Photogenic Professional Lighting PM800 Synchronization and Triggering, Photocell/Photo Slave

“Er-3” message means over heating has occurred. This could be internal or by exceeding the recommended flash frequency. (See flash rate chart) Once “Er-3”is displayed a “COOL” mode is activated to cool off internal components, preventing damage. This usually is caused by too many quick-discharges, resulting in the overheating of the unit’s circuits. (See flash rate chart) The unit remains in this COOL mode for approximately 4 minutes. This is an electronically timed period and turning the power OFF will not shorten this COOL period.

Synchronization and Triggering:

Triggering is accomplished by using a built-in photoslave or a trigger cable from the power supply to the camera shutter contacts of ”X” or “zero” delay. Other units in the system are then triggered by photoslave operation. It is suggested that all walls and ceiling be painted either white or light neutral colors for most reliable photoslave operation.

After the trigger cord is properly connected, check the synchronization with the camera. Adjust a light head to same height as the camera lens and face the light into the lens. The lens aperture should be open to its fullest extent and set on “X” or “zero” delay. Remove the camera back. It is best to perform this test with the modeling lamps turned off.

While looking at the lens through the back of the camera, operate the shutter. A few sheets of white paper in front of the lens will cut down the brilliance of the flash and aid in making the observation. The flash of the light should then appear as a circle the same size as the aperture. If the circle is flattened on the sides, or if no light appears through the lens, the shutter is not synchronized. If the shutter appears not to be synchronized, a reputable camera repair shop should check the shutter contacts.

The sync polarity is Positive on center pin of cable connectors (Photogenic part PLTC, and defined in ISO 518.)

Sync voltage is 12 vdc (Spec. = less than 24 vdc per ISO 10330:1992E, and greater than 9 vdc for Wein photo slave at 10 microampere drain.) Internal 240 ohm discharge limit, with 68 k ohms continuous limit.

Sync signal = negative pulse, 10 microseconds or longer, from sync voltage to 1.6 vdc or less (per ISO 518.)

Photocell/Photo Slave:

The sensor is built into the power supply and can be shut off by plugging in the sync. cord.

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