Calumet Genesis B Power Port User manual

USER GUIDE
Genesis B Power Port Manual.qxd 12/10/09 4:01 PM Page 2

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2
introduction
Dear Valued Customer,
Thank you for choosing the Calumet Genesis B Power Port 12V DC Battery System.
This battery system is the perfect companion to the Genesis 300 B flash unit and was
designed to be a portable, versatile and easy-to-use flash solution for a wide range of
lighting situations. The Power Port’s battery can be charged in the studio or in the car and
provides up to 200 flashes at full power, allowing you to shoot just about anywhere.
Calumet offers a variety of light control accessories that will expand your shooting
options and allow you to handle everything from portraits to product tabletops. For details
of all related products, please visit calumetphoto.com, click on your country of choice (DE,
NL, UK or USA) in the far upper right-hand corner of the home page, or click on
“Locations” icon to find the retail location nearest you.
In order to obtain the full benefit from your purchase, please take a few moments to
familiarize yourself with this user manual.
Thank you,
Calumet Photographic
• Always exercise care when handling equipment
that has been in use. The reflector and front end
of the flash unit can become very hot.
• Always avoid placing cables where they can be
tripped over. Protect from heavy, sharp or hot
objects, which may cause damage, and replace
damaged cables immediately.
• Due to the high voltage/high energy used in
your unit, all servicing must be carried out by a
Calumet-authorized service center.
• Always remove the battery charger by gripping
the plug. NEVER pull the cord.
• Always ensure that any extension cord used has
a suitable current rating to prevent overheating,
and never use coiled extension cords.
do nots
• Do not connect to more than one power source
at a time.
• Do not use in an environment where moisture or
flammable vapor is likely to come in contact with
the unit.
• Do not restrict air vents while in use.
• Do not use a unit with damaged housing,
moldings, etc. If the unit is dropped or damaged
in any way, always have it checked out before
using.
• Do not operate the unit’s battery charger without
a safe grounded AC supply.
always
• Always switch power off and remove the battery
charger before connecting or disconnecting cable
to the flash unit.
• Always disconnect the battery charger and
remove battery before changing the fuse. Never
replace with a fuse of a different rating. One
spare fuse is provided.
safety tips
Genesis B
Power Port Features
• LED battery charger indicator
• Low-voltage protection alarm
• Built-in shoulder strap
• Battery charger indication lamp
• Battery can be charged out of the housing
• Car charger adapter included
• 1-year limited warranty

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3
power port controls
front view
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The Genesis B Power Port unit is equipped with a
rechargeable 12V NiMH (nickel-metal hydride)
battery. Proper care assures long life.
new batteries
Be sure to fully charge your battery before using.
The battery may require three to four
charge/discharge cycles before achieving
maximum capacity. Use specified charger(s) only.
memory effect
NiMH batteries offer up to 40% more run time per
volume than NiCd (nickel-cadmium). They are also
more environmentally friendly. The biggest
advantage though is the “memory effect” (when
the battery forgets that it has the capacity to fully
discharge) is a fraction of that found in NiCd.
The way to avoid “memory effect” is to fully cycle
(fully charge then fully discharge) the battery at
least every two to three months.
storing and handling your battery
Always discharge before storing. Store in a cool
dry place. Do not expose to direct sunlight or
temperatures below 30º F (-1º C) and above 95º F
(35º C). A charged battery will eventually lose its
charge if unused. Whether discharged or not,
NiMH batteries should be charged every sixty
days. Do not short-circuit. Avoid dropping. This
could result in the exposure of corrosive
contents. Keep away from fire or other sources of
extreme heat. Never incinerate or throw away in
trash. Recycle responsibly.
how to care for NiMH batteries

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4
power port operation
Damage to the Genesis B Power Port Battery
System or Genesis 300 B Flash Unit may result.
1122334455
charging the battery
Refer to “how to care for NiMH batteries” on page 3.
The battery can be charged either in or out
of the Power Port’s housing using the AC
charger, or the DC car charger adapter.
Charging times range from 4-5 hours and
may vary depending on the condition of the
battery. Use specified charger(s) only.
AC charger
Firmly insert the small plug end of the
charger into the charging socket (1). Plug
the other end of the charger into a grounded
household outlet.
DC car charger adapter
Firmly insert the small plug end of the
charger into the charging socket (1). Plug
the other end of the charger into your
vehicle’s 12V accessory socket.
To charge the battery out of the Power
Port’s housing, simply connect the plug end
of either charger directly to the built-in
socket on the battery.
NOTE: The AC and DC chargers have a
built-in charge indicator. The lamp will
illuminate RED while charging, and GREEN
when fully charged. Be sure to disconnect
chargers after battery is fully charged.
connecting the flash unit
Make sure battery is fully charged and
connected to the Power Port. Mount the
Power Port and Genesis 300 B flash unit to
a light stand as shown on page 6, prior to
making cable connections. Insert one end of
the connecting cable into the Power Port’s
connecting cable socket (5), making sure to
align the notches in both the cable end and
socket. Secure the cable end by turning the
threaded locking ring clockwise. Insert and
secure the other end of connecting cable
into the flash unit’s connecting cable socket,
located on the rear-underside of the unit.
operation
Refer to the “Genesis 300 B AC/DC Flash
Unit user guide” for operating the flash
unit. IMPORTANT! THE MODELING LAMP
FUNCTION IS DISABLED WHEN FLASH
UNIT IS IN DC OPERATION. Turn on the
Power Port unit by pressing the power
switch (2) to the ON position. The LED
battery charge indicator (4) should
immediately light up and display a full
(100%) charge. Next, turn on the Genesis
300 B by sliding the power switch to the DC
position. The test button light on the flash
unit will illuminate, indicating the flash unit
is ready for use.
LED battery charge indicator
A scale (from 0 - 100%) is printed below the
indicator window. A series of shaded bars
within the window indicate the remaining
battery power. As the power is depleted, so
is the number of visible bars. When only one
bar remains, the bar will “twinkle”indicating
the battery is out of power. The low-voltage
protection alarm will sound.
See low voltage protection on next page.
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5
power port operation
1. Turn off unit and disconnect cables.
2. Remove battery cover by pressing down latch and pulling outward.
3. With battery facing you, hold unit in both hands with thumbs covering battery.
4. Push battery down and forward with thumbs to release battery from locking lip near
bottom of unit.
5. Grasp yellow tab with thumb and index finger and pull to remove battery.
6. While holding battery and unit, place unit down on flat surface.
7. Carefully disconnect battery from housing cable.
8. Replace battery by reversing steps listed above.
Switch off the Power Port unit and disconnect the connecting cable
and any battery charger. The fuse is located in the fuse case (3)
located on the top of the unit’s control panel. Remove the cap of the
fuse case by pulling upward. You may need to pry upward using a
slotted screwdriver. Remove old fuse and replace it with one of the
same amperage/voltage rating and reinsert clip. One spare fuse is
included with the unit.
replacing or removing the battery
changing the fuse
The Power Port is equipped with a low-voltage protection alarm that is designed to protect
your equipment’s circuitry. The beeper will sound when the battery is less than 9.5 volts,
thus making the battery inoperable. You will need to charge or use spare battery (CF0512)
to continue operation. NOTE: Turn off the power switch on the Power Port and Genesis
300 B flash Unit and remove the connecting cable PRIOR to charging or replacing battery.
low voltage protection
Steps are also printed on the cover of the battery compartment.
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Provides up to 200 Flashes
at Full Power!
NOTE: The total number of flashes
available will depend on the power
setting of the flash unit and the
condition of the battery.

6
power port specifications
contents:
One Power Port unit, removable
12V DC battery, AC charger, DC car
charger adapter, connecting cable
and one spare fuse.
Weight of Power Port Unit
with battery and cable:
4.1 lbs. (1.9kg)
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GENESIS 300 B AC/DC FLASH UNIT
AND STAND SOLD SEPARATELY

7
power port specifications
A wide variety of lighting accessories including grid reflector, grids,
snoot, umbrellas, soft boxes and stands are available through Calumet.
Visit www.calumetphoto.com or a retail location near you.
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110V/60Hz (U.S. model)
SPECIFICATIONS: 220V/50Hz (U.K. and Euro models)
Power 300W
Recycle Time 3 - 7 sec.
Input Voltage 110-250V AC or 12V DC*
Output Voltage 12V DC
Battery Type (CF0512) 12V NiMH 3600mAh
Charging Time 4 - 5hrs. †
Flashes per Charge (full power) ± 200 †
Fuse 40A
Dimensions 6.3 x 3.5 x 8.9" (L x W x H)
(16 x 9 x 23cm)
*Battery can be charged either in or out of the Power Port’s housing using the AC
charger, or with the DC car charger adapter.
†Charging times and number of flashes per charge may vary depending on the
condition of the battery.
Calumet Genesis 300 B
This portable 300w/s fan-cooled AC/DC flash
unit was designed exclusively for use with the
Genesis B Power Port. It features variable flash
power, easy-to-use digital controls, and is
versatile, dependable, and affordable.
CF0512
Replacement Battery
CF0513
Replacement Cable
accessories:
(sold separately)

U.S.A. 630.860.7447 x2258
United Kingdom 08000 964396
Germany 040 4231600
Belgium [phone]
Netherlands 020-697-7171
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Calumet Genesis B Power Port
One-year Limited Parts-and-Labor Warranty
Calumet warrants the Genesis B Power Port to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for one year from date of purchase. Should you experience any problems
with your battery system, you should return it to your place of purchase. Calumet
Photographic will, at its option, repair or replace it without charge, subject to the following
limitations and exclusions:
• Warranty extends to the original purchaser only and is not transferable or assignable.
• Returned product must be accompanied with proof of purchase.
• Warranty shall not apply to any product which has, in Calumet’s judgment, been subject
to misuse, abuse, negligence, accident or unauthorized repair.
Calumet’s obligation is limited to repair or replacement only, and no one is authorized to
assume any obligation not in accordance with the above. For technical assistance, call the
location nearest you:
© CALUMET PHOTOGRAPHIC, INC. 2010