impact VC-500LR User manual

VC-500LR Monolight
INSTRUCTIONS
lighting equipment and accessories
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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
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Power Requirements
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Contents of carton
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A
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K
L
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I
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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
110-120V 60Hz 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
110V 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 FL ASH 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
110V 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
110V 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
110V AC
FLASH
Modeling light and ready beeper are OFF.
Modeling light and ash power are
controlled simultaneously.
Audio beep is ON.
MODEL
FLASH
READY
110V 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.
Remote
The VC-500LR also comes with a remote for situations
where the monolight must be placed in an inaccessible
area, or when you need to control multiple monolights
simultaneously. Instructions for the remote are covered
later in this manual.
Triggering the Flash
Sync connection
Photocell
Remote

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
110V AC
FLASH
Autoflash set for the first flash detected.
1
MODEL
FLASH
READY
110V AC
FLASH
Autoflash set for the second flash detected.
MODEL
FLASH
READY
110V AC
FLASH
22
1
DEL

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
110V AC
FLASH
M
Audible beep is ON.

The Impact VC-500LR Monolight includes a remote which allows you to control such
things as ash power, the modeling lamp, audio beep, slave, and other functions from a
distance. This remote can control up to seven VC-500LR monolights at a time and
operates at a long range of up to 30m (98 ft) over the 2.4 GHz radio frequency.
Remote: Features
Power button
Audio beep control
Flash numbers (1 to 7)
LCD Screen
Power up button
Power down button
Modeling lamp switch
Slave switch
Test but ton
Battery cover
(in back)
Lanyard attachment

Remote: Display
Modeling lamp display
Flash power display
Flash number (1 to 7)
Audio beep indicator
Slave ON indicator
Pre-ash indicators
12 3
Slave OFF indicator

Switch the ash head on and turn the
ash power regulator until you get 5.5 on
the LCD screen. Turn the ash head OFF.
While pressing the TEST button on the
ash head, switch the ash head back
ON. The display will light but will display
“––” instead of digits.
Step 3 must be completed within 15 seconds or the ash head will reset, and you’ll have
to begin the synchronization process again. To set up additional VC-500LR monolights,
follow the steps above, but press a number from 2 to 7 instead of 1 in step 3.
Synchronizing the Remote
Release the TEST button on the ash
head. Press 1 on the remote and then
immediately press the MODEL button.
A beep will sound to conrm
synchronization of the remote with
monolight #1.
1
2
3

It is possible to assign a number (1 to 7) to a single monolight or a group of monolights.
For example, button number 1 on the remote can sync to one monolight or to as many
VC-500LR monolights as you set up with that number. In an environment with many
monolights controlled by the remote, it is a good idea to tag each monolight with its
number for visual identication. Once you have synced a monolight to a remote, they will
remain synced together after you power off the devices.
Test Your Setup
Press a number on the remote control and then press the Test button. If you have synced
correctly and are in range, the corresponding monolight will ash. Pressing the test
button on the remote is an easy way to recognize which ash you are adjusting.
Flash Power
Press the number of the monolight you
want to adjust. The right box on the LCD
will display the number of the monolight
you are adjusting. Press the up and down
arrow buttons to adjust the output of the
ash. Each press of the button
corresponds to a 1/10th of an f/stop.
Hold down the buttons to rapidly
increase/decrease output power.
The large number in the middle of the LCD
will display the output power of the ash.
Modeling Lamp
Make certain you have selected the number of the monolight you want to adjust. Press
the MODEL button on the remote to adjust the power of the modeling lamp. The number in
the left of the LCD will display the modeling lamp power. Each button press will change
the power of the modeling lamp one whole stop (from 1.0 to 6.0). Setting the modeling
lamp power to 00 will turn the modeling lamp off.
Operating the Remote
The number in the right box indicates
which monolight is being adjusted

Operating the Remote (continued)
Audio Beep
Make certain you have selected the number of the monolight you want to adjust. Pressing
the AUDIO button on the remote will toggle the audio beep of the monolight on and off.
If the musical notes display in the bottom left of the remote’s LCD, the audio beep is on.
Even if you select OFF for the audio beep, the monolight will still sound a conrmation
beep as you make adjustments with the remote. The audio beep adjustment on the
remote only controls the recycling conrmation beep of the monolight.
Photocell
Make certain you have selected the number of the monolight you want to adjust. Pressing
the SLAVE button on the remote will toggle the Photocell selection. The icons along the
bottom of the remote’s LCD indicate whether the monolight will respond to 1, 2, or 3
detected ashes, or whether the photocell (slave) is OFF.
Troubleshooting
In case of malfunction, the rst thing to check is the condition of the batteries. Recharge
or replace the batteries as necessary. If the monolight still does not respond to the
remote, check the red photocell at the top of the monolight. If a red light shows in the
photocell, turn the monolight off for 10-15 seconds, and turn it back on.
This display shows audio beep is active
and the photocell (slave) is OFF.

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