impact Astral Extreme AS-X-400 User manual

Astral Extreme AS-X-400 Monolight
INSTRUCTIONS

Introduction�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2
Precautions �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3
Overview������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 5
Getting Started��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9
Mounting the Astral Extreme������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9
Setting Up������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 9
Flash Power Output������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 12
Modeling Lamp ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 13
Audio Confirmation ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 14
Triggering the Flash������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 15
1/4” Phono��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
Wireless Optical Slave��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
Wireless Remote Control ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16
Mounting Accessories ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16
The Accessory Mount���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16
The Umbrella Mount ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 17
Adjusting the Center of Gravity�������������������������������������������������������������������� 18
Replacing Parts ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 19
Replacing the Flashtube������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19
Replacing the Fuse��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 20
Specifications �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21
One-Year Limited Warranty ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 22
Table of Contents

2
Thank you for choosing Impact� The Impact AS-X-400 Astral Extreme monolight can be
used for everything from professional wedding and portrait work to action and sports
photography� This monolight is an easy-to-use and reliable tool built for functionality, and
it incorporates advanced features that are engineered for speed� In fact, that’s why we
call it the Extreme—because it’s extremely fast� You can work fast and uninterrupted
with the Astral Extreme, capturing incredible moments as they happen�
Ideal for working professionals, the Astral Extreme is designed so you’ll never miss a
shot while waiting for your light to recycle� Recycling time is as fast as 0�4 seconds
at full power, flash duration is as low as 1/5000 of a second, and continuous shooting
speed can reach a blazing 10 frames per second� This incredible speed makes the
Astral Extreme great not just for fashion and event shooting, but also for high-speed
photography� The Astral Extreme is fast enough to capture almost any movement at its
peak, whether it’s a bullet bursting through an apple, or it’s a skateboarder launching out
of a half-pipe�
Because high-speed flash photography can often mean high temperatures, the
Astral Extreme uses a fan-cooling system, heat sinks, and speed-dedicated internal
components to prevent overheating�
This monolight is easy to accessorize� With its built-in umbrella mount and Bowens
S-type bayonet, you’ll be able to attach light modifiers like umbrellas, softboxes, and
beauty dishes to customize and shape your light to achieve the perfect look� A modeling
lamp with a stepless power-output setting makes it easy to check positioning of your
flash before it’s time to fire�
The Astral Extreme has an optical sensor, so you can use it as an optical slave� There’s
also the optional Impact ControlSync 16 transmitter and receiver, which provides 150´
(50 m) of untethered freedom with total wireless control over the Astral Extreme�
Introduction

3
Precautions
• Please read and follow these instructions, and keep this manual in a safe place�
• Keep this unit away from water and any flammable gases or liquids�
• Do not leave the device in a closed vehicle under the sun or in other areas subject to very
high temperatures�
• Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the equipment� There are high-voltage
components inside the unit� Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric
shock or product malfunction� This will void the warranty, and Impact will not be
responsible for any damage�
• Use only the correct, recommended voltage�
• Make sure the unit is powered off when plugging it into a power source�
• Always remove the power cord by holding the plug; do not pull the cord�
• Disconnect the power cord from the power supply when not in use�
• Always power off and disconnect the flash from the power supply before changing the
modeling lamp or flashtube�
• Do not stare directly at the lights when they are powered on�
• Do not flash directly towards the naked eye (especially those of infants and small
children)—it may lead to visual impairment�
• Always remove the transport cap before using the flash�
• Avoid any unnecessary impact to the flash, as this can damage the flashtube and/or
modeling lamp�
• Use only parts provided by the manufacturer�
⚠

4
• Handle the unit with care�
• Clean the unit with a soft, dry cloth�
• Keep this unit away from children�
• Make sure the item is intact and that there are no missing parts�
• All photos are for illustrative purposes only�
Precautions
⚠

5
Overview
2
34 5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14 15 16
17
18
1

6
1� Adjustment/carry handle
2� Umbrella mount (rear)
3� Modeling lamp output control dial
4� LCD display
5� Flash output control dial
6� Modeling lamp indicator light
7� Modeling lamp button
8� Sound indicator light
9� Sound button
10� Slave indicator light
11� Slave mode button
12� Flash ready indicator light
13� Flash test button
14� Wireless remote port
15� 1/4” phono socket
16� Power Switch
17� Fuse bay
18� AC power socket
Legend
Overview

7
Overview
1
2
7
3
4
5
6
8
11
12
13
10
9

8
Overview
1� Modeling lamp
2� Flashtube
3� Protective glass dome
4� Bayonet accessory mount
5� Accessory release latch
6� Umbrella mount (front)
7� Optical Slave sensor
8� Mounting bracket positioning rails
9� Mounting bracket
10� Hex screw
11� Ratchet handle
12� Locking knob
13� Mounting socket
14� Transport cover
15� 7˝ grid reflector
16� AC power cord
17� PC sync to 1/4˝ phono cord
18� Spare fuse (installed in fuse bay)
19� User manual
Legend Also included
14 15 16 17
18

9
Mounting the Astral Extreme
1� Make sure the mounting bracket’s
ratchet handle is fully tightened�
2� Loosen the locking knob on the mounting
socket and mount the Astral Extreme
onto your lightstand�
3� Tighten the locking knob until secure�
You can adjust the tilt of the monolight by loosening the ratchet handle� Make sure to
keep one hand on the monolight to hold it steady to avoid damaging the light�
Setting Up
After mounting the Astral Extreme on your lightstand, you will need to install the
modeling lamp and the reflector�
IMPORTANT! Do not touch the modeling lamp or flashtube with your bare hands� Oil
residue from your fingers can cause the surface of the flashtube to heat unevenly and
explode� Always wear cotton gloves or use a clean cloth when handling the modeling
lamp or flashtube�
Getting Started

10
To install the modeling lamp,
follow these steps:
1� Make sure that the monolight is
turned off and unplugged�
2� Remove the transport cover by
pulling the accessory release latch
and rotating the transport cover
counterclockwise�
3� Remove the protective glass dome
by carefully pulling it from the clips
holding it in place�
4� Screw the included modeling lamp
into the threaded socket�
5� Reinstall the protective glass dome
by snapping it in place over the two
bulbs�
Getting Started
2
3
4
1
2
3

11
Getting Started
1 2
To install the reflector, follow these steps:
1� Align the three pegs on the reflector with the corresponding notches in the
monolight’s bayonet accessory mount�
Note: Make sure the reflector’s umbrella hole is aligned with the monolight’s
umbrella mount, located next to the accessory release latch�
2� Insert the reflector into the accessory mount and rotate the reflector clockwise
until it locks into place�
To plug in the Astral Extreme, follow these steps:
1� Make sure the power switch is set to the Off position�
2� Plug the AC power cord into the monolight’s AC power socket and then into an AC
power outlet�
The Astral Extreme runs on the standard 110 V AC, 60 Hz voltage and comes with a
grounded AC power cord�

12
The Astral Extreme’s flash power
output covers a 6-stop range� It is
adjusted via the flash power output
control dial (A) from 6�0 (full power)
all the way down to 1�0, in 0�1-stop
increments� The selected flash power
is displayed on the LCD (B)�
Note: Turning the flash power
output lower than 1�0 until “OF” is
displayed on the LCD will disable
flash firing� This feature is for use
with the dedicated remote� For more
information, see the Wireless Remote
Control section in Triggering the Flash
on page 16�
To fire a test flash, press the flash test button (C)� When the flash has recycled and is
ready for another flash, the flash ready indicator light will glow red (D)�
The Astral Extreme’s autodump feature automatically empties the capacitor to the
required power setting when you lower the flash output�
There is a built-in memory function that saves the settings on the control panel after
3 seconds� The next time you turn on the Astral Extreme, your previous settings will
appear on the control panel�
Note: After 30 continuous flashes at full power, the flash should be cooled down for
about 3 minutes� Overheating may occur if it is used continuously without cooling down�
Flash Power Output
B
A
D
C

13
The modeling lamp is a continuous light that you can use for flash positioning to give
you an idea of how the flash will illuminate your subject�
To turn on the modeling lamp, press the modeling lamp button (A)� When the modeling
lamp is on, the modeling lamp indicator light (B) will glow blue� Use the modeling lamp
output control dial (C) to steplessly adjust power output�
If the modeling lamp is on when you fire the flash, the modeling lamp will dim and then
return to its set power output level after the flash has fully recycled�
Note: The modeling lamp will automatically turn off after 2 hours to avoid overheating�
Modeling Lamp
B
A
C

14
The Astral Extreme can emit a beep to let you know when the flash has fully recycled
and is ready for another flash� This feature is useful when you can’t see the flash ready
indicator light, which indicates the status of the flash� The audio confirmation will also
cause the monolight to emit a beep when you press any of the buttons or rotate the
flash output control dial�
To turn on audio confirmation, press the sound button (A)� The sound indicator light (B)
will glow blue when audio confirmation is turned on�
Audio Confirmation
B
A

15
There are three ways to trigger the flash: 1/4” phono, optical slave, or wireless remote
(sold separately)� When you trigger the flash, the flash ready indicator light will turn
off and then turn on when the flash has recycled and is ready for another flash� If audio
confirmation is activated, the monolight will emit a beep when the flash has fully
recycled�
1/4˝ Phono
To trigger via a 1/4˝ phono cord, use the included PC sync to 1/4˝ phono cord to
connect your camera’s PC sync terminal to the Astral Extreme’s 1/4˝ phono socket� A
remote slave receiver can also be plugged into this socket�
Wireless Optical Slave
The Astral Extreme is equipped with a wireless
optical slave feature, allowing you to fire the
monolight remotely� There are two slave modes
on the Astral Extreme: Instant-Fire and Skip
Preflash�
Instant-Fire slave mode fires the monolight
as soon as it sees a flash� Skip Preflash mode
ignores the preflash from the master and fires
only with the main flash�
To set the slave mode, press the slave button (A) repeatedly until the slave indicator
light turns the proper color� In Instant-Fire mode the slave indicator light will glow blue
(B), and in Skip Preflash mode the indicator will glow red (C)�
Note: When positioning wireless slaves to light a subject, make sure to maintain a clear
line of sight between the master and the optical slave sensor� Keep in mind that the
effective communication range between master and slave flash units is approximately
33’ (10 m)�
Triggering the Flash
B
A
C

16
Wireless Remote Control
A dedicated remote control, the Impact ControlSync 16 Transmitter and Receiver (sold
separately), can control triggering, adjust power levels, and turn the modeling light and
audio confirmation features on and off� To use the remote, plug the dedicated receiver
into the monolight’s USB wireless remote port�
The Accessory Mount
The Astral Extreme has a Bowens S-type bayonet accessory mount for attaching
light-shaping tools like softboxes, beauty dishes, and snoots, as well as the included 7”
reflector with an umbrella hole�
IMPORTANT! To avoid potential damage, do not leave the modeling lamp turned on for
an extended period of time when using a heat-
sensitive accessory�
To mount an accessory, follow these
steps:
1� Align your accessory’s mounting pegs
with the corresponding notches on the
monolight’s accessory mount�
2� Insert your accessory into the accessory mount and rotate your accessory
clockwise until it locks into place�
To remove the accessory, pull the accessory release latch and rotate the accessory
counterclockwise�
Mounting Accessories
2
1

17
The Umbrella Mount
The Astral Extreme has an integrated umbrella mount that employs an internal tension
spring capable of holding up to a 7´ parabolic umbrella�
To mount an umbrella in the Astral Extreme, insert your umbrella shaft into the umbrella
mount at the front of the monolight� Depending on the desired position of your umbrella
and the length of its shaft, the shaft may emerge from the umbrella mount at the rear of
the monolight�
Mounting Accessories

18
Adjusting the Center of Gravity
The Astral Extreme has an adjustable
mounting bracket held in place by a single
hex screw� This makes it easy to adjust
the monolight’s center of gravity if a large
or heavy accessory is causing it to tilt
forward or backward�
To adjust the monolight’s center
of gravity, follow these steps:
1� Turn off and unplug the Astral
Extreme and remove any mounted
accessories�
2� Use a 3 mm hex wrench to loosen the
hex screw in the mounting bracket�
3� Slide the mounting bracket forward or
backward along its positioning rails to
the desired position�
4� Tighten the hex screw until secure�
Adjusting the Center of Gravity

19
Replacing Parts
Replacing the Flashtube
IMPORTANT: Before replacing the flashtube, it is recommended to manually empty the
capacitor (see below), even though the Astral Extreme has an autodump feature�
To replace the flashtube, follow these steps:
NOTE: When handling the flashtube, use a clean cloth or cotton gloves� Never touch the
flashtube with your bare hands� Oil residue from your fingers can cause the surface of
the lamp to heat unevenly and explode�
1� Manually empty the capacitor by
pressing the test button to fire
the flash� Immediately turn off the
monolight by pressing the power
switch to the Off position�
2� Unplug the AC power cable from the
monolight’s AC power socket�
3� Remove the reflector, glass dome, and
modeling lamp�
4� Carefully loosen the metal wire
wrapped around the flashtube� Needle-
nose pliers may be helpful for this�
5� Hold both sides of the base of the
flashtube and firmly pull the flashtube
straight out of the socket�
4
5
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