Electric Generators

[kitedemon]

Hi I'm new here I have a question and some confusion and perhaps someone will be able to clear up.

I see there are some ppl whom have knowledge of Alien bee vagabond II system. I am looking for a viable portable power supply for a day 8 hours of shooting with a dynalite 500. I have looked at the Vagabond system and a Honda Gen.

Questions,
How many batteries would a vagabond need for 8 hours of operation, at say mid range around 250 w/s over a day of use?

What size generator would be needed to power a 500 Ww/s pack (about 6000 volts) and how much power for a 1000 w/s pack (about 15000 volts)?


gryphonslair99 I don't actually understand your point...
"You mean something like this.
Pro-7b | Profoto USA

I shall repeat myself then: "Clean electricity, quiet, affordable, environmentally and model friendly."

What is the difference between Pro and Vagabond ? Both use lead batteries, I just don't get why a Vagabond is so much better environmentally. They technology of the battery is almost the same. If it were a bigger job or if I had not sold off my old profoto heads I'd likely buy a 7a 1200 the big brother of the 7b you quoted. It is hard to look at specs... the vagabond @ 960 w/s @2.7 seconds as the pro in max (1200w/s) power max output is 0.08-0.07 seconds. That is WAY fast. It is too bad that the price tag 3-5 times more.

Environmentally speaking lead batteries are lead batteries. I am also not convinced that a high efficiency 4 stroke gas generator is much worse that the coal power plant that make electricity from my wall. 15 hours of power from one Gal of gas is quite good.

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum.

I can't answer your question but the length of your shoot (8 hours) matters less than the number of shots you take (number of flash pops you need). Some shooters could make a Vagabond last all day...some could probably wear it out in a couple hours with the same equipment.

What about a vehicle? You may be able to use a vehicle to keep a battery pack charged up, rather than using a generator.

 

[Derrel]

You might want to check out the competition for the Vagabond II, the Tronix Explorer XT, which also offers the convenience of a piggyback battery that can be hooked up for long shoots.

Innovatronix Incorporated | Explorer XT

This sine wave inverter/battery pack can handle power packs up to 2400 watt-seconds, and has two built-in power outlets. The Explorer XT is also a 24 volt battery system, while the Vagabond is a 12 volt system.

If you need added capacity, the Tronix Explorer XT is clearly the better choice. It costs more, but it has higher capacity and better specifications as well.

 

[kitedemon]

I have not looked at the Tronix Explorer XT I did check with a mechanic about running off the alternator. I remembered Dynalite had a thing years ago but apparently it is very hard on alternator to the point of needing to replace it in a short time. I am unsure if that is totally true.