Dyna-Lite: The Legacy of Lighting We thank you for choosing state-of-the-art Dyna-Lite studio lighting equipment. Since 1970 Dyna-Lite has been committed to the design and manufacture of small, lightweight power packs to help professional photographers improve their control over the challenges of lighting. Our products are designed to make it easier for you to brilliantly light people or products, in the studio or on location.
Important Safeguards When using this flash equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed, included the following: 1. Read and understand ALL instructions and specifications before using your Dyna-Lite equipment. 2. Care must be taken when handling the flash heads as injury could occur from touching the modeling lamp(s) or flash tube(s). 3. DO NOT operate a power pack or flash head with a damaged cord or if the unit has been dropped. 4.
General Instructions for all power packs The following instructions are applicable to all Dyna-Lite power packs except as noted. Additional features specific to individual packs are described on the pages that follow. Flash Heads To plug in flash heads, first plug the flash head extension cable into flash head pigtail, then plug the other end into a Flash Head Outlet (this can be done at anytime without shutting down the power pack since outlets are arc protected).
Combined A+B (Symmetrical Power) Even distribution of power, called symmetrical or combined takes the power from both A and B channels. It is the setting to use when you want either the maximum power your pack can deliver sent to a single flash head or if you want every head plugged in to deliver an equal amount of light. To achieve maximum power, plug a flash head into any outlet, set the Ratio/Combined switch to A+B and both Power Output switches to full power.
M500Wi / M1000Wi / M2000Wi Power Packs 1. AC On / Off Power Switch - Turns power pack on and off. 5. 2. Two stop Variator Conrol - Fine-tune your power settings in 1/3 stop detented increments. Used in combinations, the power control switches and Variator provide a total of 18 different power settings with a single flash head, going as low as 15 watt/ seconds. 3. Power Control Switches – Three position full/half/quarter power switches provide power settings over a three stop range per channel.
M1000er / M2000er Power Packs 3. 1. AC On / Off Power Switch - Turns power pack on and off. Also offers a dual proportional dimmer slide switch for modeling light control, including Full Off, so that the cooling fan can continue to run. 2. Two stop Variator Conrol - Fine-tune your power settings in 1/3 stop detented increments. Used in combinations, the power control switches and Variator provide a total of 15 different power settings with a single flash head. 5. (back) 2. 4. 6. 1. 3.
M500xl Power Pack 4. 1. AC On / Off Power Switch - Turns power pack on and off. 2. Modeling Light Switch - Three-position modeling light control; full on, off, or direct tracking. Flash head fans always run at full speed regardless of switch position. 3. One stop Variator Conrol - Click stops allow you to fine-tune your basic power settings in 1/3 stop increments. Used in combinations, the power control switches and Variator provide a total of 15 different power settings with a single flash head. 3. 5.
Getting Started with Basic Lighting Light Meters It is recommended that you purchase a flash meter. This device measures the amount of light coming from your flash system. This light can vary depending on the distance of the light from the subject and various light modifiers, which are used to change the quality of the light. Flash meters are available from manufactures such as Sekonic, which features PocketWizard technology in select models.
Sample lighting setups Basic single light There is an amazing amount of versatility that you can get out of one light. Consider for a moment that the sun is only one source, however the angle of the light (ie time of day, atmosphere it passes through and location in the world) affects the quality. In addition there are surfaces that are reflecting, modifying and diffusing light all the time.
FAQ’s / Troubleshooting What is a Watt/Second and what does it measure? A Watt/Second is a unit of energy, commonly used for AC-powered studio flash units. It is not, however, a unit of actual light output, thus comparing the watt-second ratings of different flash units do not give an accurate description of actual flash power. Among a given system, you can expect the halving and doubling of watt/seconds to correspond with halving and doubling of light output.
Specifcations M500XL M500Wi M1000er M1000Wi M2000er M2000Wi Total Power - Watt/Seconds 500 500 1000 1000 2000 2000 Recycle Time Full Power in seconds 1.5 0.9 1.5 1.5 1.9 1.
