Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

This is puzzling to me and perhaps you can provide an answer: It has been reported that the Vagabond Mini Lithium (115v version) will not power two Elinchrom D-Lite 4s which are multi-voltage lights. A video demonstration of this can be found on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSV2FIw7_9g

However, in another video on Youtube, a 230v VML is showing powering two D-Lite 4 ITs effortlessly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_chkTSaG1HM

The unknown here is whether the D-Lites in the first video were the newer "IT" versions or if that would have made any difference in the outcome.

Is there an explanation as to why the 230v VML can power two multi-voltage D-Lites while the 115v versions cannot? Would it make sense for US-based D-Lite owners to opt for the 230v VML rather than the 115v version IF the VML were assigned to multi-voltage strobe use only?

Dave F.

The voltage drop on recycle on a VML120 can go down to 30V or so; while on the VML230, it will go down to about 150V or so. It could be the 30V is outside the operational parameters of the DLites, while 150V is not. It could be a difference in in "IT" vs non. "IT" versions may be able to deal with voltage drop. Or, I could be totally off the mark, as we are not aware of the design specifics of those lights.

I suspect TS is correct here. The problem appears to be D Lite processor power supply. It's probably designed to handle from about 60VAC to 250VAC, so the 230V VML keeps it in this range better than the 120V VML. Probably the same with BX series.

This is *very* interesting, Paul. The battery and charger for the 115v and 230v versions of the VML are the same, aren't they? If they are, one would only have to buy a 230v VML inverter unit and pop in a VML battery to create a 230v model, correct? For US residents with two D-Lite 4 ITs, having the 230v inverter would allow both strobes to be powered from a single VML as demonstrated in the video I cited in my original post in this thread.

Would Einstein recycle times using a 230v VML differ from recycle times using a 115v model?

Thanks much,

Dave F.

Yes, they are the same.


Yes.


Quite possibly. However, this would not be a guaranteed compatability, as manufacturing tolerences could possibly alter results. We would of course still honor the 60 day Satisfaction Gurantee, as well as warranty the VML.



They are very very similar, but I will have to find some documentation for specifics.

Thanks much for the detailed reply, TS. I'm sorely tempted to give the 230v inverter a try.

Dave F.

Hi all,
I just found this thread and have a question hoping you can help.

Dave or TS,
Hope you're reading this thread but have you tried the 230 VML? I too own a couple of D Lite 4 and sorely wanted to get the VML.

Also a question since I'm such a newbie.... the 230V seems to have differnt (diagonal) AC outlet plugins.... is there an adapter or better yet, where can I find one?

We only have one of the Elinchroms, so cannot say for sure. As for the power cord, we carry the 230V power cord (as do our AU and EU distributors). It is the Australian/Chinese plug design.

See viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1622&p=10365#p10365
for more info on 120V VS 230V VML

Thanks so much for the info and quick replies. Looks like I'll be placing an order for the 120V to use with my Elinchrom Dlite 4