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VS-LCD Series Flash
INSTRUCTIONS
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Thank you for purchasing the Impact VS-LCD Series Studio Strobe. This
light incorporates numerous advanced features, and was designed to
provide many years of trouble-free ser vice. Please read these operating
instructions and safety precautions carefully before operating this
equipment.
Features
• A tactile, “grippy ” feel t hat resist s slipping and shock damage
• Cushioned “touch-pad” function control buttons
• Liquid Crystal Display
• Five Stop Range – full power to 1/ 16th power in .10 f/stop increment s
• Red Eye Reduc tion f unct ion
• “Auto Dump” excess power release circuitr y
• User-replaceable ash tube
• Commonly available 1/8 ” mini plug ash sync input
• Universal IEC C13 t ype computer power cord
• 7˝ grid reector
• Voltage: 10 0-120V 5 0-60Hz
• Buil t-in optical slave
Power Requirements
This light is designed for use with 110/12 0V AC power only, and is supplied with a
3-prong, grounded plug. Do not attempt to defeat t his safet y feature. I f necessary, use
only grounded extension cords rated for 10 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 voltage part s inside). Avoid damage
to both the ash tube and modeling lamp. If the modeling lamp becomes cracked or
damaged in any way, it should be replaced immediately. Do not use your ash uni t in an
environment where mois ture 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 no t in use. Always remove
the modeling lamp and replace the protective cap when transporting the unit. Avoid
strong light falling onto the slave cell as it will prevent ef cient operation. If the strobe
blows a fuse, a replacement fuse can be inserted in the pull-out compar tment 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 mon ths.
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Preparing Your Flash for Use
Contents of carton
Carefully remove the ash unit f rom the box. You should have the following:
• 110-120V ash unit w ith protective cap and ash tube installed
• 150W modeling lamp
• 7˝ grid reector • 11´ sync cable
• power cable • user manual
Mount on a stand
Select a stand or support system of suitable weight and dimensions to ensure stable
operation of the unit.
Install Reector & Modeling Lamp
Depress the latch above the protec tive cap. Rotate the cap counter-clockwise. Pull the
cap of f and set aside. Install the modeling lamp by screwing it into the t hreaded 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 cot ton gloves or a
clean clo th. Install the reector where the protective cap was before. Align the three
pegs on the reector with the three slots, press t he reector in and ro tate clockwise
until it locks in place.
Note: Take care when t ting or removing re ectors or softboxes to not damage the ash
tube assembl y. The ash tube is very delicate. Always switch of f the unit and disconnect
the power bef ore tting or changing lamps, ash tubes, reectors or softboxes.
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A
H I
B
C
D
J
E
F
G
N
O
K
L
M
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Operating Instructions
Legend
A – Liquid Crystal Display I – Photo Cell Indicator (shown of f)
B – Flash Output J – MODE Button
C – Voltage Indicator K – ENTER But ton
D – Flash Counter L – TEST Button
E – UP/DO WN Arrow Buttons M – 3.5 mm Sync Jack
F – Power Switch N – Power Socket
G – Fuse Holder O – Umbrella Holder
H – Audible Recycle Indicator
Reading the LCD
Flash Output (B): This is the power ratio selected. 6.0 is full power. As the unit is recycling,
this number will ash. When the unit is fully powered, the number will stop ashing.
Audible Recycle Indicator (H): A beep sounds once when the ash is recycled and ready to
ash. A musical note on t he LCD indicates that the audible beep tone is set to the ON
position. When the beeper is OFF, the musical note will not be displayed .
Photo Cell (I): An “eye” symbol represent s the built-in photo cell. The number beside the
“eye” indicates the setting opt ion for the photo cell. There are several op tions which w ill be
covered later in this manual. I f you have selected the photo cell to be O FF, the “eye” will not
be displayed.
Voltage (C): This is a const ant readout of the voltage being supplied to the ash unit. It is
normal for this number to uctuate.
F/Times (D): This indicates the number of times the ash tube has been red.
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Power Supply
Power Cord
Before plugging the power cord int o the wall socket, make certain that the power sw itch
is set to the OFF (“O” position). Note: The VS-LCD ash unit is designed to work on
110-120V 60Hz AC current.
Power Switch
Turn the power switch to the ON (“—“)
position. As the power is turned on, the
internal cooling fan will immediately begin
to operate. The uni t will give an audible
beep and display t he vol tage on the LCD
screen f or a moment. T he ash is fully
prepared to operate with a second audible
beep and t he LCD screen showing all operations and controls.
Changing the Fuse
A 10A fuse is mounted in the rear panel and protects the circuitr y of the ash unit. Turn
off the uni t and disconnect the power supply before changing the fuse. Never replace
wit h a fuse o f a dif ferent type or ra ting. Use a small screwdriver to release the fuse
cover. Press in and turn counter-clock wise. Place the new fuse in the cover, insert into
the ash unit, then lock the cover by pressing in and turning clockwise.
Flash:
Voltage:
AC V
F / Times: Times
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Flash & Modeling Lamp Settings
Flash Output
The ash power output is var iable over a 4 f/s top range (5 f/stops) from 2.0 t o 6.0
adjus table in 1/10 f/stop increments.
Set ting Power Guide Number f/stop at 10 f t
6.0 Full Power 6 8 f/22
5.0 1/2 Power 54 f/22
4.0 1/4 Power 43 f/16
3.0 1/8 Power 28 f/11
2.0 1/16 Power 16 f/5.6
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Assuming ISO 100 Sensi tivit y. Guide num bers are sho wn as a star ting point.
You shou ld perform your o wn evaluat ions to determine the r esults you pref er.
The Impact VS -LCD Series St udio Flash allows you to set t he modeling light power and
the ash output independently or toge ther.
To Set the Flash Output Only
Press the MODE but ton2 once. T he display
will read “Flash Adjust ” and a numerical
value. Press the up/down arrow bu tt ons to
adjus t the ash output. When done, press
the ENTER but ton. The new ash power
output value will show in the display.
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Pleas e note: Af ter pres sing the MODE but ton the di splay will r eturn
to the main window if no entry is made wit hin 7 seconds.
Flash Adjust:
1
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Flash & Modeling Lamp Settings (continued)
To Set the Modeling Light Output Only
Press the MODE but ton twice. The display
will read “M/Lamp Adjust” and a numerical
value. Press the up/down arrow bu tt ons to
adjus t the modeling light outpu t. When
done, press the ENTER button. T he new
output value will show in the display.
To Set the Flash and
Modeling Light Output Together
Press the MODE but ton three times . The
display will read “M/Lamp and Flash
Output.” Press the up/down arrow buttons
to adjust the modeling light and flash output.
When done, press the ENT ER button. The
new output value will show in the display.
Notes:
Af ter pressing the M ODE but ton the display will ret urn to the ma in window
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if no en try is made wit hin 7 seco nds.
The modelin g light will turn o ff when the flash is triggered.
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Your settings are r etained even when the flas h unit is tur ned off.
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M/Lamp Adjust:
M/Lamp and Flash
output:
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Audible Beep Settings
A beep will sound once when the flash is
recycled and ready to flash. You can turn
this audible beeper of f.
To Set the Audible Beeper Tone
Press the MODE but ton four times. The
display will read “BEEP” and the current
set ting. Press the up/down arrow
but tons to adjust the setting to ON or
OFF. When done, press the ENTE R
but ton. The musical note will display if
the beeper is on, and will not display if
the beeper is of f.
BEEP: ON
Flash:
Voltage:
AC V
F / Times: Times
Audible Beep is ON.
BEEP:
OFF
Flash:
Voltage:
AC V
F / Times: Times
Audible Beep is OFF.
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Photo Cell Settings
The VS-LCD features a smart photocell
which allows t he ash unit to be
triggered by another ash or to be
triggered by a second or third ash to
allow for anti-red eye preashes.
Photocell:
OFF
To Set the Photo Cell
Press the MODE but ton ve times. T he
display will read “Photo Cell” and the
current set ting. Press the up/down
arrow but tons t o adjus t the sett ing to
OFF or one of three modes. When done,
press the EN TER but ton. An “eye” with a
small number will appear if one of three
auto ash settings is on. There will be no
“eye” if t he photo cell is not act ive.
Photo Cell “1”
If you have selected “1” in the procedure
above, the uni t will autoash immediately
when another ash is ac tivated in the
same area. The “eye” will show in t he
display wit h a small number “1.”
Photo Cell “2” and “3”
If you have selected “2” in “To Set the
Photo Cell ” above, the unit will auto ash
on the second ash the photo cell detects
and will ignore the anti-red eye ash,
also known as t he “preash.” If you have
selected “3 ” the unit will autoash on the
third ash detected by the photo cell.
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Set ting the photo cell to OF F. No autoash.
Flash:
Voltage:
AC V
F / Times: Times
Autoash set for the rst ash detected.
Flash:
Voltage:
AC V
F / Times: Times
Autoash set for the second ash detected.
Flash:
Voltage:
AC V
F / Times: Times
Autoash set for the third ash detec ted.
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Changing the Flash Tube
Discharge the Flash Unit
The charge in the ash unit mus t be discharged before removing the ash tube. Make
sure the ash unit is on . Push t he TE ST bu tton on the rear panel of the ash. The unit will
ash, discharging the power. Immediately turn of f the power s witch on the rear panel.
Unplug the power cord f rom the power source. It is advisable to wait at leas t 30 minutes
before touching or removing the ash tube.
Remove Old Flash Tube
First, remove the reector. Then, using w hite cotton gloves or a clean cloth, remove the
modeling lamp. You will need to remove the retention spring wrapped around the top of
the ash tube. With needle-nose pliers, unhook the retention spring loop. Using white
cot ton gloves or a clean clot h, grip the base of the ash tube on each side. Carefull y pull
the ash tube from the ash unit.
Install New Flash Tube
Make sure the power switch is off and the power cord is disconnected from the source.
Locate the t wo ash tube pin recep tacles above the modeling lamp receptacle. Using
white cot ton gloves or a clean cloth, push the pins of the ash tube int o the receptacles
using rm, even pressure at the base of the ash tube. With needle-nose pliers, hook the
retention spring over the hook above the ash tube. Re-insert the modeling lamp using
white cot ton gloves or a clean cloth. Re-install the re ect or.
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Umbrella Holder
An umbrella w ith a handle diameter of 8-10mm can be r mly secured in t he umbrella
holder. The lock ing screw is located towards t he front of the unit. Do no t over tighten the
screw of the umbrella holder to avoid damaging the shaf t of the umbrella.
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Specications
VS-LCD400
Power Output 400W
Guide Number (ft /m)1 205/63
Aperture 32
Recycling Time 3-4 seconds
Power Adjus tmen t 1/16 th to full power in .10 f/stop increments
Modeling Lamp 150W
Color Temperat ure 5700 ±20 0° K
Flash Triggers Sync cord, photo cell sensor, test button
Trigger Voltage 4.3V DC
Sync Range up to 4 0f t (12m)
Working Voltage 110-120V A C
User Replaceable Elements Modeling lamp, ash tube
Reector/Softbox Moun t Fits Bowen st yle
Dimensions (with reector) 16˝ × 6˝ × 11.25˝ (410 × 155 × 2 85 mm)
Weight (approx.) 6.17 lb. (2 .8 kg)
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Assuming ISO 100 Sensi tivit y. Guide num bers are sho wn as a star ting point.
You shou ld perform your o wn evaluat ions to determine the r esults you pref er.
Error codes for VS-LCD400
In the event that one of the following error codes are displayed in the LCD screen, turn off
the unit and return it to the place of purchase for repair or exchange.
E1 means the input power is unstable.
E2 means the unit is overcharged.
E3 means the unit can’t be charged.
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Safety and Maintenance Notes
Safety Notes
• Do not use your ash in an environment where moisture
may come in contact wi th 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 environment w here 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 ash tube.
• Avoid placing cables where they can be tripped over.
Replace damaged cords immediately.
• Never use a ash unit with damaged covers, moldings, ash tube,
or modeling lamp. If the uni t is dropped or damaged,
have it checked by a professional repair service before using.
• Due to the high voltage circuitry inside this device,
do not att empt to disassemble or repair the unit yourself.
• Keep out of the reach of children
Maintenance Notes
• Turn the power off and unplug the power cord when the ash is no t in use.
• We recommend charging the ash unit for one to two hours prior to its ini tial use
and af ter an extended period of inactivity (more t han two weeks).
• If the unit is lef t unused for a few months, or the unit has been used predominantl y
at low power settings, we recommend that the power be increased
to the maximum and the unit lef t switched on (with the modeling lamp OF F)
occasionally for at least 3 0 minutes to help preserve the life of the capacitors.
• Avoid rapid, high-power ashing, especially when using restricti ve reectors
such as snoots or grids. E xcessive hea t will shor ten the lifespan of your ash uni t,
modeling lamp, and ash tube.
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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.
© 2014 Gradus Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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