DUO 4800 PACK
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
BW-3010
- 2 -
SAFETY
THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE EARTHED VIA THE PROTECTIVE
EARTH CONDUCTOR OF THE POWER CORD.
DO NOT REMOVE THE EQUIPMENT SCREWS OR COVERS.
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
DANGEROUS VOLTAGES ARE PRESENT EVEN AFTER
SWITCHING OFF.
THE PACK SHOULD ONLY BE SERVICED BY QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL
- 3 -
DUO 4800 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
CONTENTS
FIGURE 1 DUO 4800 CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT ..............................................................................................4
KEY TO FIGURE 1 ......................................................................................................................................................5
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES - PLEASE READ BEFORE OPERATING PACK............................................6
GENERAL FEATURES ...............................................................................................................................................7
POWER SUPPLY CONNECTION .............................................................................................................................7
AC POWER SWITCH..................................................................................................................................................7
CIRCUIT PROTECTION ............................................................................................................................................7
FAST/SLOW CHARGE SWITCH..............................................................................................................................8
FLASH HEADS .............................................................................................................................................................8
FLASH POWER SELECTION/INDICATION..........................................................................................................8
MODELLING LAMP OUTPUT/CONTROL ............................................................................................................9
OPEN FLASH................................................................................................................................................................9
EXTERNAL SYNCHRONISATION ..........................................................................................................................9
PHOTOCELL................................................................................................................................................................9
SOUNDER....................................................................................................................................................................10
OVERLOAD PROTECTION, COOLING FAN AND OVERHEAT.....................................................................11
DUO 4800 PACK SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................................................12
ACCESSORIES ...........................................................................................................................................................13
QUICK REFERENCE TABLES FOR DUO 4800 PACK .......................................................................................14
- 4 -
Figure 1 DUO 4800 Control Panel Layout
- 5 -
Key To Figure 1
1. Supply (AC) Input Socket
2. AC Power Switch and Neon Indicator
3. Charge Rate Switch - ’FAST/SLOW’ (HARE/TORTOISE)
4. Two Flash Head Sockets
5. Low Voltage ‘SYNC.’ Input Socket
6. Channel A ‘FLASH’ Variator
7. Channel B ‘FLASH’ Variator
8. Digital ‘POWER’ Display and visible ‘READY’ Indicator
9. Channel A Modelling ‘LAMP’ Power Variator
10. Channel B Modelling ‘LAMP’ Power Variator
11. Channel A Modelling ‘LAMP’ Switch - ‘CONTINUOUS/OFF/INTERMITTENT’
12. Channel B Modelling ‘LAMP’ Switch - ‘CONTINUOUS/OFF/INTERMITTENT’
13. ‘COMBINE/ISOLATE’ Switch -
14. ‘SLAVE’ Photocell
15. Fuse - Modelling ‘LAMP’
16. Manual Reset Circuit Breaker - ‘FLASH’ Protection
17. ‘SLAVE’ Photocell On/Off Switch
18. Audible ‘READY’ Sounder On/Off Switch
19. ‘OPEN FLASH’ (Test) Button
20. Carry Handle
- 6 -
Important Safety Notes - Please Read Before Operating Pack
Please read and follow these basic safety instructions:
z READ and UNDERSTAND the instructions and specifications.
z ONLY connect to an AC (Alternating Current) power supply.
z NEVER connect to a DC (Direct Current) supply.
z ALWAYS use a grounded AC outlet.
z ALWAYS use a three core cable of at least 10 or 15 Amp rating as supplied.
z WHEN practical, unplug the Pack from the electrical outlet when not in use.
z ALWAYS remove the power cord by gripping the plug, NEVER pull the cord.
z ALWAYS ensure that any extension cord used has a suitable current rating to
prevent overheating. NEVER use coiled extension cords.
z NEVER replace the fuse with one of a different type or rating. See Specification
for correct value/type of fuse.
z ALWAYS avoid placing AC power cords and Flash Head cables where they can
be tripped over.
z NEVER place heavy objects on top of the AC Power cord or Flash Head cables
and avoid running them over sharp or hot objects.
z NEVER use the equipment with damaged cables. Have them replaced as soon as
possible. NEVER attempt to repair them yourself.
z NEVER use the Pack or Flash Heads in an environment where moisture, water
vapour or inflammable liquids, vapour or materials may come into contact with the
Pack or Flash Heads. The flash output as well as the modelling lamps can cause
ignition of or damage to materials that may come into direct or close contact with
the Flash Heads.
z ALWAYS keep ALL vents in the Pack and Flash Heads clear of obstructions at all
times.
z ONLY switch the Pack ‘ON’ AFTER the Flash Head/Heads has/have been
correctly connected.
z ALWAYS ensure that the Flash Head cable connectors are correctly fitted before
use.
z ALWAYS remove the Flash Head covers before using.
z ALWAYS turn OFF the Pack, disconnect from the supply, unplug the Flash
Head/Heads and allow them to cool before:
a). Replacing the modelling lamp in Flash Head.
b). Replacing the flash tube in Flash Head.
c). Replacing the fuse in Flash Head or Pack.
z If the Pack is not used for more than a couple of months then it is advisable to just
switch the Pack on periodically for an hour or so with the FLASH variators set to
maximum - there is no need to use a Flash Head.
- 7 -
General Features
The DUO 4800 Pack has been designed to produce the most compact, powerful,
versatile and easy to use flash source available today. Features include:
z Two independent Channels, each having a Quad style head socket, ‘FLASH’
Variator, Modelling ‘LAMP’ Variator and Modelling ‘LAMP’ Control switch.
z An ‘ISOLATE’ mode which provides the two independently controlled Channels
with half the total flash capacity of the Pack each.
z A ‘COMBINE’ mode which provides the total flash capacity of the Pack available
from the channel A socket, or half the total pack power available from both
channels, with a common set of controls.
z Modelling ‘LAMP’ Variator and Modelling ‘LAMP’ Controls independent of Flash
controls.
z Digital ‘POWER’ display of the selected total Pack flash capacity and a visible
‘READY’ indication.
z Built in, sensitive ‘SLAVE’ Photocell with ON/OFF switch.
z AUDIBLE ‘READY’ Sounder with ON/OFF switch to give audible indication of
when the Pack is ready to fire.
z A built in fan which cools the unit continuously as long as the mains is supplied.
z Overheat protection which protects the unit in the event of extended periods of
continuous flashing and also in the unlikely event of failure of the cooling fan.
z EMC (Electro-Magnetic Compatibility) filters fitted.
Power Supply Connection
z The Packs are designed to operate on an alternating current (AC) supply of 200 to
253 Volts, 50 Hz. The Packs must NEVER be connected to any direct current
(DC) supply.
z The Packs conform to current standards which require connection to a properly
grounded power supply. The 3 core power cord supplied with each Pack will be
colour coded as follows:
Live (L): Brown
Neutral (N): Blue
Earth (E): Green/Yellow
z It is essential that all 3 wires are connected to the correct plug pins in accordance
with the above colour code and that the cable is securely clamped in the supply
plug.
AC Power Switch
z The AC Power switch connects power to both the flash and modelling circuits.
The switch is illuminated green when ‘ON’.
z ALWAYS switch ‘OFF’ the unit before plugging or unplugging Flash Heads,
changing fuses or modelling lamps.
Circuit Protection
z Protection of the Modelling circuitry is by means of a 20mm fuse mounted on the
control panel of the Pack. The fuse is rated at 15 Amp (T) and should never be
replaced with a fuse of a different type or rating.
- 8 -
z Protection of the Flash circuitry is by means of a Circuit Breaker mounted on the
control panel of the Pack. This will operate under extreme conditions of use and
can be manually reset after a short period of cooling by depressing the button until
it locks down.
FAST/SLOW Charge Switch
z The ‘FAST/SLOW’ switch should be set to ‘SLOW’ if the current capacity of the AC
power supply is limited or fast recycling is not required. Switching to ‘SLOW’ will
reduce the current drawn from the supply by approximately 1/3rd.
z It should be noted that switching to ‘SLOW’ charge will also extend the charge
times at maximum power - See specifications for details.
Flash Heads
z The Pack is designed to be fitted with one or two DUO-LITE Flash Heads (BW-
3015), with a maximum modelling lamp rating of 650W.
z To fit or remove a Flash Head, first ensure that the pack is switched off and
disconnected from the supply. To fit a head, insert the tab on the front of the
Flash Head plug into the socket first and then press down firmly on the cable entry
end to ensure latched retention. To remove a head, press the spring latch away
from the plug and lift from the cable entry end.
z Heads from the BOWENS 220/240V QUAD system may be used with the Pack,
but with the following limitations:-
1. Splitter boxes SHOULD NEVER
be used.
2. 1.5k heads SHOULD NEVER
be used.
3. It is only possible to use a single 3k QUAD head in socket B on the
4800 pack as the pack will not charge when a single 3k QUAD head is
plugged into socket A.
z For detailed information on the operation of the heads, general maintenance, flash
tube and lamp replacement, and accessories available, please refer to the
appropriate Instruction Manuals supplied with the head.
Flash Power Selection/Indication
z By using the two Flash Head sockets and associated controls an asymmetrical
flash power supply is available.
z The ‘COMBINE/ISOLATE’ switch in combination with the number of Flash Heads
fitted, gives a further f-stop adjustment. This provides the facility to have two
separate Channels, A and B, with individual sets of controls, OR to combine them
with one set of controls, and give a total output power of 4800W-s from the
channel A sockets.
z When switched to ‘ISOLATE’ both the ‘ACTIVE’ LED’s will be lit, indicating that the
two ‘FLASH’ variators and Channels operate independently, with each providing a
continuous adjustment over a 3 f-stop range. Each Channel has a maximum
output of half of the total output power of 4800W-s.
z When switched to ‘COMBINE’, only the ‘ACTIVE’ LED for Channel A will be lit and
both A and B Channels will be controlled by the Channel A ‘FLASH’ variator which
provides a continuous adjustment over a 3 f-stop range. The maximum output
from the pack is only available from socket 1.
z The total control range using a combination of Flash Heads, ‘FLASH’ variators,
and ‘COMBINE/ISOLATE’ switch is 4 f-stops.
- 9 -
z In general the ‘COMBINE/ISOLATE’ switch should be set to ‘ISOLATE’ setting and
the ‘FLASH’ variator(s) set to the highest, consistent with the flash power and the
distribution between heads required. This method provides the shortest flash
duration for a given power output.
z Whenever the ‘POWER’ or ‘FLASH’ controls are changed, flash the Pack once
using the ‘OPEN FLASH’ button to ensure that the next flash is of the required
power.
z A study of the quick reference tables on page 14 will explain the possible
combinations of MAXIMUM power available from the DUO 4800 Pack to the
individual Flash Heads.
Modelling Lamp Output/Control
z Refer to the Instruction Manual provided with the head for more details of the controls
and maintenance of the head.
z The Modelling Lamp for each Channel is controlled by a ‘LAMP’ variator and a
‘CONTINUOUS/OFF/INTERMITTENT’ switch on the control panel. Some Flash
Heads are fitted with a Modelling Lamp ‘ON/OFF’ switch which allows individual
Lamps to be turned off.
z The ‘COMBINE/ISOLATE’ switch determines which Modelling Lamp
‘CONTINUOUS/OFF/INTERMITTENT’ switch and ‘LAMP’ variator have control. With
the switch set to ‘COMBINE’ the Channel A switch and variator have control over ALL
Modelling Lamps. The Channel B switch and variator will have no effect and neither of
the indicator LED’s will be lit. With the switch set to ‘ISOLATE’ the Channel A and
Channel B switches and variators have independent control over the Modelling Lamp
in their respective Channel.
z Set the appropriate Modelling Lamp switch to the centre position to switch the
Modelling Lamp OFF for the required channel. Neither indicator LED will be lit for that
channel.
z Set the appropriate Channel Modelling Lamp switch to ‘CONTINUOUS’ to switch the
Modelling Lamp ON. The Red indicator LED will be lit and the Lamp brightness can be
continuously adjusted over a 3 f-stop range using the ‘LAMP’ variator for that Channel.
z Set the appropriate Modelling Lamp switch to ‘INTERMITTENT’ to enable the
Modelling Lamp to go out when the Pack is flashed and come back on again when
‘READY’. The Green indicator LED will be lit and the Lamp brightness can be
continuously adjusted over a 3 f-stop range using the ‘LAMP’ variator for that Channel.
Open Flash
z Press the ‘OPEN FLASH’ button to test the flash operation of the Pack and head(s).
When decreasing the power setting of the Pack using the ‘FLASH’ Variator(s) or
‘POWER’ switch simply flash once using this button to adjust to your new setting.
External Synchronisation
z A 6.35mm, low voltage, ‘SYNC’ jack socket is provided on the control panel for
external synchronisation. The socket accepts the supplied standard Sync. lead for
direct connection to the camera.
Photocell
z The built in Photocell may be used for remote triggering from another flash source or a
Remote IR Trigger. Set the ‘PHOTOCELL’ switch to ‘ON’ to enable the Photocell. The
Red indicator LED below the switch will be lit when the Photocell is in operation.
- 10 -
Sounder
z Set the ‘SOUNDER’ switch to ‘ON’ to enable the Sounder. The Red indicator LED
below the switch will be lit when the Sounder is in operation. When the Sounder is
switched ‘ON’ it will give a short beep when the Pack comes to ‘READY’.
- 11 -
Overload Protection, Cooling Fan And Overheat
z A manual reset Circuit Breaker and thermal cut-out system is provided to prevent the
Pack from overheating under heavy conditions of use.
z The operation of the thermal cut-out is highly dependent upon the conditions of use
and is typically as follows:-
• Pack working normally - Pack under moderate use at normal operating
temperature with low to moderate ‘POWER’ setting, ‘SLOW’ charge rate and/or
slow to moderate flash rate.
• Pack NOT ‘READY’, AC Power Switch neon lit, ALL other control panel
indicators off - Pack was previously under heavy use with moderate to maximum
power setting, fast recycling and warm to hot operating conditions. Thermal cut-
out has operated and will be automatically reset after a cooling period.
• Pack NOT ‘READY’, AC Power Switch neon AND one or more other indicators
on the control panel are lit and the top panel Circuit Breaker has operated. Pack
previously under very heavy use with fast recycling and hot operating conditions.
In this condition the Circuit Breaker button will project from the panel and may be
manually reset after allowing a short cooling period. Under certain conditions this
may also be combined with operation of the thermal cut-out.
z The DUO 4800 unit is fitted with two thermal protection devices; a fan which runs
continuously (when mains is supplied), and is independent of the Circuit Breaker, and
a thermal cut-out which operates when the pack is under heavy use.
z Operation of the overload protection can be avoided by checking and modifying the
conditions of use:-
• Ensure that the cooling vents of the Pack are clear of obstructions.
• Use the ‘SLOW’ charge setting if the ‘FAST’ setting is not necessary.
• Reduce the flash rate.
- 12 -
DUO 4800 Pack Specifications
The following specifications are applicable when the Pack is fitted with QUAD
compatible Flash Heads.
CODE NUMBER BW-3010
TOTAL POWER OUTPUT,
Watt-seconds
4800
TOTAL FLASH OUTPUT RANGE,
Watt-seconds
300 to 4800
TOTAL FLASH OUTPUT RANGE,
f-stops
3 with ‘FLASH’ variators
1 with ‘COMB/ISO’ switch
4 total
TOTAL NUMBER OF FLASH HEAD
SOCKETS
2 ASYMMETRIC
TYPICAL FLASH DURATION
with Duo-Lite Head BW-3015
4800Ws 1 Head
600Ws 1 Head
4800Ws 2 Heads
300Ws 2 Heads
1
/
322
second
1
/
243
second
1
/
555
second
1
/
417
second
SUPPLY VOLTAGE 200 to 253 Volts 50Hz
FLASH VOLTAGE STABILISATION
±1%
RECYCLE TIMES
At 100% of ready.
Recycle tests
completed at 230V.
FAST
SLOW
Full Power 4.97 seconds.
Min. Power 1.46 seconds.
Full Power 9.80 seconds.
Min. Power 2.40 seconds.
MODELLING LIGHT
(Maximum permitted modelling lamp wattage
with 230V supply)
650W per Channel
1300 Watt Pack total
MODELLING FUSE 15 Amp (T)
SYNC VOLTAGE 15V
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H)
6-
1
/
2
” x 9” x 17-
3
/
4
”
165mm x 229mm x 450mm
WEIGHT 28-
1
/
4
lb - 12.8kg
- 13 -
Accessories
A number of accessories to fit this Pack and Flash Head system are available and
include a full range of Stands, Umbrellas, Reflectors and Register Wafers etc.
For details of all related products please contact your local distributor.
Due to our policy of constant product improvement Bowens International Limited
reserve the right to change equipment specifications without notice.
- 14 -
Quick Reference Tables For DUO 4800 Pack
COMBINE MODE - The TOTAL flash output set by the ‘POWER’ switch and the
‘VARIATOR A’ is Asymmetrically divided between the NUMBER of Flash Heads fitted
to the Pack. The MAXIMUM power available from any one head is 4800W-s, and
divided down by the TOTAL number of heads fitted, as shown below:-
NUMBER OF CHANNEL A CHANNEL B
HEADS FITTED SOCKET 1 SOCKET 2
1 4800W-s
1 2400W-s
2 2400W-s 2400W-s
ISOLATE MODE - The TOTAL flash output is split asymmetrically between the two
Channels dependent upon the ‘POWER’ switch, ‘VARIATOR A’ and ‘VARIATOR B’
settings. The flash output of an individual channel is divided equally between the
NUMBER of Flash Heads fitted to that Channel. The MAXIMUM power available
from any one head is 2400W-s divided by the number of heads fitted to the same
CHANNEL as shown below:-
NUMBER OF CHANNEL A CHANNEL B
HEADS FITTED SOCKET 1 SOCKET 2
1 2400W-s
1 2400W-s
2 2400W-s 2400W-s
- 15 -
DUO 4800 INSTRUCTIONS BWL-0277 Issue 1 5-5-99
BOWENS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
355 OLD ROAD
CLACTON-ON-SEA
ESSEX C015 3RH
ENGLAND
Tel: +44(0)1255 422807
Fax: +44(0)1255 436342
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Bowens DUO 4800 PACK Operating Instructions Manual
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