Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

To understand the problem - here's my situation: I live in the US at the moment but will move back to Europe in less than a year. Since I want to buy an Alienbee B800 NOW and a Vagabond Mini (+ one extra battery) I am not sure which version to get.
I'll probably live in Europe for next years so I think the 230V version of both (B800 + Mini) would be best - but I want to be able to use them for the next months here in the US.

Can I get the 230V version of both and use them here in the US with a magnetic transformer (as suggested on the info page for international customers or do I need a transformer here at all?) without causing any damage?

As you can see I don't really know a lot about this matter and I just don't want to buy the wrong version or damage anything / not be able to use them in Europe/here.

Thanks!

First, you may want to consider Einstein, as it has global voltage, broader power range (both more and less power availabel than the B800), better color consistency throughout the power range, shorter flash durations, etc. This can be used directly in the wall here, as well as Europe, with no transformers or manual power switching. Additionally, we offer 120V and 230V versions of the Vagabond Mini, either of which can be used for Einstein regardless of mains power. The only accessory would would need to get is a 230V mains power cord. The additional cost of Einstein is somewhat offset by the cost of the transformer, and even more so if you opt to use the Cyber Sync system, as its reciever is less than a standard or plus model reciever ($30-60USD savings, depending on model).

Beyond that, if you get a 230V vsersion, you will need a transformer for use in the U.S.. If you get a 120V version, you will need one in Europe.

However, if you get a 230V mini, it can charge in the U.S. without a transformer, only a plug adapter. You will then be able to use your 230V light with the mini in the U.S..

Thanks for the fast response!

I'm just going to bump this topic because I have the same situation.

I put all my questions in bold, the other stuff are just assumptions.

If I understand correctly, the Vagabond Mini 230V is only different in its *output* sockets/power, not the input (ie. wall charger).

I don't intend to do *any* studio work with this setup. Just on-the-go stuff.

230V Mini+230V AB's = perfect for Europe, only plug needed in US to charge VML
230V Mini+110V AB's = doesn't work, because the 230V Mini doesn't support 110V plugs
110V Mini+110V AB's = perfect for US, only plug needed in Europe to charge MVL
110V Mini+230V AB's = doesn't work, because the 110V Mini doesn't support 230V plugs

If I understood correctly (from this and other topics), the Vagabond Mini amd Einstein can be charged from 110V or 220V countries with a simple plug adapter. Nothing special there.

I know you can't use 110V Alienbees on in a 230V country without a magnetic transformer or they will toast, but what about the other way around? Could I use a 230V Alienbees in the USA with a plug adapter or will I need a magnetic transformer as well?

Lastly, I have a question about the 230V VML and their plugs. On the site it's depicted as a three plug adapter, unlike the 'normal' European 230V 2-pin plug or English 3-pin plug. Is there an option to get the 230VML with 2 round ploug output like mainland Europe uses?

Thanks in advance

Using a 240V light in the US on a 120VAC outlet would not damage the light, but would slow the recycle time considerably, and would not really be worth the effort.

The 240VAC vagabond has the plug styles (China/Austrailia) shown on the site only. These were chosen based on the availability of hardware to fit into the housing design. The larger Schuko style plugs would have required at least a different housing design.

Everything in your summary is accurate, except the following:



Depending on where you get it (us or PCB Austrailia or PCB Europe) it may have a US style charge cord. We include that type, I am not sure if our distributors do or not.

Ok, great! Thanks a lot!

I was hoping to be able to charge my electronics on the road with the VML, but that's not going to work without a Australia-Schuko adapter.
Adapters are too bad, but I'm more concerned about not damaging my equipment than I'm about a 5$ 2x2" adapter.

What is the input of the VML?

Also: you said the Einstein can be directly used in the wall in both US and Europe i.e. just with a plug adapter?

Hopefully I can open up the funds for an Einstein (I can't, but I could look at it as an investment needed to grow ;) ), that would make things a lot easier. Especially because I intend to use it for action sports quite a bit. If I'm going to settle on an Einstein it would be better to just get a 'normal' 110V VML I guess. I'd rather use 110v plugs than 230v plugs for the on-the-road stuff.

From what I understand recycle times for 110v and 230v are very similar, so that doesn't really matter either.

Charger input is 100VAC to 250VAC. As to which voltage you should get is up to you. If I were in a native 240VAC area and all my stuff was 240VAC, I would go that route, personally. I could use other stuff in it if needed. We do offer 3' and 15' power cords that are designed for the 240VAC VML, so no adapters would be required.

But it doesn't really matter, right? I don't really see the pro's of one over the other, or am I missing something? If it would be a Schuko plug, it'd be an easy choice, but as that isn't the case there's not really much difference. Especially considering I don't have any other strobist equipment (and if it would it'd be Schuko plug).

One last question: can I use a Schuko plug strobe (230v) with a 110v VML by just using a plug adapter? If so, I'll just get the American version.

If you only use the E640 with the VML, then no, there is not any real difference on which you get. You cannot use a 240VAC light, regardless of plug type, in the 110VAC VML. If you want or suspect you will want to use a 240VAC product, I would get the 240VAC type, and get a Schuko to Australia plug adapter.

However, most OEM camera battery chargers, laptop chargers and the like (things that convert AC to DC) are 100VAC to 250VAC compatible. Check your device to be sure, but other things can be run off either VML.

Hi to all!

I would like to make it simple without technical explanation details.

If I'm gonna to use ABR800 + Vagabond Mini in Europe. Except ABR800 what exactly I should buy?

This: http://www.paulcbuff.com/vm120-230v.php
or
This: http://www.paulcbuff.com/vm120.php

And do I need something more, if yes what exactly? (link please)

Thank you in advance.