Profoto AcuteB 600 User manual

AcuteB 600
User´s Guide
Benutzerhandbuch
Guide de Iútilisateur
Guida dell’utente
Guía del usuario
用户说明书
ユーザーズガイド

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AcuteB 600

AcuteB 600
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS!
Read and follow all safety instructions below carefully to avoid injuries or damages!
Make sure that this user guide always accompanies equipment!
Profoto products are intended for professional use!
Generator,lamp heads and other parts are only intended for indoor photographic use.
Do not place or use the equipment where it can be exposed to moisture, for instance thorough condensation, extreme
electromagnetic fields or in areas with flammable gases or dust!
Do not expose the equipment to dripping or splashing
Do not place objects filled with liquids on the equipment.
Do not store the generator close or below the freezing point,which can lead to loss of capacity and risk of condensation when
used in a warmer surrounding immediately.
Do not connect accessories from other brands!
Equipment must only be serviced or repaired by authorised and competent service personnel!
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
WARNING – Electrical Shock Hazard – High Voltage!
Only use Profoto extension cables!
Do not open or disassemble generator or lamp head! Equipment operates with high voltage.
Generator capacitors will be electrically charged for a considerable time after being turned off.
Do not touch modeling lamp or flash tube when mounting umbrella metal shaft in its reflector hole, risk of contact with live
electrical socket!
Disconnect lamp cable between generator and lamp when changing modeling lamp or flash tube!
CAUTION – Burn Hazard – Hot Parts!
Do not touch hot parts with bare fingers! Modeling lamps, flash tubes and certain metal parts emit strong heat when used!
Do not point modeling lamps or flash tubes too close to persons.Light components may on rare occasions explode and throw
out hot particles!
Make sure that rated voltage for modeling lamp corresponds with technical data of user guide regarding power supply!
NOTICE – Equipment Overheating Risk
Remove transport cap from lamp head before use!
Do not obstruct ventilation by placing filters, diffusing materials,etc. directly over glass cover modeling lamp or flash tube!
FINAL DISPOSAL
Equipment contains electrical and electronic components that are harmful to the environment.
Equipment may be returned to Profoto distributors free of charge for recycling according to WEEE.
Follow local legal requirements for separate disposal of waste, for instance WEEE directive for electrical and electronic
equipment on the European market,when product life has ended!
NOTICE

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AcuteB 600
Thank you for choosing Profoto.
Follow the instructions in this booklet to use your new product.
Thanks for showing us your confidence by investing in an AcuteB 600 generator. For more than
threedecadeswehave soughttheperfectlight.What pushesusis theconvictionthatwecanoffer
even the most demanding photographer yet better tools.
Before our products are shipped we have them pass an extensive and strict testing program.
We check that they pass the quality and capacity levels the most demanding photographers
require. For this reason our flash equipment is the standard in most rental studios in New York
andTokyo and the most rented flash all over the world.
Quality of light
The Profoto system consists of different generators built and designed to meet the needs of
the most demanding photographers. Yet the most important thing is the light you create, and
it is essential that the system you use offers the freedom to do that. The light source, both the
flash tube and the modeling light, is placed high and free in the flash head.This makes it easier
for you to adjust the light and use your creativity. Most reflectors can be moved forward or
backward in relation to the optical centre of the light source, effectively narrowing or widening
the spread of the light and changing the intensity and fall-off characteristics as well. Every
single reflector and accessory creates its special light and the unique Profoto focusing
system offers you the possibility to create your own light with only a few different reflectors.
Enjoy your Profoto product!
ENGLISH
Getting started

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Table of contents
Nomenclature ............................................7
Brief instructions .......................................8
Connecting lamp heads .............................8
Battery and battery charging......................8
Changing battery fuse................................9
Changing battery .......................................9
Energy control .........................................10
Choice of modeling lamp .........................10
Connecting camera & flash meter............10
Recycling.................................................10
Photocell..................................................10
Signals, audible & visual ..........................10
Safety functions.......................................11
Reliability test..........................................11
Color Temperature ...................................11
Flash duration..........................................11
Lamp heads............................................ 11
Radio receiver..........................................12
PocketWizard wireless freedom ...............13
Battery facts............................................13
Accessories .............................................14
Technical data .........................................15

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AcuteB 600
-1
[14]
1 2 3
5 6 7 8 9
10
11
12
13
4
Profoto AcuteB R
CHARGE EXT SLAVE
SYNC
MODELENERGYENERGY ON
SOUND
EXT OFF BAT
MAX
-4
-2
MAX
-2
-1

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Nomenclature 1 Lamp Head Socket 2 Charge Socket : CHARGE 3 Modeling Light Power Socket : EXT 4 Radio Receiver (Only on AcuteB 600R model) 5 Sync Socket : SYNC 6 Photo/IR-cell 7 Photocell Switch : SLAVE 8 Ready Lamp & Test Button 9 On/Off Switch : ON 10 Battery Indicator 11 Modeling Light Switch : MODEL 12 Energy Control, fine adjustment : ENERGY 13 Energy Control : ENERGY 14 Audible Signal On/Off : SOUND

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AcuteB 600
Brief instructions
• Connect the lamp head to the lamp head socket.
• Press the switch ON (9) to start.The ready lamp (8) will light up when the generator is ready.
• Choose the desired energy level with the controls ENERGY (12,13 ). The generator will
automatically dump if the energy level is lowered.
• Connect sync cord or flash meter to the sync socket SYNC (5).
• Activate the photo/IR cell (6) by pressing the button SLAVE (7).
• Activate the audible signal by pressing the button SOUND (14).
• Pressingthetestbutton(8)willtriggeraflash.
• The Battery Indicator (10) shows the battery charge level.
• There are three modes for the modeling light. Press the switch MODEL (11) to EXT
for external power for modeling light or press MODEL (11) to BAT for battery use only for the
modeling light.If you don’t want modeling light switch MODEL (11) to OFF.
• To set radio channel,within 30 seconds from power on,press and hold the PocketWizard
TransmitterTEST button (up to 4 seconds) until flash triggers. If using a Sekonic meter with
Radio module as aTransmitter,press the measure button repeatedly within the 30 second
learning period until the flash triggers.
• Press and hold down the button ON (9) for 2 seconds to turn off the generator. The generator
automatically turns off after 120 minutes when not in use.
Connecting lamp head
One lamp head can be connected to the lamp
head socket.When connecting the lamp head
plugtothelampheadsocket,alignthedotson
the plug with the white dot on the generator
panel.Push the plug all the way in. Secure by
turning thelockingringontheplug clockwise.
Battery and battery charging
The battery can be charged separately or
with the battery in place through the mains
outlet by using the standard Profoto Charger
1A which takes 5 hours to charge the battery
or the Profoto Charger 2A which charge the
battery within 2.5 hours. The generator can
be used during charging and cannot be used
withoutabatteryinplace.Thebatterywillnot
deteriorate from being charged frequently >
CONNECTING LAMP HEAD
Generator
Charge
Socket
Profoto AcuteB R
CHARGE EXT
GENERATOR CHARGING

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or from being charged when not fully discharged.
The battery indicator (10) shows the charge level and
is updated when the generator is turned on or when
triggering a flash. If all three indicators are lit, press
the test button (8) to trigger a flash, then the battery
indicator will be updated. The environment influences
the capacity of both the generator and the battery, for
example extreme cold decreases the battery charging
capacity, for more details please read “Battery Facts”.
Changing battery fuse
The 40 A fuse holder is placed on top of the battery.
Pull the fuse out. Use fuses that are recommended, for
more details please read “Technical Data”. Push the
new 40A fuse all the way into the fuse holder.
Changing battery
Thebatteryhasa cassettefor rapidexchange.Torelease
the battery, squeeze the two safety clamps and pull the
battery out. Push the new battery all the way into the
generator,makesurethetext“Thissideup”onthebattery
isup.Toproperlysecurethebattery,makesureyouheara
”click“ fromeach safetyclamp.
>
CHARGE
40 A
CHANGING BATTERY FUSE
®
Click!Click!
Push
CHANGING BATTERY
Insert battery
This side up.
PULL Squeeze
Squeeze
CHANGING BATTERY
Release battery
®
CHARGE
40 A
Battery
Charge
Socket
BATTERY CHARGING

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AcuteB 600
Energy control
Theenergyoutputisregulatedoversevenf-stops.TheenergycanpartlybeadjustedwiththeENERGY
switch (13) in 2 f-stop increments, from 1/1 down to 1/16 of the total energy (equivalent to five f-
stops)andalsoviatheENERGYdial(12)forfine-grainedenergycontrolin2/10f-stopincrements.
Choice of modeling light
First set the MODEL (11) to EXT or BAT.The maximum modeling light is 65W. Profoto uses a 65 W
high efficient halogen lamp equivalent to a 90 W standard halogen lamp.Acute/D4 and Acute2
headscan be usedwith aspecial adapter,suppliedby Profoto.The modeling lightis constantand
does not vary with the energy chosen.
EXT:Continuous 65W modeling light is possible when the ProfotoAdapter 85 W is connected to
mains outlet and modeling light selector switch is set to EXT. No power will be discharged from
the battery if the adapter is connected to mains outlet.A fully recharged battery in this position
gives you up to 160 full power flashes and unlimited usage of modeling light, for more details
please read“Technical Data”.
BAT: In this position the modeling lamp is connected to the battery. This position is to be used
whenworking onlocation. A fullyrechargedbattery inthis position givesyou upto160 fullpower
flashes or 50 minutes modeling light time.
OFF: If the switch is set to OFF,the modeling light is off.
Connecting camera & flash meter
The sync socket SYNC (5) allows the camera or flash meter to be connected.The 5 m sync Cord
can be extended with sync extension cords. Further sync connections can be made with the
Profoto sync interconnection cable or by so called“hard wiring”.
Recycling
Therecyclingtimeisapproximately2.6secondsat full energy ifthebattery isfullycharged.When
extremely short recharging times are required,for instance when rapid-firing a continous series
of frames, choose lower energy settings.The lowest energy setting offers the fastest recycling
rate (0.09 sec.or 10 flashes/sec.).
Photocell
Thebuilt-in photocell (6) will senseflash releaseas wellas IR-signalsfrom mostIR-transmitters.
The photocell is disabled when the SLAVE switch (7) is switched off.

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Signals,audible & visible
The charge indicator (10) is updated when a flash is triggered. When all indicators light up the
generator has no charging value – fire a flash.When the energy output is changed the white ready
lamp (8) and the modeling lamp turns off thus indicating that dumping or charging of the energy is
inprogress.Ashort“beep”canbeheardwhenthegeneratorisready.SwitchingtheSOUNDswitch
(14)canturnoffthissignal.If aflashisfiredbeforethegeneratorisfullychargedalong“beep”can
be heard thus indicating an underexposed frame.
Safety functions
If the generator overheats, the recharging will slow down or stop. After a while, when the
temperature has gone down sufficiently, the generator will start recharging as normal. The
generator automatically shuts down if the battery level is too low to protect it from deep battery
discharge.The 40A fuse mounted on the battery cassette protects it from short circuit damage.
Reliability testing – the R-Test
The Profoto R-test guarantees that all products leaving the factory meet the very high standards
required of professional equipment by professional photographers. The R-test is a rigorous
performance test that Profoto generators are put through – 360 full power flashes are released
during one hour, which is equivalent to 10 rolls of 35 mm film. After the test the equipment is
examinedtoseethatallpartshavekeptanormaloperatingtemperatureandarenotmalfunctioning
in any way.All Profoto products are subjected to the R-test prior to being shipped.
Color temperature
TheAcuteB 600 is perfectly suited for digital and critical analogue shoots.The color temperature
is constant with a variation of a maximum of +/-150 °K.Flash to Flash color precision, +/-50 °K.
Color temperature in between MAX to -4 +/-150 °K.
Combiningflashtubesand/orglasscoverswithdifferentcoatingscanmakeevenmoredistinctivecolortemperatureadjustments.
Flash duration
InordertoreducetheflashdurationuseENERGYcontrol(13),formoredetailspleaseread“Energy
Control”and“Technical Data”.
Lamp heads
Lampheads thatcan be usedwithAcuteB 600areAcuteBHead andAcute/D4 Ring.Acute/D4Headand
Acute/D4Twin can be used with a 12V 65W lamp together with a special adapter supplied by Profoto.
Remember to change back the special adapter before reconnecting to a non battery powered Acute generator.
NOTICE
NOTICE

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AcuteB 600
Radio receiver
Theoptionalbuilt-insyncradioreceiverisavailablein315Mhz(Japan),344MHz(USA)and433MHz
(Europe).They are compatible with all PocketWizard Transmitters andTransceivers working on the
same frequency! The Radio module built-into the generator is a learning Pocket Wizard Receiver
with 32 channels.
Pleasemakesuretousethefrequencyallowedinyourcountry.
The radio receiver has a learning function which means that during 30 seconds from
power on, it will try to detect a trigger signal on any of the 32 channels. If a trigger signal
is detected, the radio receiver will lock to that channel. If no trigger is detected, the radio
receiver will default to the previously used channel. Actual photo shooting with radio should
not be performed during the 30 second learn period since the result may be unpredictable
due to the channel learning process. It can also learn multiple zones on the Quad-Triggering
channels, 17 through 32. This provides the photographer with the convenience to activate or
deactivatetheflashunit(s)wirelesslyinfour separatelycontrollablezones(ABCD)withoutleaving
the camera position.
To teach the generator a receive Channel and Zone*follow these steps:
• Select the desired channel and zone on a PocketWizard (Transmitter or transceiver).
• Power off the generator and wait 5 seconds.
• Power on the generator.
• Within 30 seconds, press and hold the PocketWizardTransmitterTEST button (up to 4
seconds) until flash triggers.If using a Sekonic meter with radio module as a transmitter,press
the measure button repeatedly within the 30 second learning period until the flash triggers.
Example:
The teachingTransmitter is set to channel 17 with zones A,B, and C selected.If the generator is
taught this combination it will trigger from any Transmitter set to channel 17 with zones A,B, or
C selected. It will not trigger if only zone D is selected on the Transmitter. It will trigger if zones
A and D are selected.
To teach the generator to trigger in only one zone make sure the teachingTransmitter has only one
zone selected. Be aware that while teaching a channel, other PocketWizard transmitters should
refrain from triggering to prevent the receiver locking to the incorrect channel.While this is highly
unlikely, 1 in 32 chance, and only during the 30 second learning period) it is still possible. The
generatorradioreceiverisalwaysinoperationwhilethegeneratoris poweredon.Itispossibletouse
the photoslaveora sync cordinaddition toradio triggering.
NOTICE
>

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For best radio operation do the following:
• Keep power,sync,and lamp head cords away from the antenna.
• Maintain line of sight between theTransmitter and generator whenever possible.
• When hiding the generator from view try to not hide it behind or against metal or water
filled objects as this affects radio range.
• KeeptheTransmitter’santennaparallelwith thegeneratorantenna.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules.These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates,uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and,if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions,may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception,which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-Increasethe separationbetweentheequipmentandreceiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced technician for help.
PocketWizard wireless freedom
PocketWizard Plus2 is a 4 channel radio transceiver for wireless synchronization
from a distance up to 100 m (1 600 feet) via digital encoded radio signals.
This transceiver is compatible with dedicated Sekonic® flash meters,
PocketWizard® transmitters, transceivers and Profoto products with
built-in radio receiver. The PocketWizard Plus 2 transceiver for wireless
synchronization is available through Profoto. Visit www.pocketwizard.com
for further information.
PocketWizard wireless freedom offers
• Studiooron-locationshootswithout unreliableanddisturbingPCcords.
• A handy solution for triggering cameras,flash units or both simultaneously from
behind a camera or from a remote location.
• Alightmeterthatwirelesslytriggersalloronlyselectedelectronicflashunitsandmeasures
thelightsimultaneously,caneventriggeracamera. (SekonicL-358,L-608orL-558)
• All this wireless technology built into your photo equipment, ready for you to control remotely.
The PWDF system is available in three different versions, 315 Mhz (Japan),344 MHz (USA) and 433 MHz (Europe). If you are
in any doubt about the frequency allowed in your country,please get in contact with the local Profoto distributor BEFORE you
activatethe radioslave transmitter.Itisstrictlyforbiddenby lawto usethesefrequenciesinothercountriesandit isimpossible
to use both versions in combination.
NOTICE
NOTICE
>

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AcuteB 600
Battery facts
About battery lifetime and how to prolong it
The generator is equipped with one of the best long-life batteries with special characteristics to
supportveryshortrecyclingtimes.Thisbattery typedoesnotsufferfromsocalledmemory effects
known from old cellular phones.In fact,the battery is negatively affected by complete discharge
and recharge cycles. On the other hand,frequent charges have a positive effect.The battery life
can vary from two hundred recharges up to several thousand.With optimal care the battery can
last up to 3.5 years.With normal usage, it will last 1–3 years. Nevertheless,if the battery is fully
discharged every time it is used, it will still keep its capacity for 250–350 recharges.
Factors that will prolong the battery life
Charge the battery as often as possible. This is valid using either a Profoto Charger 1A or Profoto
Charger 2A. If the battery is to be stored for periods longer than 30 days,make sure to recharge the
batterycompletelypriortostorage. Thelifeisdoublediflessthan 50%ofthebatteriescapacityisused
beforerecharge.Ifonly25%ofthebatteriescapacityisusedbeforerecharge,thelifetimeincreases8
times,i.e.make sure to chargethe batteryasoftenasyou can.OnlyuseProfotointelligentchargers.
Factors that will shorten battery life
The battery is left fully discharged for long periods. High battery temperature. Usage of non-
Profoto chargers.
At what temperatures can the generator be used,charged and stored?
Thepreferred long termusage surroundingtemperature is within therange +5ºC to+30 ºC(+40
ºFto+86ºF).The generator can be shortly used when the temperature of the battery is within the
range of -20 ºC to +40 ºC (-4 ºF to +104 ºF).The capacity of the battery decreases dramatically
when the battery temperature falls below freezing 0 °C (+32 ºF).The generator and battery have
a great thermal mass which will maintain the operational temperature for a long time. Use the
protective case to keep the generator warm when used at low temperatures.
Because of this heavy mass, it can take several hours for a cold battery to restore operational temperature.
Never charge the battery if the battery temperature is below 0 °C (+32 ºF) or above +40 ºC (+104 ºF).Do not store the unit in
hot or cold conditions prior to use.The battery itself must have the right temperature,it is not sufficient that the surrounding
temperatureis withinthe correctrange.Donotexposethe generatorto directsunlightand/orextremelyhightemperaturesfor
longer periods than one hour. Keep the generator protected from snow, water,moisture and dirt.
NOTICE

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Accessories
• AcuteB Head*
• Acute/D4 Head**
• Acute/D4Twin**
• Acute/D4 Ring*
• AcuteB Kit Bag
• PocketWizardTransceiver
• ProfotoAdapter 85 W
• Profoto Charger 1A
• Profoto Charger 2A
• Shoulder Strap
• Limited usage of Special Light Heads
Please consult with your local dealer or distributor for specific information.
*Accessories available.
** Special adapter needed for modeling light. Accessories available.

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AcuteB 600
Technical data
Specifications
Energy: 600Ws.
Input: 12V
Energy Control: Over a seven f-stop range.In 2/10 step adjustments.
F-stopat2m
(ISO100/21°): 64.2 with Magnum 50° reflector.
Recycling: 0.09–2.6 s.
Flash Capacity: Ws: 600 300 150 75 37 18 9
Energy: Max -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6
Flashes:160 320 600 1200 2 000 4 000 8 000
Modeling Light: 65W continuous modeling light.
Flash Duration (t0,5): Ws: 600 150 37
Time: 1/1 000 1/2 700 1/6 800
Energy Precision: 1/75 f-stop flash to flash
Energy Range: Ws: 600 300 150 75 37 18 9
F-stop: 1/1 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 1/64
Ev: Max -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6
Battery: 12V 5Ah.Non spillable lead/acid battery.
Battery Indicators: 1/1,1/2,and 1/4 indicators for battery status.
ChargingTime: 5 h (standard Profoto Charger 1A), 2.5 h (Profoto Charger 2A).
Auto dumping: Yes.
Fuse: 40A.
Lamp Head Socket: 1 socket.
Radio: Optionalbuilt-inRadiowith32channel/4Zoneforremoteoperation.
Radio Range: Up to 100 m.
Sync Socket: 1 socket.
SyncVoltage: Compliant to ISO 10330 Standard.
Measurements
Size (including handle): 19 x 19 x 13 cm (7.5 x 7.5 x 5”).
Weight (including battery): 4.8 kg (10.6 lbs).
Specifications subject to change. Not responsible for typographical errors.

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FCC Compliance Statement
This device complies with Part 15 B of the FCC rules. Operation is subjected to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference (2) This device must
accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Declaration of Conformity
We,ProfotoAB of
PO Box 2023
SE-128 21 Skarpnäck,Sweden
hereby declare that the following products ProfotoAcuteB 600,AcuteB 600R and in combination
with our accessories, to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the appropriate
standards EN 300 220-1/3,EN 301 489-1/3,EN 55022,EN 61 000 and IEC 60065,following the
provisions of,Radio Equipment andTelecommunicationsTerminal Equipment directive 99/5/EC
with requirements covering EMC Directive 89/336/EEC,and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC.
Stockholm,September 2006
Anders Hedebark
Managing Director of Profoto AB

www.profoto.com
334009-63-Printed in Sweden

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