
ready light will also be lit . We recommend
charging the flash unit for one hour prior to its
init ial use and after an ex tended period of
inactivit y (more than t wo weeks). If the unit is left
unused for a few mon ths, or the unit has been
used predominantly at low power settings, we
recommend that t he power be increased to t he
maximum and the unit lef t switched on (wi th the
modeling lamp OFF) for at least 30 minutes, with
several test ashes red, to help preserve the life
of the capacitors.
Page 6
Flash Settings Changing the Fuse
Flash Output
The ash power output is variable over a three
f/stop range (f our f/stops) from full power to 1/8
power in a stepless gradation. Flash power is
adjus ted by rotating t he power-regulator knob on
the back panel of the unit. The EX-100A will sound
a beep and t he green indicator will light when the
unit has recycled and is ready to ash.
Lowering Flash Power
While raising the ash power requires no special
consideration, lowering the power does. Excess
power that has built up in the system’s capacitors
must be released. You must press the red test
but ton to manually “pop” the ash after a
power-lowering adjustment. T he EX-100A will
then recycle to the lower power you’ve selected.
A beep will sound and t he green indicator will
light when the unit has recycled and is ready to
ash again.
Caution: To avoid eye damage, do not look into the
strobe while ring. Do not re the ash in close
proximity to the face. Turn the unit off and unplug
the power cord when changing attachments.
Manually “pop” the ash when
reducing ash power. This will
ush the excess power in the
capacitors.
Page 7
Modeling Light Settings
The Modeling Light swi tch is to the right of t he
power switch and has three settings: Proportional
Mode, Full Power, and Off.
Proportional Mode
During normal use, most photographers will use a
monolight in “Proportional” Mode. The modeling
light intensity will increase or decrease in response
to changes in the ash power. To work in
Proportional Mode, rock the modeling light switch so
that bottom of the switch (marked with double
horizontal lines) is down.
Full Power
The E X-100A allows you to reduce the ash power
but keep your modeling light at full power. Rock the
modeling light switch so t hat the top of the sw itch
(marked with a single horizontal line) is down. The
modeling light will stay on at its full power.
Off
To turn off the modeling ligh t, set the modeling light
swi tch to its middle position (marked with an “O”).
Modeling light and ash power
are proportional
Modeling light set to full power
Modeling light is off
Page 8
Triggering the Flash
TEST Button
There are three ways to trigger your ash, but the simplest is to press the red TEST
but ton. This is useful when you need to discharge t he power built up in the ash unit ,
for example, just before replacing the ashtube (more on that later).
Sync Connection
The sync jack on the EX-100 A Monolight may be used for
direct connection to a camera set to ‘X’ synchronization.
Inser t the “PC” end of the supplied sync cord into the
connec tion on your camera and the other mini-plug end
into the sync jack on the back panel of the EX-100A .
A radio slave receiver with a mini-plug may also be
plugged into this jack.
Photo Cell
The E X-100A Monolight features a photo cell which
allow s the flash unit to be tr iggered by another flash.
This is called “Slave Mode.” The photo cell is located on
the back panel next to the ready light. The photo cell is
very sensitive, but some experimentation with
positioning may be necessary to ensure a reliable trigger,
particularly if the cell is not in the direct line of sight of
the triggering ash unit. Avoid directly illuminat ing the
photo cell from a continuous light source (such as ceiling
lights or windows) since this can prevent correct
operation. Ver y high ceilings can also af fect the
operation of the photo cell.
Sync connection: step 1
Sync connection: step 2
The E X-100A is always in Slave Mode, even when using
sync cords. To disable the photo cell, cover both the
ready and photo cell sensors with black electrical tape.
The photo cell sensor
Page 9
Use of Umbrellas
Umbrellas
An umbrella with a handle diameter of up to 9mm can be secured in the umbrella holder.
Firmly press the umbrella shaft through the holder. The locking knob is located beneat h
the holder. Do not overtighten to avoid damaging the shaft of the umbrella. The reector
supplied with the Impact E X-100A features a slot through which you can feed the umbrella
shaf t. Be sure to install the reector with the slo t at the bottom.
Page 10
Use of Softboxes
The E X-100A Monolight is often sold as a kit w ith an Impact softbox included. The following
instructions will guide you to set up the Impact softbox typically included in an EX-100A kit.
If you bought the EX-100 A alone, you can use any sof tbox that has an Elinchrom mount .
1
Begin by unfolding the sof tbox skin.
Remove the rubber bands holding the ex
rods together.
3 4
Inser t a second ex rod in the hole
opposite the rst one.
2
Inser t the small end of one of the ex rods
into the mounting ring. Be certain to inser t
the rod as far as it will go.
Pull the softbox skin over the mounting
ring. Align the corners with the ex rods.
Page 11
5
Tuck the thick end of one of the ex rods
into a pocket in the corner of the softbox
skin.
7 8
Continue with the third and fourth ex
rods, insert ing the small ends all the way
into the mounting ring rst.
6
Tuck the opposite ex rod into its pocket.
You’ll have to bend t he rod a little to get it
to t .
The in terior bafe attaches with touch
fasteners. You can leave this bafe o ff for
more intense light.
Page 12
Use of Softboxes (Continued)
9
The front dif fuser at taches to touch
fasteners on the outside edge of the
softbox skin.
11 12
Mount your sof tbox onto t he monolight.
Line up the notches with the white marks,
push in and turn clockwise un til it locks.
10
After you’ve attached the touch fasteners
on all four sides, pull the corners of the
diffuser over the corners of the softbox.
You’re ready to shoot. You can angle the
sof tbox by releasing the locking ar m.
Adjust posit ioning, then lock it back down.
Page 13
Breaking Down Your Softbox
1
Turn off the power to your light head and
disconnect the power supply. Unmount the
sof tbox assembly from t he monolight.
3 4
The second rod to be released should be
the one opposite the rs t. Continue with
the third and fourth ex rods.
2
Remove both diffusers. Release a ex rod
by folding the cor ner of the softbox away
from its captured rod.
Pull the ex rods f rom the mounting ring.
Stow every thing unt il the nex t shoot.
Page 14
Changing the Flashtube
Discharge the Flash Unit
The charge in the flash unit mus t be discharged before removing the flashtube. Make
sure the flash unit is on. Push t he TES T button on the rear panel of the flash. The unit will
flash, discharging the power. Immediately turn off the power switch on the rear panel.
Unplug the power cord from the power source. It is advisable to wait at least 30 minutes
before touching or removing the flashtube.
Remove Old Flashtube
First, remove any reflector, softbox , or ash head accessory. Then, using w hite cotton
gloves or a clean clot h, remove the modeling lamp. You will need to remove the retention
spring wrapped around the top of the flashtube. W ith needle-nose pliers, unhook the
retention spring loop. Using white cot ton gloves or a clean cloth, grip the base of the
flashtube on each side. Carefully pull the flasht ube from t he flash uni t.
Install New Flashtube
Make sure the power switch is off and the power cord is disconnected from the outlet.
Locate the two flashtube pin sockets above the modeling lamp socket . Using white
cot ton gloves or a clean cloth, push the pins of the flashtube into the sockets using firm,
even pressure at the base of the flashtube. With needle-nose pliers, hook the reten tion
spring over the hook above the flashtube. Reinsert the modeling lamp using white cotton
gloves or a clean clot h. Reins tall the reflector.
Page 15
A 6.3A fuse is mounted in the rear panel and protects the circuitr y of the flash unit. Turn
off the unit and disconnect the power supply before changing the fuse. Never replace
wit h a fuse of a di fferent type or rating. A spare 6. 3A fuse has been included w ith your
EX-10 0A monolight. Use a small screwdriver to release the fuse cover. Remove the old
fuse, place the new f use in the slot, then replace the fuse holder.
Page 16
Safety and Maintenance Notes
Safety Notes
• Do not use your ash in an environment where moisture
may come in contact with the unit.
• A re hazard exists if ammable materials are placed in close proximity
to the ashtube or the modeling lamp. Do not use your ash
in an environment where ammable vapors are present.
• Do not restrict the ventilation holes when the ash is in use.
• Always switch off the power and disconnect the power cord
before changing the fuse, modeling lamp, or ashtube.
• Avoid placing cables w here they can be tripped over.
Replace damaged cords immediately.
• Never use a ash unit with damaged covers, moldings, ashtube,
or modeling lamp. If the unit is dropped or damaged,
have it checked by a professional repair service before using.
• Due to the high-voltage circuitr y inside this device,
do not attemp t to disassemble or repair the uni t yourself.
• Keep out of the reach of children .
Maintenance Notes
• Turn the power off and unplug the power cord when the ash is not in use.
• We recommend charging the ash unit for one to two hours prior to its initial use
and af ter an extended period of inactivity (more than two weeks).
• If the unit is lef t unused for a few months, or the unit has been used predominantly
at low power set tings, we recommend that the power be increased
to the maximum and the unit left switched on (with t he modeling lamp OFF)
occasionally for at least 30 minutes to help preserve the life of the capacitors.
• Avoid rapid, high-power ashing, especially when using restrictive reectors
such as snoots or grids. Excessive heat will shorten the lifespan of your ash unit,
modeling lamp, and ashtube.
Page 17
Best Practices
As wi th any ash unit, t he useful life of the ash tube and the unit as a whole depends on
the way it is used. Avoiding excessive heat is the key to long life.
• The f ast recycling feature of the E X-100A allows a rapid sequence of high-power
ashes. However, this feat ure should be used sparingly, since continuous rapid ashing
can cause overheating and subsequent damage to the ashtube and possibly the
internal electronics.
• Rapid sequences of ashes should always be followed by a reasonable cooling period;
10 to 20 minutes without ashing, or at a substantially reduced rate.
• Dimming or turning off the modeling lamp will reduce heat .
• Avoid rapid high-power ashing when using restrictive reectors such as snoots or
grid reectors, particularl y if the unit is pointing downward.
• Do not ash over 12 shots per minute for over 10 minutes.
• Do not ash over eight shots per minute for over 3 0 minutes.
• Take special care when shooting in a high-temperature environment.
Page 18
Specications
EX-100A
Power Output 100 W/ S
Guide Number1 30
Output Control Range Full power to 1/ 8 stepless
Recycling Time 1~2 seconds
Flash Duration 1/10 00 ~ 1/1500 second
Flash Ready Indicator LED and audible beep
Modeling Lamp 60 W (not to exceed 100W)
Triggers Sync cable, slave sensor, test button
Trigger Voltage 4.3V
Built-in Slave C ell Yes
Color Temperature 58 00°K ±20 0°K
Flash Tube Plug-in type, user replaceable
Reector Mount Elinchrom-type
Sync Cable 1/8˝ phono jack
Power Source 110~120V AC, 60Hz
Circuit Protection 6. 3A Fuse
Dimensions 9.5 × 7.75 × 5˝ ( 240 × 19 8 × 127 mm) – without reector
11. 25 × 8.25 × 10.3˝ (285 × 210 × 26 2 mm) – with reector
Weight 2.6 lb. (1.2 kg)
1
Guide N umber is cal culated at f /8, 10 ft, IS O 100, usi ng the incl uded ree ctor, and is a s tarti ng point .
You shou ld perfo rm your ow n evaluat ions to det ermine t he result s you pref er.
Contents of car ton
Carefully remove the monolight from the box. You should have the following:
• monolight with protective cap and ashtube installed
• 60 W modeling lamp • 8˝ grid reector • sync cable
• spare fuse • power cable • user manual
You may also have other items, such as a light stand, umbrella, or softbox,
if you purchased the EX-100 A as part of a kit.
Page 19
One-Year Limited Warranty
This IMPACT product is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship under normal consumer use for a period of one (1) year
from the original purchase date or thirty (30) days after replacement, whichever occurs
later. The warranty provider’s responsibility with respect to this limited warranty shall
be limited solely to repair or replacement, at the provider’s discretion, of any product
that fails during normal use of this product in its intended manner and in its intended
environment. Inoperability of the product or part(s) shall be determined by the warranty
provider. If the product has been discontinued, the warranty provider reserves the right
to replace it with a model of equivalent quality and function.
This warranty does not cover damage or defect caused by misuse, neglect, accident,
alteration, abuse, improper installation or maintenance. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN,
THE WARRANTY PROVIDER MAKES NEITHER ANY EXPRESS WARRANTIES NOR ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. This warranty
provides you with specic legal rights, and you may also have additional rights that vary
from state to state.
To obtain warranty coverage, contact the Impact Customer Service Department to
obtain a return merchandise authorization (“RMA”) number, and return the defective
product to Impact along with the RMA number and proof of purchase. Shipment of the
defective product is at the purchaser’s own risk and expense.
For more information or to arrange service, visit www.impactstudiolighting.com or call
Customer Service at 212-594-2353.
Product warranty provided by the Gradus Group.
IMPACT is a registered trademark of the Gradus Group.
© 2014 Gradus Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.
www.gradusgroup.com
Page 20
GG2
Loading...