Featured in
the 4th Edition



of
Harry Box's

Set Lighting
Technician's
Handbook













Learn how to
get

on the purchase
or rental
of a
HD P&P Pkg.
with

Massachusetts
Tax
Credits











Learn about
the
Elec. Engineering
Principles




behind
our

HD P&P Pkg
























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories


























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories


























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories




























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories




























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories




























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories




























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories




























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories




























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories




























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories




























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories




























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories




























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories




























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories




























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories




























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories




























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories






























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories






























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories






























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories






























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories






























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories






























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories






























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories






























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories






























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories






























Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories
































Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories
































Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories
































Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories
































Kino Flo Parabeams

Kino Flo Tegra 400

Arri 4kw HMI Par
w/ PFC Ballast


Arri 1800w Baby Max

ARRILUX 400w HMI

Mole 5kw Tungsten Pars

Arri LED Fresnel

Helio 270 LEP

Generator Carts
and Accessories































HD Plug & Play Package

Our new "HD Plug & Play Package" capitalizes upon the following technological advances in lighting and production technology by

Mole Richardson --- Arri --- Power to Light --- Kino Flo --- Helio --- Honda.
    - More efficient and compact HMI, Quartz, and now Fluorescent Par Lights.
    - Brighter and more efficient "short arc" HMI bulb and "no arc" LEP bulb designs.
    - 120/240V Electronic HMI ballasts with Power Factor Correction.
    - Cool burning, energy efficient Fluorescent, LED, & LEP Lighting Fixtures.
    - Innovative new rigging hardware.
Combined with proprietary distribution technology we've developed, these technological advances in lighting design now enable the use of bigger lights, or more smaller lights, off of common wall outlets or off a new generation of quieter and more powerfull Honda Inverter Generators.

Our 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro provides 7500 Watts of power in a single 120v circuit
from the new Honda EU6500i Generator

__________________________________________________________________


In the past several years a number of technological advances have made the dream of low cost HD Cinema a reality. The introduction of a new generation of HD cameras like the Red One (pictured above) and the ability to edit HD on relatively inexpensive nonlinear editing systems has played a large part. But of no less importance, have been recent advances in the design of lighting and grip equipment by companies like Arri, Mole Richardson, Power to Light, Kino Flo, and Honda. A new generation of smaller brighter lights, that consume less power, have resulted in new and more cost effective production techniques. These new lights and associated techniques have also greatly contributed to making it possible for just about anyone to produce a feature length film.

ScreenLight & Grip has developed a special production package we call the "HD Plug & Play Package" (HD P&P Pkg.) For our HD P&P Pkg. we have picked lights that offer both the highest output (lumens/watt) and the most feature style production capability and combined them with proprietary distribution technology we've developed that enhances the production capability of the new Honda Inverter Generators. The lights that make up our HD P&P Pkg. are simply the brightest lights available of their wattage. While these new lights tend to be more expensive than older designs, the additional expense is more than offset by the savings of not having to rent an expensive movie blimped tow generator with all of its’ hidden costs.

Until recently, to power HMI lights over 1.2kw or Quartz lights over 2kw required a large diesel movie generator. Movie generators are not only expensive to rent, but they come with hidden costs that usually break the budget of independently funded HD projects. Movie generators require special tow equipment not found on Ryder or Penske rental trucks. For that reason, movie generators require that you rent a more expensive grip truck from a lighting and grip rental company in order to tow them. Lighting rental companies will not send out a grip truck without a company driver - further adding to the expense of renting a movie generator (driver rates run about $400/10hrs with overtime after 10hr).

Our HD P&P Pkg. takes advantage of technological advances to power HMI lights up to 6kw or Quartz lights up to 5kw off of wall outlets or the new generation of portable Honda Inverter Generators. The primary factors limiting the use of HMIs on portable Honda generators has been their inefficient use of power and the harmonic noise they throw back into the power stream. The power waveform below left is typical of what results from the operation of a couple of 1200W HMIs with non power factor corrected ballasts on a conventional portable generator. The adverse effects of the harmonic noise exhibited here, can take the form of overheating and failing equipment, efficiency losses, circuit breaker trips, excessive current on the neutral wire, and instability of the generator’s voltage and frequency. For these reasons it has never been possible to operate more than a couple of 1200W HMIs on a conventional 6500W portable gas generator. Harmonic noise of this magnitude can also damage HD digital cinema production equipment, create ground loops, and possibly create radio frequency (RF) interference. The increasing use of personal computers, hard drives, and microprocessor-controlled recording equipment in production has created an unprecedented demand for clean, reliable power on set.

Left: Distorted power waveform created by Non-PFC 1200W HMI ballasts on conventional generator.
Right: Near perfect power waveform created by the same lights with PFC ballasts on inverter generator.

Our HD P&P Pkg. takes advantage of recent technological advances in HMI ballast design and power generation to create clean stable set power that is capable of operating larger lights (HMIs up to 6kw or Quartz lights up to 5kw), or more smaller lights, off of portable gas generators than has ever been possible before. For example, the power waveform above on the right, is the same package of HMI lights but with power factor corrected electronic HMI ballasts operating on our modified Honda EU6500is Inverter Generator. As you can see, the difference between the resulting waveforms is startling. Even though we are running the same overall load, the fact that the HMI ballasts in our HD Plug and Play Pkg. are power factor corrected and the power is being generated by our modified Honda EU6500is Inverter Generator, results in virtually no power waveform distortion. For this reason, sensitive electronic production equipment will operate reliably and without damage. And, the generator is capable of operating larger, or more smaller, lights than has ever been possible before on a portable gas generator.

Our modified Honda EU6500is with our Transformer/Distro can power
the PFC 2.5 & 1.8 HMI Pars, PFC 400w Lighthouse HMI,
a couple of Kino Flo ParaBeam 400s, ParaBeam 200s, and Tegra 400s of our HD P&P Pkg.

For example, our modified Honda EU6500i Inverter Generator with our 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro is capable of powering the 2.5kw, 1800 Pars, of our HD Plug and Play Pkg., plus a couple of Kino Flo Parabeam 400s, Parabeam 200s, Tegra 400s, and up to four Helio 270 LEP lamps. Given the light sensitivity of HD Camcorders, this constitutes a complete location lighting package for HD Digital Cinema productions.

By eliminating the need for a tow generator in order to have feature style production capability, our HD P&P Pkg. saves you the expense of not only the generator, but also the added expense of a rental house grip truck and truck driver. So that you can still enjoy the amenities of a grip truck, we can set up our HD P&P Pkg. on several Backstage rolling grip carts that you can load onto a Ryder or Penske rental box truck. So that you can record sound without picking up the noise of a portable generator, we can outfit your production with a custom distribution package that will enable you to run the generator from inside your rental truck while keeping your power plug in points conveniently on set. Use this link for more details about our HD Plug & Play Package, including innovative accessories that we have developed to transport our HD Plug & Play Gen-set and to use it safely in wet conditions. Please note that our accessory GFCI, when used with our 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro, brings the Honda EU6500is generator into full OSHA compliance (like most portable gas generators, it does not meet OSHA requirements for use on work sites otherwise.) Use this link for a detailed explanation of OSHA requirements and why almost all portable generators do not meet them.

Our 16 gallon Extended Run Fuel Tank

So that you never have to interrupt shooting to refuel, we have also developed an accessory 16 Gallon Extended Run Fuel Tank. You simply set it and forget it. Our accessory 16 Gallon Extended Run Fuel Tank also eliminates the potential fire hazard in refueling a hot generator. Use this link for details on the safety benefits and operation of our Extended Run Fuel Tank.


While our HD P&P Pkg. is very new (introduced Jan 09), the power generation issues it addresses have been vexing set electricians for years. Use this link for an informative news-letter article that explains the electrical engineering principles behind these issues and how our HD P&P Pkg. resolves them. This article is cited in the 4th Edition of Harry Box's "Set Lighting Technician's Handbook" and featured on the companion website "Box Book Extras." Of the article he states:


"Great work!... this is the kind of thing I think very few technician's ever get to see,
and as a result many people have absolutely no idea why things stop working."

"Following the prescriptions contained in this article enables the operation of bigger lights, or more smaller lights,
on portable generators than has ever been possible before."



__________________________________________________________________


HD Plug & Play Package

Now that, for the first time ever, there are 60Amps available in a single circuit from a portable gas generator, the question is how best to use it? Based upon extensive research into the electrical engineering principles related to location lighting with portable generators, we have developed a lighting package that maximizes the production capability that can be obtained from the enhanced 7500W output of our modified Honda EU6500is. We call it the HD Plug & Play Package (HD P&P Pkg.)

For our HD P&P Pkg. we have picked lights that offer both the greatest production capability as well as the highest output (lumens/watt.) The lights in this package feature new brighter and more efficient "short arc" HMI bulb designs; as well as new more efficient and compact HMI, Quartz, and now Fluorescent par light designs. And to take advantage of the new math of low line noise, all the lights in our HD P&P Pkg. are Power Factor Corrected. The substantial reduction in line noise that results from using only PFC HMI and Kino ballasts on the nearly pure power waveform of our modified Honda EU6500is inverter generator means that we can load the generator to its' full 7500W capacity. Combined with our 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro, these technological advances in lighting design enable the use of bigger lights, or more smaller lights, off of portable generators , as well as common wall outlets , than has ever been possible before.

With the exception of Mole’s new incredibly efficient 5kw Quartz Par light, there are no incandescent lights in our pkg. The reason for this is that, even though incandescent lights generate no harmonic noise, they are also the least efficient light source of the four types available. We have replaced the traditional role served by incandescent lights - Key and Backlights - with the new Kino Flo Parabeam fluorescent par lights. Here are a few of the reasons why we prefer the Kino Flo Parabeams, over other fluorescent fixtures, and even LED Panels, as Key and Backlight sources.

__________________________________________________________________


Parabeam Par Lights

The quality of a Key source is more critical in HD production. In High Def every detail of “on-camera” talent is rendered clearly on the screen – even the imperfections. Where LED and traditional incandescent light sources can exaggerate textural details, fluorescent soft light is more forgiving. Fluorescent movie lights in general make for a better Key source in HD Digital Cinema because they subdue those same textures and render a more cosmetic appearance.

The drawback to fluorescents as a key source is that, even though they provide a beautiful soft light, the light falls off very rapidly and is hard to control. Because their light output drops off rapidly, to serve as a Key source the units need to be positioned close to the subject they are lighting. These characteristics make them well suited to serve as Key sources in documentary interview set ups where the Keys are typically positioned close to the interview subject. In that capacity conventional fluorescent lights and LED light panels (with heavy diffusion) can generate a wonderful soft light that wraps around the interview subject without wilting them. However, in dramatic set lighting, where Key sources must be capable of throwing a distance, conventional fluorescent lights and LED light panels have only limited applications as fill sources. The broad soft light they put out drops off too rapidly, and is too difficult to control, for them to be effective as a Key or Backlight source in dramatic set lighting.

What distinguishes the Parabeam fixtures from other fluorescent lights and LED panels is their throw, power efficiency, and the innovative accessories Kino Flo makes available to control their light output. Accessories include barndoors, a gel frame, a diffusion panel, and Honeycomb Louvers. These features enhance the production capabilities of the Parabeam fixtures and make them suitable to serve as a key or backlight source where conventional fluorescent movie light fixtures and LED panels are not.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KINO FLO

What makes the Kino Flo ParaBeam fixtures capable of throwing soft light a distance is that they use CAD (computer aided designed) parabolic reflectors to focus the lamp output at about 16 feet (5 meters). This feature makes them well suited to serve as key light sources because it more than doubles the light output of the lamps where it is needed most for lighting dramatic scenes - at a medium distance.

PHOTOMETRIC TABLE COURTESY OF KINO FLO

If you compare the photometric tables of the Parabeam 400 and the Diva 400, you will notice that at 16’ the Parabeam 400 puts out almost three times the light level (28FC) than the Diva 400 (10FC) even though they both use the same tubes. In fact a Parabeam 400 generates as much light at 16’ as the 4’ 8-Tube Kino Flathead 80 fixture, yet uses less than a quarter of the power (2 Amps verses 9.2 Amps.) While the seven amp difference is not a major consideration when using house power, it can make a difference when your power is limited (coming from a portable generator) because you can use four Parabeam 400s for the same power as a 4’ – 8 Bank Kino Flathead 80.

PHOTOMETRIC TABLE COURTESY OF KINO FLO

Kino Flo Parabeam ballasts also include Power Factor Correction circuitry to reduce the return of harmonic currents into the power stream, re-align voltage and current, and improve their power factor to better than .9. Given their efficiency (the 400 draws only 2 Amps, the 200 only 1 Amp) and low harmonics, a number of Kino Flo ParaBeams can be stacked on a portable gas generator without trouble. This makes them an especially efficient light source for use on small portable generators and comparable to the power efficiency of LED light panels. For instance a Parabeam 400 puts out more light than even Zylight’s new high output LED light panel yet draws just .2 Amps more power.

Not only are the Parabeam fixtures more efficient, but they are also more easily controlled – an essential requirement in a Key source. To control the spread of their light output, Kino Flo makes Honeycomb Louvers in 90, 60 and 45 degree angles. Swapping louvers provides beam control similar to that of swapping lenses on an HMI Par.

Barndoors (left), Diffusion Panel (center left), Honecomb Louvers (center right), & Gel Frame (right)

In the open face mode (no louver) the fixture has a wide spread with a hot center beam of light (see light distributions below). The light above and below the beam tapers off in intensity. Although the fixture is square, the beam of light, because of the parabolic reflector, is a broad lateral oval - like that of a wide lens on an HMI Par. The 90° Honeycomb Louver concentrates the light and behaves much like a medium lens on a HMI Par. The beam is slightly oval with a hot center. The light tapers off to a nice soft edge. The 60° Honeycomb Louver further concentrates the light into a smaller, tighter soft edged circle - similar to putting a spot lens on an HMI Par. The 45° Honeycomb Louver is the most concentrated circle of light. It would be similar to putting a narrow spot lens on an HMI Par. The spot displays a beautiful soft edge. In this fashion, the Parabeam’s innovative Honeycomb Louvers offer unprecedented light control for a fluorescent light fixture.

ParaBeam light distribution patterns

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KINO FLO

Open face (left), with 90 degree Louver (center left), 60 degree Louver (center right), & 45 degree Louver (right)

Such beam control makes the Kino Flo Parabeams suitable to serve as a key or backlight source where conventional fluorescent movie lights and LED light panels will spill all over the set. These features make the Parabeam fixtures the best candidate of all fluorescent lights to replace incandescent lights in their roll as dramatic key sources. And, the power you save by not using tungsten instruments for Keys and Backlights, enables you to power more lights on the generator than you could otherwise.

Ideal for lighting for the Red One

Kino Flo Parabeam fixtures are ideal for filming with the Red cameras. Since the Red’s native color balance is 5000K, it looks best when the lighting package consists of 5500K sources. Using tungsten light sources doesn’t make a lot of sense because balancing tungsten to 5500K is not very efficient for the reasons given above (a 1000W 3200K light becomes a 300W 5500K light when you put Full CTB on it.) Where, it makes more sense to use HMIs to light for the Red’s native color balance of 5000K because they provide more lumens/watt and require less filtration with gels, HMIs are expensive to buy or rent. Kino Flo Parabeam fixtures are a cost effective alternative to HMIs because they can use 5500K tubes as well as 3200K tubes and are an even more efficient light source than HMIs. The capability of mixing 5500k and 3200k tubes, make the Parabeam fixtures even more efficient. For example, when using the Red’s 5000K color balance, you can warm the lights without losing output to CTO gel by simply mixing in 3200K tubes with the 5500k tubes.

Compared to LED light panels, Kino Flo Parabeam fixtures offer greater versatility. Able to interchange different color temperature tubes, and vary beam spread with their interchangeable honeycomb louvers, the Parabeam fixture can do what it takes four different LED fixtures to accomplish – Spot and Flood in both 5500K and 3200K. Not to mention that you can buy two Parabeam 400 fixtures for what a professional LED light panel costs. Offering great light quality, output, beam control, and versatility, the Kino Flo ParaBeam makes for a better Key or Backlight source for HD cinema production

__________________________________________________________________



The PFC Tegra 400


The new Kino Flo Tegra 400 combines the best of the old and the new. Like the popular Kino Flo 4’ – 4 Bank fixtures that use Kino Flo’s 4’ T12 True Match tubes, the Tegra 400s are an ideal soft-light source for location filming. Smaller source fluorescents, such as the compact Diva-Lites, may be slightly brighter, but they are a "harder" source that create denser shadows. The Tegra 400 fixtures, on the other hand, approximate the quality of soft light from a bounced source without taking up the limited space on set because of their narrow profile.


To compensate for the lower light level associated with T-12 tubes, Kino Flo overdrives each one with a newly designed integrated Power Factor Corrected (PFC of .9) high output ballast. Setting the tubes in a polished aluminum reflector focuses their light output, giving the Tegra 400 nearly the same output as the popular Diva lights, but with a much softer quality. Like the Diva 401, the Tegra 400 features on-board dimming capability as well as individual lamp switching.


By incorporating PFC circuitry, the new Tegra ballast uses power more efficiently, minimizes return current, and generates virtually no line noise – making it possible to operate more of them on a portable generator. In fact, the 1.8 Amps that you save by using a Tegra 400 (2.8A) over a traditional 4’ – 4 Bank (4.6A) is almost enough to power two more Parabeam fixtures on a portable generator. Operating at 1/6 the power of comparable tungsten softlights, you can safely plug a Tegra 400 into just about any wall outlet without worrying about what else may be on that circuit already. Like the original Kino Flo fixtures, the Tegra 400 can take a variety of True Match T12 lamps. They can be used as a daylight source by using Kino Flo KF55 lamps or a tungsten source using Kino Flo KF32 or KF29 lamps. A variety of visual effects for blue and green screen as well as designer colors are available.

A variety of Truematch T12 lamps are available

Accessories are available to control or modify the Tegra’s light output. For example, full and half f-stop diffusion Floziers are available to soften the light even more. A Flozier is grid cloth material that slips over the front of the fixture and provides a large area of white diffusion. The resulting larger area of diffusion further softens the light. This is especially useful when dealing with reflective subject matters. For example, the harshness of lamp reflections in eye glasses is easily avoided by simply adding a Flozier.


“Bat Wing” Louvers are available to give direction to the light with minimal light loss. While interchangeable 60 and 90 degree honeycomb louvers, similar to those available for the Parabeam fixtures (see above), are available to focus their output much like an HMI par lens does. Without consuming much power, the Tegra 400 offers abundant shadow-less soft light that can be easily controlled – making it an ideal fill source and an indispensable part of our HD Plug-n-Play lighting package.

__________________________________________________________________


1800w Baby Max


Without a doubt, the HMI that meets our criterion of generating the most Lumens per Watt would have to be the new Arri 1800w Lens-Less HMI - the “Baby Max.” Featuring the same Academy Award winning reflector design as the 18000W ARRIMAX, the Baby Max takes advantage of the new 1800w Single Ended Lamp to provide unparalleled performance in a light that can be operated on a 20A circuit.

Comparison between 2.5 Par w/ 20 deg. Med Lens (left), 1800 Baby Max in 20 deg. Spot (Center), and 1800W Par w/ 20 deg. Med Lens (Rght).

The unique ARRIMAX reflector creates diverging parallel rays to produce a crisp light with even distribution through a wide spot/flood range. The result is a lens-less open face fixture with an output greater than that of a Par, and with the light distribution of a Fresnel. With a beam angle of 20 to 60 degrees and a wide usable field angle, the Baby Max is designed to be both versatile and intense.

How bright is the Baby Max? Our independent tests confirm that this unique reflector design enables the Arri 1800W Baby-Max to achieve an output comparable to that of a 2.5kw Par, but with a light quality comparable to a 4k Fresnel. For instance, if you were to spot down the Arri 1800W Baby-Max to the same beam diameter as the 2.5kw Par with Medium Lens in the photometric table above, it would achieve an output comparable to that of the 2.5k Par. But, as is evident in the picture above and the photometric table below, the light distribution is more similar to that of a 4k Fresnel.

So that the new 1800W lamp can operate on a 20A circuit, Arri has engineered a new Power Factor Corrected 1200/1800 Ballast. Formerly only available in larger ballasts, this advanced electronics reduces current spikes and harmonics in the power line and contributes to a more economical use of power than typical electronic ballasts. With an Apparent Power of 2250VA, the Arri 1800W Baby Max draws only 19.5 amps at 115V.

With a draw of 19.5 Amps at 115V, the Arri 1800W Baby Max will operate more reliably on a film distribution system than on location wall receptacles. The reason, is that many wall outlets are on 15 Amp circuits, and those that are on 20 Amp circuits probably use receptacles only rated for 15 Amps. This is a problem because the Arri 1800W ballast will always trip the common 15amp house circuit and will trip a 20 Amp circuit if there is something else, like a computer or light, on the same circuit. Where you can't always know what else is on the same circuit, or even if it is a 20 or 15 Amp circuit, it is risky to plug the 1800W Baby Max into the wall. Even if you have a dedicated 20A circuit (by unplugging the refrigerator for instance) the draw of the 1800W Baby Max is just too close to the threshold to operate reliably. If there is any line loss from a long cable run, or increased resistance from a hot plug end, the draw of the ballast climbs over 20 Amps and trips the breaker.

Unfortunately the same is true when it comes to operating the 1800W Baby Max on the 20A receptacles of portable gas generators. To the problem of line loss and overheating plug ends, you have the added problem that as you add load on portable generators their voltage output drops. It is not uncommon for a generator to drop 10 volts under full load. The 1800W ballast that drew 19.5 Amps at 115 Volts will draw 21.4 Amps at 105 Volts. Again, the power drawn by the 1800W Baby Max is just too near the operating threshold of a 20A circuit for it to operate reliably plugged into a 20A Edison outlet of a portable generator.

A Distro System consisting of a 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro, 2-60A GPC (Bates) Splitters, 2-60A Woodhead Box
distributes power from a modified Honda EU6500is. Even though the generator is 100' away to reduce noise,
plug-in points remain conveniently close to set).

The Arri 1800W Baby Max works best on a film distribution system because every Edison outlet is on a 20 Amp circuit, you know what is on the circuit because you are loading it yourself, and because you are distributing the power yourself you can bring the receptacle to the light. When you can run a 60A whip and drop a Snack Box next to the ballast you won’t have a problem. But, if your style of production requires that you run multiple stingers to plug into a wall outlet, you will likely have problems with plug ends and/or receptacles overheating and tripping breakers.

Standard 60A GPC (Bates) Splitters and a 60A Woodhead Box.

The only reliable means of powering a 1800W Baby Max on wall out-lets or on portable gas generators is from a 240V circuit through our 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro (pictured above.) Regardless whether it is a Range, Dryer, or the 4-pin Twist-Lock receptacle on our modified Honda EU6500is generator, our Transformer/Distro will convert the 240V output into a single 60A/120V circuit that is more than capable of powering the 19.5A load of a 1800W Baby Max. And, since our 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro is outfitted with a 60A Bates receptacle, it can also serve as the lynch pin of a film style distro system that will allow you to move the generator off set (where it won’t be heard), minimize line loss over a long cable run, and provide plug-in pockets conveniently close to the ballasts.

Power-to-Light PFC 800W ballast (left) and PFC 1200W ballast (right) plugged directly into a 60A Woodhead Box.

By providing 60 Amps at full line level through a standard distribution system, our HD Plug & Play Gen-set will reliably operate not just one, but up to three 1800W Baby Maxs on our modified Honda EU6500is generator or from a 240V wall receptacle. The ability to run multiple 1800W Baby Maxs off of 240V receptacles is one of the best reasons that I can think of to use transformers on set.


For more details about powering the new Arri1800W Baby Max on wall outlets and portable generators read our company newsletter article: “The Use of Portable Generators in Motion Picture Production”. Harry Box, author of "Set Lighting Technician's Handbook" has cited this article in the just released Fourth Edition of the handbook. In addition, he has established a link to it from the companion website for the Fourth Edition of the Handbook, called "Box Book Extras."

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4/2.5kw HMI Par


As long as there is a sun and moon in the sky there will be a place for a large HMI on interior and exterior sets because small HMIs, Kino-Flos, & LED light panels don’t come close to balancing direct sunlight in day light scenes or covering deep background in night scenes. For powerful daylight fill on exterior sets, to create the feel of hard sunlight on interior sets, or to light deep background on night exterior sets, we recommend a dual wattage HMI Par. I have chosen Arri's 2.5/4kw Par for my HD P&P Pkg. because of its compact design and superior photometrics (see comparison below.)

Not only does the Par configuration of this head provide more output but it is also incredibly versatile. When you need a lot of light for fill on day exteriors you can lamp it with a 4k globe. When you don’t need the punch of a 4k Par, like on a night exterior, you can swap the 4kw globe for a 2.5kw globe making more power available to run additional lights on a small generator. For example, you save 15 Amps when you swap out a 4k bulb for a 2.5k bulb in a 4/2.5 Par head powered by a Power Factor Corrected (PFC) electronic ballast. The 15 Amps you save by burning the smaller 2500W globe will power quite a few more lights when you consider that a Kino Flo Parabeam 400 uses only 2 Amps.

To maximize the number of additional lights that you can run off our modified Honda EU6500is generator, we pair the Arri 4/2.5 Par with the Power Factor Corrected (PFC) Power-2-Light 425 LVI Ballast. Power Factor Correction of this ballast enables the operation of both a larger HMI and more smaller HMIs off of standard wall outlets and portable generators. For example, it is possible to power a lighting package that consists of PFC 1800, & 400 HMI Pars, a couple of Kino Flo ParaBeam 400s, ParaBeam 200s, and Tegra 400s, in addition to the Arri 4/2.5 Par off of our modified Honda EU6500is Generator. Given the light sensitivity of HD Cameras, this is just about all the light you need to light a night exterior.

We chose the Power-2-Light 425 LVI Ballast over others because of its’ greatly simplified design. When the P2L ballast range was designed, the overly complex assemblies of previous designs were avoided, and basic functions were consolidated on easily interchangeable boards, so that servicing could be made as easy as possible. The end result is an “open book” design that greatly simplifies repairs and reduces down time.

With the removal of just a few screws the internal components of their ballasts unfold and lay on the service bench like an open book. To make servicing of their ballasts even easier, Power-2-Light ballasts also feature a LED Diagnostic System that enables set technicians, even those with limited technical expertise, to identify and replace defective components in the field.

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400w ARRILUX HMI


For versatility and high output in a small HMI fixture we recommend the ARRILUX 400w HMI. Its’ par configuration offers punchy directional lighting. Its bug configuration is ideal for soft banks and lantern lights. And, now an innovative adaptor enables the 400w ARRILUX to be plugged into the back of a Leko to create a controllable high intensity daylight balanced gobo projector.



The ARRILUX Leko adapter is an accessory that offers independent filmmakers production values beyond their limited budgets. In the past, to create the effect of sunlight streaming through windows has required a fairly significant lighting budget because it required large HMI Fresnels outside windows, powered by large diesel generators. Now, a 400w ARRILUX plugged into a Leko can be used as a powerful daylight gobo projector to throw a window pattern onto the set creating the effect of sunlight streaming through a window.



The lamp used in the 400W ARRILUX offers many advantages in this particular application. Its "short" arc gap is punctual enough to be very well suited to the optical design of a Leko gobo projector. The 4 to 1 efficiency ratio of HMI versus Tungsten incandescent creates a gain in light output of two full stops. This huge increase in light level allows patterns to be visible even under the higher ambient light levels of day light scenes. The 400w ARRILUX plugged into a Leko offers independent filmmakers big budget feature style production values on shoe string budgets.



The 400W ARRILUX lantern adapter is an accessory that is especially useful for night exteriors. A 400w HMI Lantern armed out behind talent in a two shot with a 20’ boom arm will create the Reverse Key Lighting that is typically desired for night exteriors. In this approach, the one light does the job of two Keys and allows for rapid resetting for cross cutting singles because there are not light stands in the background of each single. With this kind of versatility, the 400w ARRILUX HMI is an HMI light to have if your budget will allow you to have just a few.



To maximize the number of lights that can be operated on our modified Honda EU6500is, we pair the 400w ARRILUX HMI with Arri's Power Factor Corrected (PFC) 200/400 electronic ballast. Drawing only 3.8 Amps (verses the 5.5 Amps required by Joker’s non-PFC 400W electronic ballast), the Arri PFC 200/400 electronic ballast will enable you to operate an additional Parabeam 400 on a portable generator that you could not otherwise.

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Not officially part of our HD Plug & Play Pkg., the new Mole Richardson 5KW Tungsten Par warrants a mention for those occasions when you want a powerful Tungsten source for night exteriors. Unlike traditional 5KW luminaries, the Tungsten Par uses a specifically designed General Electric 5KW Tungsten Halogen lamp intended for Axial Operation. Like an HMI par, the new Mole 5KW Tungsten Par places the lamp on its side and uses a highly polished parabolic reflector and converter lenses to adjust the field of light. Mole has computer engineered the interaction of lamp, reflector and converter lens to obtain unmatched light performance. This fixture is able to achieve output comparable to a standard 14 inch 10K Fresnel, but is similar in size, weight, and design to the Mole Day Lite 2.5/4k HMI Par.



The new Mole 5KW Tungsten Par puts out as much light as heads twice its size, yet it can to be powered by our modified Honda EU6500is Inverter Generator with our custom 60Amp Full Power Transformer Distro because it draws only 42 Amps (compared to a 10k’s 84 Amps). Or, you can use our 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro to step down the 240V output from wall outlets, thereby eliminating the need for a tie-in or large diesel generator to get the output of a 10k luminary. Without a doubt, whenever powerful 3200K punch or bounce light is required on a set, the Mole 5KW Tungsten Par is the answer.

Without a doubt, our HD P&P Pkg. offers unprecedented production capability from the enhanced 7500W output of our modified Honda EU6500is and common wall outlets. Click here for a detailed explanation of the electrical engineering principles that make it possible to power bigger lights, or more smaller lights, off of portable generators and common wall outlets than has ever been possible before. Enough lights, in fact, to constitutes a complete location lighting package for HD Digital Cinema productions given the light sensitivity of todays HD Cameras.

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At NAB in 2011 Arri introduced the first of their L-Series LED Fresnels: the L7-D, L7-T and L7-C. As is evident in the demo video below of the prototype shown at the European trade show, IBC 2010, it is clear that Arri has finally engineered a true LED Fresnel.


No longer must you choose between the quality of a true Fresnel light field or the power saving benefits of LED technology. The Arri L7 LED Fresnel combines both: the cool-burning, energy-efficient advantages of LED illumination with the controllable versatility of traditional Fresnel fixtures (see comparison photos below.)

Shadow Rendering Comparison

ARRI L-Series Fresnel/ (left), ARRI ST1 Fresnel (right)

With remarkably clear and defined shadow rendering, excellent field homogeneity, and smooth, continuous flood to spot focus, Arri has taken the best of both worlds and created a truly revolutionary lamp head. The beam is continuously focusable from spot to flood.

ARRI L-Series Fresnel

Light Field in Spot (left), Light Field in Flood (center), Barndoor Cut (right)

And, just like conventional Fresnels, the beam is easily controlled with barndoors and flags - enabling the light to be precisely cut to set pieces and talent (see far right photos above & below.) Dimming is smooth and continuous, enabling seamless fades to black.

ARRI ST1 Fresnel

Light Field in Spot (left), Light Field in Flood (center), Barndoor Cut (right)

With broad spectral output (high CRI), skin tones, costumes and scenery will appear vivid and lifelike; and, the lack of forward heat means that color gels won't burn through. And, given the discernable amount of light the L-Series Fresnel prototypes throw in the show demonstration video, on what appears to be a 6x6 Ultrabounce rigged 20’ overhead, and under the high ambient light levels of the show hall, seems to suggest that L7 Fresnels have more than enough output to waste some to diffusion and color gel if one so desires.

A feature of the new Arri L7s that is of particular benefit in location production is that they are Power Factor Corrected (PFC.) Without a doubt, the even greater reduction in power consumption, and particularly line noise, that Arri achieves (that other LED manufacturers don’t) by incorporating PFC into their L7 Fresnels offers location productions a great cost benefit: not having to rent a movie blimped tow generator, with all of its’ hidden costs, in order to obtain decent production values (see the Helio 270 LEP description below for more details.)

The L-Series Fresnels are compatible with existing Arri ST1-sized accessories, including 4 and 8 leaf barndoors and filter frames; and incorporate Arri True Blue - style hardware advancements, including high strength tilt lock and sliding stirrup. With no lamps to replace, fans to break, or motors to service, the L-Series Fresnels are designed for extreme longevity in challenging production environments. Once they go into production in late 2011, we look forward to bringing you the Arri L-Series Fresnels as part of our HD Plug & Play Pkg. Check back for updates and additional product information.



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HELIO 270

Light Emitting Plasma


Light Emitting Plasma (LEP) is radically new technology that can produce 144 lumens per watt. In contrast, Tungsten Halogen bulbs produce 15 lumens per watt, LED emitters produce between 65 to 85 lumens per watt (in practical applications), and HMI bulbs produce 90 Lumens per watt. In addition to their intense output, LEP lamps provide a continuous spectrum that is almost identical to Daylight, long life, and a ruggedness that outperforms other lamps. These characteristics of LEPs make them an ideal source for motion picture lighting applications. One of the first motion picture lighting instruments to use this radical new technology, the 270W Helio 270 LEP head offers many practical benefits in producton that HMI and LED luminaries do not (use links below for further details.)


In studio applications, the greatly reduced power consumption of LEPs translates into greatly reduced costs in the build out and operation of studios. Not only is the electrical service required greatly reduced, money is also saved on the power bill. With higher efficiency, the lamp head draws less power, the fixture produces less heat, and so the studio requires less A/C, which means even less power consumption.

On location, you will be able to generate more light on standard wall circuits and generator circuits than has ever been possible before. Able to operate eight Helio 270W heads on a single 20A circuit, LEP technology makes it possible to get the output of a 4k HMI from a single wall or generator outlet. When it comes to operating lights on portable gas generators, the greater efficiency of LEP technology is only half the story. The other half is the fact that the Helio 270 is Power Factor Corrected (PFC.) The power supply used in the Helio 270 has a Power Factor of .99, making it a near linear load. As a result, the Helio 270 uses power more efficiently, minimizes return current, and generates virtually no line noise. Where, it is as much the Harmonic Noise that non-PFC HMI, Fluorescent, and LED power supplies (ballasts) kick back into the power stream, as it is their higher Apparent Power, that limits the total number of them that can be reliably operated on conventional generators; the efficiency and near unity Power Factor of the Helio 270 means that you can operate more of them on portable gas generators (use this link for details.) For instance, you can operate only four 575W HMIs on a 6500W portable AVR generator, where you can operate 23 Helio 270s (each with an output comparable to a 575W HMI). And, if the generator is one of our modified Honda EU6500is Inverter generators, you will be able to operate up to 27 Helio 270s on its enhanced 7500W output. I think you would have to agree, that is a major increase in production capability.

Without a doubt, LEP heads like the Helio 270 take what can be done with a portable generator to a new level. For instance, even when you require a bigger gun like a 4k HMI Par, to say light the deep background of a night exterior, the low line noise and power consumption of the Helio 270 makes it feasible to operate an entire location package from a single Honda EU6500is. For example, you can operate up to 11 Helio 270s in addition to our PFC Arri 4k HMI Par on the enhanced 7500W power output of our modified Honda EU6500is.

What can be accomplished with a portable gas generator will be even greater when latter this year ARRI introduces to the 4k power class their ARRIMAX reflector technology - creating a 4k head with the light output of a 12k Fresnel that draws only 37 Amps. Just, think of what can be accomplished with the equivalent of a 12k Fresnel and eleven 575 HMIs with camera systems like the Red Epic or Arri Alexa that are capable of a fourteen stop exposure range and ASA sensitivities of 1600 without grain – you won’t need anything more than can be operated on the enhanced 7500W output of our modified Honda EU6500is Gen-set. Without a doubt, the Helio 270 LEP Fresnel used in conjunction with an ARRIMAX 4k will be a real game changer. We look forward to bringing you that combination when it becomes available

With Power Factor Corrected Helio 270 LEP Fresnels, ARRIMAX reflector HMIs, and Kino Flo Parabeams, you won’t need anything more than can be operated on the enhanced 7500W output of a Honda EU6500is to get decent production values in most production situations – effectively eliminating the need for a large diesel tow generator, with all its hidden costs. This is what has Harry Box so pumped about our HD Plug & Play Gen-set and why he has included it in the 4th Edition of his “Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook” (use this link for details.)

"Following the prescriptions contained in this article enables the operation of bigger lights, or more smaller lights, on portable generators than has ever been possible before." - Harry Box, Author "Set Lighting Technician's Handbook"

When you start to use the new math of not only lower power consumption, but also of lower line noise, to calculate what can be operated on a portable gas generator, you quickly realize, you have what, I would argue, amounts to a paradigm shift in lighting with small portable generators. Where before you could not operate more than a couple 1200W HMIs on a conventional AVR generator, now you can run a complete lighting package off of a Honda EU6500is Inverter Generator with the aid of a 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro (use this link for details.)



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Ideal for lighting for DSLRs & the Red Cameras

The fixtures in our HD Plug-n-Play Package are ideal for filming with the CMOS sensors of Digital SLR cameras (like the Canons) and the Red cameras. Since the native color balance of a CMOS Sensor is 5000K, it looks best when the lighting package consists of 5500K sources. Using tungsten light sources doesn’t make a lot of sense because balancing tungsten to 5500K is not very efficient for the reasons given above (a 1000W 3200K light becomes a 300W 5500K light when you put Full CTB on it.) Where, it makes more sense to use HMIs to light for CMOS Sensor's native color balance of 5000K because they provide more lumens/watt and require less filtration with gels, HMIs are expensive to buy or rent. The Kino Flo Parabeam and Helio 270 Plasma fixtures of our HD Plug-n-Play Package are a cost effective alternatives to HMIs because they are/can be 5500K (with daylight tubes in the Kino) and are an even more efficient light source than HMIs. The capability of mixing 5500k and 3200k tubes, make the Parabeam fixtures even more efficient. For example, when using the Red’s 5000K color balance, you can warm the lights without losing output to CTO gel by simply mixing in 3200K tubes with the 5500k tubes.

Compared to LED light panels, the Kino Flo Parabeams offer greater versatility. Able to interchange different color temperature tubes, and vary beam spread with their interchangeable honeycomb louvers, the Parabeam fixture can do what it takes four different LED fixtures to accomplish – Spot and Flood in both 5500K and 3200K. Not to mention that you can buy two Parabeam 400 fixtures for what a professional LED light panel costs.

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Generator Carts, GFCIs, and Protective Housings

Protective Cage w/ 10 inch pneumatic casters for Honda EU6500is

Since, portable generators are often used to provide power on locations that are not easily accessible, we have developed several products to facilitate moving them. They range from simple cages on pneumatic tires (pictured above & below) to fully enclosed generator boxes that can be mounted on any number of vehicles.

Our Honda EU6500is Cage is designed to allow the generator handle to hinge up and down

Our sturdy generator boxes (below) are welded of heavy gauge aluminum diamond plate and are lockable for security. They feature a top lid for easy access for fueling and a hinged end panel for easy loading of the generator into the box. Doors provide access to all important generator functions. So that the generator can operate within the enclosed box for extended periods without overheating, our generator boxes are equipped with louvers and a fan to assure proper air-flow. Optional sound attenuation kits are available for further sound dampening.

Our Honda EU6500is Gen Box is designed to allow easy loading of the generator (far left), fan cooling (center left),
easy access to controls (center right), and full enclosure for protection against rain and further sound attenuation (far right.)

Our generator boxes also offer protection against the elements, further sound attenuation, and a means of securely mounting generators to camera trucks, process trailers, company stake-beds, and grip trailers. We also have a hitch frame so you can transport them on the back of 1-Ton Grip Vans or SUVs. For ease of mobility around large event sites or movement over rough terrain, we offer several heavy-duty wagon trucks that are tow capable.

Our Honda EU6500is Gen Box can be mounted onto a hitch frame (left), or heavy-duty wagon trucks (far right.)

Our wagon trucks are constructed of heavy 12 gauge reinforced steel decks sized to accommodate both a generator box and our 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro with cable. Full 1 inch diameter axles, large 12 inch pneumatic tires, and fifth wheel steering assure easy transportation over rough terrain.

Wagon truck options include 4 wheel towable trucks with 12 inch pneumatic casters for Honda EU6500is pneumatic tires (left), or heavier-duty 8 wheel towable trucks with 16 inch pneumatic casters for Honda EU6500is pneumatic tires (right.)
All wagon trucks feature fifth wheel steering for greater maneuverability of heavy loads.

Wagon trucks with fifth wheel steering are easier to maneuver over rough terrain with heavier loads because the steering wheels pivot on a center point and so encounter less friction when turning than would be encountered in a swivel caster. This is especially true when softer, wider pneumatic wheels are required for greater mobility on rough or uneven surfaces. A Ring Drawbar/T-Handle with a 2-1/2 inch I.D. ring allows you to hitch our wagon trucks to a pin and clevis coupler for low-speed towing with Gators or ATVs (the 3500lb capacity is reduced by 25% when towing.) The T- handle features two vinyl handgrips to allow two man operation where required. For towing over especially rough or uneven terrain, we offer a wagon truck with eight 16 inch x 4 inch 4 ply pneumatic wheels. Because, our 8 wheel truck distributes the load of the Tranformer/Distro, cable, and generator over a larger surface area, it offers much greater stability and mobility when towing over rough terrain.



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Portable generators are quite often used to provide power in situations where it is not possible to get a large tow plant. Since, many of these situations also include working in, on, and around water (to provide power on boats, beaches, and around remote lakes and streams) we have designed our HD Plug & Play Pkg. Gen-set to meet OSHA requirements (most portable generators do not) and operate safely in wet environments.

To protect the generator during the harshest of weather conditions we offer both a rain hood (above) or fully enclosed rain housing (below.)

Honda EU3000 water tight sound insulated genertor box (caster kit available.)

To assure safe distribution of power from the generator in the wettest conditions, our 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro bonds the Neutral to Ground and uses an Epoxy Encapsulated Core with a “3R” all weather rated housing. With the Neutral bonded to the Ground on its' secondary load side, our 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro makes it possible to use Ground Fault Protection Circuits (GFCIs.) And, with the transformer windings, core, and lead connections sealed in epoxy inside a tough, waterproof casing, our 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro will withstand the harshest outdoor conditions - making them the clear choice for power distribution from portable generators on wet locations.

A 100A GFCI Shock Block can provide ground fault protection for an entire distribution system
consisting of Bates Extensions, Bates Splitters, and Bates-to-Edison Break-Out Boxes

Since, moisture can also cause ground faults that can endanger the lives of those working on wet sets, many municipal electrical codes and OSHA require the use of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in wet conditions. Even though, ground fault protection can eliminate electrical hazards and save lives, many productions shoot without GFCIs because they are prone to tripping when used with Kino and HMI ballasts, or are simply not available on the super quiet generators (the Honda EU6500is for instance does not have GFCIs.) They are also not commonly available for 120V branch circuits larger than 20 Amps. To eliminate the problems associated with the use of common GFCIs on portable genertors, we offer a 100A GFCI specifically designed for use with motion picture lights up to 6kw. When used with our 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro, our 100A GFCI brings the Honda EU6500is generator into full OSHA compliance (it does not meet OSHA requirements for use on work sties otherwise.)

100A GFCI provides ground fault protection on wet locations

Designed for underwater, outdoor, and wet-location filming, our 100A GFCI provides UL943 Class “A” protection. Featuring a 6mA trip level, our 100A GFCI assures protection for people and equipment from ground faults. Unlike standard home GFCIs, it uses an "Inverse Time Curve" to prevent nuisance tripping by electronic Kino & HMI ballasts that can cause costly production delays. And to assure your piece of mind, it includes a test function that enables you to confirm it works. Adapted with 60A Bates connectors, it is easy to install inline after our 60A Full Power Transformer/Distro and will provide safe and secure ground fault interruption for the entire distribution system – meeting and exceeding OSHA requirements for the use of portable generators on work sites (click here for a detailed explanation of OSHA requirements and how only our HD P&P Pkg. meets them with the Honda EU6500is. ) The Academy Award winning technology of our 100A GFCI has provided protection for the cast, crews, and equipment of major Hollywood productions:

Bourne Ultimatum - The Bucket List - Indiana Jones - The Biggest Loser - CSI: New York - Sex and the City


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Each component of our

"HD Plug & Play Package"

is available for

Rental or Sale

(Financing available - Please Inq.)



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