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VC-500WLN
Digital Monolight
INSTRUCTIONS
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Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Impact VC-500WLN Digital Monolight, or the
VC-500WL2KN and VC-500WL3KN Digital Monolight Kits. This professional-grade
studio lighting unit features a user-replaceable 250 W halogen modeling light
and a 500 Ws ash tube. The monolight is constructed with a durable housing
and boasts a lightning fast 1.5 second recycle time, intelligent adaptive thermal
control, and CMOS chip circuitry.
The powerful Impact Digital Monolight has an integrated 2.4 GHz, 16-channel
wireless radio receiver. You can trigger the monolight from a distance of 328
feet (100 m) when it’s partnered with the VC-500WLXMT transmitter (included
with kits only, sold separately). Paired with the unit’s integrated group functions,
you can arrange and digitally segment each of their remote devices as needed.
Additionally, the ash’s seven optical slave modes enable the device to
communicate with your on-camera master ashes, seamlessly triggering up to
six preashes.
Features
• Fast recycle time and ash duration
• Integrated 2.4 GHz wireless receiver
• 250 W user-replaceable halogen modeling light
• Adaptive thermal control
• CMOS chip circuitry
• Compatible with S-mount accessories
• Low 5 V trigger voltage
• Quiet fan cooling
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Box Contents
VC-500WL3KN
• Digital Monolight (×3)
• Reector (×3)
• 9 ft. air-cushioned light
stand (×3)
• 40 in. umbrella—white with
black backing (×3)
• 24 × 36 in. softbox with
speed ring
VC-500WL2KN
• Digital Monolight (×2)
• Reector (×2)
• 8 ft. air-cushioned light
stand (×2)
• 40 in. umbrella—white with
black backing (×2)
• 24 × 36 in. softbox with
speed ring
VC-500WLN
• Digital Monolight
• Reector
• AC cable
• 250 W modeling lamp
• Wireless controller
• AC cable (×3)
• 250 W modeling lamp (×3)
• Flash tube (installed) (×3)
• Spare fuse (in fuse bay) (×3)
• Protective cover (×3)
• Wheeled kit case
• User manual
• Wireless controller
• AC cable (×2)
• 250 W modeling lamp (×2)
• Flash tube (installed) (×2)
• Spare fuse (in fuse bay) (×2)
• Protective cover (×2)
• Wheeled kit case
• User manual
• Flash tube (installed)
• Spare fuse (in fuse bay)
• Protective cover
• User manual
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Precautions
• DANGER: high-voltage parts inside.
• There are no serviceable parts inside the unit. Only qualied service engineers
should access the inside of the casing.
• If the ash tube or modeling light becomes cracked or damaged in any way,
replace immediately.
• Keep this product away from water and any ammable gases or liquids.
• Use only the correct, recommended voltage.
• Avoid rapid, high-power ashing.
• Excessive heat shortens the life span of ash tubes, modeling lamps, and internal
components.
• If the unit is not used for two months, turn it on for 30 minutes, and re the ash
several times to charge the capacitors.
• Always remove the protective cap before plugging in or powering on the unit.
• Never operate the ash with the protective cap on.
• Make sure this product is powered off when plugging it into a power source.
• Turn off the power and unplug the power cord from the unit and wall when the
monolight is not in use.
• Always remove the modeling lamp and attach the protective cap when transporting
the unit.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or repair this product. There are components inside
that can produce a hazardous electric shock.
• Handle this product with care.
• Do not stare at the lights when they are powered on.
• Clean this product with only a soft, dry cloth.
• Always wear cotton gloves when handling the ashtube.
• Keep this product away from children.
• Make sure everything is secure before proceeding.
• Make sure that this product is intact and that there are no missing parts before use.
• All images are for illustrative purposes only.
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Overview
Front Side:
1. Monolight
2. Mount release
3. Modeling lamp
4. Reector
5. Flashtube
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Top:
6. Optical sensor
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5
4
3
6
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Overview (continued)
Back:
1. LCD screen
2. Power input jack
3. Fuse bay
4. 1/4" (6.35 mm) sync port
5. Power switch
6. Modeling light and power output
adjustment dial
7. Test button
8. Audio button
9. Up and down buttons
10. Power indicator
11. Modeling light mode indicators
12. Slave mode button
13. Slave LED indicator
14. Umbrella mount tightening knob
15. Umbrella mount
16. Stand mount adjustment knobs
17. Stand mount
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2
3
4 5
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16
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9 8 7
6
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10
6
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Remote Guide (Kits Only)
Top:
1. Up button
2. Down button
3. Test button
4. Group indicators
Right Side:
5. Group selector button
1
2
3
Left Side:
6. Battery compartment
Bottom:
7. Channel DIP switches
8. Hot-shoe mount
9. 3.5 mm sync port
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4
7
5
8
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Overview (continued)
Menus
Mode 1
Mode 2
8
Optical slave
menu (0–7)
Time frame Block time
Channel selector
(1–16)
Group selector
(A–D)
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Preparing for Use
The Impact Digital Monolight includes a preinstalled ash
tube and a modeling lamp that’s packed separately in the
box. Both lights are user replaceable. Be careful not to
touch the ash tube with your bare hands, since this could
cause damage to it. Use cotton gloves or a soft, dry cloth
when touching or handling the ash tube.
The monolight’s modeling lamp is a halogen bulb within a glass sleeve. You can
touch this glass without cotton gloves. However, wiping it with a cotton cloth
after handling it is recommended. To install the modeling lamp, see Installation
and Replacement Guide on page 23.
The monolight ships with a protective cap. Always remove
the protective cap before plugging in or powering on the
unit. To remove the cap, push back the mount release and
turn the cap counterclockwise. Pull the cap from the mount,
and place it to the side for later use.
Attach the reector by aligning the lugs and making sure the umbrella hole is
on the bottom. Push back the mount release, fully insert the reector, and turn it
clockwise. You’ll hear it click into place. Let go of the mount release.
Mounting Accessories
Light Stand Mount
The Impact Digital Monolight has a standard 5/8″ stand
mount with tilt and tightening knobs. To mount the monolight
on a light stand, place the stand mount onto a compatible
stand with a standard 5/8″ top mount. Turn the tightening
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Mounting Accessories (continued)
knob to secure. Turn the adjustment knob counterclockwise to adjust the tilt of
the monolight. Turn the knob clockwise to secure the monolight in place.
Accessory S-mount
The Digital Monolight has an S-mount for light-modifying accessories. This can
be used with optional add-ons such as speed rings for softboxes. The included
umbrella reectors line up with the units’ umbrella mounts located on the
stand mounts.
To use accessories with the monolights’ S-mount, align the accessory with the
mount and insert. Once inserted, rotate the accessory clockwise to secure. To
remove it from the mount, hold down the mount release and rotate the
accessory counterclockwise.
Umbrella Mount
To mount an umbrella
to the monolight, rst
attach the reector
using the above
instructions. Then
run the umbrella rod
through the reector’s
umbrella hole and into
the monolight’s umbrella mount. Secure the umbrella by tightening the umbrella
locking knob.
Note: Umbrellas are included only with two- and three-light kits. Umbrellas can
be purchased separately for the VC-500WLN.
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Connecting Your Camera to the Monolight
The Impact Digital Monolight has two triggering options.
Sync Cord (Optional Accessory)
The back of your monolight has a 1/4" (6.35 mm) sync input, which is used for a
wired connection between your camera and the ash unit.
1. Insert the sync cable’s 1/4" end into the monolight’s
sync cable port.
2. Insert the PC connector end into your camera’s PC
socket. If your camera does not have a PC port, an
adapter will be required.
Wireless
Note: The remote is included only with the two- and three-light kits. The
VC-500WLXMT remote can be purchased separately.
The Impact Digital Monolight has an integrated 2.4 GHz, 16-channel wireless
receiver. Using the included transmitter, you can wirelessly trigger your ash
unit from up to 328 feet (100 m) away. Line-of-sight is not required for your
monolights to communicate with the transmitter.
For instructions on how to operate your monolights with the transmitter, refer to
the transmitter’s user manual or the instructions in this manual.
Note: You can attach your own wireless triggering system receiver to the Digital
Monolight via the sync port.
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Powering the Monolight
The Impact VC-500WLN Monolight is designed to
operate with a 100–130 V, 50/60 Hz AC power. Before
powering your monolight, rst plug the AC cable into
the ash’s AC input, and then plug it into the
wall socket.
Press the power switch to turn the unit on. The LED
will show the current ash power setting.
Note: The monolight saves all of the previous ash and modeling light settings.
All of these settings will be active when powering on.
Important! Impact recommends charging the monolight's capacitors for one
hour before its initial use, and after an extended period of inactivity (more than
two weeks). If the unit is left unused for an extended period of time, or if the unit
has been mostly used at low power, set the monolight output to full power and
leave it plugged in and switched on (with the modeling lamp off) for at least 30
minutes. This will help preserve the life of the capacitors.
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Flash Settings
Setting the Monolight’s Power Output
The Impact Digital Monolight’s ashtube has
a 6-stop power range, represented by a 1–6
(f-stop) numbered scale on the LED screen. The
adjustment knob changes the monolight output
value by 0.1 f-stop increments per detent.
To increase or decrease the power output of the
monolight, turn the adjustment dial on the back of
the ash unit. This will adjust both the monolight
and modeling lamp (unless the modeling lamp is
set to independent mode on or off). For information
on adjusting the modeling lamp power output,
refer to page 14.
When decreasing the power of the ash, the
power output setting on the LED screen will blink
until the capacitors release the accumulated
energy (auto power dump). To speed up the
process, press the TEST button to re the ash
after the output has been decreased.
Setting Power
6.0 Full
5.0 1/2
4.0 1/4
3.0 1/8
2.0 1/16
1.0 1/32
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Setting the Modeling Light Power Output
The VC-500WLN Monolight has a 250 W, 60 Hz user-replaceable modeling light
bulb.The modeling light’s power output is represented on the LED screen by a
1–6 numbered scale that can be adjusted by 0.1 increments.
This monolight has built-in soft-start circuitry, which ensures a long modeling
lamp life. When the monolight is powered on, the circuitry starts the monolight
at a minimum power output, then raises it incrementally until the desired power
output is reached.
To activate the modeling lamp, press and release the output adjustment dial.
The modeling light has two operating modes:
• In proportional mode, increasing or decreasing the ash power will
incrementally increase or decrease the modeling light brightness.
• In independent mode, the modeling light brightness can be set
independently of the ash without changing the ash output power.
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Proportional: When the modeling light is activated,
the default setting is proportional, as indicated by
the indicator above the button. As you adjust the
monolight’s power output via the adjustment dial, the
modeling light will increase or decrease proportionally.
This gives you the general idea where highlights and
shadows will fall in relation to the ash power.
Independent: To change to independent mode, press
the adjustment dial a second time. The indicator will
appear over the button. You can now independently
control the modeling lamp’s light output by pressing
the or buttons. The display shows the modeling
light output level. Once you have completed this
operation, the display reverts back to the ash power
level after approximately 4 seconds.
Note: Each button press will change the power output of the modeling light by
one-tenth unit. Press and hold down the or button to increase or decrease
the numbers at a faster pace.
The modeling light can be used as a recycle indicator. When the audio function
is deactivated (see the Audio Button section on page 22), the modeling light
will turn off when the ash is red, and it will turn on again to indicate that the
capacitors have recharged. When the audio function is active, the modeling light
will not turn off when the ash is red.
Press the adjustment dial a third time to power off the modeling light.
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Slave and Preash Settings
The Impact Digital Monolight has seven optical slave/preash modes.
Activate the slave mode by pressing the slave button once. The slave indicator
light will appear over the slave button. Press it again to turn it off.
To adjust the preash settings, press and hold the slave button for four seconds.
Use the and buttons to toggle between preash settings.
C0: Using your master ash, release a test exposure.
The monolight will automatically memorize the
amount of preashes red.
C1: The monolight will ash when it detects
another ash.
C2: The monolight will trigger after one preash.
C3: The monolight will trigger after two preashes.
C4: The monolight will trigger after three preashes.
C5: The monolight will trigger after four preashes.
C6: The monolight will trigger after ve preashes.
C7: The monolight will trigger after six preashes.
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Special Functions (Transmitter Only)
The Impact Digital Monolight two- and three-light kits (VC-500WL2KN and
VC-500WL3KN) include a wireless radio transmitter for remote triggering.
Setting Channels on the Monolight
The Impact Digital Monolight has an integrated 2.4 GHz
16-channel radio receiver. Set your devices to the same
channel to trigger them all at the same time. This also
aids in avoiding radio interference from other devices
in the area.
To set the channel, press and hold the slave button for
four seconds. The c icon appears on the screen to indicate optical slave mode.
Press the slave button again for the channel selection screen. The F icon will
appear on the screen. Use the or buttons to select a channel (see Remote
Instructions on page 18).
Setting Groups on the Monolight
This monolight can be set to one of four groups: GA, GB,
GC, or GD.
To select a group, press and hold the slave button for
four seconds. Press the slave button twice. The G icon
will appear on the screen. Use the or buttons to
select a group.
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Remote Instructions
Impact's VC-500WL2KN and VC-500WL3KN two- and three-light kits come with
a 2.4 GHz transmitter that enables the user to control and
trigger the studio ash remotely. (The VC-500WLXMT
transmitter can be purchased separately.)
Mount the transmitter onto your camera’s hot shoe or
connect it using the included 3.5 mm to PC sync cord.
To use the remote with the Digital Monolight, use the
following features:
Flashtube Power Output
Press the or button on the remote to adjust the
power output of the ashtube. Each push of the button will adjust the output in
0.1 increments.
Modeling Light Power Output
To turn on the modeling light using the remote, press and hold the button for
three seconds. Press the or button to adjust the light’s output. Press and
hold the button to turn off the modeling light.
The modeling light can be activated only in independent mode by the transmitter.
To operate the modeling light in proportional mode, make the appropriate
settings manually on the unit (see page 15). Control the modeling light’s output in
proportional mode by following the above instructions.
Note: When using the trigger with the modeling light in proportional mode, the
or buttons will change only the ash power output. If you press and hold
the button, the modeling light mode will change to independent (as indicated
by the LED indicator light). If you press and hold the arrow, the modeling light
mode will turn off.
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Channels
This studio ash has a 16-channel radio receiver, which can be triggered using
the included transmitter. To adjust the channel settings on the remote, rst
remove the battery compartment door. Set the device to your required channel
using the chart below as a guide.
Note: White represents the DIP switch button.
Note: The channel setting on the monolight and the transmitter must match
in order to wirelessly trigger the ash, adjust ash power, and turn on/off the
modeling lamp.
Groups
The Impact Digital Monolight has four groups, used to segment remote devices.
To change the group that the trigger transmits to, press the group selector
button repeatedly until the required group selection corresponds with the
correct indicator light.
Note: The group setting on the monolight and the transmitter must match in
order to wirelessly trigger the ash, adjust ash power, and turn on/off the
modeling lamp.
Testing the Monolight
Press the transmitter’s test button to test-re the monolight.
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Replacing the Battery (CR2032)
To install a battery into the wireless trigger, rst remove the battery compartment
door. Remove the spent battery by holding back the clasp and pulling the battery
out. Insert the new battery under the clasp, using the correct orientation, and
snap the other side into place. Reinstall the battery compartment door.
Preash Variation Settings
The Impact Digital Monolight is compatible with nearly all master ash or slave
units. Different brands use different numbers of preashes before triggering
other slave units. To facilitate those differences, this studio ash has two
settings that enable the ash to ignore a user-selected timeframe of preashes
before ring. Use these functions when you need to manually control preash,
instead of using the “Slave and Preash Settings” mode.
Note: Various brands of ashes have different numbers and durations of their
preashes. Some trial and error may be necessary to obtain your model’s best
settings.
Time Frame
The Time Frame function allows for a variable of 1 to 5 seconds for the studio
ash to ignore master preashes. To use this function, refer to the following
instructions:
1. Press and hold the slave button for 8 seconds.
2. Use the or modeling light output buttons to select your required setting.
Setting (t) 1 2 3 4 5
Time (sec.) 1 2 3 4 5
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Note: The default setting of this function is t2, which means the ash will be triggered
after 2 seconds of preashes. When using multiple speedlites with different preash
frequencies, this mode will group all the ashes as one before ring.
To exit the Time Frame function menu, press and hold the slave button for
approximately 4 seconds until the ash power setting appears on the screen, or
slightly move the adjustment dial.
Block Time
The Block Time function allows for a variable of 1 to 18 milliseconds for the
studio ash to ignore master preashes. In this mode, your monolight will begin
to record and learn to recognize your device’s preashes. This is to compensate
for the different preash timing between devices. To use this function, refer to
the following instructions:
1. Press and hold the slave button for 8 seconds.
2. Press the slave button again.
3. Use the or modeling light output buttons to select your required setting.
Use the following chart as a reference for this function’s settings:
Value (b) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Time (ms) 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Note: The default setting on this mode is b5.
To exit the Block Time function menu, press and hold the slave button for
approximately 4 seconds until the ash power setting appears on the screen, or
slightly move the adjustment dial.
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Other Functions and Protective Features
Audio Button
When the LED indicator over the audio button is on, the monolight will emit a
beep to indicate various alerts and functions. To turn this function off, press the
audio button once. The LED indicator will turn off. Press the audio button again
to reactivate the function.
Note: When the audio function is disabled, the modeling light will act as a
recycle indiactor. When the ash is red, the modeling light will blink off until the
capacitors have recharged, and then turn on again.
Overheating Protection
After a long shooting session at a high power output, the recycling time of
the ash will increase automatically until the ash cools to a safe level. Once
cooled, it will begin operating as usual.
Overvoltage and Overcurrent Protection
The ash is protected against unstable voltages. Overcurrent protection is useful
when using a power generator (gasoline or electric) to power the ash unit.
Error Codes
In the event of a malfunction, the LED screen will display a blinking error code.
In addition, error codes E2 and E3 are accompanied by a beep warning.
E1: Temperature transducer problem. Turn the unit off immediately and contact
Impact customer service.
E2: This error code can appear after a long shooting session at high output or
rapid sequence. Turn off the ash unit and allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
E3: This error code will appear when the internal voltage of the ash is too high.
Turn off the power immediately. After 5 minutes, turn the ash back on. If the
error is still displayed on the LED screen, turn off the monolight and contact
Impact customer service.
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Installation and Replacement Guide
The Modeling Light
The Impact VC-500WLN Monolight comes with a 250 W 60 Hz halogen modeling
lamp bulb. (The 220v 50Hz kit will come with a 220v, 250 W modeling lamp).
To remove an old bulb and install a replacement bulb,
follow these steps:
1. Ensure the monolight is powered off and unplugged.
2. Using a cotton glove or soft, dry cloth, carefully
unscrew the modeling light bulb.
3. Pick up the replacement bulb with the glove or cloth
and insert the base into the modeling light socket.
Turn it clockwise until tight.
Note: The Digital Monolight has built-in SSC (soft-start circuitry) to ensure a
long modeling lamp life. When the modeling lamp is turned on, it will light up at
a minimum brightness and slowly reach full power output. This feature prolongs
the life of the modeling lamp.
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Installation and Replacement Guide (continued)
The Flash Tube
The Impact Digital Monolight’s ash tube is user-replaceable. To replace the
ash tube, follow these steps:
1. Discharge the ash unit by pressing the test button.
2. Turn off the monolight and unplug the power cable from the ash unit and
power source.
3. After 30 minutes, remove the modeling lamp and any other accessory
connected to the unit.
4. Wear a pair of cotton gloves or hold a soft, dry
cloth, and use a pair of needle-nose pliers to
carefully unhook the retention spring loop of the
ash tube. Make sure it is disengaged from the
ash tube.
5. Once it is unhooked, grip the base of the ash
tube on each side and carefully pull it from the
monolight.
6. Pick up the new ashtube and push its pins into the sockets by applying
rm, even pressure at the base.
7. With needle-nose pliers, hook the retention spring over and above the
ash tube.
8. Reinsert the modeling lamp, then any other accessory to the monolight.
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Replacing the Fuse
The Impact Digital Monolight comes with two fuses: one installed and one spare.
Both are located within the fuse bay. To remove the fuse housing from the fuse
bay and replace the fuse, use the following instructions:
1. Ensure the monolight is powered off and
unplugged.
2. Using a slotted screwdriver, lift the fuse housing
via the nook found on the at side of the AC jack.
3. The fuse located within the housing is the one
the monolight is using when it is powered on. To
replace the fuse, remove it from the box.
4. Replace it with the included spare.
5. Reattach the fuse holder to the fuse bay to
complete the process.
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Specications
Power Output 500 Ws
Guide Number 78
Output Control Range Full to 1/32 in 1/10 increments
Recycle Time (110~120 V 60 Hz) 0.2 to 1.5 sec.
Flash Duration 1/800 to 1/1200 sec.
Flash Ready Indicator Visible or audible conrmation
Power Range 6 stops
Modeling Lamp E26/27, 250 W Max
SSC (soft-start circuitry)
Modeling Lamp Control Proportional, Independent, Off
Triggering Method 16-channel wireless transmitter (included
with kits only), direct connect
6.35 mm phono plug to PC cord (optional
accessory), optical slave with preash
settings.
Effective Wireless Distance Range
Battery Replacement for
328 ft. (100 m)
CR2032 3 V
Transmitter
Color Temperature 5600 K (±100 K)
Flash Tube User-replaceable plug-in tube
Trigger Voltage DC 5 V
Sync Cable Input
1/4" (6.35 mm)
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Specications
Slave Settings Red-eye reduction, synchronous
Integrated Receiver Frequency 2.4 GHz
Channels 16
Cooling Fan Yes
Touch Pad Controls Yes
Auto Power Dump Yes
Adaptive Thermal Control Yes
Housing Material Aluminum casting with textured coating
Mount Type S-mount, umbrella mount
Power Source 100 to 130 V 50/60 Hz
Circuit Protection 12.5 A
Length of Included AC Cord 13 ft. (4 m)
Weight 5.2 lb. (2.35 kg)
Dimensions (with protective cap) (L × H × W) 16.5 × 8 × 5 in. (42 × 20 × 13 cm)
FCC DISCLAIMER:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
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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.
www.gradusgroup.com
Impact is a registered trademark of the Gradus Group.
© 2019 Gradus Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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