Pro-8a Generator User's Guide

Pro-8a 2400 Air – Pro-8a 1200 Air
8
www.profoto.com
Pro-8a 2400 Air – Pro-8a 1200 Air
9
www.profoto.com
Functionality
Power supply
The Pro-8a generator can be connected to 100–120 VAC or 200–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz. The
power supply fuse must not be smaller than specified in the technical data. The generator
automatically senses and adapts to the voltage and frequency supplied.
WARNING
Never use ordinary household extension cords to elongate the power cable. They may overheat. Always unwind cord
reel extension winders fully before use. Contact your Profoto dealer for proper equipment.
Due to the two stage SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply) technology, the Pro-8a could
make a hearable sound during the recharge cycle. This is fully normal and could be seen
as the sign of power being charged into the generator.
Energy control
The selected energy levels for channel A and B are shown in Flash Light Energy Display
A [6] and B [17].
The f-stop scale reading is default. To show energy in Ws scale, push and hold the Ws
Switch [1].
In f-stop scale, the maximal energy (100%) is shown as 10.0. In Ws scale, the maximal
energy (100%) is 2400 for Pro-8a 2400 Air and 1200 for Pro-8a 1200 Air.
The maximal energy for channel A is 10.0 (100%) and the maximal energy for channel B
9.0 (50%). The maximal energy in total for the two channels is 100%.
Flash Light Energy Control A [8] and Control B [19] are used to adjust the energy levels for
channel A and B respectively:
• Turn the control clockwise to increase the energy in 1/10 f-stop increments and counter-
clockwise to decrease.
• Press and hold down the control (a “beep” will sound) and turn the control clockwise to
increase the energy in 1 f-stop increments and counter-clockwise to decrease.
Modeling light
The Modeling Light Switch [9] is used to turn on/off the modeling light for channel A and
B simultaneously. When the modeling light is on, the Modeling Light Switch knob [9] is
illuminated.
The Modeling Light Control [7] is used to select one of four modeling light alternatives:
• PROP: The modeling light intensity for each lamp head is automatically adjusted to
correspond in proportion in-between the generators set energy and maximal energy.
• ½ PROP: The modeling light intensity is adjusted automatically in proportion as for PROP
when the energy level is changed, but with half modeling light intensity of the designated
energy. Half proportional modeling light is used when generators of different sizes are
used together; Pro-8a 1200 Air shall be set to ½ PROP and Pro-8a 2400 Air to PROP.
• MAX: The modeling lamp gets the maximal intensity, regardless of the flash light energy
settings.
• MAX PROP: Maximal proportional modeling light is used when maximal light is needed on
one channel (the one with highest energy level). The highest set channel will get maximal
intensity and the other will correspond proportionally. Therefore the modeling light may
change on a channel which is not adjusted.
If Pro Studio2 is used to control the generators, a Smart Prop func tion is available. It is similar
to the MAX PROP setting, but the intensity proportions match all lamps and generators.
Sync signaling
The Pro-8a generator can be synchronized with the camera in different ways; via cable,
via Photocell / IR-slave or via the Profoto Air radio system (LPA radio system available on
special order). Both systems can not be integrated in the same generator.
• The two Sync Connectors [2] allow the camera and a flash meter to be connected
simultaneously. The 5 meter sync cable can without restrictions be elongated with a sync
extension cable. The bidirectional optical isolated Profoto sync interconnection cable is
recommended to be used to prevent ground reference interference when connecting sync
cables between different generators.
• The Photocell/IR-slave [3] sense signals from most IR sync transmitters as well as from
other flash light as a Slave and synchronize the unit.
• The Profoto Air remote radio control system is integrated in all Pro-8a generators,
meaning that the generators are prepared to be synchronized or controlled either via Air
Remote, Air Sync or via the Profoto Studio 2 computer program and Air USB.
The Sync Control [5] is used to control the sync signaling:
• RADIO: The generator is set to sync via radio.
• SET: Enables setting of radio channel and group.
• OFF: The generator is set to sync via cable.
• SLAVE: The generator is set to sync via photocell / IR.
Ready signaling
Ready signaling is used to indicate when the generator is 100% fully charged. The Ready
Control [16] is used to select one of four ready signaling alternatives: