Impact Vc-500lr User manual

VC-500LR Monolight

INSTRUCTIONS

lighting equipment and accessories

impact

VC-500LR Monolight

INSTRUCTIONS

lighting equipment and accessories

impact

Congratulations on your purchase of the Impact VC-500LR Monolight. We

feel that it will contribute much to your photographic skill and enjoyment. This

light incorporates numerous advanced features, and was designed to provide

many years of trouble-free service. Please read these operating instructions

and safety precautions carefully before operating this equipment.

Features

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power Requirements







Warning











contact with the unit. Turn the power off and unplug the power cord when the unit is not











 

10M 25M 50M 75M 100M 10Y 25Y 50Y 75Y 100Y

DO NOT EDIT OR REVISE ARTWORK

We will not approve any artwork which has been altered by the vendor

FORWARD

YOUR PROOFS

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FOR APPROVAL

BEFORE FINAL

PRODUCTION

DO NOT BEGIN PRODUCTION

WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL

OF PROOFS

Impact provides a limited warranty that this product is free from defects in materials and





Impact’s responsibility with respect to this limited warranty shall be limited solely to repair

or replacement, at its option, of any product which fails during normal consumer use. This

            

accident, alteration, abuse, improper installation or maintenance. To obtain a replacement

during the time of this warranty, please return the defective item with proof of purchase



rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Warranty

Contents of carton

Carefully remove the monolight from the box. You should have the following:

 

     

   

Mount on a stand

















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









 

10M 25M 50M 75M 100M 10Y 25Y 50Y 75Y 100Y

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13



 

1

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 

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 

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 



1

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

A

B

C

D

E

F

K

L

M

T

N

O

PQR

S

G

H

I

J

Legend

A – Liquid Crystal Display K – Fuse Holder

B – Ready Beeper Indicator L – Sync Cord Jack

C – Modeling Lamp Indicator M – Power Switch

D – Error Indicator (shown off) N – Power Regulator Knob

E – Flash Ready Indicator O – Slave Sensor Control Button

F – Voltage Indicator P – TEST Button

G – Photo Cell Indicators (shown off) Q – Audible Beep Button

H – Modeling Lamp Readout R – Modeling Lamp Independent Adjustment

I – Flash Power Readout S – Power Socket

J – Autodump Indicator T – Umbrella Holder

Power Supply

Before plugging the power cord into the wall socket, make certain that the power switch

is set to the OFF (“O” position). Note: The VC-500LR monolight is designed to work on

220V~240V 50Hz AC current.

Power Switch

Turn the power switch to the ON (“—“)

position. A beep will sound and the LCD

will show all of the current settings.

We recommend charging the monolight for

one hour prior to its initial use and after an

extended period of inactivity (more than

two weeks). If the unit is left unused for a

few months, or the unit has been used

predominately at low power settings,

we recommend that the power be

increased to the maximum and the unit left

switched on (with the modeling lamp OFF)

for at least 30 minutes, to help preserve

the life of the capacitors.

Operating Instructions

MODEL

FLASH

READY

220V AC

FLASH

Flash Output

The ash power output is variable over a ve

f/stop range (six f/stops) from full power to 1/32

power in 1/10 f/stop increments. The power is

displayed on the LCD screen in decimal form.

The smaller top number represents the

modeling lamp power, and the larger bottom

number represents the ash power. Minimum

setting is 1.0 and the maximum is 6.0. Rotating

the regulator knob changes the value by 0.1

f-stop (a total of 50 values). If the current value

is 5.6 and you want to reduce the power by one

stop, set the power to 4.6.

To Set the Flash and Modeling Light Output Together

Rotating the power regulator knob will adjust the power of both the ash and the

modeling lamp unless you choose to set the power for each separately (more on that

later). The READY icon will appear when the power is 80% recycled. We recommend you

wait an extra second or two for 100% power. This will prolong the life of the capacitors.

The ash is now ready to re. To test, press the TEST button. When stepping down the

power of the ash, the FLASH icon on the LCD screen will blink until the capacitors

release the accumulated energy.

Flash Settings

Setting Power

6.0 Full Power

5.0 1/2 Power

4.0 1/4 Power

3.0 1/8 Power

2.0 1/16 Power

1.0 1/32 Power

MODEL

FLASH

READY

220V AC

FLASH

Lamp Saving Technology

The VC-500LR has built-in soft-start circuitry to ensure longer modeling lamp life.

When the modelling lamp is turned on it will light up at a minimum brightness and slowly

reach full brightness after a few seconds. This technology will allow the user to make

fewer replacement lamp purchases over time.

Settings for the Modeling Lamp

By repeatedly pressing the regulator knob you can cycle through choices to set the same

power for both the ash tube and the modeling lamp, to set the power for the ash and

modeling lamp separately, or to have the modeling lamp off.

When both the ash icon and the modeling lamp icon are displayed, turning the regulator

knob will affect the power to both the ash tube and the modeling lamp.

To Set the Flash and Modeling Light Output Separately

Press the regulator knob once. Turning the regulator knob now will affect only the ash

power. The modeling lamp will be on continuously and its power can be adjusted by

pressing the UP and DOWN arrows on the panel. In this mode, the modeling icon will

display, but not the “MODEL” word. As you press the UP and DOWN arrows, the value of

the modeling lamp’s power will change in the display.

Modeling Lamp Settings

FLASH

READY

220V AC

FLASH

Display shows

modeling light

and ash

power

controlled

separately.

To Turn the Modeling Lamp Off

Pressing the regulator knob twice will

turn the modeling lamp off. The

modeling lamp icon will disappear.

Turning the regulator knob now will

affect only the ash power.

Pressing the AUDIO button will turn the

audible beeper off and will set the

modeling lamp to turn off automatically

when the ash is red. The modeling

lamp will turn back on when the ash

unit has recycled and is ready to re.

The beeper icon will not display under

this setting.

Pressing the regulator knob a third time

will return you to operating the ash and

modeling lamp power simultaneously.

The modeling light and ash icons will

return, as will the words “MODEL” and

”FLASH.“ The VC-500LR will retain your

settings after you power the unit off.

Both increasing and decreasing the

power settings generates heat inside

the unit. Avoid repetitive power setting

changes and you will extend the life of

the unit, the ash tube, and modeling

lamp.

Modeling Lamp Settings (continued)

FLASH

READY

220V AC

FLASH

Modeling light and ready beeper are OFF.

Modeling light and ash power are

controlled simultaneously.

Audio beep is ON.

MODEL

FLASH

READY

220V AC

FLASH

TEST Button

The simplest way to trigger the ash is to press the TEST button. This is useful when you

need to discharge the power built up in the ash unit, for example just before replacing

the ash tube (more on that later).

Sync Connection

The sync jack on the VC-500LR may be used for direct

connection to a camera set to ‘X’ synchronization. A

radio slave receiver may also be plugged into this socket.

Photocell

The VC-500LR features a photocell which allows the ﬂash

unit to be triggered by another ﬂash or to be triggered by a

second or third ﬂash to allow for anti-red eye preﬂashes.

The photocell is located behind the red transparent cover

on the top and at the back of the unit. The photocell is very

sensitive but some experimentation with positioning may

be necessary to ensure a reliable trigger, particularly if

the cell is not in the direct line of sight of the triggering

ash unit. Avoid directly illuminating the photocell from a

continuous light source (such as ceiling lights or windows)

since this can prevent correct operation. Very high

ceilings can also affect the operation of the photocell.

Triggering the Flash

Sync connection

Photocell

To Set the Photocell

By repeatedly pressing the SLAVE

button you can cycle through choices to

set the photocell to trigger the ash

after one, two or three ashes are

detected. Or you can set the photocell

to OFF.

Photo Cell “1”

If you have selected “1” in the

procedure above, the unit will autoﬂash

immediately when another ﬂash is

activated in the same area. The “ash

bolt” will show in the display with a

small number “1.”

Photo Cell “2” and “3”

If you have selected “2” in “To Set the

Photocell” above, the unit will autoﬂash

on the second ﬂash the photocell

detects and will ignore the anti-red eye

ﬂash, also known as the “preﬂash.”

If you have selected “3” the unit will

autoﬂash on the third ﬂash detected by

the photocell.

Photocell Settings

The photocell is OFF. No autoﬂash.

MODEL

FLASH

READY

220V AC

FLASH

Autoﬂash set for the ﬁrst ﬂash detected.

1

MODEL

FLASH

READY

FLASH

Autoﬂash set for the second ﬂash detected.

MODEL

FLASH

READY

220V AC

FLASH

2

220V AC

A beep will sound once, when the ash

is recycled and ready to ﬂash. You can

turn this audible beeper on and off by

pressing the AUDIO button on the back

panel. The musical notes symbol will

display if the beeper is on, and will not

display if the beeper is off. When the

beeper is off, the modeling lamp will turn

off automatically when the ash is red.

The modeling lamp will turn back on

when the ash unit has recycled and is

ready to re.

Audible Beep Settings

MODEL

FLASH

READY

220V AC

FLASH

Audible beep is ON.

Umbrellas

An umbrella with a handle diameter of 8-10mm can be ﬁrmly secured in the umbrella

holder. Firmly press the umbrella shaft through the holder. The locking knob is located on

the side. Do not overtighten to avoid damaging the shaft of the umbrella. The reector

supplied with the VC-500LR features a slot through which you can feed the umbrella shaft.

Use of Umbrellas and Softboxes

Softboxes

Use of a heavy accessory such as a large softbox can make the ash unstable. However,

it is possible to re-balance the ash by sliding the ash unit along its mounting bracket.

Release the screw at the top of the mounting bracket. Slide the ash unit along its

mounting bracket towards the front of the ash so that the head doesn’t tilt down. Don’t

forget to retighten the screw. Make certain that your setup is stable before proceeding.

Discharge the Flash Unit

The charge in the ﬂash unit must be discharged before removing the ﬂash tube. Make

sure the ﬂash unit is on. Push the TEST button on the rear panel of the ﬂash. The unit will

ﬂash, discharging the power. Immediately turn off the power switch on the rear panel.

Unplug the power cord from the power source. It is advisable to wait at least 30 minutes

before touching or removing the ﬂash tube.

Remove Old Flash Tube

First, remove the reﬂector. Then, using white cotton gloves or a clean cloth, remove the

modeling lamp. You will need to remove the retention spring wrapped around the top of

the ﬂash tube. With needle-nose pliers, unhook the retention spring loop. Using white

cotton gloves or a clean cloth, grip the base of the ﬂash tube on each side. Carefully pull

the ﬂash tube from the ﬂash unit.

Install New Flash Tube

Make sure the power switch is off and the power cord is disconnected from the source.

Locate the two ﬂash tube pin sockets above the modeling lamp socket. Using white

cotton gloves or a clean cloth, push the pins of the ﬂash tube into the sockets using ﬁrm,

even pressure at the base of the ﬂash tube. With needle-nose pliers, hook the retention

spring over the hook above the ﬂash tube. Re-insert the modeling lamp using white

cotton gloves or a clean cloth. Re-install the reﬂector.

Changing the Flash Tube

Changing the Fuse

A 6A fuse is mounted in the rear panel and protects the circuitry of the ﬂash unit. Turn off

the unit and disconnect the power supply before changing the fuse. Never replace with a

fuse of a different type or rating. A spare 6A fuse is tted within the fuse holder. Use a

small screwdriver to release the fuse cover. Remove the old fuse, place the new fuse in

the slot, then replace the fuse holder.

Protection Features

The VC-500LR is equipped with advanced overheating and overcharge warning and

protection circuits to prevent damage to the internal electronics.

Overheating Protection

After a long shooting session at high output, the recycling time of the ash will increase

automatically until the ash cools down to a safe level, and then will start working

normally again.

Overvoltage and Overcurrent Protection

The ash is protected against unstable voltages. Overcurrent protection is especially

useful when using a power pack.

Best Practices

As with any ash unit, the useful life of the ash tube and the unit as a whole depends on

the way it is used. Avoiding excessive heat is the key to long life.

 

ashes. However, this feature should be used sparingly, since continuous rapid ashing

can cause overheating and subsequent damage to the ash tube and possibly the

internal electronics.

 

10 to 20 minutes without ashing or at a substantially reduced rate. This ash is tted

with a cooling fan and will cool faster if left switched on with the modeling lamp off.

 

 

reectors, particularly if the unit is pointing downward.

 

 

 

E1

Temperature Transducer problem. Turn

the unit OFF immediately and contact the

place where you purchased the ash.

In the event of a malfunction, the LCD screen will display a blinking error code. The

WARNING icon will also blink. In addition, errors codes E2 and E3 have a beep warning.

Following is a short description of the three error codes and the necessary action to take.

Error Codes

MODEL

FLASH

WARN

READY

220V AC

FLASH

E2

This error code can display after a long

shooting session at high output or rapid

sequence. Turn OFF the ash and allow it

to rest for 30 minutes.

MODEL

FLASH

WARN

READY

220V AC

FLASH

E3

This error code will display when the

internal voltage of the ash is too high.

Turn OFF the power immediately. After a

few minutes turn on the ash again. If

you still have the malfunction warning,

turn OFF the unit and contact the place

where you purchased the ash.

MODEL

FLASH

WARN

READY

FLASH

220V AC

Safety Notes

 



 





 

 



 



 





 



 



 

 



 







 





