Impact VSD-160, VSD-300 User manual

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VSD Series Monolight
INSTRUCTIONS
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Thank you for purchasing an Impact VSD Series Monolight. This device is proof that highly-functional monolights can be affordable. The VSD Series Monolight provides enough stored power to light a por trait or small still-life setup and offers features found on monolights costing twice as much. We expect that you will get many years of trouble-free service and enjoyment from your Impact VSD Monolight. Please read these operating instructions and safety precautions carefully before operating this equipment.
Features
• Four-st op range – full power to 1/ 16 power in .10 f/stop increments
• Large LCD screen
• Buil t-in optical slave
• “Auto-Dump” feature automatically res the ash when you step down power
• Modeling lamp can be set propor tionally or independentl y of ash power
• Cushioned “touch-pad” function control buttons
• Tactile, “grippy” feel that resis ts slipping and shock damage
• Accepts Bowen -style re ector s and head accessories (7- inch grid re ector included)
• User-replaceable ashtube
• Commonl y available 1/8 ˝ mini-plug sync input
Power Requirements
This light is designed for use with 110/120V AC power only and is supplied with a three-prong, grounded plug. Do not attempt to defeat t his safety feature. If necessar y, use onl y grounded extension cords rat ed for 6 amps or greater.
Warning
There are no user-serviceable par ts inside the unit. Only quali ed service engineers should access the inside of the case (Danger – high-voltage par ts inside). Avoid damage to both the ash tube and modeling lamp. If the modeling lamp or ashtube become cracked or damaged in any way, they should be replaced immediately. 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 of f and unplug the power cord when the unit is not
in use. Always remove the modeling lamp and replace the protective cap when
transpor ting the unit.
All ima ges in this manua l are for illustrat ive purposes onl y. Your uni t may differ sli ghtly from the one p ictured.
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Preparing Your Monolight for Use
Contents of car ton
Carefully remove the monolight from the box. You should have the following:
• 110-120V monolight w it h pro tective cap and ashtube inst alled
• 100W modeling lamp (60W with VSD-160 model)
• 7˝ grid re ector • sync cable
• power cable • user manual
Mount on a stand
(1) Select a stand or suppor t
system of suitable weight and dimensions to ensure
stable operation of the unit.
Install Reector & Modeling Lamp
(2) Depres s the latch on top of the monolight, pressing it
toward the back of the uni t.
Rotate t he protective cap counter-clockwise. Pull the cap of f and se t 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 sur face o f the lamp to heat unevenl y and explode. Use whi te cotton gloves or a clean clo th. (4) Inst all the reector where the protec tive cap was before. A lign the three pegs on the reector with the three slot s, press t he reector in and rotat e clock wise until it locks in place.
Note: Take care when tting or removing reectors 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, reectors, or softboxes.
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Operating Instructions
Legend
A – Digital Power Readout K – Photo Slave Control B – Modeling Light Control – Up L – Photo Slave LED C – Modeling L ight Con trol – Dow n M – Test Fire Button D – Flash Power Control – Up N – Full Recycle Status LED E – F lash Power Control – Down O – Mini-plug Sync Jack F – Modeling Lamp Control P – On/Off Switch G – Modeling Lamp LED – Free Q – Power Socket H – Modeling Lamp LED – Propor tional R – Fuse Holder I – Recycle Tone Control S – Umbrella Holder J – Recycle Tone LED T – Photocell
Power Supply
Plug the power cord into the back of the ash unit . Before plugging the power cord into the wall socket, make cer tain that the power switch is se t to the OF F (circle) position. T he VSD is designed to automatically ash, if necessary, when turned off. The resistive dump will continue to reduce any remaining energy while the uni t is off. T his is a safety feature and cannot be disabled.
Note: The VSD flash unit is designed to work on 110-120V 50/6 0Hz AC current.
Power Switch
Turn the power s witch to the ON (line) position. The flash will sound a beep and t he LCD will show the current ash power set ting. We recommend charging the flash unit for one hour prior to it s initial use and af ter an extended period of inactivi ty (more t han t wo weeks). If the unit is left unused f or a few mont hs, or the unit has been used predominantly at low power set tings, we recommend that the power be increased t o the maximum and the unit le ft switched on (w ith the modeling lamp OFF) for at least 3 0 minutes, to help preser ve the lif e of the capacitors.
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Flash Settings
Flash Output
The ash power output is variable over a four f/stop range ( ve f/stops) from full power to 1/ 16 power in 1/10 f/stop increments. The power is displayed on t he LCD screen. Minimum set ting is
2.0 and the maximum is 6.0. Pressing the up and down t ouch-pad but tons under the LCD changes the value by 0.1 f-stop (a total of 40 values). If the current value is 5.6 and you want to reduce the power by one s top, set the power to 4 .6.
“Auto-Dump” Feature
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. The VSD Monolight employs an “auto- dump“ or “auto-bleed” feat ure to accomplish t his, in order to avoid the necessit y of manually popping the ash after every adjustment. When lowering the power, expect the ash to aut omatically re to release the excess power.
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 when changing attachments.
Setting Power
6.0 Full Power
5.0 1/2 Power
4.0 1/4 Power
3.0 1/8 Power
2.0 1/16 Power
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Modeling Lamp Settings
There are three modes for the modeling light: Proportional, Full, and Of f. You can choose a mode by pressing the modeling lamp control button, w hich is to the lef t of the FU LL and PROP LEDs. Each time you press, the mode will change.
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. In this mode, the PROP LED will be lit and adjustments to t he ash power but tons will also adjust the power to t he modeling lamp proportionally.
Full Mode
The VSD allows you to se t the ash and modeling light to differen t intensities. You may wish to reduce the in tensit y of the modeling lamp but keep the ash power where it is . Depress t he up or down modeling lamp buttons to the desired level on the digital readout (2 .0 t o 6. 0). W hen you are nished adjusting the modeling light, the digital readout will blink four times before re tur ning to display ash power. The FULL status LED will be lit during this mode.
Modeling light and ash power are controlled simultaneously.
Modeling light and ash power are controlled independently.
Off
To turn off the modeling light, depress the modeling light but ton until the lamp is ex tinguished. The PROP and FULL status LEDs will be off.
Modeling light is off.
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Triggering the Flash
TEST Button
There are three ways to trigger your ash, but the simplest is to press the TEST button. This is useful when you need to discharge the power buil t up in the ash unit, for example just before replacing t he ashtube (more on that later).
Sync Connection
The sync jack on the V SD Monolight may be used for direct connection to a camera set to ‘ X’ synchronizat ion. Inser t the “PC” end of the supplied sync cord in to the connec tion on your camera and the other mini-plug end into the sync jack on the back panel of the VSD. A radio slave receiver may also be plugged into t his jack.
Photocell
The VSD Monolight features a photocell which allows t he flash unit to be triggered by another flash. This is called “optical slave mode.” The photocell is located underneat h the red transparent cover on top of the unit . The photocell is very sensitive but some experimentation wit h positioning may be necessary to ensure a reliable trigger, par ticularly if t he cell is not in the direct line of sight of the triggering ash unit. Avoid direct ly illuminating the photocell from a continuous light source (such as ceiling lights or windows) since this can prevent correct operation. Very high ceilings can also affect the operation of the photocell.
Sync connection: step 1
Sync connection: step 2
To operate your V SD as a “slave” to anot her ash, disconnect any sync cords and press the “eye” but ton until the bot tom status L ED is on. The two LEDs above this light are reserved for future features . The bot tom LED must be lit to be in slave mode.
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Slave Mode
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Audible Beep Settings
To Turn the Audible Beep Off
A beep will sound when the ash has recycled and is ready t o ash again. You can turn this audible beep off by pressing the AUDIO but ton wit h the musical eighth notes. The small LE D nex t to this button will not be lit when the audible beep has been turned off.
If you have turned t he audible beep of f, you can still conrm that the ash has recycled and is ready to re by looking at the small L ED next to the TEST button . When t he ash has recycled, this LE D will be lit.
Audible beep is off.
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Use of Umbrellas and Softboxes
Umbrellas
An umbrella with a shaft diameter of up to 8mm can be secured in the umbrella holder. Firmly press the umbrella shaft t hrough the holder. The locking knob is located beneat h the holder. Do not overt ighten to avoid damaging the shaf t of the umbrella.
The monolight can be pointed up or down by loosening the release lever. Adjust to your preferred angle and then tighten the lever back down.
Softboxes
The VSD Monolight accepts sof tboxes with a Bowen moun t-design speed ring. Install the sof tbox the same way you install reectors. Match up the three tabs at the back of the sof tbox speed ring w it h the three slots on t he ash head. Pres s in and t urn clockwise until the sof tbox locks in place.
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Changing the Flashtube
Discharge the Flash Unit
The charge in t he flash unit must be discharged before removing the flashtube. Make sure the flash unit is on. Push the TE ST but ton on the rear panel o f the flash. The unit will flash, discharging the power. Immediately turn of f the power swi tch on the rear panel. Unplug the power cord from the power source. It is advisable to wait at least 3 0 minutes before touching or removing the flashtube.
Remove Old Flashtube
First , remove the reflect or. Then, using white cot ton gloves or a clean clo th, remove the modeling lamp. You will need to remove the retention spring wrapped around t he 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 t he flashtube on each side. Carefully pull the flashtube from the flash unit .
Install New Flashtube
Make sure the power s wi tch is o ff and the power cord is disconnected from the source. Locate the two flash tube pin socket s below the modeling lamp socket. Using w hite cot ton gloves or a clean cloth, push the pins of the flashtube in to the sockets using firm, even pressure at t he base of the flash tube. With needle-nose pliers, fas ten t he retention spring over t he hook above the flasht ube. Re-insert the modeling lamp using white cot ton gloves or a clean cloth. Re-install the reflector.
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Changing the Fuse
A 6A fuse is mounted in the rear panel and protect s the circui tr y of the flash unit . Turn of f the unit and disconnect t he power supply before changing the fuse. Never replace wi th a fuse of a dif ferent t ype or rat ing. A spare 6 A fuse is t ted within the fuse holder. Use a small screwdriver to release the fuse cover. Remove the old fuse, place the new fuse in the slot, then replace the fuse holder.
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Best Practices
As wi th any ash unit , the useful life of the ashtube 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 VSD Series allows a rapid sequence of high-power
ashes. However, this feature should be used sparingly, since continuous rapid ashing
can cause overheating and subsequent damage to the ashtube and possibl y the
internal electronics.
• Rapid sequences of ashes should always be followed by a reasonable cooling period, 10 to 20 minu tes w it hout ashing, or at a substantially reduced rate.
• Dimming or t urning the modeling lamp of f will reduce heat generation.
• Avoid rapid high-power ashing when using restrictive reectors such as snoots or
grid reectors, part icularly i f the unit is poin ting downward.
• Do not ash over 12 shots per minute for more than 10 minu tes.
• Do not ash over 8 shots per minute f or more than 30 minutes.
• Take special care when shooting in a high-temperature environment .
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Safety and Maintenance Notes
Safety Notes
• Do not use your ash in an environment w here mois ture
may come in contact w it h the unit .
• A re hazard exists if ammable materials are placed in close proximit y to the ash tube or the modeling lamp. Do not use your ash in an environmen t where ammable vapors are present .
• Do not res trict the ventilation holes when the ash is in use.
• Always swi tch off the power and disconnect the power cord before changing t he fuse, modeling lamp, or ashtube.
• Avoid placing cables where 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 dev ice, do not attempt to disassemble or repair the unit yourself.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
Maintenance Notes
• Turn the power of f and unplug the power cord when the ash is not in use.
• We recommend charging the ash unit for one to two hour s prior to its initial use and af ter an extended period of inactivit y (more than two weeks).
• If the uni t is left 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 uni t left swi tched on (w it h the modeling lamp OF F) occasionally for at least 3 0 minutes to help preser ve the life of the capacitors.
• Avoid rapid, high-power ashing, especially when using rest ric tive reectors such as snoot s or grids. Excessive heat will shorten the lifespan of your ash unit, modeling lamp, and ashtube.
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Specications
Model VSD-160 VSD-300
Flash Output 160 Watt/sec 30 0 Wat t/sec
Flash Variations 1/16 – Full
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Guide Number
Power Suppl y 110V AC / 6 0 Hz
Recycle Time 1-2 seconds @ min. power
Modeling Lamp 60 Watts 100 Watts
Color Temperature 56 00 ±2 00°K
Flash Triggering sync cord, slave cell, test button
Trigger Voltage 4.3V DC
Sync Range ≥10m
Dimensions (mm) 11.6˝ x 8 .4˝ x 6.1˝ (with reector)
11.6˝ x 8 .4˝ x 5. 2˝ (with protective cap)
Weight 3.5 lb
GN4 0 GN55
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Guide N umber is cal culated at 2 m, ISO 10 0, 1/6 0, using t he included r eecto r, and is a star ting po int.
You shou ld perfo rm your ow n evaluat ions to det ermine t he result s you pref er.
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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 specic 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.
© 2014 Gradus Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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