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| NEW Vagabond Lithium Extreme (VLX™) http://www.paulcbuff-techforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4406 |
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| Author: | Technical Support [ Wed Apr 02, 2014 4:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: NEW Vagabond Lithium Extreme (VLX™) |
There should be no problem running your lights off any of our Vagabonds. While we have not done full destruction testing on the combo, we do know the ION is essentially the same thing a VML, and pure sine wave inverters are generally safe for studio flashes, and we modify ours specifically for use with studio flash. Additionally, we have been selling the VML for over 3 years, and we have not had any concerns about damage to any light, and most flash units on the market can be run by the VML (at least one at a time). VLX should perform even better in this regard as it is a higher Wattage inverter. This means the voltage is able to remain higher, and less likely to crash the processor in digital lights (If the lights don't crash on ION, then they should not crash on Vagabond, anyway). I would suspect Photogenic is saying they will not take responsibility for what happens to the light if used with another product. This is general disclaimer CYA stuff. We will warrant the VML or VLX when used with any light, however, we can not extend the warranty to other brands or products either. |
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| Author: | Luap [ Wed Apr 02, 2014 7:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: NEW Vagabond Lithium Extreme (VLX™) |
To augment Tech, last week we bought four new ION units and extensively compared their performance to a VML™. ION is a near-direct ripoff of VML™, using the same inverter and battery, but with a significant difference. While the inverter is the same basic model as ours, we worked extensively with the manufacturer to optimize the inverter circuitry specifically for the high surge current limited function vital to charging flash units. We also increased the capacity of the power Mosfets to prevent failures. These proprietary alterations were not found in the ION units. The results of these tests revealed VML™ produced a 25% higher number of shots per charge at a given Ws load, a 28% increase in efficiency (battery power in vs flash Ws out) and 28% faster recycle times. These parameters were also extrapolated to, and concur with, Photogenic published performance specs. Although both batteries and both inverters are otherwise identical and from the same manufacturers, the VML™ sells for $239 from BUFF and the ION sells for $380 from B&H (59% more). The batteries sell for $89.95 from BUFF and for $145 for the ION from B&H (61% more). This kinda' blows the myth "You get what you pay for" Ironically, an ION with their accessory stand clamp ($19.95) actually costs more than the new VLX™ :| |
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| Author: | Luap [ Thu Apr 03, 2014 5:46 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: NEW Vagabond Lithium Extreme (VLX™) |
Here's a preliminary ad showing pix of VLX™, Carry Bag and OMNI reflector. Attachment: VLXpromoflyer3.jpg
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| Author: | BigIronCruiser [ Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: NEW Vagabond Lithium Extreme (VLX™) |
What is the maximum (practical) continuous load, and how long would it operate at the max? |
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| Author: | Luap [ Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: NEW Vagabond Lithium Extreme (VLX™) |
Max continuous load is 400W. At this power, the battery would run down in around 15 -20 minutes. We have not tested battery life with a continuous load like this so don't know the inverter efficiency with this type of load. The battery capacity is 170 watt hours. I'll try to find time to make some measurements. |
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| Author: | yitzy [ Fri Apr 04, 2014 1:14 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: NEW Vagabond Lithium Extreme (VLX™) |
Looks great Is the stand clamp removable? Doesn't look like in the picture, is there a place to connect a shoulder strap? |
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| Author: | Luap [ Fri Apr 04, 2014 3:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: NEW Vagabond Lithium Extreme (VLX™) |
The stand clamp is screwed on with four screws. It is removable, but it makes more sense to leave it on. The carry bag has a shoulder strap and handle. It's not designed to be used this way, but one could take the stand clamp off and turn it sideways in the bag and shoulder carry it while powering a light(s). But you have to be careful not to block the heat vents. One thing . . . a single VLX™ will produce the cycle rates of two VML™s, so it's a pound lighter and actually costs less. The big deal is the LiFePO4 battery because it is so much more economical to use and rugged for power shooters than the VML™ (or ION, Profoto B1, Quadra ranger, Batpack or Innovatronics) by a factor of up to ten. Lithium batteries continue to emerge, so we know things now that we didn't know three years ago. LifePO4's are very safe and not prone to the problems Boeing, Apple, and laptops endured with older style NMC batteries. VML™ still has its place for powering lower power systems with minimum bulk, weight and convenience, but you will end up replacing batteries every year or two depending on use. BTW, VMLs sell like candy. |
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| Author: | yitzy [ Sat Apr 05, 2014 6:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: NEW Vagabond Lithium Extreme (VLX™) |
Luap wrote: The stand clamp is screwed on with four screws. It is removable, but it makes more sense to leave it on. The carry bag has a shoulder strap and handle. It's not designed to be used this way, but one could take the stand clamp off and turn it sideways in the bag and shoulder carry it while powering a light(s). But you have to be careful not to block the heat vents. That won't be to comfortable for a assistant (VAL) to hold No way to add a 'D ring' for a strap? maybe i will be able to DIY something... VAL's in our studio currently use a soft camera strap with a Lumedyne pack Luap wrote: One thing . . . a single VLX™ will produce the cycle rates of two VML™s, so it's a pound lighter and actually costs less. The big deal is the LiFePO4 battery because it is so much more economical to use and rugged for power shooters than the VML™ (or ION, Profoto B1, Quadra ranger, Batpack or Innovatronics) by a factor of up to ten. Lithium batteries continue to emerge, so we know things now that we didn't know three years ago. LifePO4's are very safe and not prone to the problems Boeing, Apple, and laptops endured with older style NMC batteries. VML™ still has its place for powering lower power systems with minimum bulk, weight and convenience, but you will end up replacing batteries every year or two depending on use. BTW, VMLs sell like candy. I'm planing a big purchase soon, i currently have 2 VML's in my shopping cart...will probably switch them for 1 VLX |
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| Author: | z28mccrory [ Mon Apr 07, 2014 5:57 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: NEW Vagabond Lithium Extreme (VLX™) |
Cant wait to get one of these (current owner of an aging Vagabond 2 and a much loved VML). I hope this will be available in a different color than purple/teal? |
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| Author: | Luap [ Mon Apr 07, 2014 1:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: NEW Vagabond Lithium Extreme (VLX™) |
Sorry, that's the color. Should be available for order about Apr 20. |
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