Hensel Nova D 2400 User manual

1 2 3 4 5
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20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
21
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7
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F1 F2 F3 F4
F5
F6
F7
Strobe Wizard Plus / freemask
P1 P2 P3 P4
P5
P6
P7
P9 P8
P1 P2 P3 P4
Profoto Air Remote Profoto Air Sync
P12
P10
P11
P13
P14

User Manual Nova D
4
HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
Robert-Bunsen-Str. 3
D-97076 Würzburg-Lengfeld
GERMANY
Tel. [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.hensel.de
© HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG, 2012
Distribution and reproduction of this documentation is not
permitted unless specifically authorized. In case of violation,
payment of damages will be due. All rights reserved, including
rights created by patent grant, or registration of a utility model
or design (ISO 16016).
Subject to technical changes. Errors and omissions excepted.
The listed data are standard values and not to be regarded as
guaranteed values in a legal sense. Values can deviate depen-
ding on component tolerance.
98.0006.00
Effective date: 07/2012

User Manual Nova D
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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
1 Preface
Dear photographer,
By purchasing the flash generator Nova D, you have selected a
high-quality and high performance product.
Below, we want to give you some details and hints on how to
use this unit. These will ensure successful and productive work
with it in the coming years.
Observing this necessary information entitles you to warranty
adjustments, prevents damages, and extends the operational
life of the unit.
Hensel-Visit took great care and observed all pertinent regula-
tions on order to manufacture a safe product of highest quality.
Stringent quality checks ensure our high quality standard even
in large-scale production.
Please add your part and handle the equipment with the neces-
sary care.
If you have any questions regarding the use of this equipment,
feel free to call us any time.
We wish you great success and „good light.”
HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG

User Manual Nova D
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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
2 Content
1 Preface............................................................................5
2 Content...........................................................................6
3 Safety instructions ............................................................8
4 General ........................................................................11
Description...............................................................11
Scope of delivery ......................................................11
5 Technical data ...............................................................12
6 Summary of control elements .........................................14
7 Initial use.......................................................................15
Acclimatization .........................................................15
Set-up .....................................................................15
Mains connection .....................................................17
Flash head connection ..............................................17
8 Operation .....................................................................19
ON/OFF switch ........................................................19
Synchronization ........................................................19
Modeling light ..........................................................21
Power adjustment .....................................................22
Test flash ..................................................................24
Audio.......................................................................24
Flash readiness.........................................................25
Flash Check .............................................................25
Daily flash counter....................................................25
USB Interface ...........................................................25
9 Operation with Strobe Wizard Plus..................................26

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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
Summary of control elements ....................................26
Basic transmitter setting.............................................26
Setting receiver .........................................................27
Output adjustment....................................................27
Switching the modeling light......................................27
10 Operation with freemask................................................28
Settings for freemask method ....................................28
11 Operation with Profoto Air..............................................30
Basic functions..........................................................30
Summary of control elements ....................................31
Preparing transmitter ................................................31
Profoto Air Remote....................................................34
12 Maintenance .................................................................35
Regular maintenance................................................35
Replacing fuse ..........................................................35
Error messages.........................................................36
Warranty..................................................................37
Disposal...................................................................37
13 Customer service points .................................................38
Manufacturer’s service ..............................................38
Service points listed in the Internet .............................38
14 Accessories....................................................................39
15 Subject index .................................................................40
16 Declaration of Confirmity ...............................................41

User Manual Nova D
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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
3 Safety instructions
In addition to the general rules for handling electrical equip-
ment, the following safety precautions must be observed.
Read and observe the below listed information before initial
operation of the equipment.
Supply a copy of the safety precautions when selling, leasing, or
otherwise distributing this equipment.
ATTENTION!
Improper handling of the device, non-compliance with the safety
hints below, or tampering with the safety features can cause
property damage, bodily injury, electric shock, or even death.
The main function of the flash generator Nova D is to provide
electric power for specific types of flashes. It is mainly designed
for use inside a studio. Operating it outside of a studio requires
taking certain precautions, see below.
The flash generator is only to be used with the accessories ap-
proved by Hensel-Visit which are described in this manual.
The appliance may not be used for any other purpose than
described above, especially not for other electrical applications.
Set-up and initial operation
• Do not use flash units in explosive environments.
• Before connecting the Nova D to the power supply, make
sure that the mains voltage corresponds to the specifications
listed on the unit’s specification plate.
• The Nova D must only be connected to grounded power
supply systems.
• Only use plugs/connectors with flawless contacts. Burned
and/or corroded plug contacts can be the cause of fires.
Defective plugs may lead to damaged plug sockets. The
generator‘s plug sockets also need to be checked for conse-
quential damage.
• Do not connect accessories from other manufacturers, even
when these look similar or alike.
Normal use
Abnormal use

User Manual Nova D
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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
• To prevent damages and tripping hazards, avoid laying
cables on the floor. If this is not possible, make sure that
the cables cannot be damaged by vehicles, ladders, etc.
• Damaged cables and housings need to be replaced imme-
diately by an authorized service department.
• Keep the minimum distance around the equipment unobst-
ructed to ensure proper ventilation.
• Do not place any objects on top of the equipment (coffee
cups, vases, containers filled with water, etc.).
• Protect the equipment from moisture, dripping or splashing
water.
• Choose safe locations for set-up and make sure that the
equipment cannot fall into pools or bodies of water.
• Keep proper distance from flammable materials like deco-
rative fabrics or paper to prevent the risk of fire.
• Secure the equipment with a back-up support when atta-
ching it to ceilings or pantographs. Use the device’s safety
features and secure the device additionally with a safety
rope. Suitable safety ropes can be purchased from Hensel-
Visit, see „14 Accessories“ on page 39.

User Manual Nova D
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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
Generators and flash heads
ATTENTION!
Defective flash tubes and false handling with defective units can
pose a mortal danger.
A damaged flash tube can mean mortal danger because you
could come in contact with the electrodes conducting high vol-
tage. Therefore, never touch exposed electrodes inside the flash
tube!
First, switch off generators and disconnect them from the power
supply. Then disconnect the flash from the generator.
Flash tubes must only be changed by authorized and trained
personnel. Changing flash tube and modeling light must only
be done after the generator has been switched off and the flash
head is disconnected therefrom.
Halogen lamps and flash tubes may burst and must only be
operated with properly mounted Hensel safety dome.
ATTENTION!
Risk of death when coming in contact with the condenser volta-
ge.
Opening the housing and repairs of the unit must only be done
by an authorized customer service provider.
Working with the equipment
• Do not flash into eyes at short distances since this may lead
to eye damage.
• Do not look directly into the flash tube or the reflector. The
flash could be triggered accidentally.
• Regularly air closed rooms to prevent build-up of inadmissi-
ble ozone concentrations which can occur due to the use of
high-powered flash systems.
• Cover the equipment which is not in use with a proper dust
guard when working in a dusty environment.

User Manual Nova D
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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
4 General
Description
The Nova D is a powerful flash generator. The generator can
be triggered and controlled via the built-in radio receivers
Strobe Wizard Plus, freemask and Profoto Air. The radio anten-
nas are integrated in the handle of the generator. The stored
energy is digitally adjustable in 1/10 steps and can be distribu-
ted either symmetrical or asymmetrical via the two flash sockets.
Extremely fast flash recycle times, short flash duration times,
and a wide output range hallmark this robust unit. The large
LED display and the illuminated foil surface with its distinct
stamping and the Hensel user logic make the Nova D easy to
use.
Any Hensel-Visit lamps with 13-pin round plug and a capaci-
ty higher than 3000 J can be connected directly. Please note
the restrictions concerning the maximum number of flashes in
sequence that apply to specially designed models. Hensel Flash
heads with long plug can be operated via optionally available
adapter cords. These adapt the 13-pin round plug to fit a 20-
pin flash socket. Please ask Hensel-Visit for more information.
This user manual describes the generators Nova D 1200 and
Nova D 2400. The operation is identical, the only differences
are the performance level and the housing dimensions.
Scope of delivery
Please check the scope of delivery before initial use.
Note:
The scope of delivery may vary depending on order configurati-
on and country of delivery. Please see corresponding informati-
on on your delivery documents and order forms.
Standard scope of delivery includes:
• 1 Nova D 1200 or Nova D 2400
• 1 Power cord
• 1 Sync cord
• 1 User manual

User Manual Nova D
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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
5 Technical data
Model Nova D 1200 Nova D 2400
Listed performance output: 1200 J 2400 J
Lead aperture 100 ASA, t 1/60,
12“-Reflector, output 10.0*:
1 m distance:
2 m distance:
128 0/10
64 0/10 180 0/10 128 0/10
Shortest flash duration time, t 0,5 s
1 EH Mini Speed:
1 EH Mini:
Shortest flash duration time, t 0,1 s
1 EH Mini Speed:
1 EH Mini:
1/4.500
1/2.800
1/1.800
1/850
1/3.160
1/1.450
1/920
1/400
Flash duration time, t 0,5 s, 10.0 output*
1 EH Mini Speed:
1 EH Mini:
Flash duration time, t 0,1 s, 10.0 output*
1 EH Mini Speed:
1 EH Mini:
1/1.500
1/880
1/520
1/270
1/750
1/440
1/240
1/125
Flash recycle time at max. output: 0,6 s 1,1 s
Flash recycle time at min. output: 0,16 s 0,2 s
Flash performance adjustment:
Output distribution:
Flash sockets:
10 - 3 = 8 f-stop
symmetric or asymmetric
2 (round sockets)
Modeling light: 240 V / 650 W , 120 V / 300 W
Fitting flash heads: Hensel EH Mini, Ring flash P/PM-XS 3000,
F-Spot 3000 (round plug), LightStick 3000
(round plug) and others
Fuse protection modeling light/charge: 2 x 10 AF, high operating capacity
Weight including battery: 7,15 kg 8,5 kg
Housing dimensions in cm (LxWxH): 19,8 x 26,0 x 26,8 19,8 x 26,0 x 30,6
Code no.: 3612 3624
* Output 10.0 = 100%.

User Manual Nova D
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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
Radio remote unit series/unit type Strobe Wizard Plus transmitter/T4/6 V
freemask transmitter
Range: > 40 m (12.2 feet) at clear visibility
Channels: 3 individual channels adjustable + 1 „All“ channel
Frequency: 433,92 MHz
Sync voltage for camera: < 1 mA for 5 µs / 3 V
Minimal shutter speed for sync: 1/250 s with focal plane shutter
1/500 s with between-the-lens shutter
Weight: 0,053 kg
Housing dimensions (LxWxH): 55 mm x 63 mm x 48 mm
Rating: IP 32
Suitable flash units: Nova D, Expert D, Porty L, Speed Max, Integra Plus
Designation of battery: 28L/6 V
Code no. Strobe Wizard Plus transmitter:
Code no. freemask transmitter:
3950
3955
The system meets all requirements according to ETSI EN300220 and FCC15.231
Radio remote unit series/unit type
Code no. Air Sync:
Code no. Air Remote:
Hensel Profoto Air
3965
3966
See the original user manual of the manufacturer Profoto
Technical modifications excepted.
The listed data are standard values which may deviate depending on component tolerances.

User Manual Nova D
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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
Nova D 1200/2400
1.....Power switch ON/OFF
2.....Flash socket channel A
3.....Output switch channel A
4.....Flash socket channel B
5.....Output switch channel B
6.....Fuse modeling light/charge
10 AF
7.....Storage for replacement fuses
8.....Handle with radio antenna
9.....Photo cell
10....Test flash TEST
11....Indicator flash ready READY
12....Output adjustment in 1/10 or
1 f-stop increments
13....Modeling light ON/OFF/PROP LAMP
14....Indicator for selected output/
flash count/groups/error codes
15....Photo cell ON/OFF SLAVE
16....Flash Check FC
17....Output reduction in 1/10 or
1 f-stop increments
18....Audio signal ON/OFF AUDIO
19....Radio receiver ON/OFF (Hensel,Profoto)
and channel selection RC/CH
20....Indicator channel selection
21....Sync socket SYNC
22....USB interface
6 Summary of control elements

User Manual Nova D
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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
7 Initial use
ATTENTION!
Please make sure that the unit is not connected to a power sup-
ply when preparing for initial use.
Acclimatization
When relocating the flash generator from and to locations
with substantial temperature differences, place the unit in the
surroundings where it is to be used and leave it there for some
time. This prevents moisture built-up which can result in cree-
ping currents.
Set-up
ATTENTION!
Please regard the general safety instructions pertaining to set-up
location and surrounding area in the chapter „Set-up and initial
operation“ on page 8.
The generator can be operated standing or in horizontal positi-
on.
ATTENTION!
Mortal danger! Make sure that units (generators with flash
heads connected to them) used outdoors or near bodies of
water (ocean, river, pool, etc.) do not come in contact with
water or fall into it. Always ensure secure placing of the units. If
necessary, secure them against tipping or dropping.
Doubly secure the equipment against dropping when mounting
it in a suspended fashion. According to the applicable safety
regulations, it is necessary to secure the units twice by using
a steel rope. This can be ordered from Hensel-Visit, see „14
Accessories“ on page 39.
ÂLead the steel rope through the generator’s handle and
through a suitable eyelet on the suspension.
Suspended
mounting

User Manual Nova D
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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
The optional generator holder (see „14 Accessories“ on page
39) allows you to hook the generator to the bottom of a
lamp stand. Thus the stand has a lower center of gravity and
therefore, a more secure stand. This also protects the genera-
tor from possible moisture and dirt on the floor.
Hooked to a
stand

User Manual Nova D
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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
Mains connection
ATTENTION!
Before connecting the flash generator to the power supply,
make sure that the voltage corresponds to the information on
the type label or the values listed in the documentation.
Flash generators must only be connected to grounded power
supplies.
The type label is located at the bottom side of the housing.
The Nova D 1200 / D 2400 is equipped with multivoltage
technology which means the unit automatically adjusts to the
applicable voltage.
The modeling lamp must be manually plugged in according to
the existing power supply voltage.
The included power cord is connected to the generator‘s power
connector socket and then connected to the power supply.
Fuse protection, building
Ue = 230 V Ue = 115 V
16 A* 20 A
*: Head curve B
Flash head connection
ATTENTION!
Always switch off the generator before connecting a flash head.
Please note the general safety precautions listed in the
section„Generators, compact flash units and flash heads“ on
page 10 when handling flash heads.
Special flash heads are intended for the use with Nova D. The
flash head cable is connected via a round plug to the flash
head and to the generator 2, 4.

User Manual Nova D
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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
Flash heads with 115 V or 230 V modeling light
• EH Mini
• EH Mini Speed
• EH Pro (long plug, via adapter)
These flash heads are operated with a 115 V or a 230 V mode-
ling light. The modeling light has a maximum of 300 W / 650
W.
Note:
These flash heads must be connected via the flash head cable
marked with yellow/red.
• The modeling light can be set to continuous mode or to
automatic switch off via the generator.
• The modeling light can be set proportionally to the flash
output (LAMP key 13).
• The cooling fan is running.
ATTENTION!
The flash generators Nova D 1200 and D 2400 have a substan-
tially higher charge output, e. g. they can flash much faster in
sequence. This may cause thermal overload of older flash heads
when using existing equipment.
Even though protective measures were included in the genera-
tors to prevent thermal overload of the heads, please note also
the restrictions of individual flash heads.
Connection of further flash heads
A list of suitable flash heads can be requested at
[email protected]
Other manufacturers
Though similar lamp sockets and plugs may be used by other
manufacturers, their lamps and flash heads must not be con-
nected to the Nova D. Please contact the Hensel customer
support concerning options for adaption.

User Manual Nova D
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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
8 Operation
ON/OFF switch
The flash generator is switched on by pressing the main switch
1. When the flash ready light 11 comes on, the unit is ready to
flash.
When switched on, it defaults to the settings which were active
before the last switching off. This means that the unit stores the
settings at the time of switch off.
The main switch 1 switches the generator off.
Synchronization
The synchronization between flash generator and camera is eit-
her done via sync cord, the built-in photo cell, or via the radio
Strobe Wizard Plus, freemask or Profoto Air.
Synchronization via cable
The battery flash generator is connected to the camera by con-
necting the synchronization cable with 6.3 mm jack plug to the
sync socket 21 on the camera.
The synchronizing process uses the latest semiconductor tech-
nology and warrants reliable triggering of the flash unit even
when using older camera models with mechanical contacts. The
lower voltage of the sync socket makes safe and reliable opera-
tion possible, also with the use of modern digital cameras.
Note:
Based on the multitude of possible electronic circuits in different
cameras which are used for the synchronization, we are not
liable for possible damages to the camera used for flash trigge-
ring. Please contact the camera’s manufacturer before using a
non-standard camera for such purposes.
Synchronization via photo cell
The built-in slave 9triggers the flash through the incidence of a
flash that was emitted by another unit (slave mode).

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HENSEL-VISIT GmbH & Co. KG
This mode of operation is activated/deactivated with the SLAVE
key 15. The on-state is indicated via the key’s LED.
The slave is an impulse photo cell. It only triggers the flash
when the incidence of the other flash is stronger than the ambi-
ent light.
Note:
Make sure that no other bright, ambient light reaches the slave.
If this cannot be avoided, use a cable or radio transmitter for
synchronization.
Another interference can be arc discharge lamps, like the ones
used in ceiling spots. The impulse-like eradiated light could pos-
sibly trigger the slave.
Synchronization via radio transmitter
The remote radio-control systems Strobe Wizard Plus, free-
mask, and Profoto Air can be used to conveniently synchroni-
ze camera and flash unit via radio remote control.
Synchronization is done by selecting from three optional chan-
nels.
Activation of the radio channels and channel setting of the
Strobe Wizard Plus, freemask, and Profoto Air units is done
via the RC/CH key 19.
ÂBriefly press the RC/CH key 19 to switch on the radio mode.
The display 20 reads „Cx“ or „Fx“ for the channel of Strobe
Wizard Plus. The displayed information depends on the
setting before switching the unit off last. The LED above the
key lights up green.
ÂAgain press the RC/CH key 19 briefly.
The display 20 reads „Px“ for the channel of the Profoto Air
receiver. The LED above the key lights up orange.
ÂAgain press the RC/CH key 19 briefly to switch off the radio
mode.
ÂPress the RC/CH key 19 for ca. 2 s to switch the channels of
the radio receivers.
ÂThe control keys t, tt 17 and uu, u 12 are for switching
channels
For a detailed description of the systems, please see „9 Opera-
tion with Strobe Wizard Plus“ on page 26.
Switching radio
receiver on/off
Switching radio
channels