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To connect light units, align the light unit plug with the power supply outlet and apply
even pressure while pushing. Black colored light unit connectors are of the “quick
release” type that only require pushing the connector firmly until it is fully seated. Silvery
colored light unit connectors must be threaded until they are fully seated. Both types
prevent accidental cable removal. Make sure all light unit cables are fimly seated to pre-
vent connector damage. Tape all cables to the floor and keep them out of the pathways
to prevent accidents.
Speedotron power supplies are equipped with arc-protected outlets. However, as with
any electrical equipment, arc-over (an electrical discharge between two physically dis-
connected electrical terminals) is a possibility. When light cables or flash tubes are
improperly seated, arc-over may occur. Also, if your light unit or power supply malfunc-
tions, or the power cord or the internal wiring in the studio is improperly terminated or
defective, there is a chance of arc-over when connecting or disconnecting light units.
Severe power supply damage and operator injury may result if arc-over occurs. That is
why, in spite of the arc-protection feature of Speedotron units, you should always make
sure Power is off when connecting or disconnecting light units.
All Brown Line light units fit on top of 5/8" light stands. MW3U and MW3UCC accept
umbrellas with shafts up to 3/8". MW3R and MW3RCC light units include an adaptor to
fit onto 3/8" light stands.
Turn on power supply, wait for Ready light, then press Push to Flash button to verify
proper operation. The model lamp may be turned on or off by the switch located on the
top of the light unit assembly (insure that the Model switch at power supply is on).
For maximum performance and life, the model lamp should be used only when
necessary and turned off after initial set-up or focusing is done. Although convection
cooling is more than ample for normal usage, turning off the model lamp will eliminate
heat and enable the light unit to run cooler, extending the life of all components.
After extended use or after transporting your system, inspect flash tubes for cracks and
any unusual darkening (arc-over) around the tube sockets. If cracks or darkening are
noted the flash tube is, most likely, near the end of its duty cycle. Cracked tubes will
probably misfire. The normal duty cycle is 100,000 flashes for the majority of Speedotron
Brown Line flash tubes.
Be sure replacement flash tubes are designed for the watt-second output requirements
of Speedotron light units. Applying too much power severely shortens the life of flash
tubes, may cause fine cracks to develop in the tube that may cause tube failure or, in the
most extreme case, may cause the tube to shatter. For this reason, we suggest you
always use Speedotron flash tubes and model lamps to insure safe and dependable
operation.
*New MW9H flashtubes supplied with M11 light units handle up to 1200Ws.
The MW9M flashtubes have a maximum capacity of 1000Ws.
BROWN LINE LIGHT UNITS
General Instructions and Information
The Speedotron Brown Line light units described here may be used with any Speedotron
Brown Line power supply using the five-pin MS outlet. All light units are supplied with a
20' wired-in cable.
Unpack and examine all equipment carefully. Should you notice any breakage or defect,
notify your dealer (and the carrier if it was shipped to you) immediately. The flash tube(s)
and model lamp(s) are packed in their original cartons. This affords sufficient protection
and reduces the incidence of breakage during shipping. Make sure all packing materials
are removed before using. This includes the pipe cleaners (used as packing material)
inside some flash tubes.
Install flash tubes first. Always handle lamps and flash tubes with care. Because they can
break if put under stress, handle them cautiously. Don’t touch glass surfaces with your bare
hands. If your fingers come in contact with the glass of the model lamp, wipe off carefully
with alcohol. When removing or replacing lamps and tubes, always disconnect light units
from power supply. Allow lamps to cool before handling. For instructions on how to insert
model lamps into specific units, see the unit descriptions on the following pages.
Flash tubes must be inserted into the sockets all the way. Flash tube pins must align with
the flash tube socket to be inserted. Apply gentle pressure. A slight rocking motion may
be necessary when installing larger flash tubes. New flash tubes and sockets fit very
tightly. Be sure all flash tubes and model lamps are fully seated into light unit sockets.
It is important to observe the maximum watt-seconds rating of these light units. Never
subject a flash tube to more watt-seconds than it is designed to handle. MW3 and
M90 series (non-”Q”) light units have a maximum rating of 400Ws, while “Q”
versions are rated at 1200Ws. M11 light units are rated at 1200Ws* (with new MW9H
flashtubes) and M11Q light units are rated at 2400Ws. We strongly recommend that at
least one light unit in your system should be capable of handling the maximum output of
your power supply. If you are not sure that the flash tube in your light unit can
handle the power provided by the set up you are using, check the following pages and
the Power Distribution Chart on the side of your power supply. Failure to observe this
precaution could drastically shorten the life of your flash tubes.
Connect light cable(s) to the Light Unit Outlet(s) on the power supply. Never connect or
disconnect light units while Power is on. Do not insert or remove flash tubes or model
lamps while Power is on.