Anyone Use Novatron Systems ?

[tommymc]

My question is this. Im looking at used flash heads at KEH.com and they have a 2100c 2102c and a 2140c. I see these same heads in a 400 w/s 500w/s and 1000 w/s systems. Does the power unit determin the W/S output or is there a different flash units with the same numbers? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[mhickey]

I have the 1000ws. You can set the power box to 1000, 500 or 250. Then on the 2140c's you can adjust them to 1000, 500 or 250 which of course leads to multiple possibilities between the two sources of power control. The 2100 head and I suppose the 2102 do not have controls on the individual heads but rely on how you set the power source.

[tommymc]

So the power source determins the W/S. Ican buy the heads from $89 to $144

[mhickey]

Tommy

If you are shooting digital be careful of the power source. Old Novatrons had a problem with back-flashing digital cameras and blowing the cameras electronics. You need the D models. Also I'd make sure I had a good source for Novatron replacement bulbs before I ventured into their world. There are better lights but in the end we all do what we can afford.

By the way have the Vols just shocked the heck out of ya? I thought they didn't have a chance early in the year but man things have changed.

[tommymc]

The Vols always floor me. I've sent two kids thru the school and lived here for 30 years and you never, (key word never) know whats going to happen. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] I've never seen a team win so much on dumb luck as these guys. Always fun to watch. tommymc

[BarbInKC]

Tommy,

I don't know anything about the Novatron's but I had to say, it sounds like we're both in about the same place. I just bought my first set of higher end pro lights. I've been using lower end semi-pro lights, but am excited to have bought the big guns. I invested in DynaLites. Good luck to you!

[Soujrnr]

One thing you need to be aware of. While it is true that the power supply does determine the w/s output of the strobes, some strobes are limited in their maximum output power and if you try to overpower them, you'll blow them up. For example, if you plug in one light, you get 1000 w/s out of one strobe. If you plug in two, you get 500 w/s each, etc, etc. That ONE light plugged in by itself may not be able to handle the full power charge. I'm not sure if Novatrons work in this same fashion but it's worth checking into because I've seen this in other brands.

Good day sir!

Mike

[BSA_Martini]

I have been using Novatron for years as a backup/portable lighting system. I origanally purchased a 400WS three lite "Fun Kit". I use the origanal powerpack for my fill light and purchased a 1600 WS pack that runs my Key light. I have had no issues using the origanal 400WS head on the 1600WS pack.

I don't know if I answered your question or not, but as far as I know the flash tubes are the same in the high end strobes, Th head doesn't contain anything special but the tube and the modeling light, a simplke 1/2 or full toggle swithc etc. But check with novatron to make sure but you should be off to the races.

P.S. They have lasted me a long time, and they are great lights. However I prefer to use large Mono Lights in the studio as I hate having a bunch of cables running everywhere. I just need to bring poer to wichever lights I need and I drop that from the cieling so no cords ever hit the ground.

BSA