Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

If you go 110V you can't run modelling lights even if the VB is plugged into the mains .. !!

Ok, thanks, yes all my products will be either Einstein or ringflash. To do the above the 110v version would need to charge off 220v. Will it do this like the Vagabond II can?

HI,

Will the case be plastic/metal or the previous carry bag?

Would prefer high impact polycarb or something like that...

This is really good news!

Best,

Ed

Regarding the new lithium packs, I find myself torn. I only use my lights out at night doing field work (in real fields, usually corn fields :D ) I sometimes carry the gear for a quarter mile through deep snow. The idea of a very light batter is extremely appealing to me. I am currently using x5 Vagabond 1 and x5 WL X3200 monolights. When there's snow on the ground I can load most of this onto a toboggan and pull it behind me. The lighter batteries would make this significantly easier. However, like everything in life there is a trade off. I've been using the Vagabond 1 pack's weight to steady the lightstands. I sometimes have to deal with 40+ mph winds. If I had lighter packs, I'd have to find another way to weight down the lightstands. Hmmm. I will have to think this through. Might depend on the price of the new packs.


Kent in SD

The housing is high impact FR ABS . . . no canvas bag. Case includes a substantial removable stand clamp, shoulder strap and instant plug-in fully enclosed battery (no wires involved) two AC outlets. This is a fully evolved package and will be available in 120VAC and 230VAC versions. Target price is $239.95 as of today.

Very important: SLA batteries sulfate within hours if you allow them to remain discharged. They also slow down the recycle as they discharge and can only utilize about 2/3 of their capacity in high power inverter use. Only very recently has Lithium technology and price made this project possible. Ours are completely protected against excess charge or discharge voltages and currents that caused the Apple exploding battery flap a while back and are fully encased as a plug-in module. They don't even get warm in use.

Lithiums do not sulfate and can be left discharged without damage, retain constant recycle time throughout the discharge cycle, are able to use 95% of their capacity and have much higher power density than SLA. The 8.8AH Vag Mini battery weighs less than two lbs and provides the capacity of abut a 13lb 15AH "lead anchor battery".

Ironically, Profoto just introduced "BatPac" . . . an almost direct copy of Vagabond 2, complete with smaller SLA battery, wires everywhere, almost identical canvas bag and way high price. Go figure!

Yes, they can charge from 90V to 250VAC, and can be charged during use, in or out of the unit. They charge in about three hours and actually function best with frequent charging. In many studio uses, the charging will keep up with the discharging. If not, a battery swap takes 10 seconds.

Paul,

Hope you answer a few questions regarding the stand clamp and mounting.
Would you consider it boom mountable?
Can it operate in any direction? i.e. 0 vs 45 vs. 90 vs. 180 degrees
Does the clamp prevent movement?

Additionally, can it be used for light duty continous draw such as a 19-23" LCD display?

Fantastic, sold! Thanks for the reply. :D

Paul

Have you guys been having Vagabond inverter issues? Forgive me if this is elsewhere in the forum but I don't get alot of time to scan through and read it all.

I now own two blown VB2's ..what is the delivery date of this new battery system as it does look promising but for a working photographer I need solutions now not in six months.

Australia has no supply of VB's so I am forced to return the VB's for refund and buy third party ..

Tony :)

What is a realistic shipping date for the new battery pack?