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EINSTEIN
™
by Paul C. Buff
F. The Action / Color Screen: In this screen, the ADJUST buttons are used to change the mode
between Action Mode and Constant Color Mode (more details in the following section).
G. Channel Screen and H. Frequency Screen: In these screens, the ADJUST buttons are used to set
the channel and frequency of the optional CyberSync™ CSXCV Transceiver, if present. Each
ash unit / transceiver in the setup should be set to its own unique channel. All ash units /
transceivers should be set to the same frequency (see page 18 for more details).
IGBT ADVANTAGES
Even the most expensive professional monolight ash units usually control ashpower by
varying the voltage applied to the ash capacitors. This simple and inexpensive method has
three distinct limitations to the achievement of truly professional performance:
1. The range of power reduction is typically limited to 1/8 to 1/32 power, often resulting in an
inability to achieve low aperture settings with close lighting techniques.
2. As power is reduced, the ash duration becomes longer - typically twice as long at minimum
power relative to maximum power. The median t.1 ash duration of the ten most popular pro
monolights ranges from 1/200 second to 1/400 second – too slow for sharp freezing of action
in sports, dance and other rapid movement shots (see graphs on page 15).
3. Color temperature typically varies by 75ºK to 80ºK per f-stop of power reduction, resulting
in about 400ºK color difference between minimum and maximum power. The Einstein™ unit
employs proprietary advanced digitally controlled IGBT technology to control ashpower.
This results in an extreme range of power reduction (1/256 power) in precise 1/10f stops. As
power is reduced, the t.1 ash duration also decreases dramatically instead of increasing. This
technology allows the Einstein™ unit to maintain a constant color temperature throughout
the entire 256:1 power range.
Two operating modes are provided – ACTION Mode and CONSTANT COLOR Mode. In Action Mode,
the t.1 ash duration shortens rapidly from 1/588 seconds at full power to 1/13,500 seconds at
minimum power for incredible action freezing capability, but the color temperature increases
as power is reduced. In Constant Color Mode, the t.1 ash duration drops less rapidly, to a
minimum of 1/8000 second, while maintaining a constant color temperature of 5600º K (+/-
50º K) throughout the entire power range. The internal processor controls the accuracy and
repeatability with very high precision (see the chart on page 13 and graphs on page 15).
ACTION Mode: In Action Mode, the color temperature rises as power is reduced, but the t.1 ash
duration is minimized even further for maximum action stopping capability where absolute
color consistency is secondary to motion freezing. At 1/2 power in Action Mode, the t.1 ash
duration is approximately 1/2000 second and the color temperature is approximately 5750º K
(absolute values of ash duration and color temperature are indicated on the rear LCD display).
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