Bowens Portable Generator QuadX 3000 User Manual

QuadX 3000 Operating Instructions  
QUADX 3000  
User Guide  
QUADX 3000 INSTRUCTIONS BWL- 0335 1-03-02  
BOWENS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  
355 OLD ROAD  
CLACTON-ON-SEA  
ESSEX CO15 3RH  
UNITED KINGDOM  
( )  
Tel:  
+44 0 1255 422807  
( )  
+44 0 1255 436342  
Fax:  
 
8.0  
Warnings  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
WARNINGS & FAULT FINDING  
If the unit appears to have developed a fault, first establish that it is a genuine internal fault  
and not a case of normal operation such as overheat. Carry out the following checks to  
eliminate any external causes. If no obvious problem can be found and replacement of the  
modelling lamp, flash tube or fuse does not effect a cure then it is likely that an internal fault  
has developed. Always return the unit to an authorised service centre if a fault is suspected  
after these checks. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU ATTEMPT ANY  
REPAIR yourself.  
1.0  
QuadX 3000 Control Guide  
2.0  
3.0  
4.0  
5.0  
6.0  
7.0  
QuadX 3000 Function Overview  
Getting Started  
Flash/Misfire Warning  
Following a flash, the unit will temporarily display READY on the red numeric displays for 5  
seconds. This serves as a convenient method of showing correct pack operation when two  
or more packs are running flashing together. If the unit receives a trigger signal from any of  
the valid sources (TEST, IR REMOTE, IR TRIGGER, SYNC) but fails to flash for any reason  
Menu System Overview  
The Information Menu  
The Main Selection Menu  
Advanced Options Menu  
then the red numeric will display “headfail”. Press  
to clear the message. Increase the  
power setting to maximum and use the TEST button to try and flash again. If the problem  
continues to happen on more than the odd occasion, particularly at lower power settings,  
then it is likely that the flash head tube is wearing out. Before replacing the tube, check that  
the trigger wire is correctly connected and is not shorted to or in close proximity to the metal  
reflector. If the unit fails to flash at all then check the flash tube for signs of damage or  
overheating.  
If the unit fails to flash and the display warning is not given then the Sync. lead and/or  
camera should be suspected. If possible check these with another flash system. Check the  
polarity of the Sync. from the camera and use an adapter to reverse it if necessary. The  
QuadX 3000 supplies a SYNC. voltage of +5V with respect to the chassis Ground.  
OVERHEAT Warning  
The unit is fitted with overheat protection that inhibits charging until the unit has cooled  
sufficiently. The display flashes the READY LED and displays a warning message on the  
LCD while the overheat condition exists. Overheat will normally only occur if the unit is  
flashed repeatedly at a fast repetition rate. Slowing down the repetition rate will normally  
help keep the unit out of overheat. Dimming the modelling lamp or turning it off may also  
help.  
8.0  
9.0  
Warnings  
Specification  
NOTE: The controls are inhibited during overheat to prevent inadvertent changes being  
made. The overheat condition remains until the pack reaches a target lower temperature or  
is turned off and then on after the pack has cooled by a few degrees.  
The Control Panel Does Not Light  
If the control panel does not light when the unit is switched on then first check that the AC  
power supply to the unit is OK and that the thermal resets buttons on the rear are set.  
Under exceptional conditions of use the internal fuse may blow. This is normal and is  
designed to protect the unit. Report the problem to your local service agent. Do not attempt  
to locate and replace the internal fuse.  
The Control Panel Lights but Does Not come To ‘READY’  
If this happens then first confirm that the AC power supply is adequate and within the  
prescribed limits. Try switching the unit off, wait a minute, and then switch on again.  
 
1.0  
QuadX 3000 Control Guide  
This page is intentionally blank  
Fig 1  
Sync Sockets  
Sockets On/Off  
A1,A2,B1,B2  
Power Level Displays  
A1,A2,B1,B2  
Ready LED  
Channel A Adjust  
Channel B Adjust  
Photo Cell /  
Slave  
Channel A and  
Channel B Adjust  
IR Remote  
Receiver  
Open TEST  
LCD Menu &  
Display  
Modelling Lamps  
On/Off  
Serial Comms  
Menu Navigation  
Keys  
Port  
Head Sockets  
A1,A2,B1,B2  
Carry Handle  
Fig 2  
Mains Inlet  
100-240VAC 50/60Hz  
16A  
On/Off  
Switch  
Charge  
CutOut  
Modelling  
CutOut  
 
7.0  
Advanced Options Menu  
QuadX 3000 Control Guide  
The QuadX displays information about the power available at each socket by means of 4  
RED numeric displays. In addition, this information is converted to Ws data and shown on  
the LCD.  
Advanced Options  
Setup Flash Mode  
Multi Trigger  
The multi trigger mode allows the pack to fire a multiple number of times following a single  
trigger signal. The number of times the pack will fire can be set in the range 2 – 50. In  
addition, the time between firing may also be set between 0.1 and 9.9 seconds.  
Each red numeric display is aligned with an associated outlet socket. Most of the QuadX  
controls are aligned with the associated socket.  
Looking at the sloping control panel area, from the handle there are 4 On/Off toggle  
switches. These switch the sockets On or Off if a socket is fitted.  
Note that the user must ensure that the pack will recharge within the time specified as  
otherwise it will not be READY and hence will not fire as expected.  
The red numeric display will show - - when Off and will be blank if there is no socket fitted.  
Selection and adjustment is performed using the  
changes to * when an item is ready to change.  
to scroll,  
to select. The > character  
Advanced Options  
Reset Job Counter  
The QuadX pack has two flash counters. The total flash counter, which can not be modified  
by the user and the job counter. Both counters increment on every attempted flash.  
Channel A  
Adjust  
Channel B  
Adjust  
The job counter may be used to record the number of flashes over a particular period by  
resetting it’s value to zero before a session and then reading the value after the session.  
To view the Job Counter select :  
FLASH COUNTER MENU  
Press Down to Reset  
READY  
LIGHT  
Channel  
A/ B Adjust  
Advanced Options  
Reset Job Counter  
Job Counter 000006  
Pack Total  
000010  
To reset the job counter press  
Beneath the red displays are two pairs of adjustment buttons. These control the power  
available from the channel socket pairs A1/A2 and B1/B2.  
To the left, there are three toggle controls to switch the photocell, I.R remote and modelling  
On or Off.  
To the right, there are two adjustment buttons to simultaneously raise or lower the power  
from channels A & B, keeping them in ratio. Beneath these buttons is the Open Flash test  
button.  
Beneath the LCD are 4 menu navigation buttons.  
HINT : Remember QuadX always displays the relative power for each socket,  
automatically adjusting the levels as sockets are turned On or Off.  
 
2.0  
QuadX 3000 function overview  
7.0  
Advanced Options Menu  
Your QuadX 3000 is a versatile and powerful photographic generator.  
Advanced Options  
Charge Control  
Flash Power  
To adjust the charge control :-  
Advanced Options  
Charge Control. Use  
Setup Flash Mode  
to toggle Auto/Slow charge.  
The pack has 4 head sockets which can deliver a total power of 3000W/S in various  
ways. At all times, the pack will indicate the available power at any socket. This is  
scaled such that 3000W/S represents 10 on the display. Lower power levels are  
proportional and adjustable in steps of 0.1 stops.  
Advanced Options  
This mode contains three advanced features :-  
e.g. A value of 9.0 represents half the pack, 1500W/S.  
Trigger Delay, Trigger Skip and Multi-Trigger. These features may be operated standalone  
or in conjunction with one another.  
The pack is divided into two channels A & B. These channels are further split across two  
sockets each A1/A2 & B1/B2. The energy available from each socket is displayed.  
Switching Off a socket, will cause the unit to dump the energy in order to maintain the  
remaining channel/socket. There is no need to manually accommodate these changes.  
FLASH MODE CONTROLS  
Selection begins : Advanced Options  
Use to scroll, to select.  
Setup Flash Mode  
> Trigger Delay:OFF  
Trigger Skip :OFF  
Multi-Trigger:OFF  
With channel A in use only, the full pack power is available to share between sockets A1  
and A2. Therefore a single head in A1 can discharge the full 3000W/S.  
Alternate Units  
HINT : Whenever a flash mode is enabled, the default menu will show Progmd on the  
default menu in order to show a mode is in place. All modes are switched OFF after  
powering off the unit.  
With a head switched on in either of the channel B sockets B1/B2, the pack automatically  
becomes asymmetric. In this mode, a maximum of 2000W/S is available across channel A  
and maximum of 1000W/S across channel B.  
Advanced Options  
Setup Flash Mode  
Trigger Delay:  
The Trigger delay function allows a timed delay between triggering the pack and the pack  
discharging. The feature maybe toggled ON or OFF and the delay period may be varied  
from 0 to 9.9 seconds in steps of 0.1S. Selection and adjustment is performed using the  
As you become familiar with operating the pack, you will notice short delays in the unit  
returning to ready during power adjustments. This is because the unit always adjusts the  
power level to match the displayed value for each socket. Turning a socket off for example,  
requires the energy to be dumped, hence the delay. A further reason is that for any given  
power level, the unit will automatically optimise the internal capacitor usage to minimise the  
flash duration.  
to scroll,  
to select. The > character changes to * when an item is ready to change.  
Advanced Options  
Setup Flash Mode Trigger Skip  
The Trigger Skip function is solely for use with 2 or more packs and is designed to allow the  
photographer to trigger packs alternately and therefore more rapidly. To do this, the pack  
must first be assigned a pack ID number, which must be less than or equal to the number of  
packs in use. Next, the number of packs must be set to equal the number of packs to be  
used. Each pack must be connected to the same trigger source. As a trigger signal occurs,  
the pack will begin counting the number of triggers. If this is equal to the pack ID, then the  
pack will trigger.  
Modelling Power  
Modelling On/Off is controlled by a single button. Modelling control to each head can be set  
to ON/OFF or INTERMITTENT. (Intermittent extinguishes the lamps when the unit is not  
Ready).  
There are 3 modelling modes namely, FULL, PROPORTIONAL and AUTOMATIC 100%.  
The FULL and AUTOMATIC 100% modes also provide a bias control allowing all  
lamps to be controlled in ratio.  
e.g. Consider 3 packs set up with Pack ID 1, Pack ID 2 and Pack ID 3.  
Having switched on the Trigger Skip function, the first trigger will cause Pack 1 to fire, the  
second trigger will cause Pack 2 to fire, the third trigger will cause pack 3 to fire. The fourth  
trigger will cause Pack 1 to fire and so on..  
Main Selection Controls  
The commonly required adjustments are grouped under the main selection menu. This  
allows control over the following :-  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Modelling  
Speaker  
IR Channel  
Bracketing  
 
7.0  
Advanced Options Menu  
2.0  
QuadX 3000 function overview  
Advanced Options  
Brightness  
Advanced Options  
There are a number of advanced features available on the QuadX. These are accessed by  
selecting Advanced Options from the main selection menu.  
This option allows the brightness of the RED numeric displays to be altered.  
Advanced Options  
Brightness. Use  
to adjust the brightness level 1 - 9  
The following is a brief list of features available, which are described in more detail in  
Section 6.0.  
Advanced Options  
Time Out Setting  
This option allows the unit to automatically revert to the default menu after a preset number  
of seconds. Additionally, if the value is set to 0, the unit will never time back to the default  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
Speaker Setup  
Alternate Unit  
Brightness  
- Control Ready, Error and keypad tones  
- Choose to display Power in Joules or as a percentage.  
- Control the display brightness  
menu and will rely on the user pressing the  
key to go back.  
Advanced Options Time Out Setting. Use  
to adjust the value 0, 3 – 30 seconds.  
Values 1 & 2 are deliberately unavailable.  
HINT : Holding down the will auto increment the values.  
Advanced Options Save/Recall Setup  
Time Out Settings - Control the time between Auto returning to default menu  
Save/Recall  
- Store and Retrieve pack settings  
Charge control  
- Switch between Auto and Slow charge rates  
This option allows the unit settings to be saved to the memory or loaded back from the  
memory. Additionally, the factory default settings may be loaded.  
Setup Flash Mode - Set Trigger Delays, Skip Triggers and Multiple Triggers  
Reset Job Counter - Clear the job count  
To Save(Store) the current pack settings :-  
Triggering System  
Advanced Options  
Save/Recall Setup. Use  
to select “Save to Memory”.  
The unit maybe triggered from the following sources  
Press to SAVE the pack settings and return to the Advanced Options Menu  
1.  
A sync plug in either of ¼" jack-type socket sockets will trigger the pack if the  
READY LED is lit. The sync supply is nominally +5V for low voltage camera  
operation. These sockets may also be used with Radio and IR triggers to provide  
a synchronous trigger.  
To Load(Recall) the pack settings from memory :-  
Advanced Options Save/Recall Setup. Use  
Press to LOAD the pack settings and return to the Advanced Options Menu  
to select “Load from Memory”.  
2.  
3.  
Test/Open Flash button. The unit will only flash if the unit is charged and the  
‘READY’ LED is either lit or flashing.  
Remote Photo Cell. When switched On, the unit will trigger in response to an  
external flash of light, if the READY LED is lit. Ensure the sloping panel is  
exposed clearly to the triggering light source.  
To Restore the pack factory settings :-  
Advanced Options Save/Recall Setup. Use  
Press to RESTORE the pack default settings and return to the Advanced Options Menu  
4.  
IR Remote Control Test. With the IR receiver switch, the unit can be triggered by  
the open flash test button on the IR handset.  
to select “Restore Defaults”.  
Adjust the FLASH & MODELLING controls to provide the desired settings and select any  
options required. Refer to the section on operation of the controls if required. Test flash the  
unit by pressing the TEST button.  
Advanced Options  
Charge Control  
Excess energy is automatically dumped when the flash power setting is reduced. Both  
increasing and decreasing the power setting generates heat inside the unit. Therefore  
avoid repetitive Up and Down power changes.  
This option allows the unit to either charge automatically achieving the fastest possible  
charge rate OR allows the selection of a SLOW charge rate.  
In using the pack, the user must consider the electrical load placed upon the mains supply.  
As a worst case, with 4 heads plugged in using 650W of modelling each, the mains supply  
could be overloaded with continual fast charge cycling. In such cases, switch to SLOW  
charge or use the lamps in intermittent mode, so that the loading is reduced during charge  
cycles.  
Refer to page 12 if you intend to make continuous use of the fast recycling feature of the  
unit.  
NOTE: If the unit is left unused for 6 months or predominantly used at low power settings it  
is recommended that the power be increased to maximum and the unit left switched on  
occasionally for at least 30 minutes to help preserve the life of the capacitors.  
 
3.0  
Getting Started  
7.0  
Advanced Options Menu  
The Advanced Options Menu offers the ability to control and adjust the following functions.  
Remove packaging and ensure the unit is switched Off. Setup a flash head, ensuring  
the protective cap is removed and the modelling lamp is switched on.  
1. Speaker Setup  
ADVANCED OPTIONS  
2. Alternate Units  
3. Brightness  
Reset Job Counter  
> Speaker Setup  
Alternate Units  
Plug the head into socket A1.  
Note : Locate the tapered part of the socket first, then press down on the cable end  
to ensure the socket ‘clicks’ into place properly – See diagram below :-  
4. Time Out Setting  
5. Save/Recall Setup  
6. Charge Control  
7. Setup Flash Mode  
8. Reset Job Counter  
Menu Navigation within the advanced menu is consistent with other menus.  
Use the  
Use  
keys to navigate to the options of choice. Use  
to modify the parameters.  
to select the option.  
Advanced Options  
Speaker Setup  
This option allows the tone and duration to be adjusted for the Error tone, the Ready tone  
and the Keypad tone. Each tone may also be individually turned On or Off.  
Advanced Options  
to scroll to the desired tone for adjustment.  
to scroll to the desired adjustment. to select.  
Speaker Setup.  
1. Switch the pack On. The unit will show one red display. If - - is shown, press the  
socket A1 On/Off button to turn the socket on.  
to select.  
2. The pack will now charge to a level proportional to the setting shown on the left most  
red numeric display.  
The > will change to a * character to show that the value may be modified using the  
keys.  
3. Use the Channel A adjustment buttons to vary the power level from socket A1. Adjust  
the unit to show 10 on the display. Use the open flash button to discharge the 3000  
W/S.  
There are 10 available tones. The duration is measured in steps of 0.1s in the range 1 to  
30.  
4. Switch the pack off. Plug the head into socket B2. This time the rightmost numeric  
display will illuminate. Adjust the channel power up to it’s maximum, noting that it will  
stop at 8.4. This is because the pack becomes asymmetric with any head switched on  
in channel B.  
HINT : Holding down the  
will auto increment the values.  
to go back and accept the changes.  
Once the value has been modified, press  
NOTE : Turning the speaker On or Off from the main selection menu will override the  
speaker On/Off settings if the speaker is switched from Off to On.  
You are now ready to begin using the pack.  
NOTE: If the unit has been left unused for 6 months or predominantly used with low  
power settings, it is recommended that the power be increased to maximum and the  
unit left switched on occasionally for at least 30 minutes to help preserve the life of the  
Advanced Options  
Alternate Units  
This option allows the unit to display energy in terms of Joules or as a percentage of total  
pack power  
capacitors.  
Advanced Options  
Alternate Units. Use  
to toggle between Joules/percentage  
 
6.0  
The Main Selection Menu  
4.0  
Menu System Overview  
The unit is considered to be in bracketing mode when the display indicates Bracketing  
Options or Bracketing Mode. Under these conditions the unit will automatically check and  
warn if the selection is not possible within the existing setting constraints. A warning occurs  
if the bracket step will take the unit outside of it’s normal operating range.  
The QuadX has a 3 tier menu which is simple to use and operate. The menus are  
selected using the four navigation keys at the bottom of the sloping panel.  
At switch on, the unit displays the DEFAULT MENU. This shows the following information :-  
Bracketing Mode Example  
As an example, assume a single head in socket A1 set for 7.0. First select a 0.3 stop  
A1 only  
250J  
1/1430  
Mod 100%  
CHB Off  
******  
******  
Normal  
Socket Status  
Energy per socket  
bracket step. Now select Low to High by scrolling and pressing  
.
Expected Flash duration per head  
Modelling = 100% and mode = Normal  
BRACKETING MODE  
Start -0.3F Next  
Centre 0.0F Pending  
Finish +0.3F Pending  
HINT : REMEMBER, TO GET BACK TO THE DEFAULT MENU, JUST KEEP PRESSING  
THE LEFT (BACK ) ARROW KEY  
The screen indicates the first flash will occur 0.3 stop below the present power setting. The  
second flash will be at the present power setting and the final flash will be 0.3 stop above  
The menu structure is arranged as shown below :-  
the present power setting. At any time, pressing  
bracketing mode.  
will take the user back and out of  
Information Menu List  
Main Selection Menu  
Advanced Options  
Speaker On/Off  
SPEAKER ON/OFF MENU  
The Speaker is ON  
This menu allows the speaker to be switched On or  
Off.  
Default Menu  
Bracketing Mode  
Modelling Mode  
Speaker On/Off  
Set IR Channel  
Advanced Options  
Modelling Status  
Flash Count/Temp  
Supplier Information  
Use the  
to toggle the speaker On or Off.  
Set IR Channel  
This menu allows the Infra Red Channel to be  
adjusted.  
IR CHANNEL SETUP  
Use Up/Dwn to modify  
Speaker Setup  
Alternate Units  
Brightness  
Use the  
to adjust the IR Channel  
Setting ALL allows the unit to respond to any IR  
transmitter.  
Current Channel= 1  
Use  
Use  
Use  
&
to scroll to the desired function.  
to select an option  
to go back.  
Time Out Setting  
Save/Recall Setting  
Charge Control  
Setup Flash Mode  
Reset Job Counter  
Advanced Options  
Items in the information menu can not be modified  
and are there to quickly view the main settings.  
MAIN SELECTION MENU  
Set IR Channel  
> Advanced Options  
Bracketing Modes  
From the information menu, modelling is always  
selected as the first item in the main selection  
menu.  
Pressing  
changed.  
at each selection, allows values to be  
Use  
&
to modify values, when set.  
To select Advanced Options, press  
at the menu above. See section Advanced Options.  
HINT : The easiest way to learn the menu, is to have a play to see what’s there.  
You can’t damage anything.  
 
5.0  
The Information Menus  
6.0  
The Main Selection Menu  
The Default menu is shown below and shows the following information :-  
The Main Selection Menu offers the ability to control and adjust  
the following common functions.  
MAIN SELECTION MENU  
Bracketing Mode  
> Modelling Mode  
Speaker On/Off  
A1 only  
CHB Off  
******  
******  
Normal  
250J  
1/1430  
Mod 100%  
1. Modelling  
Line 1 shows the socket status Active/Off.  
Line 2 shows the energy level per socket  
2. Bracketing  
3. Speaker On/Off  
4. IR Channel  
Line 3 shows the expected flash duration into a QuadX 3000 flash head.  
Line 4 shows the Modelling setup i.e 100%, Auto or Proportional. In addition on the right  
hand side, the display shows the mode of operation. This is always set to NORMAL at  
switch on and only changes when using the advanced programmed trigger sequences.  
It also provides the entry point into the Advanced Menu. Menu choice is denoted by the ‘>’  
character which always defaults to Modelling when coming from an Information Menu.  
To select an item, use the  
to scroll the screen until the > character is aligned with the  
item required. Press  
mode of operation.  
to select the item. The * character will move to indicate the new  
Pressing leads to the modelling status screen.  
A1  
A2  
B1  
B2  
CONT CONT CONT CONT  
MODELLING MODE 100%  
MODELLING BIAS:100%  
Line 2 indicates the individual lamp operating methods i.e.  
continuous, Intermitent or Off.  
Modelling  
Automatic 100% and Full (100%) have the further option to apply a dimming bias. Upon  
selection of these modes, press  
to adjust the value.  
again to enter the bias control menu. Here, use the  
Line 3 indicates the Lamp mode : 100%, Auto 100%, Prop  
Line 4 indicates whether any bias has been applied to the lamp settings. Ordinarily this is  
set at 100%, but in Auto 100% mode and 100% mode, the lamps may all be dimmed in ratio  
by applying a bias.  
In all cases, use  
to go back.  
Modelling Option Summary :  
Auto Charge in Use  
Caps 25’C Chrg 23’C  
Modelling Mode  
Modelling Mode  
Modelling Mode  
Modelling Mode  
Lamp Proportional  
Flash Count: 000001  
Pressing leads to the unit status screen. This indicates the  
charge mode, the internal temperature of the capacitors, the  
total flash count for the pack, Infra Red Channel and software  
version.  
IR CHAN=ALL S/W 1.0  
Automatic 100%  
Full (100%)  
Lamp Dimming Mode (Bias)  
Lamp Dimming Mode (Bias)  
Cont/Int/Off Modes  
Selection of A1,A2,B1,B2,All.  
BowensInternational  
If Cont/Int.Off is selected, a new menu will be revealed to allow mode adjustment of each  
socket i.e. Continuous, Intermittent or Off. This is also reflected by the red display.  
Clacton on Sea,  
Pressing leads to the unit status screen. This simply shows the  
supplier details.  
Essex,  
England  
0044 1255 422807  
Adjustment is made by pressing the  
at each line of selection. The ALL value represents a  
quick way to adjust all the lamps together. This will change to USER SET if any of the  
lamps is set differently to any other.  
HINT : At all times, pressing  
will take you to the Main Selection Menu.  
Bracketing  
Bracketing allows 3 consecutive shots to be taken at power levels above, at and below the  
current setting level. The bracketing sequence may be arranged to start at a low power  
working upwards or alternatively may begin at a high power and work downwards. The first  
thing to do when using bracketing is to ensure you have set the bracket step. Scroll as  
follows :-  
Bracketing  
Set Bracket Step. Now use  
to adjust the number from 0.1stop to 0.9 stop.  
Press when set.  
 

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