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Portable Power Supply for Studio Lights

  • 03-12-2008 2:16pm
    #1
    Click Clicky
    Closed Accounts Posts: 105 ✭✭


    Does anyone have any recommendations for a portable power supply for using studio lights in outdoor locations? I was looking at the Alienbees Vagabond II, but can't find a seller willing to ship here.

    I'm not looking to break the bank, just something affordable for occasional use.

    Any thoughts?


Comments

  • #2
    smelltheglove
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,503 ✭✭✭smelltheglove


    I have been thinking about this for a couple of weeks. I was thinking maybe one that you can hook up to a car, we went to a friends racing and they had kettle and toaster plugged into an attachment but then it will only work where you can park a car.....


  • #3
    mikeanywhere
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,735 ✭✭✭mikeanywhere


    Honda generator works well. make sure it has a true sinewave output though or else........................


  • #4
    Click Clicky
    Closed Accounts Posts: 105 ✭✭Click Clicky


    Thanks Mike, but I'm thinking more along the lines of a battery pack than a noisy generator.


  • #5
    CabanSail
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 9,047 CMod ✭✭✭✭CabanSail


    You could get an Inverter. It will convert DC (ussually 12V or 24V) into AC (110V 60hz or 240V 50Hz) You will probably be better off getting a True Sine Wave Output Inverter.

    You will then need to take some charged batteries to power it. You could use a Car Battery but be warned that if you discharge them to flat on a regular basis they will not last long. If you pay the extra you can get deep discharge batteries which will work better.

    Now .... you need to know the peak power consumption of lights. This will determine the size of inverter & the batteries you will require. I would suggest NOT using modelling lights as this will draw a lot of power.


  • #6
    mikeanywhere
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,735 ✭✭✭mikeanywhere


    Tried using a battery version of the above and it wouldn't operate two heads at the same time even though the combined power was much less than rating of the power supply.


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  • #7
    stcstc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,262 ✭✭✭stcstc


    paddy barker at barker photographic have a battery system that is design for this, its designed for mains lights and not the portable types.

    i forget what exactly its called, i do remember its 400 or 500, which is still cheap if you compare with the generators the lighting companies will sell you


  • #8
    Click Clicky
    Closed Accounts Posts: 105 ✭✭Click Clicky


    Yep, that's what I'm looking for - a purpose built lighting power supply, not a DIY frankenstein job. Thanks stcstc, I'll check them out.


  • #9
    ValueInIreland
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 335 ✭✭ValueInIreland


    Barker Photographic have a unit called "InnovaTronix Explorer XT" _ It's a complete portable system that will power two flash heads (even with Modelling lamps for set-up - They do flicker a bit). It has the correct Sine wave power output (whatever that is!) for studio lights and works with most brands. The good part is that it is only €370 Including VAT. Their No. is 021-4319766


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