ESPRIT GEMINI INSTRUCTIONS BWL-0353/2 (05/07)
BOWENS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
355 Old Road
Clacton on Sea
Essex CO15 3RH UK
Tel:
+44 (0)1255 422807
+44 (0)1255 436342
Fax:
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Introduction
Dear Valued Customer,
Unit
Thank you for choosing the Bowens Esprit Gemini professional flash system.
Stored Energy (max)
Part Code (230V)
Part Code (117V)
Sync Voltage
Accurate, ergonomic, powerful and simple to use, the Esprit Gemini was designed by working
closely with photographers to develop a flash that meets the standards demanded in professional
studios today.
All ʻS-Typeʼ accessories from the Bowens range can be used with the Esprit Gemini. For details
of all related products, please contact your local distributor, a list of which can be found at
Flash Colour Temperature
In order to obtain the full benefit from your purchase, please take a few moments to familiarise
yourself with this user manual.
Circuit Protection
Thank you.
Supply Voltage Range 230V
(117V)
Bowens International Ltd.
Voltage Stabilisation
Safety Notes
Guide Number
(Full power, 50° Keylite, ISO 100)
Typical Recycle Time
DO NOT:
Full Power, 230V, 50Hz (117V 60Hz)
• Use in an environment where moisture or flammable vapour is likely to come in contact with
the unit.
Modelling Power Control
• Plug the Gemini Esprit into a mains supply and a battery at the same time.
• Restrict air vents while in use.
Flash Duration (t=0.5)
(Full power)
• Use a unit with damaged housing, mouldings, flash tube or modelling lamp.
If the unit is dropped or damaged in any way, always have it checked out before using.
• Operate the unit without a safe grounded (earthed) AC supply.
Flash Power Control
Modelling Lamp
Ready Indication
DO:
• Switch power off and disconnect from the supply before changing modelling bulb or flash tube.
• Disconnect the supply before changing the fuse. Never replace with a fuse of a different rating.
A spare fuse is fitted in the fuse holder.
User Replaceable Flash Tube
Photocell
Audio Ready Signal
• Exercise care when handling equipment that has been in use. The reflector and front end of
the unit can become Very Hot.
• Avoid placing cables where they can be tripped over. Protect from heavy, sharp or hot objects,
which may cause damage and replace damaged cables immediately.
• Due to the high voltage / high energy used in Esprit Gemini Units, all servicing must be carried
out by an authorised Service Centre.
Recommended Modelling
Lamps
Weight
• Remove the power cord by gripping the plug. NEVER pull the cord.
• Ensure that any extension cord used has a suitable current rating to prevent overheating and
never use coiled extension cords.
Dimensions (l x w x h)
• ALWAYS remove the flash head covers before using.
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Accessories
Control Panel Guide
The Bowens Explorer 1500 represents the state-of-the-art in portable battery generator technology.
Weighing just under 12kg, this petite power-pack boasts an enviable power-to-size ratio and recycling
capacity while providing photographers with the flexibility of two independent digitally controlled channels
Rear Control Panel
1
for use with Bowens Quad heads, both with /10 stop increment and accuracy.
Carry handle
In addition, two Bowens Gemini sockets allow the photographer anything up to four light sources and a
massive 3000Ws from this feature rich pack.
Photocell
On/Off
Mains /
Battery Power
Select
Total freedom and flexibility, whenever and wherever quality light is required.
Explorer Battery Generator
BW7640
Sounder
On/Off
Mains Inlet
Also Available for the Bowens battery range:
Fuse
(and Spare
Fuse)
Modelling
Lamp Control
Switch
Travel-Pak Boost Battery
BW7635
BW7642
BW7632
BW1227
BW1245
BW7643
BW7641
BW7649
Spare Explorer/Turbo-Pak Battery
Travel-Pak/Explorer to Gemini Spare Cable
Bowens Universal 2Amp SLA Charger
Car Charger
Battery Power
Inlet
Heavy-Duty Battery
Heavy-Duty Battery Charger
Heavy-Duty Battery Trolley
Sync Socket
Pulsar Radio Trigger System
Side Control Panel
Photocell
With the Esprit Gemini Digital monolights you are free from mains power.
With the Pulsar Radio Trigger system you can be free from sync cables too.
This multifunctional device can be used to trigger flash units, film and digital
cameras and light meters up to 100m away.
Latch Release
Because the Pulsar is a radio transmitter rather than IR, it allows for
triggering around corners or through walls and is not affected by high
ambient light situations. Choose from four individual channels and six studio
setting per channel, each providing a unique ID for different flash devices or
combine them to trigger all equipment within a given setup or studio.
Because of its low-voltage operation, it is perfect for digital cameras. Each unit can be used as either a
transmitter or receiver and operates using only two AAA batteries.
Modelling Lamp
Control
Flash Power
Control
ʻReadyʼ
Test /
Indicator
Open Flash
Pulsar
BW5150
BW5160
Pulsar (Twin Pack)
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Connecting & Using the Esprit Gemini
!!! WARNING HIGH VOLTAGE !!!
Flash Tube Replacement
Ensure that the unit is switched off and disconnected from the
mains supply and then wait thirty minutes before touching /
removing flashtube.
Remove the protective cap and unwind the twisted Trigger wire
from the flashtube support.
NEVER CONNECT THE ESPRIT GEMINI TO BOTH A MAINS SUPPLY AND A
BATTERY SUPPLY AT THE SAME TIME.
THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED WHEN USED WITH MAINS.
DISCONNECT THE MAINS LEAD WHEN CHANGING MODELLING LAMPS & FLASH
TUBES.
Gently pull the flashtube assembly out of the unit.
To replace the assembly, hold the flashtube as shown and taking
care to support both legs of the tube, gently but firmly, push the
flashtube into position, and wind the Trigger wire around the
flashtube support.
Always replace with the correct flashtube assembly,
The Esprit Gemini unit may be operated either on a mains supply or with a Bowens battery source such
as the Bowens Travel-Pak.
BW-2032 UV coated.
BW-2030 Clear (BW-2980 for 750+).
For mains operation, the mains switch (page 4) should be in the upper position.
For battery operation the switch should be in the lower position.
The centre position is OFF.
NOTE: When operated from a battery source, the modelling functions are not available.
Ensure the power source is Off.
Battery Solutions
Connect the unit using the appropriate cabling.
If using a battery source, ensure the connector locks are fully tightened.
Switch the power source on, then switch on the Esprit Gemini.
The unit will charge and indicate it is ready for use by illuminating the Green READY light.
Press the TEST button to check the unit fires.
The Esprit Gemini Digital is great studio monolight, but what about if you need to work out on location?
Thanks to Bowens handy battery packs, your Bowens Esprit
Gemini Digital units can leave the studio to go on location
anytime, anywhere.
Mounting
Included in Bowens range of battery packs are the Travel-Pak and the
larger Travel-Pak+. With a fast / slow charge option to prolong the life
of the battery as well as a stylish carry bag offering protection from the
elements and up to 3 inches of water; no location photographer should be without these handy packs.
Mount the Esprit Gemini unit on selected support system.
The mounting bush on the 'L' bracket allows for two possible ways of mounting to the stand / support
(Fig.3).
Method B may be found useful if the light is required to point down.
Travel-Pak
BW7631 Travel-Pak+
BW7638
Also available from Bowens range of battery solutions is the TurboPak; designed to provide power for
up to four Bowens Esprit Gemini Units providing up to 1600 flashes on a single charge.
Similar in proportion to the Explorer 1500, the TurboPak is just as portable but
with the added benefit of being able to power four Bowens Esprit Gemini units,
so with four 750Ws you have up to 3000Ws of energy at your disposal.
Unlike the Travel-Pak, the TurboPak battery is removable allowing you to charge
the battery outside of the unit. Spare batteries are available which means you
can charge one battery while using another and then swap them over when used on lengthy or extended
photo-shoots.
Turbo-Pak
BW7655
A
B
Figure 3
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Modelling Lamp Control
Fitting the Modelling Lamp
Switch off and disconnect from the supply. Screw modelling lamp into ES lampholder in the centre of the
reflector. Allow lamp to cool before removing.
With the modelling lamp control switch (Fig.1. 3) in the upper position the modelling light is OFF. With
the modelling light set to centre the modelling light will go out when the unit is flashed and come back
on when the unit comes to ready. This enables the photographer to see from the camera position that
all Esprit units in use have fired. With the switch set in the lower position the modelling lamp stays on
all the time. The modelling light may be varied in ratio with the flash power output by aligning the
modelling Knob with that of the flash control (see page 4).
Note: It is recommended that a Photoflood or Halostar bulb with a maximum wattage of 275W is used.
The manufacturer will not accept liability on the use of any lamp with a greater wattage than 275W.
Flash Power Control
Fuse
The flash power output is variable over five f-stops from full to 1/32 power. The maximum power available
depends upon the model (See specification table) and is denoted by the number 6 on the control panel.
The power settings are denoted in steps of 1/3 stop. The numeric divisions indicate full one stop
divisions.
The modelling and flash circuitry is protected by a single 20mm fuse mounted on the rear panel. Never
replace the fuse with one of a different rating. As the fuse may blow when the modelling lamp fails always
check the fuse when replacing the bulb. A spare fuse is supplied in the fuse holder. Always switch OFF
and disconnect the Esprit Gemini unit from the power supply before changing the bulb or fuse.
When switched 'ON' from either a mains or battery supply, the unit will charge. Once the unit has charged
to the desired power level, the Green READY lamp will illuminate indicating that the unit is ready to fire.
Note: If the unit is subjected to rapid operation over extended periods, it may automatically go into an
overheat condition. In this condition, the Green READY lamp will illuminate to indicate the presence of
power, while the charging and modelling functions are disabled in order to allow the unit to cool. The unit
will automatically resume operation once cooled sufficiently.
Audible Ready Beep
Set the Sounder Switch to 'ON' to give a short beep when the unit comes to ready, to provide an audible
'Ready' confirmation. The sounder switch is located on the rear control panel (page 4).
HINT - In an overheat condition, the unit will typically take 15 minutes to cool down.
By switching OFF and then ON again after say 5 minutes, the unit can be re-activated in order to get a
few extra shots if needed.
Synchronisation
Fitting / Removing Reflectors
A range of reflectors is available for the Esprit Gemini unit. To fit, slide the neck of the reflector over the
front of the unit. Align the three pegs on the reflector with the three slots in the retaining ring. Press down
and turn clockwise to lock.
There are several ways to trigger the Esprit Gemini
Open Flash:
For testing or multiple flash applications the Open Flash Pushbutton can be used.
To remove reflector, pull back Latch Knob (page 4), turn the reflector fully anti-clockwise and withdraw.
Sync Socket:
If an umbrella is to be used a 'Wide Angle Reflector' should be fitted and the umbrella fitted through the
mounting hole in the mounting bracket and locked in position with the knurled screw.
The standard quarter inch jack type socket on the rear panel of the unit may be used for direct connection
to a camera set to 'x' synchronisation. Two Esprit units may be connected together using a 'y' connector.
An Infra Red Receiver or Omnicell may also be plugged into this socket. The socket operates at +5V
and is safe for use on digital cameras.
Note: Take care when fitting / removing reflectors not to damage the flashtube assembly. The flashtube
is very delicate, avoid unnecessary handling of the glass tube. Always switch off and disconnect from the
mains supply before fitting and changing reflectors.
Photocell:
The Esprit Gemini has a built in switchable photocell enabling the unit to be triggered by the flash from
any other flash unit or a small camera mounted flash gun. The photocell is mounted behind the red
transparent cover on the top of the unit. The photocell on/off switch is located on the rear control panel.
Warning High Voltage!
Do not touch the flashtube assembly for thirty minutes after disconnecting from
supply.
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