Running a 1.2k HMI off a 240v 15amp socket?

Grug

Grug

Veteran
Hi guys,

I'm looking into picking up a 1.2k HMI (since I seem to always need at least one source with that much kick these days). And I've stumbled onto a couple of possibilities. In particular the older Profoto 1.2k HMIs, which are just like a Joker Bug and can be paired with their new PAR Reflector or any other Profoto modifiers. Or the other alternative is a Broncolor 1.2k HMI PAR.

I need to be portable with these lights, so what I'm trying to determine, is whether I'll be able to start properly and run off a 240v 15amp socket? (namely, one attached to a 3000w gennie like this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/160822544529?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649).

I know that 1.2k HMIs can be iffy on 120v 15amp sockets (due to the higher amperage they draw whilst starting up), but I don't know whether a 240v supply nullifies that issue?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Also if anyone is familiar with the 1.2k Profoto or Broncolor HMIs I'd love to hear your thoughts, namely on build quality and noise levels.

Cheers,

Mark
 
Bags spare. If you fire them up separately,two 1.2KW HMI will run off a 230/240V supply. I've got a couple of 1.2K discharges that have a 16A UK MCB providing protection, and these can even be left to fire up at the same time without tripping the breaker. Same thing with 4 575W versions I have, again, all running from a 16A supply - and the running current on the meter is well within the limits.

US voltage being lower means higher current - so for once, being in a 230/240V single phase area means thinner cabling for the same power consumption. A 1KW device in AU/UK draws half the current our US cousins need to provide.
 
Grug, fill us in if you go with the Profotos - I see Adorama is dumping several from their rental operation.

I used one years ago, but more as a space-light with a curtain; I think we also had one with something like a 16" grid reflector, if memory serves.

I don't know how much "Like a Joker" they are though; is there anything like a par attachment to give you some punch? I've only seen 'em with frosted globe covers. They're designed to work with Profoto stuff and I assume a lot of stills guys used them in softboxes. They show up a lot and are well regarded for dependability... but if I had a 1.2, I would really like to get the full par-style kick outta the thing!
 
Michael Carter said:
Grug, fill us in if you go with the Profotos - I see Adorama is dumping several from their rental operation.

I used one years ago, but more as a space-light with a curtain; I think we also had one with something like a 16" grid reflector, if memory serves.

I don't know how much "Like a Joker" they are though; is there anything like a par attachment to give you some punch? I've only seen 'em with frosted globe covers. They're designed to work with Profoto stuff and I assume a lot of stills guys used them in softboxes. They show up a lot and are well regarded for dependability... but if I had a 1.2, I would really like to get the full par-style kick outta the thing!
Click to expand...

Bit of an update for you. I ended up getting both the Profoto HMI (with the PAR reflector kit) and the generic 3.5kw gennie I mentioned as well. For the price, both work very well. My only gripe with the Profoto HMI is that the mirrored PAR reflector is actually designed for Profoto's newer and smaller HMI units (so although it fits the older model, the actual mirrored reflector (which drops in on top of the normal reflector) is too short to catch the full efficiently of the bulb - so I just use the unit's conventional reflector in combination with its lenses for most things). On the whole though, I love the light and it comes out on virtually every single shoot I do.

The gennie works well, and it's nice and portable. My only issue has been that I can't get it to power anything else when I run the Profoto HMI on it (even though the 1.2kw draw of the HMI should be WELL below the generator's 3kw 'sustained' energy rating. I'm going to try and test how many amps the ballast is drawing, because I fear it might be that which is hogging all of the generator's output.

So as things stand, I'm having to use the generator solely for the HMI on exterior shoots, and I'm using v-mount batteries to power a couple of LED panels at the same time. I really need more flexibility than that (and the ability to at least charge a couple of batteries whilst the gennie is running the HMI) and I'd rather not have to find the space for a second gennie just to run a couple of low-draw LEDs (it's more a transport space issue than a cost issue).

We'll see what happens.
 
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If your looking for a quick fix for powering your LEDs, Ive run several off of those Motomaster eliminator Powerboxes. Its pretty good for low wattage lights and monitors, and takes up relatively little space.
 
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