New studio lighting from Balcar

The AQ-Pack is a 1200Ws 12V unit that integrates the experience of the successful Balcar Concept battery flash with the latest in Nexus Technology and features. It accepts Balcar standard heads or the latest Iris head, as well as the heads of most competitors using simple adaptors (it does not accept heads of the older Concept system). It is fast (3s) and powerful (1200Ws), as well as precise to the 1/10 f-stop at all power levels. Balcar claim it's the only battery flash to hold colour temperature constant over its entire five f-stop range, which is important for digital imaging. It maintains a high capacitor voltage guaranteeing short flash duration to stop action in fashion shoots.

The battery is clipped onto the outside of the unit, so is easily changed and very well protected. It can be charged separately and includes a battery level indicator.

The AQ-Pack can be triggered by radio control: it accepts the "Pocket Wizard" receiver module and can be set on the control panel to any of 32 channels. On this unit, Balcar have replaced the round light head plugs with a rectangular plug and adaptors to and from each model are available.

Power 1200 Ws
Number of Heads 2 (symmetric)
Recycle Speed 3s (full power)
Capacity 200 flashes (full power)
Power Range 5 f-stops
Constant Colour Temp. yes
Radio Trigger optional
Power Control Digital potentiometer
Power Display Digital LED
Dimensions 16 x 21 x 27 cm
Weight 6 kg + 4.5 kg (battery pack)

Iris Flash head
This head can be used with the latest AQ-Pack battery, Nomad and Nexus flashes. It is also compatible with the older Balcar units other than the Concept system, including the Source, Jet, Starflash and A series.
The Iris flash head brings together the best features of the U and Power Z heads:
o Focus over a large range (45 to 120) with standard FX60 facet reflector), with perfect light distribution
o Simple and secure Pyrex holding system
o Improved easy and safe accessory holding system, compatible with all existing Balcar accessories
o Increased fan cooling
o "U-shaped" flashtube and model lamp design to assure that "what you get with the model lamp is what you get with the flashtube"
o Cross-tube design to add a second flashtube to significantly shorten flash duration
o Model lamp on/off switch
o Overheat protection with indicator
o Power cable, exiting at an angle at the back with an improved stress-relief
The Iris head will become the standard Balcar light head. It is available in a single cable (max 3200Ws) and bi-cable (max 6400Ws) configuration. Both models accept 250W or 500W model lamps.

Two Nomad flash units
The Nomad is available in 2 asymmetric powers: the A1200 offers 1200 Ws and A2400 has 2400 Ws and accept Balcar standard heads or the latest Iris head, as well as the heads of most competitors using simple adaptors. It integrates many of the features of the Nexus in a simpler, smaller and lighter package.
The Nomad power control range is up to six f-stops with independent power control of two channels. The first channel has two plugs with power equally divided, the second only one, for a total of three plugs. Colour temperature is constant, and so is the light output flash after flash.
The AQ-Pack can be triggered by radio control: it accepts the "Pocket Wizard" receiver module and can be set on the control panel to any of 32 channels.
On this unit, Balcar have replaced its round light head plugs with a rectangular plug found to be more convenient. Adaptors to and from each model are simple and available.

The control panel is simple but full of useful features (model lamp modes, photo cell sensitivity levels, radio control channel setting, etc.). Power is set by turning a knob for each channel with each level shown on a digital display: It is precise and more convenient than push buttons. The Nomad is light and small, perfect for the studio or on location. It is bi-voltage, so it can travel the world.

What is Nexus
Nexus technology is at the heart of the Nexus, AQ-Pack and Nomad line of products. It allows for perfect integration of lighting into the digital workflow: the photographer will calibrate his camera just once for a given shoot, use the entire dynamic range of the capture device and get constant results whether using single-shot or multi shot cameras. This is achieved whether using Balcar light heads or heads of other competitors.

The main advantages of Nexus Technology are:
Colour Management: constant colour temperature over the entire power range constant intensity level for every flash
Power Management precise 1/10 control of the power calibrated power control with actual light output large control range (5 to 8 f-stops)
Fast Recycle fastest recycle speed in its class
Compatibility cross-brand compatibility with most heads of other manufacturers.