Grafita
Grafita
grafit A2
grafit A4
www.broncolor.com
Operating instructions broncolor
Grafit A2/A4
Before use
We are pleased you have chosen a broncolor Grafit A power pack which is a high-quality
product in every respect. If used properly, it will render you many years of good service. Please
read all the information contained in these operating instructions carefully. They contain
important details on the use, safety and maintenance of the appliance. Keep these operating
instructions in a safe place and pass them on to further users if necessary.
Observe the safety instructions.
Contents page
Important safety instructions 2
1. Application Grafit A 7
2. Start up 7
3. Energy control 7
4. Lamp outlets 8
5. Modelling light 8
10. Lamps 18
14. Guarantee 29
1
Important safety instructions
broncolor flash light systems should exclusively be utilised for professional
photo shootings by qualified personnel. Before starting up your flash light
equipment read carefully all the information in your operating instruction.
The safety instructions in the operating instructions must be strictly
followed!
2
• Check that the mains voltage corresponds to the information on the type plate of the
unit!
• The flash light equipment is designed for use in dry conditions and in an ambient
temperature from 0°C to 35°C! The flash light equipment has to be protected from
wetness, condensation, from dripping and splash water, humidity, dirt, sand,
metal chips and exposure to dust!
• Protect the flash light equipment from electromagnetic fields, shock and vibration!
• Protect the flash light equipment from heat and frost! If the power pack freezes
continuous loss of power output and serious technical damage can result!
• Sudden temperature differences can cause condensation water in the unit! In such
situations the equipment must stay for 1 hour in a well ventilated place to acclimatise
to the new temperature before startup!
• Do not operate the units in an environment where there is a risk of explosion!
• The power pack should not be operated in or near water!
Attention: high voltage!
• The power pack and the lamps should not be immersed in water or other liquids!
It could cause an electric shock!
• Remove the transport protection cap on the front side of the lamp before connecting
it to the power pack!
• For safety reasons, never operate the lamp base without the protecting glass in place!
UV-coated protecting glasses or UV-coated flash tubes must be utilised as a
protection against UV radiation for eyes and skin!
• Before operation the lamp has to be fastened on a stand or a suspension device!
The lamp must be locked by tightening the mounting screw!
• Only sand-filled fuses of the type indicated on the safety type plate may be used!
Sand-filled fuses can be identified by their opaque fuse body!
With incorrect fuse protection the halogen lamp may burst!
• Filters or diffusors should not be fastened directly on the flash tube, halogen
modelling lamp or protecting glass!
• Do not operate appliance with a damaged earthed cable. Cables which are damaged
or twisted must be replaced!
• The unit must only be connected to an earthed socket, or an emergency power
generator!
• If an extension cable is necessary, a cable with a current rating at least equal to that
of the appliance should be used. Cables rated for less amperage than the appliance
may overheat. When using a cable reel, it must be completely unrolled before use to
prevent overheating of the cable!
• The unit is suitable for operation with a motor generator provided that the voltage lies
within all the load conditions (including capacitive load) and within the tolerance limit
of 200-264 V respectively 95-135 V! From experience this means that only electronic
stabilised motor generators are to be utilised! When operating on unstabilised motor
generators, voltage peaks of 300 V and more have been observed! This can lead to
damages for which we assume no liability!
• Do not operate the lamps inside a bag or a box!
3
• The ventilation slots on the unit or on the lamp should not be covered!
• Pay attention when laying, clearing away or rolling up cables that the do not contact
hot surfaces or parts of lamps and that they will not be tripped over by persons!
• Do not touch the connection socket for mains cable and lamp outlets on the power
pack and do not poke in it with metal objects!
• Flash tubes, modelling light, halogen lamps and protecting glasses heat up to a high
operating temperature, this also applies to the front side of the lamps! Therefore the
attachments also assume high temperatures! Handle with care! Contact with hot
components can cause injuries!
• Do not come into contact with glass or metal whilst operating the flash light system!
• Let the unit and its connected lamp base cool completely after use and before
packing!
• Always unplug appliance from electrical socket before cleaning and servicing and
when not in use! Never jerk cable to pull the plug from the socket. Grasp plug and pull
to disconnect!
• Dropped or damaged units or lamps must be checked by a specialist before
reconnection!
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not open this appliance, but take it to a
qualified service person when service or repair work is required. Incorrect reassembly
can cause electric shock when the appliance is used subsequently!
• Shipping instructions Grafit A2/A4:
Use original broncolor packing for the transport of the power pack!
• Shipping instructions lamps:
Use original broncolor packing for the transport of the lamps. Before shipping flash
tubes, halogen lamp and protection glass pack them with our protective pack material
(foam plastic and transport cap). If the protective packaging material is incomplete,
remove flash tube, halogen lamp and protection glass from the lamp and send them
separately!
4
Controls and displays
Power pack Grafit A2 art. no. 31.166.XX
Power pack Grafit A2 RFS art. no. 31.169.XX
Power pack Grafit A4 art. no. 31.176.XX
Power pack Grafit A4 RFS art. no. 31.179.XX
1. Mains switch
2. Voltage selector 110V/230V
3. Circuit breaker
4. Sync socket
5. Connection socket for mains cable
6.1 Outlet I
6.2 Outlet II
6.3 Outlet III
7.1 Lamp switch 1, on/off
7.2 Lamp switch 2, on/off
7.3 Lamp switch 3, on/off
8. Power selector per lamp +/-
9. Digital power display per lamp
10. Master power selector +/-
11. Photocell
12. Digital master power display
13. Photocell on/off
14. IR receiver cell
15. IR receiver and/or RFS-interface on/off
16. Modelling light on/off
17. Test key, ready light green
18. 4 line LCD display
19. Cursor up/down
20. Reset key
21. Auxiliary functions setting key
5
6
1. Application Grafit A
This mains (AC-line) supplied studio flash unit is designed for professional photography
only. For your safety use a three-wire extension cable when required.
2. Start up
2.1 Mains voltage / voltage selector
Set the unit to the required mains voltage by turning voltage switch (2) with a coin or
screwdriver.
The unit is designed for 230 V, 120 V or 100 V according to voltage of country. If a
different voltage than the original one is selected, the following limitations come into
force:
2.3 Start up
Use the mains (AC-line) switch (1) to power-up unit. During the charging process the
digital master power display (12) flashes, after which, it becomes continuous.
3. Energy control
3.1 Grafit A2/A4
Use the "+/-" keys (10) to control the flash energy (flash intensity) on both main outlets
(I, II) within a range of 6 7/10 f-stops, and when including reserve lamp III within a range
of 4 f-stops. A value of 10 in the display indicates maximum intensity, 3.3 resp. 6
minimum. Whole numbers are full f-stop intervals, decimals indicate 1/10 f-stop steps.
Brief pressure on the "+/-" keys (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 10) runs the power up (or down) by a 1/10
f-stop interval, prolonged pressure by a full f-stop. The display (12) then blinks until
charging or discharging has stabilized the new level.
7
3.2 1/10 or 1/3 f-stop increments control
The fractional power level adjustment can be programmed for 1/10 or 1/3 f-stop
intervals; the units are factory set to 1/10 steps. For reprogramming to 1/3 steps see
chapter 7.
The Grafit A power packs incorporate a circuit for selectively distributing the power
between the lamp outlets. If outlet III is used as well, it has the highest flash energy. To
ensure an optimum quality of colour temperature it is recommended to limit the
maximum asymmetry of the flash power between each individual lamp outlet to three f-
stops. The unit indicates this limitation if applicable.
4. Lamp outlets
Lamp outlets of the Grafit units are marked with the Roman numerals I to III.
All outlets may be switched individually (7.1, 7.2, 7.3). The LED (9) indicates the flash
energy for each separate lamp. For newly connected lamps, the connection will be
automatically activated.
5. Modelling light
5.1 The "mod" key (16) switches on the modelling lamps for all connected lamps. When
switched on, the green LED (Liquid Electronic Display) lights up. Lamps also have an
additional modelling lamp switch. You may also operate the modelling light
proportionally (Chapter 5.2) and adapt it to the various maximum outputs of broncolor
power packs.
Attention: Please ensure that the modelling light voltage corresponds with the local
mains voltage.
5.2 Proportionality
In chapter 8 is an explanation of how to set the various operating modes (modelling light
proportionality).
Stages prop1, prop2, prop3, prop4 and prop5 are used to adapt the modelling light
brightness of power packs with different output. The setting "modelling light
proportional" duly allows for the output set, the number of lamps as well as an
asymmetrical energy distribution.
Proportionality is guaranteed if the identical operating mode has been set for all power
packs. The higher the digit, the brighter the modelling light.
8
The following operating modes are possible:
"prop1" This level allows matching of the Grafit A units to the proportional control
of the Pulso 8 power pack.
"prop4/5" If you use a power pack with less power it is known that the halogen
modelling light is relatively weak and yellowish. To solve this problem the
power packs have been provided with two additional proportional light
levels. If the power of the Grafit A4 is lower than "8.0" and of the Grafit
A2 lower than "9.0" you can increase the modelling light immensely with
"prop4".
If the power of the Grafit A4 is lower than "7.0" and of the Grafit A2 lower
than "8.0" you can increase the modelling light immensely with "prop5".
"P.Max." When working only with one power pack in asymmetrical operation; using
the level "P.Max.", the lamp with the highest flash energy will be operated
with full modelling light and the others will operate proportionally,
corresponding to their selected power.
"full" All lamps with full modelling light, independent of flash output, type of
power pack and output distribution.
"economy" Lighting level reduced for all lamps to reduce power consumption and
extend the burning life of the tungsten-halogen lamps.
Nano 2
Topas A2 P3 P2 P1
Grafit A2 (or “P” when
Mobil only using
Nano 2)
Nano A4
Topas A4 P2 P2 P1
Grafit A4 (or “P” when
only using
Nano A4)
Topas A8 P1 P1 P1
Example 1: A power pack Grafit A2 is operated together with a power pack Topas 8.
The modelling light is proportional when both are set to mode "prop1".
9
Example 2: A power pack Grafit A4 is operated together with a Grafit A2. The
modelling light is proportional and highest possible when both are set to
mode "prop2".
To avoid overloading the mains supply (AC-line), the 100-120 volt versions of the power
packs reduce the modelling light intensity during charging. You can clear this factory-
installed program if the power rating of the mains supply (AC-line) is sufficient - see key
combinations in section 8.11 of the programming additional functions. When working
with limited-power on the mains supplies (AC-line) you can also slow down the charging
rate with the additional functions "slow charging" - this reduces the risk of blowing the
supply fuses.
The switch on the lamps permits selective lighting control with the modelling light. To
avoid damage to the lamp filament, always switch off the modelling light before moving
the lamp.
The photocell can be switched on or off by using the "cell" key (13). If it is activated the
green LED lights up.
After a flash sequence, an active photocell will be blocked and the green LED blinks. By
pressing the "cell" key the cell is reactivated.
The IR receiver can be switched on or off with the key “ir” (15). If the function is active,
the green display lights up.
You can trigger Grafit A power packs from broncolor infrared transmitters. These have
two different channels. Setting instructions are stated in chapter 8.
If a power pack is triggered via infrared, the flash release follows with a time delay. If the
setting of the IR channel is "all" the delay is 1/1000s, if the setting is selective it is
1/500s.
Attention: when selective triggering is selected, all units in operation must be set to 1
or 2 (none on "all") and all the photocells should be switched off.
10
6.4 RFS interface
The RFS interface of the RFS version of the Grafit A units can be switched on or off as
an additional function on the display by using the toggle key (21). (See chapter 8).
Synchronous cables art. no. 34.111.00 or 34.112.00 may be plugged into the socket to
release flashes via cable.
This key (17) allows manual release of the power pack as soon as 70 % of the set
energy is available.
The remote control of the power pack Grafit A is operated by the Remote Control units
Servor 3 and Servor d. If the power pack is switched to "stand-by" via the remote control
unit, the decimal point of the main display will blink. The power pack can be "re-
activated" either by the remote control unit or by pressing any button on the front panel.
Remote control by the means of servor or RFS may be performed via separate
channels (studio workstations). This is explained in chapter 8.
Addresses will be assigned to each power pack for individual control. This is explained
in chapter 8.
7.2 The audible signal "buzzer" sounds when the power capacitors are at 100 % charge. It
may be switched on or off. This is explained in chapter 8.
11
8. Setting additional functions
Meaning of additional symbols on display
Help function
With the toggle-key v ∧ (19, on the front With the +/- key (21, on the front
panel at the bottom left) the cursor can panel at the bottom right) different
be moved up or down to select the settings can be made.
various functions.
8.1 Lamp 3, 2, 1
Display of the lamp power - ..J (joules)
- ..% (percentage)
8.2 Modelling light
Choice of the proportional level - prop1
(see as well chapter 4.) - prop2
- prop3
- prop4
- prop5
- P.Max.
- full
- economy
12
8.3 Sequence
In this mode you can select a number of - off
flashes to be triggered automatically. - 2-50 (when t 0.1 (min), and
interval shorter 0,200 s only
2-15)
8.5 Interval
This function allows to define the time - off
between the flashes and therefore to - "delay time" (shortest charging
delay the flash sequence. time - 50.00 s)
The interval setting cannot be used
when: charging time is long and there
are unsuitable supply voltages.
13
8.8 Preset sequence
Pre-programmed series of flashes with - No. 1
different intensity and different intervals - No. 2
(only outlets I+II). - No. 3
If this function is switched on the - etc.
following settings are blocked: - No. 16 (Details see chapter 11)
- output control
- power selector per lamp
- lamp 1-3
- modelling light
- sequence
- t 0.1
- interval
- alternate triggering of the flash
8.10 Memory 1 + 2
All setting can be stored and recalled - Press the "+" key for 2 s to store all
later on. settings (STORE)
- Press the "-" key for 2 s to recall a
previously stored setting (RCL)
8.11 DIM
This function dims the modelling light - ON
during the recycling time (min. 0,5 s). It - OFF
allows a visual flash control and the
extinction of the modelling light during
sequences.
8.12 Buzzer
The audible signal sounds when the - ON
power capacitors are 100 % charged up. - OFF
You can switch on resp. off the signal.
8.13 IR channel
The Grafit power packs use two different - all (the unit will release on all IR
channels for selective triggering of signals)
specific power packs or groups (studio -1 (the IR transmitter must be set
workstations). correspondingly)
-2 (the IR transmitter must be set
correspondingly)
14
8.14 IR channel / RFS interface
With Grafit A RFS power packs the IR- IR- channel
channel is defined in the additional - all (the unit will release on all IR
functions "IR/RF" by briefly pressing the signals)
+/- (21). -1 (the IR transmitter must be set
Extended pressure on the +/- key correspondingly)
switches the RFS function on resp. off. -2 (the IR transmitter must be set
correspondingly)
RFS- Interface
- ON (RFS interface is switched
on)
- -- (RFS interface is switched off)
15
downwards in order to correspond with
units of different power (Grafit A2 / A4).
The result will be the same number on
the display for the same amount of
selected power
Grafit A2 value 8 = 1600 J
Grafit A4 value 9 = 3200 J
Pulso 8 value 10 = 6400 J
10 9 8 7
10
9 9
8 8 8
7 7 7 7
6 6 6 6
5 5 5 5
4 4 4 4
3.3 3 3 3
2.3 2 2
1.3 1
0.3
General:
With the remote control servor 3, we
recommend retaining the standard
setting (maximum energy = 10) since
complications in the display in the
command mode "all" may arise
otherwise.
8.20 Language
To simplify the operation, you can select -G
your language. -E
-F
- etc.
16
8.22 Country
The country code is for sales and
service.
Reset key
- When pressed briefly, the cursor jumps on the line "modelling light".
- When pressed for 2 s, the settings (sequence, t 0.1, interval, delay, alternate, preset
sequence, charging time) are switched off.
- When pressed for more than 10 s, the unit is reset to the factory setting.
9.1 Cooling
To protect against overheating after extended series of flashes, the unit will power down
for a number of minutes. At that stage, the following message will appear on the LCD
display: "XX min. COOLING BREAK, DO NOT DISCONNECT". The cooling time is
shortened if the unit remains connected and switched on.
9.3 Afterglow
In case of afterglow of an older flash tube, the LCD display will show the corresponding
message.
In the event of an electrical malfunction, the circuit breaker will automatically disconnect
the power pack from the power source. The unit can be restarted by pressing the circuit
breaker button. If it disconnects again immediately, the power pack must be serviced by
an authorised technician.
17
10. Lamps
The following information apply to the lamp Pulso G (art. no. 32.115.XX /
32.116.XX), Unilite (art. no. 32.113.00 / 32.114.00), Pulso-Twin (art. no. 32.117.XX),
Pulso 8 (art. no. 32.118.XX) and the small lamp Picolite (art. no. 32.021.XX); this is
chapter 10.1 to 10.8:
For thermal reasons, the flash tubes 1600 J and 3200 J are only available as uncoated
tubes. Therefore those lamps must be used with a UV-coated protecting glass.
Attention: Prior to each exchange of the flash tube, the lamp must be disconnected
from the power pack! Before replacing flash tubes let the lamp cool down for
10 min. !
The protection glass has a line mark and the glass rim has three notches. When pulling
off the protection glass from the locking device of the lamp, the line mark must be at the
top. To change the flash tube, carefully pull off the protecting glass. Pull straight, without
tilting. Afterwards pull the flash tube straight along the lamp axis.
When inserting the tube, check that the ceramic base is fully pushed back in. Then the
protecting glass has to be re-inserted in front of the modelling light and flash tube. When
pushing the protection glass into the locking device of the lamp, the line mark must
again be at the top. After the protection glass has latched into place, it must be turned
slightly, to avoid it becoming detached.
Because the Pulso G and Unilite lamp can be operated with 1600 J flash tubes as well
as with 3200 J flash tubes, a corresponding warning sign is supplied with each flash
tube. Please stick this warning sign on the lamp plug when inserting the flash tube.
Attention: Prior to each exchange of the halogen lamp, the lamp must be disconnected
from the power pack! Before replacing halogen lamps let the lamp cool down
for 10 min. !
Halogen lamps are also plug-in. Taking the service life into consideration,
the halogen lamp should not be handled with bare hands. Exchange of the
halogen lamp is practically identical to that of the flash tube. The Pulso G
and Unilite lamp can be operated on the local mains voltage (100 V-240 V)
when a halogen lamp is used which corresponds to the voltage.
18
10.2 Lamp Pulso-Twin / Pulso 8
The flash tubes for the Pulso-Twin and Pulso 8 are only available with a built-in
protecting glass. Flash tube and protecting glass form one unit.
Attention: Prior to each exchange of the flash tube, the lamp must be disconnected
from the power pack! Before replacing flash tubes let the lamp cool down for
10 min. !
When exchanging the flash tube hold it carefully on the protecting glass and pull out in
axial direction. When inserting the tube check that the ceramic base is fully pushed back
in.
Attention: Prior to each exchange of the halogen lamp, the lamp must be disconnected
from the power pack! Before replacing halogen lamps let the lamp cool down
for 10 min. !
Halogen lamps are also plug-in or screw-in. Taking the service life into consideration,
the halogen lamp should not be handled with bare hands. Exchange of the halogen
lamp is practically identical to that of the flash tube.
For thermal reasons the UV-coating is on the protecting glass and not on the flash tube.
Attention: Prior to each exchange of the flash tube, the lamp must be disconnected
from the power pack! Before replacing flash tubes let the lamp cool down for
10 min. !
To change the flash tube release the spring ring and remove the protecting glass. The
flash tube must be pulled out straight along the lamp axis. When inserting the tube be
sure that it is fully pushed in. Finally replace the protecting glass and fasten with the
spring ring.
19
10.3.2 Replacing halogen lamps
Attention: Prior to each exchange of the halogen lamp, the lamp must be disconnected
from the power pack! Before replacing halogen lamps let the lamp cool down
for 10 min. !
Halogen lamps are also plug-in. Taking the service life into consideration, the halogen
lamp should not be handled with bare hands. Exchange of the halogen lamp is
practically identical to that of the flash tube. The Picolite lamp can be operated on the
local mains voltage (100 V-240 V) when a halogen lamp is used which corresponds to
the voltage.
A cooling fan in the lamp cools the flash tube and modelling lamp. It also runs when the
modelling lamp is turned off.
The lamps have been fitted with an automatic thermal protection. Should the lamp
overheat (e.g. by impeding the flow of cooling air), the modelling light is shut off.
Nevertheless you may continue producing flashes. The Picolite, however, has an
additional thermal protection which limits the number of flashes.
The lamp plugs and sockets have mechanical interlocks to prevent inadvertent
disconnection. When plugging in, ensure that those interlocks engage completely. To
unplug, push down the locking spring below the cable guide and lift out the plug. The
power pack must be switched off to plug in and to unplug.
Pulso G, Unilite, Pulso-Twin, and Pulso 8 lamps have a bayonet fitting to attach light
shapers providing a 360° rotation facility for the mounted accessory.
The small lamp Picolite has an integrated reflector and its own small sized accessories.
With the Pulso adapter (art. no. 33.501.00) light reflectors and area lamps from the
Pulso and Unilite lamps can be utilised.
10.8 Fuses
Only sand-filled fuses of the type indicated on the type plate may be used; otherwise the
halogen lamp may explode.
20
11. Preset sequence (preprogr. series of
flashes)
Table 1:
Grafit A2 with one lamp + Grafit A4 with one or two lamps
Table 2:
Grafit A2 with two lamps
21
1. flash 2. flash 3. flash 4. flash
number delay energy delay energy delay energy delay energy
22
0.00s
0.02s
0.04s
0.06s
0.08s
0.10s
0.12s
0.14s
0.16s
0.18s
0.20s
0.22s
0.24s
0.26s
0.28s
0.30s
0.32s
0.34s
0.36s
0.38s
0.40s
0.42s
0.44s
0.46s
0.48s
0.50s
0.52s
0.54s
Nr.
1 7.2 8.2
2 7.2 8.2
3 7.2 8.2
4 7.2 8.2
Energy / time
23
0.56s
8.2
0.58s
0.60s
0.62s
0.64s
0.66s
0.68s
0.70s
0.72s
0.74s
0.76s
0.78s
0.80s
0.82s
24
0.84s
0.86s
0.88s
0.90s
0.92s
0.94s
0.96s
0.98s
1.00s
1.02s
1.04s
1.06s
1.08s
1.00s
1.12s
8.2
These diagrams are provided as an explanation of table 2
1 7.2 8.2
2 7.2 8.2
3 7.2 8.2
4 7.2 8.2
Energy / time
25
0.56s
8.1
0.58s
0.60s
0.62s
0.64s
0.66s
0.68s
0.70s
0.72s
0.74s
0.76s
0.78s
0.80s
0.82s
26
0.84s
0.86s
0.88s
0.90s
0.92s
0.94s
0.96s
0.98s
1.00s
1.02s
1.04s
1.06s
1.08s
1.10s
1.12s
8.1
12. Technical data
Grafit A2 (art. no. 31.166.XX) Grafit A4 (art. no. 31.176.XX)
27
13. Grafit A RFS / Grafit A plus
The power packs Grafit A are also available as an unit version with integrated 10 channel
RFS interface (Radio Frequency System). Each channel (Studio) can control up to 15
units. This interface allows remote control respectively flash releases by radio via
transmitter RFS as well as by means of a transceiver RFS via PC or Macintosh
computer. When controlling via screen, 4 storage spaces for different lighting situations
are at your disposal.
There is the possibility, to modify the Grafit A power packs later on with a RFS interface.
The modification will be made by the customer service centre of our broncolor agency in
your country.
Because of the laws in some countries, the use of the broncolor radio system is not
allowed. Therefore the Grafit A power pack is also available in the version Grafit A plus
(that means with cable remote control). Besides the cable connection between the
power pack and the computer, the application with RFS is almost identical.
28
13. Technical data (continuation)
14. Guarantee
All broncolor power packs, lamps, monolights and accessories have a high quality
standard. We offer a 2-year factory guarantee from the date of purchase (for the first
owner) on the aforementioned units, except for flash tubes, halogen lamps, protecting
glasses, cable, batteries, rechargeable batteries and textiles.
June 2008
Article numbers, product descriptions and scope of delivery can vary from one country to
another. Detailed information are available from your responsible broncolor distributor.
Errors and misprints excepted.
29
Printed in Switzerland 06.08
Bron Elektronik AG
CH-4123 Allschwil 1
Schweiz (Switzerland) BA081.00