Speedotron Brown Line Equipment - Manual (Page 3)

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Speedotron power supplies are equipped with arc-protected outlets. However, as with
any electrical equipment, arc-over (an electrical discharge between two physically dis-
connected electrical terminals) is a possibility. When light cables, flash tubes or power
cords are improperly seated, arc-over may occur. Also, if your light unit or power supply
malfunctions, or the power cord or the internal wiring in the studio is improperly termi-
nated or defective, there is a chance of arc-over when connecting or disconnecting light
units. Severe power supply damage and operator injury may result if arc-over occurs.
That is why in spite of the arc-protection feature of Speedotron power supplies, you
should always make sure your Model and Power switches are off when disconnecting or
connecting light units. Plug sync extension into Sync socket and connect the other end
to a PC cord designed for your camera or lens. The sync extension supplied with the
power supply accepts the standard AC twin-blade type sync connector. A standard AC
to PC sync cord will be required to connect the camera to the power supply's sync
extension.
A slave tripper (Speedotron #23510) may be installed in the Sync socket (in place of the
sync extension) to fire the power supply. If the power supply fails to flash when exposed
to another light source with the slave installed in the Sync socket, remove the slave,
rotate it 180° and reinstall it in the socket.
Connect AC power cord into Power Input on power supply. A 3-terminal ground power
plug is utilized on Brown Line power supplies. For maximum performance and safety, it is
strongly suggested that the 3-terminal cord supplied with the power supply be properly
utilized and properly terminated at the main source of incoming power. Always use a
three-wire ground power cord and a properly grounded wall outlet with all Speedotron
power supplies. Failure to do so may cause the power supply to intermittently misfire.
We do not recommend using an adapter and installing into a 2-blade
outlet.
Once the light units are properly assembled and installed, the power cord is installed
and the sync extension is connected, turn the Power switch on.
Now refer to the Operating Instructions section of this manual for information regarding
the proper use of your particular power supply.
Never attempt to make repairs to your Speedotron equipment. All electronic flash
systems operate on high voltage and high power. It is very dangerous to open a
power supply.
GENERAL POWER SUPPLY INSTRUCTIONS
For maximum equipment life and for safe, dependable operation of power
supplies we advise you to follow these general rules.
Unpack equipment carefully. Examine all packing material. Should you notice any break-
age or defect, notify the dealer and carrier (if shipped to you) immediately. Then please
read all instructions before assembling your flash system in order to avoid damage to
your equipment or injury to yourself.
Before doing anything with the power supply make sure that the Model and Power
switches are in the off position.
Connect light head cable(s) to the Light Unit Outlet(s) on the power supply, selecting
the appropriate outlets for the desired power level.
All Brown Line light units can handle at least 400 watt-seconds, and specific units are
designed for a maximum of 1200 or 1600 watt-seconds. For power supplies that can pro-
duce more than 400Ws of power, you must be very careful that the flash tube you are
using in your light unit can handle all the available power. Never subject a flash tube to
more watt-seconds than it is designed to handle. If you are not sure that your flash
tube can handle the power provided by the set-up you are using, check pages 25 and 26
in addition to the Power Distribution Chart on the side of your power supply. We recom-
mend that you purchase at least one light unit that will accept the full output of the
power supply.
To connect light units, align the light unit plug with the power supply outlet and apply
even pressure while pushing. Black colored light unit connectors are of the “quick
release” type that only require pushing the connector firmly until it is fully seated. Silvery
colored light unit connectors must be threaded until they are fully seated. Both types
prevent accidental cable removal. Make sure all light unit cables are fimly seated to pre-
vent connector damage. Tape all cables to the floor and keep them out of the pathways
to prevent accidents.
Never install light units while the power supply is turned on. Never insert or remove
flash tubes while the light unit is connected to the power supply. Be sure flash tubes
are fully seated into light unit sockets. (Read instructions in the Light Units section of
this manual for more information on light unit assembly and operation.)
In order to maximize the life of the power supply it is recommended that
the capacitors be "formed" when a pack is not in use for 30 days or more.
All that is required of the user is to turn on the power supply for about 10
to 20 minutes each month. This simple procedure prevents premature
failure by maintaining the "elasticity" of the capacitors.