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04/15/2007 02:10:42 PM · #1 |
Hey guys, i just stumbled onto this:
Think this will work for portable strobe lighting?
Message edited by author 2007-04-15 14:26:25.
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04/15/2007 04:34:16 PM · #2 |
I don't see why not... it should work with anything that takes AC as long as it doesn't require more power than it can provide. I rented some small portable strobes once and rented a battery/AC Converter at the same time so that I could shoot on-location. Seems like the same thing ... except that since it doesn't say the word "photography" on it, I bet it costs a whole lot less!
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04/15/2007 04:43:35 PM · #3 |
To generate 400 watts of power for a 120 Volt device you only need 3.5 Amps. A battery capable of storing and releasing 3.5 amps of total power cant be terribly expensive. The main demand on the battery is to be able to supply it at 120 volts.
Think about this a car battery costs what 80 bucks, stores 600 Amps deliverable at 12 volts. Thats 7200 Watts of total power.
Unfortunately you wont find a battery like that for 120 volts, but a 120 volt battery to create 7200 watts of power would only have to store 60 Amps. Enough to run a house for an hour.
Message edited by author 2007-04-15 16:44:01. |
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04/15/2007 05:01:43 PM · #4 |
Go to walmart and get the power converter for $15 bucks, it will be fine. Oh and spend 10 bukcs on an extension cord.
OKay forget what I said, If your going to get one, pay a lot and get a good one. hahahah
Message edited by author 2007-04-15 17:05:43.
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04/15/2007 05:02:37 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by Lowcivicman99:
Go to walmart and get the one for $15 bucks, it will be fine. |
I dont think this is a power converter im pretty sure its a portable battery pack.
That said everyone who uses mobile elctronics should have them a good in car power inverter. |
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04/15/2007 05:05:39 PM · #6 |
Actually for another post. If your using a 400w strobe itll power the thing for 1 flash and then its dead.
This is also assuming the powerpack as 100% of its total power stored and it doesnt account for the power loss in the transfer to the strobes capaciter's.
Message edited by author 2007-04-15 17:10:37. |
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04/15/2007 05:46:51 PM · #7 |
Whoa... I was thinking the one that I rented (for just $25) was probably more expensive, but I had *no* idea. This thing costs $1300 at Adorama!
XP1100 Dyna-lite Battery
Which just makes me wonder... does it cost that much because it's really all that much better than what you found at Amazon? Or is it because it has the word "photography" attached to it?
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04/15/2007 05:55:46 PM · #8 |
For not too much more (US$250) you can get a Tronix Explorer 1200Ws . (credit  jblaylockrayner for pointing this out to me).
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04/15/2007 06:24:11 PM · #9 |
The problem with these cheap batteries is they often do not have true sine wave converters for the AC outlet. They have modified sine wave converters that supply power in a different way. I've read more about this, but can't recall it at the moment. However, I would stay away from that 100 dollar power supply, and those car adapters that are really cheap as well.
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04/15/2007 08:51:25 PM · #10 |
It's true, this does use a modified sine wave converter. Link
Apparently, this will wreak havoc over time on your strobe's capicators. *sigh* now I'm off to find another solution.
Originally posted by hsteg:
The problem with these cheap batteries is they often do not have true sine wave converters for the AC outlet. They have modified sine wave converters that supply power in a different way. I've read more about this, but can't recall it at the moment. However, I would stay away from that 100 dollar power supply, and those car adapters that are really cheap as well. |
Message edited by author 2007-04-15 20:51:42.
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04/15/2007 09:02:30 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by Geocide:
It's true, this does use a modified sine wave converter. Link
Apparently, this will wreak havoc over time on your strobe's capicators. *sigh* now I'm off to find another solution. |
Still advocating Tronix Explorer 1200Ws
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04/15/2007 11:31:38 PM · #12 |
Yo, i just put an order in for the Tronix! I'll let everyone know how it is.
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07/25/2007 10:44:59 PM · #13 |
i was wondering...i have two "hot lights" with softboxes, and thinking of getting a portable power pack like the Tronix mentioned.
will it work for constant power lights, and if so would it work long enough to matter?
here's the power rating on these lights of mine.
Lamp (2) 500 watt / 8500 lumen / 3200° K bulbs
Volts 120
thanks everyone |
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07/25/2007 10:51:23 PM · #14 |
How loud is it?
also...
Xantrex??? Are they some unknown American company that if you have to can drive to there factory, or some Unknown Chinese company putting out products from the $.20 a day labor force they have hired?
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07/25/2007 11:48:15 PM · #15 |
Strobes use the 60 cycle hz signal for charging/monitoring their charge - so ANY inverter you have MUST put out the right signal or you will damage your strobes (possibly explode the charge capacitors).
Second, most strobes use a fan for cooling and the voltage will drop with a converter when the strobe starts to recharge, and the fan will slow down. Most strobes can deal with this voltage drop, but some cannot. They may not work, or may die sooner than if plugged into a wall outlet.
Get a Vagabond from Alien Bee. $350 with a warranty and tech support, designed for this kind of use. Complete with carry bag, charger, etc and it works. No guesswork, no fears, no time wasted trying to reinvent the wheel or chase down oddball inverters.
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07/26/2007 12:14:53 AM · #16 |
OK, here's the problem with the "modified" sine wave converters
As you can see, the so-called modified sine wave is not a sine wave at all. Some electrical devices can tolerate that kind of power, unfortunately, strobe power charging circuits are not among them.
Don't risk it. It might work for a while, but the consequences can be expensive, possibly painful |
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07/26/2007 06:07:27 AM · #17 |
Originally posted by Geocide:
Hey guys, i just stumbled onto this:
Think this will work for portable strobe lighting? |
Have you seen this thread? Looks like your solution might be there.
Oooops, here's the direct url. POWER
Looks like a true sinewave unit. And wattseconds have nothing to do with watts on these units.
Message edited by author 2007-07-26 06:10:04.
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