Impact Vsd-160 User manual

VSD Series Monolight

INSTRUCTIONS

www.impactstudiolighting.com

impact

Page 16

(back cover)

Page 1

(front cover)

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To see all of our lighting equipment,

please visit our Web site.

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

materials and workmanship to the original purchaser under normal use for a

period of one (1) year from the original purchase date. 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 warranty does not extend to damage or failure which results from

misuse, neglect, 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 along with an RMA

number to the place of purchase. This warranty gives you specic legal

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

Thank you for purchasing an Impact VSD Series Monolight. This device is

proof that highly-functional monolights can be affordable. The VSD Series

Monolight provides enough stored power to light a portrait or small still-life

setup and offers features found on monolights costing twice as much. We

expect that you will get many years of trouble-free service and enjoyment

from your Impact VSD Monolight. Please read these operating instructions

and safety precautions carefully before operating this equipment.

Features

• Four-stop range – full power to 1/16 power in .10 f/stop increments

• Large LCD screen

• Built-in optical slave

• “Auto-Dump” feature automatically res the ash when you step down power

• Modeling lamp can be set proportionally or independently of ash power

• Cushioned “touch-pad” function control buttons

• Tactile, “grippy” feel that resists slipping and shock damage

• Accepts Bowen-style reectors and head accessories (7-inch grid reector included)

• User-replaceable ashtube

• Commonly available 1/8˝ mini-plug sync input

Power Requirements

This light is designed for use with 110/120V AC power only and is supplied with a

three-prong, grounded plug. Do not attempt to defeat this safety feature. If necessary,

use only grounded extension cords rated for 6 amps or greater.

Warning

There are no user-serviceable parts inside the unit. Only qualied service engineers

should access the inside of the case (Danger – high-voltage parts inside). Avoid damage

to both the ashtube and modeling lamp. If the modeling lamp or ashtube become

cracked or damaged in any way, they should be replaced immediately. Do not use your

ash unit in an environment where moisture or ammable vapor is likely to come in

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

in use. Always remove the modeling lamp and replace the protective cap when

transporting the unit.

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Specications

Model VSD-160 VSD-300

Flash Output 160 Watt/sec 300 Watt/sec

Flash Variations 1/16 – Full

Guide Number1 GN40 GN55

Power Supply 110V AC / 60 Hz

Recycle Time 1-2 seconds @ min. power

Modeling Lamp 60 Watts 100 Watts

Color Temperature 5600 ±200°K

Flash Triggering sync cord, slave cell, test button

Trigger Voltage 4.3V DC

Sync Range ≥10m

Dimensions (mm) 11.6˝ x 8.4˝ x 6.1˝ (with reector)

11.6˝ x 8.4˝ x 5.2˝ (with protective cap)

Weight 3.5 lb

1Guide Number is calculated at 2m, ISO 100, 1/60, using the included reector, and is a starting point.

You should perform your own evaluations to determine the results you prefer.

All images in this manual are for illustrative purposes only. Your unit may differ slightly from the one pictured.

Contents of carton

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

• 110-120V monolight with protective cap and ashtube installed

• 100W modeling lamp (60W with VSD-160 model)

• 7˝ grid reector • sync cable

• power cable • user manual

Mount on a stand

(1) Select a stand or support

system of suitable weight

and dimensions to ensure

stable operation of the unit.

Install Reector &

Modeling Lamp

(2) Depress the latch on top

of the monolight, pressing it

toward the back of the unit.

Rotate the protective cap

counter-clockwise. Pull the

cap off and set aside.

(3) Install the modeling

lamp by screwing it into the

threaded socket.

CAUTION: Do not touch the lamp with your bare hands. Oil residue from your ngers can

cause the surface of the lamp to heat unevenly and explode. Use white cotton gloves or a

clean cloth. (4) Install the reector where the protective cap was before. Align the three

pegs on the reector with the three slots, press the reector in and rotate clockwise

until it locks in place.

Note: Take care when tting or removing reectors or softboxes to not damage the

ashtube assembly. The ashtube is very delicate. Always switch off the unit and

disconnect the power before tting or changing lamps, ashtubes, reectors, or softboxes.

Preparing Your Monolight for Use

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3 4

Safety Notes

• Do not use your ash in an environment where moisture

may come in contact with the unit.

• A re hazard exists if ammable materials are placed in close proximity

to the ash tube or the modeling lamp. Do not use your ash

in an environment where ammable vapors are present.

• Do not restrict the ventilation holes when the ash is in use.

• Always switch off the power and disconnect the power cord

before changing the fuse, modeling lamp, or ashtube.

• Avoid placing cables where they can be tripped over.

Replace damaged cords immediately.

• Never use a ash unit with damaged covers, moldings, ashtube,

or modeling lamp. If the unit is dropped or damaged,

have it checked by a professional repair service before using.

• Due to the high-voltage circuitry inside this device,

do not attempt to disassemble or repair the unit yourself.

• Keep out of the reach of children.

Maintenance Notes

• Turn the power off and unplug the power cord when the ash is not in use.

• We recommend charging the ash unit for one to two hours 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 predominantly

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)

occasionally for at least 30 minutes to help preserve the life of the capacitors.

• Avoid rapid, high-power ashing, especially when using restrictive reectors

such as snoots or grids. Excessive heat will shorten the lifespan of your ash unit,

modeling lamp, and ashtube.

Safety and Maintenance Notes

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B C

D E

Best Practices

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

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

• The fast recycling feature of the VSD Series allows a rapid sequence of high-power

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

can cause overheating and subsequent damage to the ashtube and possibly the

internal electronics.

• Rapid sequences of ashes should always be followed by a reasonable cooling period,

10 to 20 minutes without ashing, or at a substantially reduced rate.

• Dimming or turning the modeling lamp off will reduce heat generation.

• Avoid rapid high-power ashing when using restrictive reectors such as snoots or

grid reectors, particularly if the unit is pointing downward.

• Do not ash over 12 shots per minute for more than 10 minutes.

• Do not ash over 8 shots per minute for more than 30 minutes.

• Take special care when shooting in a high-temperature environment.

Legend

A – Digital Power Readout K – Photo Slave Control

B – Modeling Light Control – Up L – Photo Slave LED

C – Modeling Light Control – Down M – Test Fire Button

D – Flash Power Control – Up N – Full Recycle Status LED

E – Flash Power Control – Down O – Mini-plug Sync Jack

F – Modeling Lamp Control P – On/Off Switch

G – Modeling Lamp LED – Free Q – Power Socket

H – Modeling Lamp LED – Proportional R – Fuse Holder

I – Recycle Tone Control S – Umbrella Holder

J – Recycle Tone LED T – Photocell

Power Supply

Plug the power cord into the back of the ash unit. Before plugging the power cord into

the wall socket, make certain that the power switch is set to the OFF (circle) position. The

VSD is designed to automatically ash, if necessary, when turned off. The resistive dump

will continue to reduce any remaining energy while the unit is off. This is a safety feature

and cannot be disabled.

Note: The VSD ﬂash unit is designed to work on 110-120V 50/60Hz AC current.

Power Switch

Turn the power switch to the ON (line) position. The ﬂash will

sound a beep and the LCD will show the current ash power

setting. We recommend charging the ﬂash unit 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 predominantly 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

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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.

Flash Output

The ash power output is variable over a four

f/stop range (ve f/stops) from full power to 1/16

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

displayed on the LCD screen. Minimum setting is

2.0 and the maximum is 6.0. Pressing the up and

down touch-pad buttons under the LCD changes

the value by 0.1 f-stop (a total of 40 values). If the

current value is 5.6 and you want to reduce the

power by one stop, set the power to 4.6.

“Auto-Dump” Feature

While raising the ash power requires no

special consideration, lowering the power

does. Excess power that has built up in the

system’s capacitors must be released. The

VSD Monolight employs an “auto-dump“

or “auto-bleed” feature to accomplish this,

in order to avoid the necessity of manually

popping the ash after every adjustment.

When lowering the power, expect the ash

to automatically re to release the excess

power.

Caution: To avoid eye damage, do not look into the strobe while ring. Do not re the ash

in close proximity to the face. Turn the unit off when changing attachments.

Page 6 Page 11

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

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Discharge the Flash Unit

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

Remove Old Flashtube

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

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

the ﬂashtube from the ﬂash unit.

Install New Flashtube

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

Locate the two ﬂashtube pin sockets below the modeling lamp socket. Using white

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

even pressure at the base of the ﬂashtube. With needle-nose pliers, fasten the retention

spring over the hook above the ﬂashtube. Re-insert the modeling lamp using white cotton

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

Changing the Flashtube

There are three modes for the modeling light:

Proportional, Full, and Off. You can choose a mode by

pressing the modeling lamp control button, which is

to the left of the FULL and PROP LEDs. Each time you

press, the mode will change.

Proportional Mode

During normal use, most photographers will use a

monolight in “proportional” mode. The modeling light

intensity will increase or decrease in response to

changes in the ash power. In this mode, the PROP

LED will be lit and adjustments to the ash power

buttons will also adjust the power to the modeling

lamp proportionally.

Full Mode

The VSD allows you to set the ash and modeling

light to different intensities. You may wish to reduce

the intensity of the modeling lamp but keep the ash

power where it is. Depress the up or down modeling

lamp buttons to the desired level on the digital

readout (2.0 to 6.0). When you are nished adjusting

the modeling light, the digital readout will blink four

times before returning to display ash power. The

FULL status LED will be lit during this mode.

Off

To turn off the modeling light, depress the modeling

light button until the lamp is extinguished. The PROP

and FULL status LEDs will be off.

Modeling Lamp Settings

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Modeling light and ash power

are controlled simultaneously.

Modeling light and ash power

are controlled independently.

Modeling light is off.

Umbrellas

An umbrella with a shaft diameter of up to 8mm can be secured in the umbrella holder.

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

the holder. Do not overtighten to avoid damaging the shaft of the umbrella.

The monolight can be

pointed up or down by

loosening the release lever.

Adjust to your preferred

angle and then tighten the

lever back down.

Use of Umbrellas and Softboxes

Softboxes

The VSD Monolight accepts softboxes with a Bowen mount-design speed ring. Install the

softbox the same way you install reectors. Match up the three tabs at the back of the

softbox speed ring with the three slots on the ash head. Press in and turn clockwise

until the softbox locks in place.

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TEST Button

There are three ways to trigger your ash, but the simplest 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 ashtube (more on that later).

Sync Connection

The sync jack on the VSD Monolight may be used for

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

Insert the “PC” end of the supplied sync cord into the

connection on your camera and the other mini-plug end

into the sync jack on the back panel of the VSD. A radio

slave receiver may also be plugged into this jack.

Photocell

The VSD Monolight features a photocell which allows the

ﬂash unit to be triggered by another ﬂash. This is called

“optical slave mode.” The photocell is located

underneath the red transparent cover on top 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.

To operate your VSD as a “slave” to another ash,

disconnect any sync cords and press the “eye” button

until the bottom status LED is on. The two LEDs above

this light are reserved for future features. The bottom

LED must be lit to be in slave mode.

Triggering the Flash

Sync connection: step 1

Sync connection: step 2

Slave Mode

Audible Beep Settings

To Turn the Audible Beep Off

A beep will sound when the ash has recycled and is

ready to ash again. You can turn this audible beep off

by pressing the AUDIO button with the musical eighth

notes. The small LED next to this button will not be lit

when the audible beep has been turned off.

If you have turned the audible beep off, you can still

conrm that the ash has recycled and is ready to re

by looking at the small LED next to the TEST button.

When the ash has recycled, this LED will be lit. Audible beep is off.

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TEST Button

There are three ways to trigger your ash, but the simplest 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 ashtube (more on that later).

Sync Connection

The sync jack on the VSD Monolight may be used for

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

Insert the “PC” end of the supplied sync cord into the

connection on your camera and the other mini-plug end

into the sync jack on the back panel of the VSD. A radio

slave receiver may also be plugged into this jack.

Photocell

The VSD Monolight features a photocell which allows the

ﬂash unit to be triggered by another ﬂash. This is called

“optical slave mode.” The photocell is located

underneath the red transparent cover on top 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.

To operate your VSD as a “slave” to another ash,

disconnect any sync cords and press the “eye” button

until the bottom status LED is on. The two LEDs above

this light are reserved for future features. The bottom

LED must be lit to be in slave mode.

Triggering the Flash

Sync connection: step 1

Sync connection: step 2

Slave Mode

Audible Beep Settings

To Turn the Audible Beep Off

A beep will sound when the ash has recycled and is

ready to ash again. You can turn this audible beep off

by pressing the AUDIO button with the musical eighth

notes. The small LED next to this button will not be lit

when the audible beep has been turned off.

If you have turned the audible beep off, you can still

conrm that the ash has recycled and is ready to re

by looking at the small LED next to the TEST button.

When the ash has recycled, this LED will be lit. Audible beep is off.

There are three modes for the modeling light:

Proportional, Full, and Off. You can choose a mode by

pressing the modeling lamp control button, which is

to the left of the FULL and PROP LEDs. Each time you

press, the mode will change.

Proportional Mode

During normal use, most photographers will use a

monolight in “proportional” mode. The modeling light

intensity will increase or decrease in response to

changes in the ash power. In this mode, the PROP

LED will be lit and adjustments to the ash power

buttons will also adjust the power to the modeling

lamp proportionally.

Full Mode

The VSD allows you to set the ash and modeling

light to different intensities. You may wish to reduce

the intensity of the modeling lamp but keep the ash

power where it is. Depress the up or down modeling

lamp buttons to the desired level on the digital

readout (2.0 to 6.0). When you are nished adjusting

the modeling light, the digital readout will blink four

times before returning to display ash power. The

FULL status LED will be lit during this mode.

Off

To turn off the modeling light, depress the modeling

light button until the lamp is extinguished. The PROP

and FULL status LEDs will be off.

Modeling Lamp Settings

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Modeling light and ash power

are controlled simultaneously.

Modeling light and ash power

are controlled independently.

Modeling light is off.

Umbrellas

An umbrella with a shaft diameter of up to 8mm can be secured in the umbrella holder.

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

the holder. Do not overtighten to avoid damaging the shaft of the umbrella.

The monolight can be

pointed up or down by

loosening the release lever.

Adjust to your preferred

angle and then tighten the

lever back down.

Use of Umbrellas and Softboxes

Softboxes

The VSD Monolight accepts softboxes with a Bowen mount-design speed ring. Install the

softbox the same way you install reectors. Match up the three tabs at the back of the

softbox speed ring with the three slots on the ash head. Press in and turn clockwise

until the softbox locks in place.

Flash Output

The ash power output is variable over a four

f/stop range (ve f/stops) from full power to 1/16

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

displayed on the LCD screen. Minimum setting is

2.0 and the maximum is 6.0. Pressing the up and

down touch-pad buttons under the LCD changes

the value by 0.1 f-stop (a total of 40 values). If the

current value is 5.6 and you want to reduce the

power by one stop, set the power to 4.6.

“Auto-Dump” Feature

While raising the ash power requires no

special consideration, lowering the power

does. Excess power that has built up in the

system’s capacitors must be released. The

VSD Monolight employs an “auto-dump“

or “auto-bleed” feature to accomplish this,

in order to avoid the necessity of manually

popping the ash after every adjustment.

When lowering the power, expect the ash

to automatically re to release the excess

power.

Caution: To avoid eye damage, do not look into the strobe while ring. Do not re the ash

in close proximity to the face. Turn the unit off when changing attachments.

Page 6 Page 11

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

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Discharge the Flash Unit

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

Remove Old Flashtube

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

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

the ﬂashtube from the ﬂash unit.

Install New Flashtube

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

Locate the two ﬂashtube pin sockets below the modeling lamp socket. Using white

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

even pressure at the base of the ﬂashtube. With needle-nose pliers, fasten the retention

spring over the hook above the ﬂashtube. Re-insert the modeling lamp using white cotton

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

Changing the Flashtube

Legend

A – Digital Power Readout K – Photo Slave Control

B – Modeling Light Control – Up L – Photo Slave LED

C – Modeling Light Control – Down M – Test Fire Button

D – Flash Power Control – Up N – Full Recycle Status LED

E – Flash Power Control – Down O – Mini-plug Sync Jack

F – Modeling Lamp Control P – On/Off Switch

G – Modeling Lamp LED – Free Q – Power Socket

H – Modeling Lamp LED – Proportional R – Fuse Holder

I – Recycle Tone Control S – Umbrella Holder

J – Recycle Tone LED T – Photocell

Power Supply

Plug the power cord into the back of the ash unit. Before plugging the power cord into

the wall socket, make certain that the power switch is set to the OFF (circle) position. The

VSD is designed to automatically ash, if necessary, when turned off. The resistive dump

will continue to reduce any remaining energy while the unit is off. This is a safety feature

and cannot be disabled.

Note: The VSD ﬂash unit is designed to work on 110-120V 50/60Hz AC current.

Power Switch

Turn the power switch to the ON (line) position. The ﬂash will

sound a beep and the LCD will show the current ash power

setting. We recommend charging the ﬂash unit 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 predominantly 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

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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.