Profoto D4 user manual Additional Information, Automatic Safety Functions, Computer Connection

Models: D4

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D4 Profoto D4 – Generators

Automatic Safety Functions

D4 generators are equipped with an effective cooling and safety system. The integrated fan starts when working in hot surroundings or continuously at higher power levels; the speed of the fan increases automatically if necessary. If the generator overheats because of external reasons, a protective system will automatically start up. The generator’s recharging intervals will slow down and eventually the recharging will stop completely. After a while, when the temperature has decreased sufficiently, the generator will start recharging at a normal pace. This automatic protection will only start up under extreme conditions such as when the air vents are blocked.

If a defective flash head – for example with a broken or misfiring flash tube – is used, after releasing the flash a long beep signal and “- - - -” in the corresponding Power Display [10] will indicate a malfunction/underexposure.

PLEASE NOTE: The air vents of the generator must never be blocked or covered in any way. Never store your flash equipment in a car on a hot and sunny day. Never use a D4 generator that is placed inside a case or transport box. Avoid storing the generator close or below the freezing point, which can lead to loss of capacity (flash output) and risk of condensation when used in a warmer surrounding immediately. Do not expose any flash equipment to wet or humid environments or extreme electro-magnetic fields.

Computer Connection

From one to 127 D4 generators can be connected to one computer using USB cables and HUB’s.The generator has a USB 1 socket [15]. Profoto offers an assortment

of recommended USB cables for best results. Other USB cables can be used – but in this case Profoto can’t guarantee correct functionality. See pages 35-40 for detailed information how to install and use the “Profoto Studio” software.

Profoto D4 – Generators D4

Additional Information

Colour Temperature

The D4’s colour temperature is calibrated for daylight type films and, because of the “Hybrid Flash Technology”, remains perfectly constant and reliable from flash to flash and over the entire power range, regardless of the power output chosen with the Power Dials

[13]and the number of flash heads used. This makes the D4 generators perfectly suited for all kinds of critical assignments, even with high-resolution digital cameras and backs. In combination with all actual Profoto flash heads and light shaping tools the D4 generators give neutral and extremely stable colour. Please note that other factors, like reflections from the surrounding and lenses with different colour characteristic, may also affect the colour of the picture.

Combining flash tubes and/or glass covers with different coatings can make distinctive colour temperature adjustments if needed.

f-stop Stability

Profoto’s “Hybrid Flash Technology” offers constant power output from flash to flash; this ensures stable and repeatable results – essential when D4’s are used in combination with Multi Shot backs. In fact, the power stability of D4 generators is better than the repeat accuracy of flash meters.

Flash Duration

The flash duration can be shortened by reducing the power output with the Power Dials [13]. The shortest flash duration using a AcuteHead and a D4 1200 generator at lowest energy is1/7500 sec. To shorten the flash duration at a given setting, use an AcuteTwin head.

In example: If you connect the two plugs of an AcuteTwin to the Lamp Head Sockets A and B [9] of a D4 1200 generator and use both outlets at 600Ws, the flash duration is just 1/1600s. instead of 1/1000s. at max. power with one AcuteHead.

Petrol-Electric Generators

All petrol-electric generators can produce voltage peaks that may damage electronic devices. If you power a D4 flash generator with a petrol-electric generator distributing 190-240V, you have to use one separate Profoto ProGas2 (protective device against dangerous high voltage) for each flash generator connected. To power one D4 one 3000W petrol-electric generator is recommended, for two D4’s one 6000W petrol-electric generator etc.

PLEASE NOTE! Voltage peaks of petrol-electric generators can also shorten the lifetime of the modelling lamps; we recommend using the modelling light in the 1/2 PROP mode.

Profoto

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The Light Shaping Company

The Light Shaping Company

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Profoto

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Profoto D4 Additional Information, Automatic Safety Functions, Computer Connection, Colour Temperature, f-stop Stability