The White Lightning UltraZAP Flash Units
Operating Instructions
(White
Lightning Models UZ800 and UZ1600)
WARNINGS:
To avoid potentially lethal conditions, connect this unit only to a 3-wire grounded outlet. Do not operate with 2-wire extension cords or use adaptors to connect to ungrounded outlets. This unit contains high voltages and internal components which can store dangerous voltages even when the unit is unplugged. The unit contains NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS and should not be disassembled except by a qualified technician. The only parts you may replace yourself are the flashtube and the modeling lamp, though caution must be taken here as well and the unit must be powered down while these items are replaced.
Before attempting to operate your flash unit, securely mount the unit to a light stand. Do not allow unattended children around studio flash equipment as potentially dangerous conditions may result including burns and electrical shock hazards. Please be safe with your equipment!
Your
White Lightning UltraZAP flash units are covered by a 60-Day Absolute
Satisfaction Guarantee and a limited 5 Year Factory Warranty. During the period
of your warranty, Paul C. Buff, Inc. will repair or replace any UltraZAP unit
which becomes defective during normal operation. This warranty does not apply to model lamps,
flashtubes, or flash capacitors which have been exhausted as a result of heavy
commercial use, or to units which have been physically damaged by the
customer. Please contact Paul C. Buff,
Inc. if you are having any difficulties with your unit, so that we may properly
assess your repair needs, and provide you with the correct shipping procedures
before returning your unit for repair.
Do not attempt to fix your unit on your own. To contact Technical Support, call us at
1-800-443-5542.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The
UltraZAP flash units are extremely precise, high power electronic photo flash
units. They are designed for
professional studio use, as well as demanding location work due to their
compact, yet highly durable construction and extruded housing. The flashpower and modeling lamp intensity
are continuously variable over a 5 f-stop stepless range, independently
adjusted on separate rear panel faders.
The
unit delivers energy stored in its internal capacitor bank to a critically
matched circular hard-glass flashtube designed for 5600ºK daylight spectrum
with low UV emission. This yields
minimal flash duration while maintaining energy conversion efficacy within 1/4
an f-stop of the maximum attainable from Xenon light sources of this type. Optional 5200ºK color-corrected tubes may be
used as well. This unit contains a
flash-sensitive built-in slave tripper which is automatically disabled when a
plug or dummy jack is inserted into the camera sync jack.
The
modeling lamps may be set on FULL power, or adjusted via the rear panel fader
over the same range of power that the unit produces. The modeling lamp may also be turned
completely OFF. The lamps may be
additionally set to indicate recycle, going out when the unit is fired, then
coming back on to indicate when recycle is complete. The UltraZAP units come with a 150 watt
quartz bulb, that is a long life bulb encased in a large frosted glass envelope
to eliminate hotspots and pattern errors common to small, clear-envelope
household bulbs. The unit offers highly
accurate modeling, boasting “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” modeling. This is a result of careful engineering of
the flash and modeling components with respect to polar patterns, specular
content, and accurate tracking of light ratios from both sources. With respect to tracking accuracy, only White
Lightning units employ full voltage regulation of the flash circuits as well as
the modeling lamp circuits. This allows
our system to maintain consistent flash/model rations under real-world
powerline conditions.
A
full range of accessories are compatible with the UltraZAP units, as a
quick-release mechanism attaches the entire White Lightning range of reflectors
and modifying accessories, while dual holders allow the simultaneous use of
umbrellas and counter weight shafts. For
our full line of accessories offered, please refer to the product catalog that
came with your light, or to our website at www.white-lightning.com.
Slider Control of
the Flashpower
adjusts the flashpower from full down to 1/32 power over a 5 f-stop range
Slider Control of
the Modeling Lamp
adjusts the modeling lamp brightness independent of the flashpower from full down to 1/32 power over a 5 f-stop range
Modeling Lamp
Control
turns the modeling lamp ON when depressed, and turns the lamp OFF when released
Model = Ready
when this switch is depressed, the modeling lamp visually indicates the recycle status by going dark when the unit is flashed, and coming back on when the unit is recycled – with this switch released, the modeling lamp remains on throughout the shoot
Recycle Indicator
Ready Light
indicates unit is 100% recycled
Test Flash
fires the flash for testing/metering
plugging
a Paul C. Buff, Inc. remote control unit or compatible control system into this
jack will cause the unit’s flashpower and modeling lamp to be externally
controlled, ignoring the positions on the rear panel sliders
Slave Tripper
/ Slave Cell
contains
a highly sensitive built-in slave tripper which fires the unit whenever it
“sees” the light from another flash unit – the slave tripper is automatically
disconnected whenever a sync cord is plugged into the jack
use
the supplied sync cord to attach the unit to your camera sync jack for
hardwired sync connection – the sync cord is connected from one of the units in
your setup to your camera’s PC sync connection or through a hot shoe adaptor
(sync voltage is 6 volts)
this cell turns red to indicate that the unit is charged to a higher flashpower than what is selected – this occurs when you change the flashpower from a higher value to a lower value
To avoid
overexposing the next frame, wait for the “DUMP” light to go out (the unit will
automatically dump the excess charge).
Depending on the change made, the automatic dump may take up to one
minute, but you can instantly dump this charge by pressing the “TEST” button.
Circuit Breaker
Reset
pressing this button in resets the circuit breaker if it is tripped from excessive, rapid use
ON/OFF AC Power
this switch turns the entire unit ON or OFF
POWER CORD:
Each unit is supplied with a standard 15-foot AC Power Cord. This cord connects the flash unit to a 120 Vac, 50-60 Hz power source. The power cord is plugged in to the standard IEC Connector on the Control Panel, then plugged into a suitable AC power source. The power cord may only be connected to a 3-pronged, grounded power outlet. The flash units will not function properly if the ground is defeated. For safety, using a surge protector is recommended when multiple flash units are plugged into a single outlet.
Plug
your units into suitable, grounded 3-pronged AC power outlets. If more than
three
units are fired simultaneously, you might need more than one power circuit
to
avoid tripping building circuit breakers.
It is recommended that you set the
“Model=Ready”
button to the IN position to minimize power usage. For battery
operated
power, we offer the Vagabond unit, designed specifically for Paul C. Buff, Inc.
flash units (See www.white-lightning,com or your product catalog for details).
To
begin using your units, make sure that they are attached to appropriate light
stands. Once you have them positioned and turned on,
you can adjust the power
according
to your needs and your flash meter readings.
With the built-in slave
trippers,
it is only necessary to wire one unit in your setup to your camera, as any
other
UltraZAP lights in your studio will reliably fire via their built-in slave
cell.
For
the UltraZAPs, up to 180 full power shots per hour may be used. Care must
be
taken if operating conditions allow long term excess heat build-up. While more than 180 shots per hour may be
permitted with lower power settings, it is best to decrease heavy use when
operating at full power. Always power
down then unplug your unit when not in use.
Should
you need to replace your modeling lamp, first unplug your unit from its
power
source. Wait at least five minutes for
your flash unit’s internal capacitors
to
fully discharge, and your unit to completely cool. As your modeling lamp is a
standard
Edison-type screw-in bulb, you can simply unscrew your existing bulb,
and
replace it with a new one. It is best to
use a cloth or gloves so that your
finger
oils do not touch the bulb, as this may adversely affect its performance.
To
purchase replacement modeling lamps, call us at 1-800-443-5542.
To
replace your flashtube, you will also need to turn your unit off and unplug it
from
its power source. Wait five minutes to
allow the internal capacitors to fully discharge. When the unit is completely cool, unscrew the
modeling lamp to get to the flashtube and pull the tube straight up and out of
the unit. To install the new tube, hold
the glass part in your hands and line up the three metal legs with the
corresponding sockets on the unit. The
tube is inserted by gently pushing down on all areas until it is seated
snugly. It is best to use a cloth or
gloves to replace the flashtube as well, so that your finger oils do not touch
the lamp, as this may adversely affect its performance. When your tube is installed correctly, your OK
light will come on when you power up your unit.
For questions on flashtube replacement, or to purchase replacement
tubes, call us at 1-800-443-5542.
For
any comments, questions, or repair needs, please contact Paul C. Buff Inc. by
phone or e-mail.
This
product was made in the USA by:
Paul
C. Buff, Inc.
2725
Bransford Ave.
Nashville,
TN 37204
e-mail:
sales@white-lightning.com