Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: Studio12NYC on June 10, 2008, 01:18:20 pm
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Hello,
Does anyone have a solution other than a generator that could be pre charged and taken on location? Maybe multiple units to last through out the day.
Where we are going we cannot use generator.
Thanks
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Hello,
Does anyone have a solution other than a generator that could be pre charged and taken on location? Maybe multiple units to last through out the day.
Where we are going we cannot use generator.
Thanks
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a] (http://index.php?act=findpost&pid=200759\")
what usage?
checkt out: [a href=\"http://www.bron.ch/bc_pd_ps_en/detail.php?nr=14311]http://www.bron.ch/bc_pd_ps_en/detail.php?nr=14311[/url]
or http://www.innovatronix.com/ (http://www.innovatronix.com/)
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Thanks so much!!
That is exactly it!
I am sure two or three of those on location will power a laptop, a few hard drives and Digiback for the day.
Thanks again!!!
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Please let us know how it works out.
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I put together my own solution. 1800W continuous, 230VAC, pure sinewave. I use it for almost all my shoots.
N.B.: It needs to be a PURE SINEWAVE unit or you can damage some electronics.
I could probably supply some 3000W units for about €1440, 1200W units for €500 or 650W for €270, for example. You would need to add your own 12V sealed battery and charger. No point in me shipping those because they are heavy and available everywhere.
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The Dynalite XP 1100 is a nice unit too:
http://dynalite.com/battery_power.shtml (http://dynalite.com/battery_power.shtml)
It is a little more expensive than some units, but it also has much more *real* power available than units like the Innovatronix.
Compare recycle times for higher wattage power packs on each - like 1.5 seconds on the XP vs. 25 seconds on the Tronix. I think the Tronixis is really 150 watts (despite claims), the XP is a true 1100 watt unit.
You can swap batteries in the XP, so the price levels out compared to the Tronix if you need multiple units.
I used to have an XP 1100 until I bought Broncolor Mobil packs with their own battery.
Best,
Michael
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The Dynalite XP 1100 is a nice unit too:
http://dynalite.com/battery_power.shtml (http://dynalite.com/battery_power.shtml)
It is a little more expensive than some units, but it also has much more *real* power available than units like the Innovatronix.
Compare recycle times for higher wattage power packs on each - like 1.5 seconds on the XP vs. 25 seconds on the Tronix. I think the Tronixis is really 150 watts (despite claims), the XP is a true 1100 watt unit.
You can swap batteries in the XP, so the price levels out compared to the Tronix if you need multiple units.
I used to have an XP 1100 until I bought Broncolor Mobil packs with their own battery.
Best,
Michael
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=200782\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Yeh but there you getting into what a Little profoto 600R cost.. and guess what. I would much rather have the Profoto o even a Hensel Kit with a profoto acute head.
But definitely good for Computers etc....
Snook
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Thanks so much!!
That is exactly it!
I am sure two or three of those on location will power a laptop, a few hard drives and Digiback for the day.
Thanks again!!!
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a] (http://index.php?act=findpost&pid=200765\")
Actually sorry, I just realized my question had already been answered above
I read a review on the newer Explorer XT over the older Explorer 1200 [a href=\"http://www.studiolighting.net/roduct-review-innovatronix-tronix-explorer-xt]http://www.studiolighting.net/roduct-revie...nix-explorer-xt[/url] seems like a very economical pure sine wave inverter @ $349 U.S.
I have enough batteries for the EL Ranger RX AS location packs so there's no problems with portable lighting but does any one know whether the new Tronix Explorer XT would be reliable/dependable as a power source for a laptop or hair dryer on location
Some times a HONDA EU2000i generator is just to heavy/impractical on some remote locations. I think the Explorer XT only weighs 8KG's
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Check the ALIEN BEES solution. They are regular self contained flash heads, with the difference that it doesn't use voltage transformers but circuit multipliers. This lets you use a very low power battery + inverter (15amp + 150 watt pure sine wave) which is the one they sell. This works very well. I shot over 60gbs of images this weekend in a very humid location at the beach. I took 2 spare batteries and kept rotating them. If you want more power you can make your own system as long as you remember to use only pure sine wave inverters. Modified wave will damage the units. Just get a bigger inverter and bigger batteries and you are set to go. These lights are cheap, excellent quality, very reliable, lightweight and small, which make them perfect for a portable solution. And their service is great.
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There's the Elektrona from Slovenia : http://www.elektrona.si (http://www.elektrona.si) .
It's really not difficult to make your own: a pure sine-wave inverter, a deep cycle sealed gel cell and you're good to go.
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I am sure two or three of those on location will power a laptop, a few hard drives and Digiback for the day.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=200765\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Rather than guessing you should check the maximum current drain for each of the devices you intend to use and add up the total consumption. Then add some headroom and you'll know which units to look at. Some of the units posted above are not powerful enough for very much gear. Even my Macbook Pro adapter states 240V 1.5A which means theoretically up to 360W for that one device alone.
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Hey Graham,
What you charge to build one that could handle 120 power Macbook Pro 17", with two hard drives attached to it and a digital back?
What would the size and weight be?
What would estimated time of life be? Would you eb able to make it with removable batteries?
Thanks,
SO
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Hey Graham,
What you charge to build one that could handle 120 power Macbook Pro 17", with two hard drives attached to it and a digital back?
What would the size and weight be?
What would estimated time of life be? Would you eb able to make it with removable batteries?
Thanks,
SO
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201200\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Hi, do you mean 120W? 17" Macbook Pros should consume between 50 and 100W depending on whether processor is idle or maxed out, so the 300W for €150 model sounds like more than enough. You would add your own sealed 12V battery and charger, and the life would depend very much on the size of the battery you choose. Building your own is very flexible - the battery determines most of the weight and all the capacity, so you can choose what suits you best.
If you are drawing a constant 60W, for example, then the battery drain will be approximately 5A. If you want this to last for 8 hours then you need an 40Ah capacity battery. I would recommend getting a few smaller batteries (e.g. 40Ah) rather than one huge one. Easier to carry around and if you don't need the huge capacity you can just bring one.
Size and weight of the 300W model is 2.25kg, H=68mm, W=170mm, L=260mm
n.b. I don't know where you live but output is 230 VAC, and the socket is the standard European type. I think all Macbook pro adapters come with a euro plug and can take the voltage anyway, but just wanted to make sure you are aware. I don't know your location.
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FYI
Invotronix are a bargain but they dont work on digitally controlled flashes
only old ones like the Elly Classic 500s
not on DLites etc
(Edit - not the old model anyway)
I think they would do a laptop but a hairdryer would kill it pretty fast - we tried some Photon Beard flourecents on it - no way - about 5 mins !
SMM
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does any one know whether the new Tronix Explorer XT would be reliable/dependable as a power source for a laptop or hair dryer on location
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=200828\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Laptop? Yes, but it only has a capacity of 14Ah, so that won't last more than a couple of hours. My Macbook Pro battery is 5.6Ah and it lasts about an hour from full charge. Hopeless.
As for hair dryer, absolutely not. The continuous power output is 325W. Hair dryers are typically 1000W+
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Laptop? Yes, but it only has a capacity of 14Ah, so that won't last more than a couple of hours. My Macbook Pro battery is 5.6Ah and it lasts about an hour from full charge. Hopeless.
As for hair dryer, absolutely not. The continuous power output is 325W. Hair dryers are typically 1000W+
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201224\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Unless your in an area where you can't run a generator get a Honda 2000. They're magic and have saved me 50 times.
JR
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Unless your in an area where you can't run a generator get a Honda 2000. They're magic and have saved me 50 times.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201239\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Sorry, can't agree that they are the best solution. Good, but not the best. The inverter I plan to upgrade to is 3000W pure sinewave, 6000W for 5 seconds peaks, no mechanical parts so more reliable, silent, no pollution (making it suitable for indoor locations), and no fuelling hassle. I already have the 1800W version but I want even more.
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Sorry, can't agree that they are the best solution. Good, but not the best. The inverter I plan to upgrade to is 3000W pure sinewave, 6000W for 5 seconds peaks, no mechanical parts so more reliable, silent, no pollution (making it suitable for indoor locations), and no fuelling hassle. I already have the 1800W version but I want even more.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201243\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Well, whatever, but try running two hmi's off of an inverter all day, or when the hair/makeup keeps blowing the breakers running stingers all over the room to seperate the circuits.
I have two hondas, and have run a full interior set off of them when the power went down in one location for day.
I think they're magic and I don't know how to tell you this but just because electricty comes out of a little clean hole, most of it is made from a big machine that is polluting like crazy.
JR
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I don't know how to tell you this but just because electricty comes out of a little clean hole, most of it is made from a big machine that is polluting like crazy.
JR
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201244\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Haha, wasn't born yesterday
I meant local pollution, of course. Wouldn't want to shoot all day in a poorly ventilated space running one of those. Not criticizing anyone's choice, I just think people should see that there are alternatives which have advantages.
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Haha, wasn't born yesterday
I meant local pollution, of course. Wouldn't want to shoot all day in a poorly ventilated space running one of those. Not criticizing anyone's choice, I just think people should see that there are alternatives which have advantages.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201245\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Batteries are ok for a small shoot and I've tried most of them, but none of them lived up to my expectations or produced the amount of power we actually needed.
As you know everytime you convert energy something gets lost and though I wish there was a magic battery, I haven't found one yet.
Those little hondas amaze me and we have stuck them everywhere, outside, in the rain, on rooftops and they just run and run.
The rental studios in NY charge a distro fee (overpriced electricity) and I' ve asked them if I could mount two hondas on the roof and furnish my own. Of course they said no.
JR
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What is really cool about the AlienBees is that they consume very little energy making them great for battery work.They don't use transformers to elevate the current to store in the capacitors, but instead use multiplier circuits designed by Paul Buff.
I can shoot an 800 with 150watt inverter on a 15Amp batt for a couple hours heavy shooting. What is really cool about this outfit is that it is ultramobile. Suited for very fast work.
Yes, generators are great when you won't be jumping all around the place, typical in catalog shoots.
The big BUT about generators is when they are not yours or when they are well worked out. When they start choking and giving trouble they are a PITA.
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Sorry, can't agree that they are the best solution. Good, but not the best. The inverter I plan to upgrade to is 3000W pure sinewave, 6000W for 5 seconds peaks, no mechanical parts so more reliable, silent, no pollution (making it suitable for indoor locations), and no fuelling hassle. I already have the 1800W version but I want even more.
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a] (http://index.php?act=findpost&pid=201243\")
Hi Graham,
Can you post a link to the 3000W & 6000W pure sine wave inverter with no mechanical parts, fumes or fuel needed???
Here's a link to a 3000W Max & 2800W continuous load of pure sine wave energy @ nearly 1/2 the price of the Honda version with same features [a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Kipor-3000-Generator-Inverter-65788/dp/B000RUOY2S/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1213317564&sr=8-1]http://www.amazon.com/Kipor-3000-Generator...13317564&sr=8-1[/url]
Oh and link to user reviews of the Kipor 3000 Inverter http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B000R...howViewpoints=1 (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B000RUOY2S/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)
Thanks
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Can you post a link to the 3000W & 6000W pure sine wave inverter with no mechanical parts, fumes or fuel needed???
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201263\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I have been thinking about whether to get commercially involved with the company that makes these, specifically for the photography market, so can't say too much right now. I've been pretty impressed with the 1800W unit, and used that to power my Profoto Pro 6 1200 and 2400 generators and laptop on location for the past 2 years.
Here is the 3000W unit:
(http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/3000w_inverter.jpg)
You need to add a sealed 12V battery and charger of your choice, depending on the capacity and weight you want. These are cheap and easy to find. I have a 75Ah battery which has never run down on a shoot, but YMMV. I have a 40 Ah backup.
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Batteries are ok for a small shoot and I've tried most of them, but none of them lived up to my expectations or produced the amount of power we actually needed.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201248\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I can only suggest that the units you were supplied with were not up to the job, or the power rating was overly optimistic. It's a matter of picking the right unit rather than blaming the technology.
If only I were in NY we could settle this the fun way (on a test shot)
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I have been thinking about whether to get commercially involved with the company that makes these, specifically for the photography market, so can't say too much right now. I've been pretty impressed with the 1800W unit, and used that to power my Profoto Pro 6 1200 and 2400 generators and laptop on location for the past 2 years.
Here is the 3000W unit:
(http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/3000w_inverter.jpg)
You need to add a sealed 12V battery and charger of your choice, depending on the capacity and weight you want. These are cheap and easy to find. I have a 75Ah battery which has never run down on a shoot, but YMMV. I have a 40 Ah backup.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201268\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I like that it's green friendly, no fumes etc. making it great indoors as well.
What's the weight & price of the 3000W unit by itself and where can I buy one? is there a link?
Cheers
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What's the weight of the unit by itself
29kg
& price on the 3000W unit and where can I buy one? is there a link?
See my earlier posts Feel free to PM me.
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I like that it's green friendly, no fumes etc. making it great indoors as well.
Cheers
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201270\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I am just positive that the day will come where I have to bid a job based on the carbon footprint the project produces and I'll probably be required to wear hemp shoes.
Regardless of the 10 million green logos that have popped up all over the airwaves, magazines, computers and billboards, I can promise you, photography for advertising and commerce is not a save the planet business.
JR
P.S.
You have to fill the batteries up with something.
in Australia, how much of our electricity is produced using coal, hydro, wind and tidal?
According to figures available to EnergyAustralia, about 85% of electricity is generated from coal, about 8% of electricity is generated from hydro sources and less than 3% of electricity is generated from wind and tidal sources.
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What's the point?
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You'll want to look closer to home, mate. http://www.latronics.com (http://www.latronics.com) . Jury rig it to a Deep Cycle Sealed Lead Acid battery and an appropriate charger for the battery.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201275\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Haven't used these but they look like they would also do the job according to the specs.
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You'll want to look closer to home, mate. http://www.latronics.com (http://www.latronics.com) . Jury rig it to a Deep Cycle Sealed Lead Acid battery and an appropriate charger for the battery.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201275\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Just noticed that their 3000W unit (and many others) use 24V or 48V inputs. Not so convenient.
Also, RRP for the 3000W unit is AUD 3190 (€1969).
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What's the point?
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You go up to 3000VAC and over, you'll be looking at 24V batteries, at least, with any brand including that unit of yours.
No, it's a 12V unit. Why are you making things up you can't possibly know?
Yeah, try shipping 30 kilos from Europe to Australia and you will find out what it costs in a hurry. That AUD3190 RRP is not gonna look so bad after all.
Wrong again. Still around AUD 500 cheaper even with air freight and GST included. I really don't care which one he buys but please stick to the facts. (Buying locally does have the advantage of being easier to service if it fails).
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What's the point?
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Check the specs on your 3000VAC unit and see whether it runs off a 12VDC battery. Don't get all so cocksure and simple-minded about something beyond you.
I don't know why you insist on making a fool of yourself. Are you drunk? It's a 12V unit, just accept it. If this is what you do for a living then perhaps it's time to look for a new job.
From the manual:
(http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/specs.jpg)
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I've been thinking about this for running a monitor on location. And I'm amazed at the times your quoting. I bought some bits as a test. With a 10Ah SLA batt and a 150W inverter I only got 70 minutes. Granted its just a cheap inverter that might be inefficient but a 40ah batt isn't going to run a screen all day.
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What's the point to all this?
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What's the point to all this?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201406\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
This is cool.
I've seen arguments over the 1dsMarkXXIV vs. the Phase 45 double plus, arguments over used profoto packs, arguments over Hasselblad Focus software, but this is a first, a real heated argument over a 12volt inverter.
Next we're going to have comparisions over which mouse pad is better.
JR
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James I highly doubt that because everyone know that an A3 gridded cut matt is the best mouse pad I am amazed by the times quoted for a 40ah battery. I'd so love to leave my 1k honda at home more often.
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I am amazed by the times quoted for a 40ah battery.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201461\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Which times?
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Which times?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=201463\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
After reading this thread I understand why registration on the forums is closed.
It's to protect the public.
BTW: What's the deal with all this euro equipment in 1950's colors?
Well, I guess that orange thing will go well with that blue Sinar camera.
JR
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Man i just wanted a solution to power a laptop, pocket drives digiback for a few hours.
I guess it will be a small honda with a couple of hundred feet of extension cords.
So
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Studio, there are many suitable inverters available out there. Here is one place: http://earthsolar.com/inverters.htm (http://earthsolar.com/inverters.htm) (I can't vouch for them--I've never done business with them. I link to them as an example of what is available. I do know, however, that the brands they list are the "usual suspects" for bulletproof inverters of this sort.)
Pick something that runs off a 12V battery, is pure sine wave, and provides sufficient power for your equipment.
Alternatively, there are "automobile adapters" available for virtually all laptops that will power your laptop directly from any handy 12V battery.
B&H has substantial 12V batteries that can power quite a lot., that are intended for powering lights for TV news reporters and the like. IIRC, one brand is "Bescor." I have one of those batteries and an "automobile adapter" for my laptop, which is easily sufficient to run my laptop all day long.
There's a company out there called "iGo" that makes little power converters that are designed to essentially power everything from anything--one converter to power your laptop, cell phone, PDA, etc., from 120VAC, 12VDC cigarette-lighter connector, or from an airline connector, etc. (Or at least they did a ~3-4 years ago when last I looked at them.)
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If you are drawing a constant 60W, for example, then the battery drain will be approximately 5A. If you want this to last for 8 hours then you need an 40Ah capacity battery.
From my tests using a 10Ah battery connected to a 150w 12v to 240v inverter I get about 70 minutes run time. So 40Ah battery is only going to give me 4-5 hours. This is based on using the 85 watt MBP charger so I guess a 60watt macbook charger might give me another hour but want recharge the battery in the process.
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Great thread!!! I was looking for just the same thing.
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Thanks for all the responses!
A lot to think about