Fitting The Modelling Lamp; Fitting / Removing Reflectors; Fuse; Synchronisation - Bowens GEMINI DIGITAL 500 Operating Instructions Manual

Esprit gemini digital
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Fitting the Modelling Lamp

Switch off and disconnect from the supply. Screw modelling lamp into ES lampholder in the centre of
the reflector. Allow lamp to cool before removing.
Note: It is recommended that a Photoflood or Halostar bulb with a maximum wattage of 275W is used.
Bowens will not accept liability on the use of any lamp with a greater wattage than 275W.

Fitting / Removing Reflectors

A wide range of reflectors are available for the Esprit range. To fit, slide the neck of the reflector over
the front of the unit. Align the three pegs on the reflector with the three slots in the retaining ring. Press
down and turn clockwise to lock.
To remove reflector, pull back Latch Release Key (page 4), turn the reflector fully anti-clockwise and
withdraw.
If an umbrella is to be used a 'Wide Angle Reflector' should be fitted and the umbrella fitted through the
mounting hole in the mounting bracket and locked in position with the knurled screw.
Note: Take care when fitting / removing reflectors not to damage the flashtube assembly. The flashtube
is very delicate, avoid unnecessary handling of the glass tube. Always switch off and disconnect from
the mains supply before fitting and changing reflectors.
Warning High Voltage!
Do not touch the flashtube assembly for thirty minutes after disconnecting from supply.

Fuse

The modelling and flash circuitry is protected by a single 20mm fuse mounted on the rear panel. Never
replace the fuse with one of a different rating. As the fuse may blow when the modelling lamp fails
always check the fuse when replacing the bulb. A spare fuse is supplied and located in the fuse holder
at the back of the unit. Always switch OFF and disconnect the Esprit Gemini unit from the power supply
before changing the bulb or fuse.

Synchronisation

There are several ways to trigger the Esprit Gemini Digital
Photocell:
The Esprit Gemini has a built in switchable photocell enabling the unit to be triggered by the flash from
any other flash unit or a small camera mounted flash gun. The photocell is mounted behind the red
transparent cover on the top of the unit. The Photocell has various trigger modes, see page 12 for full
details.
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Sync Socket:
The standard quarter inch jack type socket on the rear panel of the unit may be used for direct
connection to a camera set to 'x' synchronisation. Two Esprit units may be connected together using a
'y' connector. An Infra Red Receiver, Omnicell or Pulsar Radio Trigger systems may also be plugged
into this socket. The socket operates at +5V and is safe for use on digital cameras.
Open Flash:
For testing or multiple flash applications the Open Flash Push button can be used.
The flash power output is variable over five f-stops from full to 1/32 power, in 1/10 stop increments.
The maximum power available depends upon the model (See specification table). The Flash Power
output value which is shown on the side of the unit can be set to be displayed in either f-stops or Joules
(Ws). The Flash Power display setting can be changed via the ʻAdvanced Functionsʼ in the menu
system.
The Flash Power display can also be ʻinvertedʼ so it is displayed upside down. This is a useful feature
when using the unit from a ceiling mounted rail system when the unit will be upside down. This feature
is available through the Advanced Functions menu.
Note: If the unit is subjected to rapid operation over extended periods, it may automatically go into an
overheat condition. In this condition the charging and modelling functions are disabled in order to allow
the unit to cool. The unit will automatically resume operation once cooled sufficiently.
The modelling lamp control options are available within the ʻnormal functionsʼ through the digital
display on the side of the unit. The modelling lamp options that are available are either OFF, USER (in
USER mode the modelling lamp output can be set from F5.0 to F10.0), PROPORTIONAL (modelling
lamp automatically adjusts itself to be in proportion to the flash power output), or FULL (the modelling
lamp is set to maximum power output).
Note: The modelling lamp can only be used when the unit is operating from mains power, when the unit
is working from battery power the modelling lamp options are disabled.
GEMINI Digital User Controls
The ʻFlash Powerʼ, ʻModelling Lampʼ and ʻOther Optionʼ settings are all available by using the ʻrotary
controlʼ on the side of the unit in combination with the ʻMENUʼ and the ʻDONEʼ button; all of the options
and settings can be seen via the 7-segment LED display above the buttons. All of the various options
and settings are stored to the unitʼs memory.
Synchronisation cont.

Flash Power Control

Modelling Lamp Control

Functions Overview

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