Bowens EQUIPE 1200 Pack User manual

EQUIPE 1200 & 2400 PACK
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Covers Models
BW-2800 BW-2810

- 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 -
EQUIPE 1200/2400 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
CONTENTS
FIGURE 1 EQUIPE 2400 CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT.........................................................................4
KEY TO FIGURE 1 ........................................................................................................................................5
FIGURE 2 EQUIPE 1200 CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT.........................................................................6
KEY TO FIGURE 2 ........................................................................................................................................7
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES - PLEASE READ BEFORE OPERATING PACK..............................8
GENERAL FEATURES .................................................................................................................................9
POWER SUPPLY CONNECTION ...............................................................................................................9
AC POWER SWITCH....................................................................................................................................9
CIRCUIT PROTECTION ............................................................................................................................10
FAST/SLOW CHARGE SWITCH - EQUIPE 2400 PACK ONLY..........................................................10
FLASH HEADS .............................................................................................................................................10
FLASH POWER SELECTION/INDICATION..........................................................................................11
MODELLING LAMP OUTPUT/CONTROL ............................................................................................11
OPEN FLASH................................................................................................................................................12
EXTERNAL SYNCHRONISATION ..........................................................................................................12
PHOTOCELL................................................................................................................................................12
SOUNDER .....................................................................................................................................................12
OVERLOAD PROTECTION, COOLING FAN AND OVERHEAT.......................................................13
EQUIPE 1200 & 2400 PACK SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................14
ACCESSORIES.............................................................................................................................................15
QUICK REFERENCE TABLES FOR EQUIPE 2400 PACK...................................................................16
QUICK REFERENCE TABLES FOR EQUIPE 1200 PACK...................................................................17

- 4 -
Figure 1 EQUIPE 2400 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. Four Flash Head Sockets
5. Low Voltage ‘SYNC.’ Input Socket
6. Channel A ‘FLASH’ Variator
7. Channel B ‘FLASH’ Variator
8. ‘POWER’ Selector Switch - 600W-s, 1200W-s or 2400W-s
9. Digital ‘POWER’ Display and visible ‘READY’ Indicator
10. Channel A Modelling ‘LAMP’ Power Variator
11. Channel B Modelling ‘LAMP’ Power Variator
12. Channel A Modelling ‘LAMP’ Switch - ‘CONTINUOUS/OFF/INTERMITTENT’
13. Channel B Modelling ‘LAMP’ Switch - ‘CONTINUOUS/OFF/INTERMITTENT’
14. ‘COMBINE/ISOLATE’ Switch -
15. ‘SLAVE’ Photocell
16. Fuse - Modelling ‘LAMP’
17. Manual Reset Circuit Breaker - ‘FLASH’ Protection
18. ‘SLAVE’ Photocell On/Off Switch
19. Audible ‘READY’ Sounder On/Off Switch
20. ‘OPEN FLASH’ (Test) Button
21. Carry Handle

- 6 -
Figure 2 EQUIPE 1200 Control Panel Layout

- 7 -
Key To Figure 2
1. Supply (AC) Input Socket
2. AC Power Switch and Neon Indicator
3. Four Flash Head Sockets
4. Low Voltage ‘SYNC.’ Input Socket
5. Channel A ‘FLASH’ Variator
6. Channel B ‘FLASH’ Variator
7. ‘POWER’ Selector Switch - 300W-s, 600W-s or 1200W-s
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. ‘SLAVE’ Photocell
14. ‘COMBINE/ISOLATE’ Switch -
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

- 8 -
Important Safety Notes - Please Read Before Operating Pack
Please read and follow these basic safety instructions:
zREAD and UNDERSTAND the instructions and specifications.
zONLY connect to an AC (Alternating Current) power supply.
zNEVER connect to a DC (Direct Current) supply.
zALWAYS use a grounded AC outlet.
zALWAYS use a three core cable of at least 10 or 15 Amp rating as supplied.
zWHEN practical, unplug the Pack from the electrical outlet when not in use.
zALWAYS remove the power cord by gripping the plug, NEVER pull the cord.
zALWAYS ensure that any extension cord used has a suitable current rating to
prevent overheating. NEVER use coiled extension cords.
zNEVER replace the fuse with one of a different type or rating. See Specification
for correct value/type of fuse.
zALWAYS avoid placing AC power cords and Flash Head cables where they can
be tripped over.
zNEVER place heavy objects on top of the AC Power cord or Flash Head cables
and avoid running them over sharp or hot objects.
zNEVER use the equipment with damaged cables. Have them replaced as soon as
possible. NEVER attempt to repair them yourself.
zNEVER 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.
zALWAYS keep ALL vents in the Pack and Flash Heads clear of obstructions at all
times.
zONLY switch the Pack ‘ON’ AFTER the Flash Head/Heads has/have been
correctly connected.
zALWAYS ensure that the Flash Head cable locking rings at the Pack, adapters,
and Flash Heads are fully locked before use.
zALWAYS remove the Flash Head covers before using.
zALWAYS 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.
zIf 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.

- 9 -
General Features
The EQUIPE 1200 & 2400 Packs have been designed to produce the most compact,
versatile and easy to use flash source available today. Features include:
zTwo independent Channels, each with two Flash Head sockets, having their own
‘FLASH’ Variator, Modelling ‘LAMP’ Variator and Modelling ‘LAMP’ Control switch.
zAn ‘ISOLATE’ mode which provides the two independently controlled Channels
with half the total flash capacity of the Pack available from either or both sockets in
a particular Channel.
zA ‘COMBINE’ mode which provides the total flash capacity of the Pack from ANY
single socket or combination of sockets with a single set of controls.
zModelling ‘LAMP’ Variator and Modelling ‘LAMP’ Controls independent of Flash
controls.
zDigital ‘POWER’ display of the selected total Pack flash capacity and a visible
‘READY’ indication.
zBuilt in, sensitive ‘SLAVE’ Photocell with ON/OFF switch.
zAUDIBLE ‘READY’ Sounder with ON/OFF switch to give audible indication of
when the Pack is ready to fire.
zA built in fan on the EQUIPE 2400 Pack which automatically switches in to cool
the unit during periods of heavy use.
zOverheat 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.
zEMC (Electro-Magnetic Compatibility) filters fitted.
zSpecial Adapters available to allow certain QUAD heads and accessories to be
used with the EQUIPE 1200 & 2400 Packs.
Power Supply Connection
zThe 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.
zThe 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
zIt 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
zThe AC Power switch connects power to both the flash and modelling circuits.
The switch is illuminated green when ‘ON’.
zALWAYS switch ‘OFF’ the unit before plugging or unplugging Flash Heads,
changing fuses or modelling lamps.

- 10 -
Circuit Protection
zProtection 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.
zProtection 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 - EQUIPE 2400 Pack Only
zThe ‘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.
zIt should be noted that switching to ‘SLOW’ charge will also extend the charge
times at maximum power - See specifications for details.
Flash Heads
zThe Packs are designed to be fitted with one to four standard EQUIPE Flash
Heads, BW-2850 with a maximum modelling lamp rating of 300W.
zThe standard Flash Head has a switch to enable the modelling lamp to be turned
off independently from the Pack setting.
zThe removable Flash Head cables cannot be connected incorrectly but for ease of
identification the connectors at each end are identified with colour coded dots -
WHITE for the Pack and GREEN for the head.
zTo fit a Flash Head, first ensure the Pack is switched off and disconnected from
the supply. Fit the Flash Head cable to the head by aligning the GREEN dots,
inserting the cable plug into the head connector and rotating the locking ring
clockwise until it locks in place. Fit the other end of the Flash Head cable to the
Pack by aligning the WHITE dots, inserting the plug into the chosen socket and
rotating the connector locking ring clockwise until it locks in place.
zHeads from the 220/240V QUAD system may be used with the Pack in
conjunction with a special adapter, but the following limitations and warnings
should be strictly observed:-
1. Splitter boxes or QUAD extension cables SHOULD NOT be used.
2. The maximum modelling lamp rating PER CHANNEL must not exceed
1300W with a maximum allowable total for the Pack of 1950W.
3. QUAD heads with adapters may be used in conjunction with the
standard heads providing the modelling lamp wattage PER CHANNEL
and the Pack total above is not exceeded.
4. 1.5k QUAD heads will deteriorate rapidly if used on a EQUIPE 2400
Pack at full power.
zFor 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 or QUAD adapter.