| Author | Thread |
|
|
09/09/2006 10:10:39 PM · #1 |
I found this great location about 75 miles from the closest outlet - but I want to take my studio lights.
So I thought I'd rent a generator to take along - but wonder if the power from a generator is clean enough to power the lights all the way - or if there are other considerations I should take into account.
Any input is appreciated, as always.
|
|
|
|
09/09/2006 10:14:30 PM · #2 |
When the power goes out or on building sites where power hasn't been established yet a generator works just fine. I don't see why one wouldn't work for studio lights.
Something that operates off your car battery may work as well depending on how long the shoot is. |
|
|
|
09/09/2006 10:16:29 PM · #3 |
A generator will be just fine.
|
|
|
|
09/09/2006 10:23:02 PM · #4 |
That's why battery powered flashes are so nice.
Well, unless you're shooting video and need continuous lights.. |
|
|
|
09/09/2006 10:26:12 PM · #5 |
I have two of the Nikon wireless flashes, and will take them along too - but I think the size of this space could use the horsepower of the full lights
I think it will give me a lot of flexibility too - having both kinds of lights there
The location is a old burned out resturant and gas station. So there are some large tall rooms that are pretty dim but have lots of character to them.
|
|
|
|
09/09/2006 10:27:27 PM · #6 |
An inverter run from your car battery will work (just make sure you drain it and leave yourself stranded) and a generator will also work fine.
Keep in mind either of these devices has to be rated to provide enough power for your lights, so make sure you get one capable of doing what you want.
|
|
|
|
09/09/2006 10:28:56 PM · #7 |
Just pay attention to the consistency of the power output - a lot of the cheaper generators will fluctuate a fair bit in the output (like the brown outs you sometimes get at home) and that can *potentially* hurt electronic devices more then the normal light bulb - I guess you could put a UPS in front of the stuff to cover this.
I believe - don't quote me - that some of the little Honda generators are cleaner on the output but you should be able to get some info to compare from the units you look at. |
|
|
|
09/09/2006 10:32:07 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by robs:
Just pay attention to the consistency of the power output - a lot of the cheaper generators will fluctuate a fair bit in the output (like the brown outs you sometimes get at home) and that can *potentially* hurt electronic devices more then the normal light bulb - I guess you could put a UPS in front of the stuff to cover this.
I believe - don't quote me - that some of the little Honda generators are cleaner on the output but you should be able to get some info to compare from the units you look at. |
Hehe... I've actually done that and used a UPS between lights and generator when I was using one that was putting out particularly noisy power.
Also, you're right the portable Honda generators are much cleaner output than most generators... those little guys rock! I miss mine... |
|
|
|
09/10/2006 01:02:48 AM · #9 |
Generator will work if it's practical (noise + weight).
|
|
|
|
09/10/2006 01:15:16 AM · #10 |
genny good.
make sure your count your wattage to make sure your have enough amps from the genny.
1000 kw = 8.3 Amps (rounded 10 amps)
We use gennys all the f...ing time at work. no big deal. take extra fuel.
If by chance, and I truly doubt this by the way, but just in case, if you are using HMI lamps, and they are the old style lamps, make sure you have a crystal sync on the genny or you will get alot of bad light.
|
|
|
|
09/10/2006 02:57:32 AM · #11 |
Hi-ho,
Check that the generator has a regulated output... As someone already mentioned, the output can vary quite a bit of cheaper generators.
I've used my multilitz 600WS strobes on an inverter, and a generator without any issues.. The inverter was rated at 2000W, and the generator was a hermin of a trailer mounted thing (wasn't my dime, it was rented for an event, I was just taking the photos!)
Cheers, Me.
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2026 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 01/05/2026 09:32:56 AM EST.
