EXPLORER 1500 USER GUIDE BW7640 EXPLORER 1500 BWL0355/1 355 Old Road Clacton on Sea Essex CO15 3RH UK Tel: Fax: +44 (0)1255 422807 +44 (0)1255 436342 www.bowens.co.
Specifications Table Of Contents Description Page Introduction 2 3-4 Safety Notes Basic Operations 5 Quick Start Instructions 6 Using the Battery 6 Fitting the Battery 7 Removing the Battery 7 Charging the Battery 8 Basic Controls 9 Main Menu Basic Functions Menu 2 10 10-11 Second Menu 12 Pack Setup Menu 12 Bracket Mode Menu 13 Trigger Mode Menu 13-14 Load, Save & Restore Menu 15 Auxiliary Control Menu 16 Camera Synchronising 16-17 Connecting Flash Heads 17 Flash Power
Introduction Connecting Esprit Gemini Monobloc Heads Dear Valued Customer, Two auxiliary outlets, EXTENTION SOCKET 1 and EXTENTION SOCKET 2, are provide d , p u r e l y to provide a charging source for up to two Gemini Monoblocs. One or two Gemini’s can be used on their own or in conjunction with the normal flash heads. The major effect of using these outlets, in addition to the normal flash heads, is to slow down the overall recycle time of the pack.
Safety Notes NEVER • Use the Explorer in an environment where moisture or flammable vapour is likely to come in contact with the unit. • Leave trailing supply cords and sync leads where they can be tripped over or damaged. • Connect an external mains supply to any Gemini that is also connected to the Explorer (this may cause a circuit breaker to trip or a fuse to blow). • Charge the Battery Cassette in a gas tight container. • Use a unit with damaged covers, mouldings or sockets.
Auxiliary Control Menu Turn the Rotary Dial to highlight the required function. Basic Operations A Press SELECT to allow the status or value of the chosen function to be changed. Rotate the KNOB to cycle through the possible settings or values and select the required one. ‘Auto Off’ N Auxiliary Equipment Sockets Radio Aerial B External Sync Socket M Charge Socket C Rotary Selector Dial LCD Screen D This allows the pack auto-off period to be set in the range of 1 - 60 minutes or NEVER.
Quick Start Instructions • • Ensure that a Battery Cassette with sufficient charge remaining for the work required is fitted into the pack. For best results use a fully charged Battery Cassette. Load, Save & Restore Menu Turn the Rotary Dial to highlight the required function. A fully charged Battery Cassette can be checked outside of the pack by plugging the charger into the cassette and switching the charger on.
Trigger Mode Menu Fitting the Battery ‘Skip’ • Lay the pack on its longest side with the aerial uppermost. This is solely for use with two or more packs and is designed to allow the photographer to trigger up to eight packs in sequence and therefore enable effectively faster flash rates or to even produce special effects. • Lay the battery cassette with the fuses uppermost and the slotted handle to the right. • Each pack must be connected to the SAME trigger source and must have ‘Skip’ turned on.
Charging the Battery • One universal voltage charger is supplied with the pack and is provided with a set of mains adaptors suitable for the majority of mains outlets around the world. • Choose the adaptor suitable for your mains supply. If an unusual mains outlet is encountered an appropriate travel adaptor will need to be found. • If the battery cassette is to be charged inside the pack, plug the charger output connector into the CHARGE jack socket on the top of the pack.
Second Menu • This allows less frequently used settings to be changed. From the main menu press the menu button twice. • Turn the Rotary Dial to highlight the required function. • Press SELECT to go into the settings menu for the chosen function. • Repeat the above procedure for any other functions within this menu. Basic Controls In addition to the ON/OFF and TEST buttons the pack functions are simply controlled by means of three multi-function buttons and a rotary control.
Main Menu Basic Function Menu ‘A+B or A/B’ This is the MAIN or top-level menu shown by default after switched on: The top third of the screen shows the flash power setting for both channels in digital f-stops and Joules (Watt - second) together with the functional flash duration in seconds. This switches between asymmetric (A/B) and symmetric (A+B) modes.