Frequently Asked Questions - Innovatronix Tronix Explorer Mini User Manual

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Frequently Asked Questions

There are 2 models. How do I know which one will I need?

The model denotes the voltage output of the Tronix Explorer Mini. Select the model which matches the input voltage

of your studio flashes or power packs (or other equipment).

For example, Tronix Explorer Mini 120-60 models are used by photographers in North America (Mexico, USA and

Canada) and other countries such as Japan where the convenience sockets give 100-110V. Tronix Explorer Mini 240-50

models are used by photographers in Europe, Middle East, Africa, South and Central America, Australia, New Zealand and

most parts of Asia and Asia Pacific regions.

How do I know if my strobe or power pack is compatible with Tronix Explorer Mini? Why not all strobes and power

packs are compatible with Tronix Explorer Mini?

Tronix Explorer Mini is compatible to more digital strobes, including bi- voltage strobes compared to previous Tronix

Explorer models. However, compatibility to all strobes and power packs in the market is not guaranteed due to differences in

design of strobes and power packs between brands. For more information on compatibility of studio flashes:

http://www.innovatronix.com/compatib.asp

In a few cases, digitally controlled strobes will not be compatible with Tronix Explorer Mini. This is because after a

flash is fired, the capacitors inside the strobe will draw a large inrush current. Tronix Explorer Mini cannot adequately provide

such current. Thus, for a few seconds, the voltage output will be less than adequate. This is not a problem for analog flash,

however. Analog flash can tolerate this voltage drop. For digital flash units, this will probably cause a reset of its settings to

power up stage. Though this case is not damaging to the flash or Tronix Explorer Mini, the flash will just not work properly.

For incompatible bi-voltage strobes, due to voltage drop of the inverter when the flash is fired and during recycling

time, the bi-voltage strobe is unable to find its working voltage, either 110V range or 230V range, thus causing the relays to

flip over which can damage the flash overtime. Some bi-voltage strobes are compatible because Tronix Explorer Mini is able

to charge the flash before its software can detect the abnormality or voltage drop.

How do I charge the Tronix Explorer Mini?

Using the battery charger unit, connect the charger to the inverter unit. Then, plug in the charger to the convenience

socket, 100V to 240VAC For a fully discharged battery, except for the initial charging, charging can take about 4 to 6 hours.

How many pops can I expect with one full charge?

The number of pops will depend on the type of flash unit and the power loaded to Tronix Explorer Mini. Small loads

will produce greater number of pops and faster recycling time compared to large power loads.

Even at same power rating, for example, a 500ws bi-voltage flash and a 500 ws analog flash, and connected to the

same fully charged Tronix Explorer Mini, these flashes will give different number of pops. In most cases, the analog flash will

give more pops than the bi-voltage flash.

What are the things to watch out when using Explorer Mini?

Just like any portable power source from batteries, the recycling time of Tronix Explorer Mini for flash units and

power packs can never be faster than the recycling time when a flash unit or power pack is plugged directly from a

convenience outlet or power line. In addition, modeling lights should be switched OFF as continuous load drains the battery

at a higher rate.

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