impact SF-ABRL180 User manual

SF-ABRL180
Monolight Flash
180 Ws with LED Modeling Light
INSTRUCTIONS

2
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Impact.
The lightweight SF-ABRL180 Monolight is ideal for applications
such as portraits, headshots, and photo booths. Whether you’re
shooting products, pets, or portraits, this monolight offers
surprising brightness, versatility, and color accuracy to capture
eye-catching exposures. The 180 Ws strobe has a variable
output range of ve f-stops, and the xture features a long-
lasting 60 LED modeling light that runs cool, so you don’t have to
wait for the monolight to cool off before you move it.
This monolight has an integrated optical slave for wireless
triggering, and it includes a sync cord for a direct connection
to your camera or a wireless triggering system. The mount
features a standard 5/8-inch receiver that’s compatible with
most light stands and has a built-in umbrella mount. The Bowens
mount offers compatibility with a wide variety of light-shaping
accessories like softboxes, reectors, and beauty dishes.

3
Precautions ⚠⚡
• Please read and follow these
instructions, and keep this manual
in a safe place.
• Keep this unit away from water and
any ammable gases or liquids.
• Make sure the unit is powered
off when plugging it in to a power
source.
• Make sure that this product is
intact and that there are no missing
parts.
• Keep this product away from
children.
• Do not use the ash in an
environment where moisture may
come in contact with the unit.
• Make sure that all connections are
secure and that the equipment is
properly weighted and balanced
before proceeding.
• Do not restrict the ventilation holes
when the ash is in use.
• Do not attempt to disassemble
or repair this product. There
are components inside that can
produce a hazardous electric
shock.
• All images are for illustrative
purposes only.

4
Overview
Front
1. Bowens mount
2. Bowens release button
3. Flash tube
4. Modeling lamp LEDs
5. Tilt knob
6. Locking knob
7. 5/8 in. receiver
Back
8. Optical sensor
9. Handle
10. Recycle indicator
11. Sync socket
12. Power switch
13. Test button
14. Umbrella mount
15. Umbrella locking knob
16. Sound alert indicator
17. Optical slave indicator
18. Optical slave selector
19. Sound alert selector
20. Power adjustment dial
21. Fuse
22. Power socket
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14
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16
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Setup
Preparing the Monolight for Use
To begin using the SF-ABRL180, rst remove the protective cap by turning it
counterclockwise and pulling it off the ash head.
Mounting on a Light Stand
Loosen the locking knob and place the receiver over
the light stand’s 5/8-inch stud.
Make sure the stud is fully inserted into the receiver
before tightening the locking knob until secure.
Adding a Reector or Speed Ring
The SF-ABRL180 monolight has a Bowens mount for
light-shaping accessories. This allows you to attach optional add-ons such as a
reector, beauty dish, or speed ring for a softbox.
To add a reector, beauty dish, or speed ring:
1. Match up the three tabs on the back of the
accessory with the three slots on the ash head.
2. Press in and turn clockwise until the accessory is
fully seated inside the mount.
2

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Mounting an Umbrella
The monolight’s handle is equipped with an umbrella mount.
To mount an umbrella, t the umbrella shaft through the
umbrella hole, and tighten the locking knob.
To use the umbrella with a reector, rst attach the
reector to the monolight. Then t the umbrella shaft
through the reector’s umbrella hole before you insert it
through the handle’s umbrella hole.
Note: To avoid damaging the umbrella’s shaft, do not overtighten the umbrella
locking knob.
Powering the Monolight
Plug the power cord into the back of the monolight. Before plugging it into a
power outlet, make sure the power switch is in the off position.
To activate the ash without the modeling light, set the power switch to the top
position.
To activate the ash and turn on the modeling light, set the power switch to the
bottom position.

7
Operation
Adjusting the Flash Power
The ash power output is variable over a ve f-stop range from 1/1 (full power)
to 1/16. Turn the power adjustment dial to set the ash brightness that’s perfect
for your exposure.
Triggering the Flash
There are three ways to trigger the ash: pressing the Test button, with a sync
connection, and activating the optical slave.
Test Button
When the recycle indicator is green, trigger the ash by pressing the Test
button. The indicator light will turn red until the battery has recycled.
Triggering the ash is useful when you need to discharge the power built up in
the ash unit, for example just before replacing the ash tube.
Sync Connection
Use the sync jack on the back of the SF-ABRL180 to connect the monolight to
your camera. Triggering the camera will re the ash.
The sync jack can also be used to attach a wirelesss receiver for remote ash
operation.

8
Optical Slave
The SF-ABRL180 is equipped with an optical sensor which allows the unit to be
triggered by another ash.
To activate optical slave mode, press the Slave button, and the optical slave
indicator will turn on. To deactivate this function, press the Slave button again,
and the indicator will turn off.
Audio Alert
When the Sound indicator LED is on, the monolight will emit a beep to indicate
the ash has recycled and is ready to re again.
To turn this function off, press the Sound button. The indicator will turn off. Press
the Sound button again to reactivate the function.
Changing the Flashtube
The SF-ABRL180’s ash tube is user replaceable. To replace the ashtube, follow
these steps:
1. Discharge the ash unit by pressing the test button before and after turning
the unit off to discharge the capacitor in the ash.
2. Immediately turn off the power switch to prevent the battery from
recharging, and unplug the power cord.

9
3. After 30 minutes, remove the reector or softbox from the Bowens mount.
4. Use needle-nose pliers to carefully unhook the
retention spring wrapped around the top of the
ashtube. Make sure it’s disengaged from the ash
tube.
5. Once it’s unhooked, wear a pair of white cotton
gloves or hold a soft, dry cloth to grip the base of
the ashtube on each side, and carefully pull the
ashtube from the ash unit.
6. Push the pins of the new ashtube into the sockets,
using rm and even pressure at its base.
7. Use needle-nose pliers to fasten the retention
spring over the hook above the ashtube.
8. After the ashtube has been secured, replace the reector or softbox.
4
5

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Changing the Fuse
A 6A fuse is mounted in the rear panel and protects the circuitry of the ash. A
spare 6A fuse is tted with the fuse holder. Always use a fuse with the same type
and rating.
1. Turn off the monolight, and disconnect the power supply.
2. Use a small screwdriver to release the fuse cover.
3. Remove the old fuse, and replace it with the new
one.
4. Reinsert the fuse holder by pressing it back into
place. 2

11
Maximum Power 180 Ws
Power Control Full to 1/16
Guide Number 46
Flash Duration 1/800 sec.
AC Input Voltage 110 V, 60 Hz, 5 A
Circuit Protection Fuse
Recycle Time 0.5 to 2.0 seconds
Flash Ready Indicator Visual
Audio
Accessory Type Bowens Type
Modeling Light Type LED
Modeling Light LED Count 60
Modeling Light Output 4 W
Color Temperature 5600 K ±100 K
Flash Triggering Test button
Optical slave
Sync cable
Sync Voltage 5 V DC
Dimensions (L × W × H) 7.5 × 5.5 × 7 in.
(19 × 14 × 17.8 cm)
Weight 2 lb. (0.9 kg)
Specications

One-Year Limited Warranty
This Impact product is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials
and workmanship under normal consumer use for a period of one (1) year from the original
purchase date or thirty (30) days after replacement, whichever occurs later. The warranty
provider’s responsibility with respect to this limited warranty shall be limited solely to repair
or replacement, at the provider’s discretion, of any product that fails during normal use of this
product in its intended manner and in its intended environment. Inoperability of the product
or part(s) shall be determined by the warranty provider. If the product has been discontinued,
the warranty provider reserves the right to replace it with a model of equivalent quality and
function.
This warranty does not cover damage or defect caused by misuse, neglect, accident,
alteration, abuse, improper installation or maintenance. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN,
THE WARRANTY PROVIDER MAKES NEITHER ANY EXPRESS WARRANTIES NOR ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. This warranty provides you
with specic legal rights, and you may also have additional rights that vary from state to state.
To obtain warranty coverage, contact the Impact Customer Service Department to obtain
a return merchandise authorization (“RMA”) number, and return the defective product to
Impact along with the RMA number and proof of purchase. Shipment of the defective product
is at the purchaser’s own risk and expense.
For more information or to arrange service, visit www.impactstudiolighting.com or call
Customer Service at 212-594-2353.
Product warranty provided by the Gradus Group.
www.gradusgroup.com
Impact is a registered trademark of the Gradus Group.
© 2020 Gradus Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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