How could I use Elinchrom lighting outside?

chelle

7

19 Jan 2010 - 11:28 PM

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Hello all!

I would love to try some shoots outside using my lighting kit (an Elinchrom D-Lite4 kit), but don't really want to risk using it outside running off the electric.
Just wondered if there is anything I can use to power up the lights safely outside? Do I have to use a specific battery pack? If so what is the cheapest one I can get to use with the kit? I have no idea about using lighting outside so forgive me if this sounds like a stupid question (everyone has got to learn from somewhere)!

Thanks!

Chelle

chelle

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19 Jan 2010 - 11:41 PM

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Sorry if this sounds stupid, but as I have no idea about running lights outside I don't know what an inverter is either. Could you explain what they are please?

eggplant

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19 Jan 2010 - 11:51 PM

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An invertor is basically a box that converts battery power (i.e. a car battery) to 240V mains power. They come in different ratings (power size to be technically incorrect but hopefully meaningful) so you would need one that has sufficent power for your lights (power input will be on the lights on a label).
What is the problem with using them on mains outside ? No real difference than running an extension cable for a lawn mower etc. There will still be mains voltage going into the lights.

cameracat (e2 Member)

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20 Jan 2010 - 12:29 AM

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Quote: but don't really want to risk using it outside running off the electric.

Reduce the risk to almost zero, By using a " Power Breaker " at the main socket end...!!!

Here is a few to look at.

I would be inclined to use one, Even if your working from an invertor...!!!!!!

cameracat (e2 Member)

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20 Jan 2010 - 12:50 AM

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Quote: Didn't think of that Cameracat! Doh

LOL....

No worries, I have moments like that sometimes...

Outside lighting is great fun, You can get some FAB results too.

Good luck..And be safe..!

miked70

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20 Jan 2010 - 4:59 AM

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yes sine wave looks the same as household power to equipment mod.sine wave is for globes (resistive) load only. look for the type that has standby mode that means when you turn your lights off it stops working otherwise you will drain the battery fast. but for the cost of battery and good inverter it will cost the same as battery powered lights i have used the jinbei rd600 and loved them if i could sell my studio lights i would buy them the battery in them is better than the one in elincrom unit and easy to swop out.

eggplant

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20 Jan 2010 - 7:03 PM

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Dont think a true sine wave invertor would be neccessary, I wouldnt have thought the heads were inductive, BUT, MAY get interference which MAY trigger the flash. Unfortunately I no longer have my cheapo intertor or I'd test it for you. As mentioned, best bet is to call for advice.

canon_stu

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20 Jan 2010 - 11:07 PM

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My invertor cost about 50 pounds and the battery was about 40 so i was powered up for under 100 pounds, dunno what the sine wave invertor is so cant comment on that but so far i have had no missfires from my cheapo set up.