ESPRIT GEMINI INSTRUCTIONS BWL-0353/2 (05/07) BOWENS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
355 Old Road Clacton on Sea Essex CO15 3RH UK Tel: Fax: +44 (0)+44 (0)1255 436342

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Table of Contents

Specifications

Description Introduction and Safety Notes Control Panels Connecting & Using the Esprit Gemini Mounting Fitting the Modelling Lamp Flash Power Control Synchronisation Modelling Lamp control Fuse Audible Ready Beep Fitting / Removing Reflectors Flash Tube Replacement Battery Solutions Pulsar Radio Trigger system Specifications

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GM200 200Ws BW3650 BW3655 5V 5600K 300K 230V - 5A (F) (115V - 10A (T)) 190-250V AC 50Hz (95-130V AC 60Hz) 1% 50
GM250 250Ws BW3600 BW3605 5V 5600K 300K 230V - 5A (F) (115V - 10A (T)) 190-250V AC 50Hz (95-130V AC 60Hz) 1% 56.1
GM500 500Ws BW3610 BW3615 5V 5600K 300K 230V - 5A (F) (115V - 10A (T)) 190-250V AC 50Hz (95-130V AC 60Hz) 1% 79.8
GM750+ 750Ws BW3630 N/A 5V 5600K 300K 10A (T) Fuse 190-250V AC 50Hz (95-130V AC 60Hz) 1% 104.4

1.3 (1.5) secs

0.81 (1.1) secs Full / Intermittent / Off 1/1315 Full to 1/32 - 5 stops Max 275W 100% Clear = BW2030 UV = BW2032 On/Off On/Off 250W Halostar 2.9Kg 365 x 145 x 130mm
1.54 (1.95) secs Full / Intermittent / Off 1/925 Full to 1/32 - 5 stops Max 275W 100% Clear = BW2030 UV = BW2032 On/Off On/Off 250W Halostar 3.4Kg 365 x 145 x 130mm
1.41 (2.14) secs Full / Intermittent / Off 1/2380 Full to 1/32 - 5 stops Max 275W 100% Clear = BW2980 UV = BW1079 On/Off On/Off 250W Halostar 4.0Kg 365 x 145 x 130mm

Full / Half / Off

1/1700 Full to 1/4 - 2 stops Max 275W 100% Clear = BW2030 UV = BW2032 On/Off On/Off 250W Halostar

2.3Kg 310 x 145 x 130mm

Due to our policy of constant product improvement, Bowens International reserves the right to change equipment specifications at any time and without notice.

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Introduction

Dear Valued Customer,
Unit Stored Energy (max) Part Code (230V) Part Code (117V) Sync Voltage Flash Colour Temperature Circuit Protection Supply Voltage Range 230V (117V) Voltage Stabilisation Guide Number
(Full power, 50 Keylite, ISO 100)
Thank you for choosing the Bowens Esprit Gemini professional flash system. 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 S-Type 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 www.bowens.co.uk. In order to obtain the full benefit from your purchase, please take a few moments to familiarise yourself with this user manual. Thank you. Bowens International Ltd.

Safety Notes

DO NOT:
Use in an environment where moisture or flammable vapour is likely to come in contact with the unit. Plug the Gemini Esprit into a mains supply and a battery at the same time. Restrict air vents while in use. 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.

Typical Recycle Time

Full Power, 230V, 50Hz (117V 60Hz)
Modelling Power Control Flash Duration (t=0.5) (Full power) Flash Power Control Modelling Lamp Ready Indication User Replaceable Flash Tube Photocell Audio Ready Signal Recommended Modelling Lamps Weight Dimensions (l x w x h)
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. 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. 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. ALWAYS remove the flash head covers before using.

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Control Panel Guide

Accessories
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 for use with Bowens Quad heads, both with 1/10 stop increment and accuracy. In addition, two Bowens Gemini sockets allow the photographer anything up to four light sources and a massive 3000Ws from this feature rich pack. Total freedom and flexibility, whenever and wherever quality light is required. Explorer Battery Generator Mains Inlet Also Available for the Bowens battery range: BW7640

Rear Control Panel

Carry handle

Photocell On/Off

Mains / Battery Power Select

Sounder On/Off

Modelling Lamp Control Switch

Fuse (and Spare Fuse)

Battery Power Inlet Sync Socket
Travel-Pak Boost Battery Spare Explorer/Turbo-Pak Battery Travel-Pak/Explorer to Gemini Spare Cable Bowens Universal 2Amp SLA Charger Car Charger Heavy-Duty Battery Heavy-Duty Battery Charger Heavy-Duty Battery Trolley
BW7635 BW7642 BW7632 BW1227 BW1245 BW7643 BW7641 BW7649

Side Control Panel

Pulsar Radio Trigger System
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.

Latch Release

This multifunctional device can be used to trigger flash units, film and digital cameras and light meters up to 100m away. 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.

Flash Power Control

Ready Indicator

Test / Open Flash

Modelling Lamp Control
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. Pulsar Pulsar (Twin Pack) BW5150 BW5160

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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. 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, BW-2032 UV coated. BW-2030 Clear (BW-2980 for 750+).

Connecting & Using the Esprit Gemini !!! WARNING HIGH VOLTAGE !!!
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.
The Esprit Gemini unit may be operated either on a mains supply or with a Bowens battery source such as the Bowens Travel-Pak. 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. 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.

Battery Solutions

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. 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. 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

Mounting

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.

Figure 3

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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. 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.
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).
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. 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. 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.
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.

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).

Synchronisation

There are several ways to trigger the Esprit Gemini Open Flash: For testing or multiple flash applications the Open Flash Pushbutton can be used. Sync Socket: 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. 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.
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. To remove reflector, pull back Latch Knob (page 4), turn the reflector fully anti-clockwise and withdraw. 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. 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.
Warning High Voltage! Do not touch the flashtube assembly for thirty minutes after disconnecting from supply.

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