portable location light (no generator needed) ?

Yes, sorry I meant 2000 w. Was typing fast and didn't think .

And yes they are tungsten Fresnels, not HMI.
If we use two at once, they will defenitly be on separate circuts, there's only a rare chance we'll use two though.
After testing the honda with one 500w worklight (didn't have our rented lights at the time), it was still okay enough light for what we needed (just a bit of fill and mostly for actors "eye-light")
I could get away with 1000w tungsten fresnel only, but due to putting on gel and bouncing the light, plan is to use 2000w.

The shots we need are quick and there aren't many, so I dont plan on having the lights on/sucking power too long.

Thanks for that link, I saved it and will read up on it soon.



EDIT > question: what about just using 1 5k tungsten fresnel? would the honda handle just that alone?
or...well, I should read up on the info in the link you posted.

Hm..seems I need a 240v-to-120v step down transformer of sorts. Would canadian tire or any place that rents Honda Genny's out also have something like that?
I'll give them a call shortley (too early right now where I am, only 9:30am) But if anyone knows the answer that'd be great! [SIZE=+1]
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Remember by gelling the 2k's with CTB you will significantly reduce the lumens output by the lamp. You may want to test it to be sure you are getting what you need.
 
yeah that's why I'm thinking of going with the 2k's instead of the 1k, since with the CTB and us not using it (in some cases) as direct light, but instead bouncing it, I'll need a stronger light - thus the 2k's.
Still have yet to test with a 2k though, but with a 500w (though not CTB), I was able to judge, and it looked like double the power (so then 1k) would be just what we wanted.
...of course more light is better so if a 2k ends up looking like a 1.5k or so after the CTB, then it'll still be fine.
As long as I get about 1k worth of lumens, it looked good in the test.

I'm shooting in overcast and primarily with the actors in shady area's, so I'm not really competing with the full-on daylight sun.
 
GND said:
what about just using 1 5k tungsten fresnel? would the honda handle just that alone? Hm..seems I need a 240v-to-120v step down transformer of sorts. Would canadian tire or any place that rents Honda Genny's out also have something like that?
Click to expand...

You have two options when it comes to running 5ks on portable gennies. You can use a 5k with a 240V bulb and operate it off the 240V 4pin twist-lock on the generator. The 5k head has to be specifically designed to operate at 240V with a double throw switch (switches both hot and neutral simultaneously.) Where most 5ks are wired with a 60 Bates plug you will need an adapter to 4-pin 240V Twist-lock. A film rental house will probably have an adapter available

To power a 5k with the standard 120V bulb on an unmodified Honda EU6500is requires using a 240v-to-120v step-down transformer. As was the case with operating a 2.5kw HMI, a transformer will convert the 240 volts supplied by the 4 pin twist-lock back to 120 volts in a single circuit, that is the sum of the two single phase legs of 23 amps each., This larger 46 Amp circuit will be capable of powering a 5k 120V globe which will draw 42 Amps. Again, you will not have much power left on an unmodified Honda EU6500is to run much after the 5k.

I’m not familiar with Canadian Tire – is that a film rental house? You should call the film rental houses in your area for a step-down transformer equipped with a 60A Bates. It is not likely a tool rental house will have one equipped with a 60A Bates receptacle (or 50A Joy (sp?) in your case.)

Guy Holt, Gaffer, ScreenLight & Grip, Boston, MA
 
GND said:
...of course more light is better so if a 2k ends up looking like a 1.5k or so after the CTB, then it'll still be fine.
Click to expand...

After Full CTB, a 2k ends up looking like a 600W daylight source because the transmission of full CTB is about 30%. This is why HMIs are used as daylight sources - they are a lot more power efficient. You may want to consider using 1200W HMIs. You will be able to operate two of them on a generator. Just remember that unless they are Power Factor Corrected, they will draw more power than you think. If you are not familiar with Power Factor Correction in HMIs see the following thread: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=205548] What is Power Factor Correction in HMI.

- Guy Holt, Gaffer, ScreenLight & Grip, Boston, MA
 
if thats the case, I'd rather not run the 5k's off the honda.

as for HMI Power Factor Correction, I'll ask the rental place(s) if I decide to go with HMI's...I'm sure they have someone in the grip department that knows.
It isn't the difference between a regular HMI and HMI Par light is it?

I found a large film equipment rental house near by area that has many generators....I phoned them and they said the smaller, non-blimped inside a truck, gen's are 3k-7k, and roughly 400-1500 amp depending on size.
The 400amp should be enough for what I'm looking for based on what you wrote.


....Or I may just rent the arri pocket par HMI (or two?) with tons of battery's / belts.
 
GND said:
The 400amp (generator) should be enough for what I'm looking for based on what you wrote. ....Or I may just rent the arri pocket par HMI (or two?) with tons of battery's / belts.
Click to expand...

You will only need a generator that big if you want to use two 5ks. You should definitely consider running a couple of 1200W HMIs on the Honda EU6500is. Large movie generators are not only expensive to rent, but they also come with hidden costs that usually break the budget of independently funded HD projects. Movie generators require special tow equipment not found on Ryder or Penske rental trucks. For that reason, movie generators require that you rent a more expensive grip truck from a lighting and grip rental company in order to tow them. Lighting rental companies will not send out a grip truck without a company driver - further adding to the expense of renting a movie generator (driver rates run about $400/10hrs with overtime after 10hr).

A couple of 1200W HMIs on the Honda EU6500is will save you the expense of not only the generator, but also the added expense of a rental house grip truck and truck driver. While expensive, a couple of 1200W HMIs will cost less than the 5ks after you take into account the cost of renting and towing the 400A generator, and they will give you a lot more output (and will not cost much more) than the 125 Pocket Pars.

- Guy Holt, Gaffer, ScreenLight & Grip, Boston, MA
 
Yeah a few minutes after I posted my last message I thought about just renting HMI and going with the Honda, then renting cheaper lights but having to go with the rented expensive generator.

Then again, I now have more time to think about it since schedual conflict arose with my lead actor and sound guy for the crew, we're going to have to wait another week extra until we begin. (planned to shoot the 15th - 18th or so....now waiting until the mid 20's of june to begin).

I'll read up on that info you sent about generators and lights and google search some more in the meantime.
But at the moment, I agree...the 1200 HMI (or two) seem smarter then tungstens with CTB and a huge generator.
 
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