I have seen the B&H explanation before, but I have also seen more errors in specs and description pages on B&H to take them with a grain of salt. And, drawing twice the energy should have no effect on power OUTPUT (of the head), it should have an effect on the RECYCLING TIME (if both heads set to the same power).
Not that I don't believe you guys. It just doesn't make sense, and I would be talking to Elinchrom directly if I was in the market for a Ranger RX symmetrical pack...
Even though the Ranger Power Supply has symmetrical distribution only, the photographer is able to achieve a 2:1 ratio between the "A" and "S" series of heads. This works because the "A" heads have a duration up to 1/3250 second while the "S" heads have a duraton up to 1/1600 second. The "A" head is twice as fast, and draws twice the energy of the "S" head creating a 2:1 ratio.
rudiphoto wrote:
And, drawing twice the energy should have no effect on power OUTPUT (of the head), it should have an effect on the RECYCLING TIME (if both heads set to the same power).
I'd imagine it'd be the other way around.
Either way the Ranger has 1100WS of power to deliver. If the internal circuitry of one of the two heads has a lower electrical impedance rating (or some similar measure of electrical conductivity), it seems logical that a type of Bernoulli effect would take place and affect the power distribution. When you consider that the A heads must obviously have some internal differences that make the power pass through it onto the flash bulb faster than an S head to cut the flash duration in half, it makes sense that it could suck juice from the capacitors twice as fast as the S head.
bacilonur wrote:
When you consider that the A heads must obviously have some internal differences that make the power pass through it onto the flash bulb faster than an S head to cut the flash duration in half, it makes sense that it could suck juice from the capacitors twice as fast as the S head.
This still wouldn't explain why there would be a difference on a non-AS pack (if there is) and no difference on a AS (which I know there is not).
Like you, I'm no EE, but my guess is that there are two capacitor banks with pre-determined amounts of power that get pushed out to the corresponding channels until there's no juice left, so the A head will still empty out its capacitor in half the time, but it won't go and start sucking from the S head.
That theory sounds a little suspect to me - have the heads just draw what they want does not sound like a recipe for precise digital control in 1/10 of a stop! But I am no EE either...
well, that B&H story (or should we call it BS from now on ) is kind of what the dealer told me...Anyway, apologies for raising it since we're totally off topic now
My dealer told me, that the A-heads could deliver a bluish cast, so for wedding and portraits the standard head would be the right choise. Is that correct?
clausjepsen wrote:
My dealer told me, that the A-heads could deliver a bluish cast, so for wedding and portraits the standard head would be the right choise. Is that correct?
I have a Quadra with an A-head and I am very positive it does NOT have any color cast.
Amazon now shows an estimate delivery date for my A set (2 heads, 2 batteries, pack, transmitter) 7/15 to 7/26. 2-3 more weeks of wait for US residents!
