possible to use flciker free arri HMI's with non-sync home depot generator?

J

JCVR

Well-known member
I have heard yes and no from different people. Obviously it's not ideal, but i heard that it can be done. I'm in a tight spot and need to know if i can use 575 or 1200 arri flicker free HMI's with a standard 4000 watt home depot type generator.

anyone done it?
 
Hi:

Without a crystal sync generator, you will definitely get at least some flicker at some frame rates. The only way to know for sure is to do what DPs have done for decades...test.

Dan
 
An electronic ballast is free of the flicker issues related to the accuracy of the mains frequency. A magnetic ballast would have potential flicker problems with an uncontrolled generator.

As long as you are using an electronic ballast and you don't load the genny above about 60% of its rated capability, you are fine.
 
Some Electronic ballasts do have a button on them that does say "Flicker Free". If it does, push it in.
Otherwise, as stated by KHmuse, you should be OK as long as you have Electronic ballasts.
 
Interesting. Whats a 4k watt generator set you back at homedepot? I'd imagine a lot less than what a darn hmi ballast cost.
 
Keep in mind that there are other problems with using cheap gennys, besides their poor Voltage and frequency regulation, these things are pretty noisy, particularly when loaded near their rated capacity.

Yes these gennys are cheap, but ADR sessions aren't so pay attention to where they are placed and have enough big copper distro on hand to get them far enough away so as not to be too big of noise source.
 
yeah, getting the genny far enough away is the main concern now. thank you for all of your help. I might rent a cheap genny and see test an HMI tomorrow.
 
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