2011 BLACK BOX INSTRUCTION MANUAL UPDATED: 09-20-2011 PDF DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE
Please read and follow these instructions, as they are different from any previous power supply for strobes you have ever used. Failure to follow these instructions is fairly common since no one likes to read instructions. This will result in possible harm to your unit.
First I wish to thank you for your business. You now have control of your flash unit with a higher reserve of power from a simple to operate, overbuilt photographic electrical storage product. A working pro photographer designed it. That’s me, been there done that. It is a common sense application of stable extra power, while eliminating useless power robbing electronics and features that are useless when the moment you are trying to capture, zooms past you.
You have three components to your kit. A charger, the Black Box and a module that goes in your flash. We'll start with the charger.
EURO CHARGER Model: 6100 A-C
“A-C” series chargers are new “switching” type devices which operate without the use of transformers. They use IC’s to control and regulate current and voltage. They automatically switch from the higher fast charge voltage to the lower float voltage when batteries are very close to being fully charged.
At the float voltage it is safe to leave the battery connected to the charger indefinitely, making charging pretty much fool-proof.
USE IT OVERSEAS:
This unit comes with the EURO international charger with 110VAC-60Hz to 240 VAC - 50 Hz input voltages and offers worldwide capability. It offers faster charging and the indicator is located on the charger. Our charger is 1000 milliamps, optional with every other manufacturer. It charges the larger battery in the Black Box in a shorter time.
All you need to purchase is a simple plug adapter; you do not need an inverter for the country you are visiting. Most adapter kits are available on line in Radio Shack, and similar travel stores.
Overseas, and you suspect the current is different from say the US, first plug it in and look for the green light. This tells you the wall socket you selected is correctly wired. This is a high level self-analyzing charger it will compute the voltage but be aware anything can happen overseas. Many countries do not have sophisticated electrical grids. Either of the ports called DIN plugs and sockets are OK for charging.
The cable connects and fits DIN ports only one way. That is look for the bump or key to align the cable and port properly.Do not expose unit to rain or moisture - use indoors only. It is not waterproof. No charger is. Do not remove cover. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer service to qualified service personnel.
The plug must be plugged into an outlet that has been properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local and national codes and ordinances.
Do not attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries or use this charger on any other device. Do not leave chargers plugged in when they are not connected to a battery. We have no control over the voltage or amperage coming into your home from spikes and brownouts originated by your power company.
The safest way to protect the charger is when you unplug the battery to go on assignment, take the charger out of the wall. The battery when connected actually helps protect the charger by allowing excess power to ground to dump.
Never make alterations to the charging unit provided and make sure any cords are located so that they will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to damage or stress.
Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way and make sure you re-charge batteries in well ventilated areas to prevent build-up of explosive gases. Allow space around the charger and adequate air circulation to reduce internal heat buildup.
THE BLACK BOX
CHECKING POLARITY - Plug the charger into the wall before connecting the output lead (the DIN) to the battery. In two seconds the green light should appear, no light , it is a polarity problem with your wall socket, try another.
IF THE BATTERY IS LOW - The green LED light indicates that the power is on. After the battery has been connected to the charger the red LED will light up and the green LED will go off. This indicates that the charger has gone into Fast Charge mode because the battery is down. The green LED will light up again when the charger has switched to Float voltage indicating that the battery is close 80-85% to being fully charged. The green will take it to full charge at a slower rate to fill it more.
IF THE BATTERY IS JUST SLIGHTLY USED - It may be down but not enough for a fast charge, it may just float back up on green only. This is normal if you shot say 100-125 shots.
SEQUENCE CHARGING
• Look for the green light on the charger when first plugged in.
• Connect to black box with switch "off".
• Then switch the box ON. If battery is low, it will go to red.
• Charger needs to be directly in the wall. Not on a modulated strip.
• Either din port is ok for charging or shooting.
• Make sure switch is ON when charging, and nothing else connected to it.
• Red indicates heavy charge rate, switches to green for trickle at about 85%..
• Leave on charger whenever not being used with switch ON this prevents sulphation.
• Only charge batteries when vertical. It's a good idea to not lay or store on side.
• Leave valve open on Pelican cases for traveling.
OPERATIONAL HINTS FOR BLACK BOX
• Do not run unit till it dies.
• You can get 900 to 1000 full pops, more on partial or auto mode without TTL settings
• Use the red caps when transporting or on an airline
• In wet weather a ziplock is a good idea
• Clean terminals on modules with isopropyl alcohol (93% or better) and an eraser if really brown
• Do not overstretch cord or pull plugs by cord
• The case may be cleaned with Pledge on a rag.
• Use red caps when not in use or charging.
• Do not try to discharge the battery to empty, it's not needed to recharge fully, it does not have memory
REMINDER; TURN THE BATTERY SWITCH TO “ON”
The part no one seems to read! - When not being used, the battery stays on the CHARGER with the switch on the battery ON and a green light. We made our pack bigger and smarter and tuned for the PRO because a PRO designed it and is ready to go into action at all times. There is nothing left to do except wait for your next job, grab the pack and you are out the door.
Leave it plugged in and ON and it can stay that way indefinitely unless your house gets hit by lightning! This has been one of the worst weather years we have had and if it's bad and close unplug it when you unplug your TV.
If you are taking a break during a Wedding or Shoot, it is prudent to save energy and shut the unit down. Not that it matters, but it saves your strobe, the battery could care less. A good rule is shut the flash first then flip the off switch on the pack.
DO NOT try to impress your friends with the speed and power of the battery strobe combination. You’ll blow the strobe. The number one killer of strobes is heat and fast cycling. The guys who make go-fast accelerated packs really don’t care if you max the strobe...you wanted speed didn’t you? The problem is the speed of a dead strobe is zero.
We guarantee the battery, but note, all rechargeable cells have a limited lifetime, usually about 700-900 recharges. Ours can go higher. This amount can vary depending upon how the battery was used.
MOUNTING:
Everyone's different! The box comes with D-rings for a strap and THE CLIP.COM belt clip. Users tell us the neoprene straps made by PRO or Optec work best. Soft on the shoulder, the women don't mind it with the Optec or PRO type strap. The pack also comes with THE CLIP, suitable for belt use or for mounting on a light stand. See options on website. Remember the clip only comes off when in the horizontal position.
THE MODULES THAT CONNECT TO FLASH
Check the small screws on the DIN plug to see if it is tight. If the screw is loose you may use clear teflon nail polish available in any drug store, Blue Locktite. Do not use superglue, it eats more than it glues.
Use Isopropyl alcohol of 93% or better to clean flash contacts on the module. It's also a good idea to clean the hotshoe and foot, where they make contact on the prism. Do not use rubbing alcohol as it contains oils and water, about 30% content as this is what you are trying to get rid of.
NOTE: Good isopropyl alcohol is used in the soldering field to pre-clean and clean-up solder joints. I also use it for camera repairs and cleaning both ends of AA batteries if you are still using them and have had them in your hands. Also do not touch any button or flat coin style battery with greasy hands, clean with the isopropyl alcohol. On another note do not drink this stuff, you are better off with Vodka.
THE BLACK BOX - REMINDER
• When you are on the job, remove the charger from the wall. If you have a brownout or surge, the charger is protected. Chargers not connected to a battery are not!
• Put it back on the charger - As soon as you shoot a job, put it back on the charger. In some cases when the battery is brand new, it sometimes has to adjust to the charger and may sit for as long as a day before the initial charge takes hold.
• Do not fully discharge the battery, prior to charging. In fact, that is damaging to the battery. Just plug it in and the brain will adjust to its needs.
• Do not try to impress your friends - with the speed and power of the battery strobe combination. You’ll blow the strobe. Realize the Black Box battery has more unlimited power than the flash requires.
• Be a good environmentalist: The sealed lead acid batteries must be disposed or recycled properly and please do not throw them in the trash. Pack over three years old? Send the pack to us, we'll overhaul it completely, install a new battery, new wiring system, any parts needed, dispose of the old one and the average cost for all this, two day service and Priority Mail is under $50.00. CONUS and we’ll get rid of the old battery.
• The two DIN ports on the top allow dual flash rigs. Run two flashes off one battery. We will provide Jacobs Photo/Graphics DIN style plugs for your Quantum cables at small additional cost. The main constraint is that both strobes should be the same make and manufacture.
• The average BLACK BOX using a SB-800 or a Canon 580 EXii will achieve somewhere around 900 to 1100 full power shots, this is higher on auto or partial power, almost 60% more and then start to bleed off rapidly.
• Do not run the battery to dead. When you over exhaust the battery below say 5.8 volts, a safety device we built in the charger might refuse to charge the battery. And do not store or leave the battery off the working charger. This causes sulphation.
• SLA Batteries are legal on any airline. Be a good environmentalist: The sealed lead acid batteries must be disposed or recycled properly and please do not throw them in the trash. Send the pack to us, we'll overhaul it completely, even replacing parts and worn items and re- battery it for $45.00 – 55.00 plus freight charges and be more than happy to dispose of the old battery. Other brands charge from 100 to 200 dollars for this.
• Please be advised that specifications, performance, parameters, appearance, and dimensions of our products are subject to change without notice. Since we have a liberal upgrade program, you may request free assistance at any time. For more up-to-date information about Jacobs Photo/Graphics, GearHeads, Al Jacobson, contact me at ajacobs2@tampabay.rr.com.
• Thank you for your business and
if you need anything just Email me with your phone number. I'm more than happy
to call you and you will hear a live voice!
CLIP JOINT - THE CLIP LOCKS ON IN PLACE AND ROTATES
This is so it will not fall off your belt. To remove the clip rotate the clip to horizontal and press lever at top. The clip will break the stud if you try force, its designed to. Clips and studs are replaceable for 15.00 parts and labor to reinstall, glue, rivets and backing plates on the black box.
OFFICIAL STUPID DISCLAIMER AND LANDFILL PERMIT
There are no stupid questions.
Questions are because of indecision, something is not clear, I may not of explained it right, you have cause, or they wouldn’t be asked. I have never belittled anyone who asked for a clarification before a disaster. There are however, separate categories for those who forge ahead and blow the whole thing into pieces. This is why we build landfills. Don’t be a Landfill Contributor. To me questions are a sign of intelligence. The landfill is loaded with ideas, thoughts and questions that never were asked
resulting in the incredible amount of junk created by those who failed to ask
the right question at the right time.
Landfills, are similar to cemeteries, they too fill up with the occasional mistakes folks make like drinking and driving, driving in the weather, just driving too fast or stupidly. Mister stupid does get around….he seems to travel with St. Murphey-Lawes, the patron saint of things that go bad. At times he's just an equal opportunity trouble maker.