The Vagabond Portable Power System
Operating Instructions
(Models V150 and V300)
WARNINGS:
The Vagabond system is not designed to power other brands of photoflash equipment. Paul C. Buff, Inc. cannot be responsible for any damage or liability that might result from unauthorized usage.
The Vagabond system should always be grounded using the supplied grounding lead and clamp. Failure to properly ground the system may result in a life threatening shock hazard. Grounding may be accomplished by attaching the grounding clamp to the supplied grounding stake or to a water line. Gas lines should not be used for grounding. To assure proper grounding, always use three prong power cords and extension cords when connecting the flash units. Two wire cords should not be used, as this would result in an improperly grounded system. Proper grounding is especially important when operating the system on damp ground. Never operate your Vagabond system in the rain or in close proximity to bodies of water. Remember, a lighting system powered by Vagabond functions similarly to a system powered by house wiring and presents the same potential for electric shock.
Do not connect an external battery directly to the internal battery. To use an external battery, you will disconnect the CU-150 unit(s) from the internal battery, and connect the CU-150 unit(s) to the external battery.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The Vagabond Portable Power System (available in two models: the V150 and the V300) is designed to provide a portable, battery power source for Paul C. Buff, Inc. flash units. The heart of the Vagabond system is the CU-150 power converting unit(s), which convert current from the 12 volt internal battery to a 120 Vac, 60 Hz, current-controlled true sine wave power source. The Vagabond V150 is prepared to power up to ten flash units, while the V300 can power up to twenty. Depending on the total number of flash units, and the total number of true wattseconds combined, the Vagabond will automatically adjust the system recycle times. Each CU-150 unit has a grounded power outlet, where you may plug in the power cord from your flash unit directly, or plug in a power strip to accommodate multiple flash units. The Vagabond provides a true sine wave power source for Paul C. Buff, Inc. units, with a rechargeable battery that charges overnight for shoot after shoot.
The Vagabond V150 includes:
• 1 CU-150 Power Converting Unit
• 1 B15A 15AH Battery
• 1 VBC Global Battery Charger
• 1 Grounding Rod with Wires
• 1 Car Lighter Adapter
The Vagabond V300 includes:
• 2 CU-150 Power Converting Units
• 1 B15A 15AH Battery
• 1 VBC Global Battery Charger
• 1 Grounding Rod with Wires
• 1 Car Lighter Adapter
Both complete systems will come assembled and ready to charge with all necessary wires in the Vagabond Carrying Bag.
Getting Started:
1. Taking Inventory
First, take a quick inventory of the items included to ensure that there are not any missing items, and that no items have been damaged during shipment.
1. the green grounding wire
- the green grounding wire will be wrapped and tied, found in the top
component of the shipping box with the manual
- the grounding wire will have a clamp on one end, and a ring connector
on the other
2. the grounding rod
- the grounding rod will be wrapped in bubble wrap, found inside the
shipping box, outside of the Vagabond bag
3. the VBC Vagabond Battery Charger
- the VBC is a black, rectangular piece with a wire attached to the side
(the VBC has the words “LAN POWER” embossed on one side)
- the wire attached to the VBC has a red and black connector pair on one
end
- the VBC is found inside the front pouch of the VBAG Vagabond Bag
4. the VBC Vagabond Battery Charger’s AC Power Cord
- the power cord will be wrapped and tied, found in the front pouch of your
VBAG Vagabond Bag with the VBC
- the power cord has a two-prong AC plug on one end, and a two-pin
appliance connector on the other
5. the cigarette lighter adaptor
-the cigarette lighter adapter cord will have a red and black connector pair
on one end, and a car cigarette lighter (car auxiliary port) adaptor on the
other
-the cigarette lighter adapter will be wrapped and tied in a clear plastic
bag, found in the front pouch of your VBAG Vagabond Bag, in the right
velcro flap pocket
6. the power converting unit(s)
if you have the Vagabond V150 system:
- there will be 1 CU-150 Power Converting Unit found inside the VBAG
Vagabond Bag when the top is unzipped
- the CU-150 will be seated on top of the B15A Vagabond Battery with an
orange/brown separation panel dividing the inside space in half (the other
side will be empty, where you can add an additional CU-150 unit to the
system in the future, if needed)
if you have the Vagabond V300 system:
- there will be 2 CU-150 Power Converting Units found inside the VBAG
Vagabond Bag when the top is unzipped
- the CU-150 units will be seated on top of the B15A Vagabond Battery
with an orange/brown separation panel between them
- a green wire will be in place, connecting the two CU-150 units with ring
connectors, tightened down with a wing nut
7. the B15A Vagabond Battery
-the battery will arrive seated in the bottom of your VBAG Vagabond Bag
(you can gently lift the CU-150 unit(s) to see that the battery is place)
8. The VBAG Vagabond Bag
- the padded Vagabond carrying bag holds the B15A Vagabond Battery
and the CU-150 Power Converting Unit(s), divided with separation panels
- the Vagabond bag has a wide shoulder strap for travel, and two straps
across the back for attaching the system to a light stand
CHARGING THE VAGABOND BATTERY:
To begin shooting, you will need to first ensure that the battery is fully charged. To charge your battery, you will use the supplied VBC charger and its AC power cord.
LED Red means that the VBC is charging the battery using current-
regulated output
LED Flashing Green and/or Red means that the battery is almost fully
charged, and that the VBC charger is periodically checking the
battery voltage
LED Green means that the battery is fully charged, and the VBC is
maintaining the battery using the trickle charge mode, operating
with voltage-regulated output.
For optimal performance, please charge your battery for 12 HOURS before your first use. This will ensure the best performance and longest lifespan for your battery.
GROUNDING:
If you have the Vagabond V300 System:
WAYS TO PROPERLY GROUND YOUR VAGABOND:
It is very important to ensure proper grounding for your safety, and the safety of others working with you, whether shooting outdoors or indoors.
If you are shooting outside:
If you are in an open space out of doors, you can use the supplied grounding wire with clamp, and the supplied grounding rod. Simply clamp the grounding wire to the grounding rod, and push or pound the rod into the ground. Moist soil is a more effective ground surface than dry soil, but both will work. Sand is also acceptable, but the quality of the ground connection will be better in moist sand than in dry sand.
If you are shooting outdoors, in an urban environment:
Any conductive object that is imbedded in the ground, in a concrete/pavement slab, or sticking out of the sidewalk is likely to be an acceptable ground. For example, a sign post or a lamp post base, a fire hydrant, a wire link or a chain link fence, a manhole cover, a storm drain grate or a steam vent grate are all things commonly found in an urban environment, and these are all likely to be quite acceptable as a grounding point for attaching the Vagabond grounding wire clamp.
If you are shooting indoors:
You can attach the grounding wire clamp to any nearby metal fixture that is driven into or in contact with the ground, such as a water pipe. If you are shooting architectural work indoors, for example, you can clamp on to a nearby water fountain.
The scenario where a safety hazard is present would consist of one where:
A. There is a faulty or damaged light unit or other three-wire appliance
attached – one where a short circuit exists between the power terminals and the ground terminal. Such a piece of equipment can be equally dangerous if used on ordinary house wiring if not properly grounded via the three prong power plug, through faulty house wiring or if connected to lamp cord type 2 prong extension cords.
B. One were to simultaneously touch another piece of equipment that was connected to grounding via a three wire cord set, or by touching a grounded metal object such as a water pipe or gas line. A shock hazard would always exist if the equipment is operated ungrounded on a wet or damp floor, or outdoors on damp ground. Therefore, grounding must always be present when operating in wet locations…with any equipment…whether Vagabond powered or power line connected.
Paul C. Buff, Inc. light units are designed and protected in such a manner that there is no shock hazard present on the camera body or on the remote controls when these are connected to a light unit, as the control and sync connections are isolated. It is possible though for sync difficulties and control anomalies to occur if the light units are not grounded, particularly if operated via two wire extension cords or in buildings with faulty or ungrounded wiring.
Therefore, it is relatively safe to operate a Vagabond-powered system ungrounded, in dry indoor situations, as long as the power equipment is not damaged or faulty, and precautions are taken not to touch the lights or stands while touching water pipes or other grounded equipment. If such objects are located within reach of the Vagabond unit, the proper procedure would be to simply clip the Vagabond grounding wire to any such grounded metal objects.
The primary thing to remember is that a serious shock hazard only exists when two conditions are present: when there is faulty or damaged equipment operated with improper grounding. Therefore, one should always ascertain the equipment being used is in good condition and has not been dropped or damaged without being inspected. This applies whether or not Vagabond power or house wiring is being used, and also applies to all other electrical equipment designed to be operated via a three prong grounded plug, (i.e. many power tools and appliances, audio equipment, etc.).
These suggestions should not be taken as any form of disclaimer regarding our published safety precautions…they should all be followed for absolute safety and we cannot be held responsible for any unexpected consequences which might arise if they are not followed.
CONNECTING FLASH UNITS:
With the Vagabond Portable Power System fully charged and properly grounded, you are ready to connect your flash units.
1. First, turn your flash unit(s) OFF.
2. Using the three-prong AC Power Cord provided with your flash unit, plug the flash unit into the AC Power Outlet located on the top panel of the CU-150 Power Converting Unit. If you are only powering one flash unit, you can plug the unit’s power cord directly into the CU-150 (either CU-150 unit in the V300 system). If you are powering multiple flash units, you can connect an ordinary multi-outlet power strip to the CU-150(s), making sure to use only three prong grounding connections, then plug your flash units into the power strip. When attaching multiple flash units to a Vagabond 300 system, optimal recycle rates will result when the amount of wattseconds connected to each of the two CU-150 units is more or less equal.
3. Set the modeling lamp(s) on your flash unit(s) to the OFF position. Each CU-150 unit can provide up to 300 watts of total modeling illumination for occasional previewing, but cannot provide modeling and recycling at the same time. Be aware that use of the modeling lamp(s) will drastically shorten the battery life.
4. You are now ready to turn your Vagabond Portable Power System ON. If your Vagabond has been properly charged, the Ready Indicator Light on the top of each CU-150 unit will glow green. An orange glow indicates that the unit is not charged.
5. When the light glows green, you can turn your flash unit(s) ON, and begin shooting.
TESTING THE SYSTEM:
Because of the controlled recycling current, the voltage output of the CU-150 units will lower or “brown out” during each recycle period. This is why the fans slow down; this is normal. Flash units manufactured by Paul C. Buff, Inc. are designed to tolerate such fluctuations in supply voltage, while other brands may not be. Paul C. Buff, Inc. cannot be held liable for any damage resulting from use of the Vagabond system with flash units other than those made by Paul C. Buff, Inc. (AlienBees and White Lightning units).
USING THE VAGABOND PORTABLE POWER SYSTEM:
Once you have checked out the system and become familiar with it, you can use it pretty much as you would in your studio with AC power, except for the modeling lamps. Keep in mind that a modest amount of power is being drawn from the battery whenever the CU-150 units are switched on, even if the flash units are idle. For this reason, you should develop the habit of switching the CU-150 unit(s) OFF during breaks in your shooting.
If you are using the Vagabond V300 system, remember to distribute your flash units more or less equally by wattsecond rating between the two CU-150 units. For example: a 640 Ws unit connected to one CU-150, and two 320 Ws units connected to the other would yield optimum recycle times of about four seconds.
After each shot, you will hear the vibrating sound as the flash units recycle. When about 3/4 of the battery capacity has been used, the CU-150 unit(s) will begin to sound an audible alarm during recycle. At first just a short tone, then a longer tone as you use more of the battery’s capacity. When the battery is completely exhausted the CU-150 unit(s) will shut down and sound a continuous low battery sound. It may be possible to get a few more shots by letting the system rest for a few minutes after it has shut down. It is also possible for the CU-150 unit(s) to shut down from overheating, but this is very unlikely because the battery will usually become exhausted before any overheating. In testing, we have fired 200 shots at 1200 Ws each in less than one hour without overheating the unit.
Always Recharge the Battery Promptly: It is extremely important that the battery be recharged as soon as possible after is has been depleted. If the battery is left in a discharged state for long periods of time (days), its ability to hold a charge will be reduced. This is the number one cause of battery failure for all types of rechargeable batteries. The VBC Battery Charger included with your Vagabond system is a “smart” charger designed to give you maximum battery life and ease of charging. The VBC operates from any voltage, from 90 Vac to 270 Vac at 50 or 60 Hz, therefore, it may be operated from power lines anywhere in the world (given the proper plug adapter).
RECHARGING YOUR BATTERY WITH THE VBC CHARGER:
You will recharge the Vagabond battery following the same steps used when you charged the battery for the first time. You will first locate the VBC and its AC power cord in the Vagabond Bag front flap pocket. Next, you will plug the VBC charger’s AC power cord into the two-pin appliance receptacle at the end of the VBC housing, and plug the AC Power Cord into an AC outlet. As before, the status indicator LED in the small rectangular window on the VBC housing top should glow green. You will next locate the red and black DC connector pair inside the left hand compartment of the Vagabond’s front flap pocket, and connect the VBC to the Vagabond battery charger port. Once connected, the VBC will again glow red, green, or flashing green and/or red. When the LED glows green, the battery is fully charged. Once charged, the Vagabond is ready to be used immediately or stored.
STORING THE VAGABOND:
When you are not actively using the Vagabond, it is best to keep the VBC connected to the Vagabond battery charger port and plugged into a source of AC power. This allows the battery to constantly charge while not in use. This keeps the battery fresh using the VBC voltage-regulated trickle charge function. It is important that the battery be maintained using the trickle charger if the Vagabond is idle for long periods of time. Failure to do so will severely shorten the life of the battery. Allowing the battery to charge while not in use will maintain the battery, and keep the Vagabond ready for your next shoot.
If you intend to store the Vagabond for longer periods of time, first ensure that the battery is completely charged. Once the battery has charged, disconnect the VBC from the Vagabond battery charger port. Unplug the VBC from the AC outlet, and store the VBC and cord set in the front flap pocket. It is important that the VBC is disconnected from the Vagabond battery charger port when the battery is not being charged or maintained by the VBC. Failure to disconnect the VBC when it is not active will deplete the charge in the Vagabond internal battery. Storing a depleted lead-acid battery without first charging it fully will ruin the battery.
USING A CAR OR OTHER BATTERY:
The CU-150 converter unit(s) may be operated from any 12 Volt lead acid battery having at least a 5 AH rating. If you plan to use an external battery, you will first need to disconnect the CU-150 unit(s) from the Vagabond battery.
Because of the car’s fusing, you will only be able to connect one CU-150 unit via the cigarette lighter. If you need to connect more than one CU-150 to a car battery you will need to obtain a cord set that connects to the battery with large “jumper cable” type battery clamps. By running the car’s engine periodically, you will be able to shoot as many shots as you like from one, two or even three CU-150 units thus connected.
OPERATING AUXILARY EQUIPMENT:
The Vagabond system may also be used as a source of power for small electrical appliances such as fans, tvs, computers, or radios. Each CU-150 unit can supply 150 watts of power continuously, or up to 300 watts for periods of up to about 20 minutes. The CU-150 units are fully protected from overheating, overloading and discharged battery and will automatically shut down if any of these conditions are present. Auxiliary uses, however, should not be attempted simultaneously while recycling flash units from the same CU-150 unit because of the “brown out” conditions mentioned above. In the case of a Vagabond 300 system, though, it is permissible to dedicate one CU-150 unit to auxiliary uses while recycling flash units with the other CU-150. For example, you might choose to continuously operate a wind producing fan and/or perhaps a radio from one CU-150 while recycling your flash units from the second CU-150. If you plan to power auxiliary equipment with the Vagabond, you should consult the product’s manual and/or check with the product manufacturer to determine the power consumption. For example, a laptop computer (varying loads depending on the mode, screen usage, etc.) may have anywhere from 15 W to 45 W of power consumption.
Please note that as the power consumption of the load increases, the efficiency of the Vagabond inverter decreases. Please also note that, as in any Lead Acid battery system, the amount of power available from the battery depends upon operating temperature. Operating temperatures substantially higher than, or lower than room temperature will result in less power being delivered from the battery, and shorter operating times than those stated above.
Please contact our Technical Services Department if you have any questions or comments regarding the use of or grounding of the Vagabond Portable Power System. Our Toll Free Customer Service Line is 1-800-443-5542, and we are here Monday through Friday, from 9:00am until 5:00pm, Central Standard Time.
The Vagabond Portable Power System is made by Paul C. Buff, Inc., to provide portable power for both the AlienBees and White Lightning Flash Units.
Paul C. Buff, Inc.
toll free 1-800-443-5542 local (615) 383-3982