THE NEW PAUL C. BUFF EINSTEIN
We regret to inform customers that our Chief Engineer, Dr. Michael Morgan suffered a totally unexpected grand mal seizure Tuesday, while doing final pre-production testing on Einstein. Fortunately we have a First Responder trained staff member who saved his life and we got him to the hospital in time. Mike is home resting now and begging to finish up his work at home despite a pea size brain mass that is thought to be the cause, and which is yet to be fully diagnosed. For those interested, Mike has been my friend and Chief Engineer in two companies, dating back to the 1970s.
We are reluctant to subject him to any excess at this point in time, so much of this work is going to fall on me and on other members of our staff. This is certain to add a couple of weeks to the Einstein release. We anticipate having our production vendor produce about a dozen Einsteins in, hopefully, full final production form, next week. Following successful evaluation of these units we should be ready to go into production.
My own work schedule is already about 14 hours - 7 days a week. We have been scouring employment agencies for additional highly capable engineering help for a year now. Seems our requirements are higher than the available work force. Fortunately we hired one very capable engineer about three weeks ago, but getting up to speed on this stuff takes time.
With the Einstein pre-order list now over 2500 units, believe me getting this product right and shipping is our number one priority. I have been testing and using a pre production Einstein for about a month now and can safely report that, at least in my opinion, it is a joy in every regard. I hope our customers will bear with us on this.
- Auto switches to operate from 95VAC to 265VAC, 50 or 60Hz with no user attention or adjustment required.
- 1.7 seconds to full 640WS at 120VAC, 60Hz or at 240VAC, 50Hz.
- Cycle time proportionally decreases as power setting is reduced.
- Can tolerate power line voltages as low as 35VAC from Vagabond or similar pure sine inverters without crashing.
- Many competitive digital flash units crash if input voltage falls below about 80 to 90VAC.
- In spite of the fast 1.7 second recycle time at 640 true WS, the initial recycle surge current is 16A and tapers down to 5A during the recycle period.
- This is slightly lower than previous Buff monoflash units and most competitive lights of similar power.
- When operated at 240VAC, 50Hz the surge and operating currents are approximately half the 120VAC values.
- Uses a standard, relatively inexpensive 120V, 250W bayonet-style quartz modeling lamp.
- Precisely voltage-controlled to maintain consistent luminosity and to track flash power within plus or minus 1/10 f-stop at any AC input voltage and any power setting within its specification.
- No user intervention or lamp changing is required to operate at different AC line voltages.
- The design of the modeling lamp regulator is proprietary to Paul C. Buff and yields dramatically less interference transmitted back to the power line in comparison to the unregulated and inaccurate household-style “phase control” dimmers used in most flash units.
- Protects the lamps from damage and serves to reduce UV emission from the flash tube.
- Equalizes the effective size and shape of the modeling lamp and flash tube.
- Modeling lamp filament is in exactly the same focal point as the UV-coated flash tube.
- Results in an extremely close relationship between flash and modeling light.
- Vastly diminishes the effect of any design or manufacturing anomalies in reflectors.
- The dome and lamps are removable and user-replaceable.
- The Einstein does not include a reflector. We recommend a 8.5" High Output Reflector for general purpose use.
- Uses multiple IGBT devices to allow a 9 f-stop (2.5WS to 640WS) flash power range.
- Adjustable in precise 1/10f steps from the rear panel or via Cyber Commander when optional CSXCV transceiver is plugged in.
- Voltage regulation consistency is typically accurate to better than 1/50f at 640WS and 1/10f at 2.5WS. Setting accuracy is typically within plus or minus 1/10f over the entire operating range.
- Initially, EINSTEIN will be offered in only one model (640WS) and only in black. This is because of the exceedingly low 2.5WS minimum power and the relatively small cost advantage gained by offering a lower-powered version. Another factor is that, unlike AlienBees, Zeus or White Lightning and most competitive models, shorter flash durations are obtained from a 640WS EINSTEIN than could be obtained from a lower-powered EINSTEIN.
- Proprietary IGBT allows flash duration to dramatically decrease as power settings are lowered. This is opposite to conventional studio flash designs where the duration lengthens and the color temperature falls when power is reduced.
- Two distinct operation modes are available from the rear panel:
- CONSTANT COLOR mode - the emitted color temperature is held constant at 5600K plus or minus 50K at any power setting or input voltage. At Full Power, the t.5 flash duration is 1/1600 second and the t.1 time is 1/540 second. As power is reduced to ½ power the color remains constant, while the flash duration decreases to approximately 1/1700 second t.1 (note that with IGBT control, the t.5 spec is no longer meaningful, so only the t.1 flash duration appears on the rear LCD display). As power is further decreased, the color temperature remains constant and the t.1 flash duration falls ultimately to 1/9,000 second at the lowest power settings.
- ACTION mode - the color temperature rises as power is reduced but the t.1 flash duration is minimized even further for maximum action stopping capability where absolute color consistency is secondary to motion freezing. At ½ power in ACTION MODE the t.1 flash duration is approximately 1/2000 second and the color temperature is approximately 5750K. Absolute values of flash duration and color temperature are indicated on the rear LCD display and are yet to be fully specified.
- An advantage of the IGBT flash control is that, at reduced power settings, the flash capacitors are not completely drained when the unit is fired. Therefore it is possible to perform a rapid sequence of shots. The READY state indication is selectable from the rear panel; READY state can be indicated by the audible beeper, by the modeling lamp dimming when fired and returning on when recycled, by both, or by none. The rear panel READY indicator always turns green when the unit is fully ready to fire.
- Can be fired before the READY state is reached. Depending on the power setting and number of frames per second being shot, this can produce successively increasing reductions of exposure value and color temperature in a rapid series of shots at relatively high power. In typical fast action sports shooting, setting the power to around 1/10 power (64WS) will allow frame rates or bursts on the order of five to ten frames per second with excellent frame to frame consistency and extremely sharp action freezing.
- In normal operation, the illuminated LCD display reverts to FLASH mode, as indicated by the blue icon box. Assuming the model lamp is set to TRACK FLASH mode, operating the ADJUST UP/DOWN buttons will raise or lower flash power in 1/10f increments per click.
- Holding one of the ADJUST buttons in will cause scrolling. The modeling lamp will follow the flash power for what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) modeling previews.
- At each of the 90 possible power settings, the power reduction relative to full power, current t.1 color temperature, current t.1 flash duration, current flash WS, current modeling watts and current EU reference number are all displayed.
- All functions of EINSTEIN are accessible from Cyber Commander and the above-mentioned parameter is also shown on the Cyber Commander LCD.
- Pressing the function button cycles through the other LCD sub-screens to allow the user to set the desired function of each parameter, turning the selection function sub-screen blue for identification.
- Assuming the model lamp is set to TRACK FLASH mode, operating the ADJUST buttons while in the MODEL sub-screen will introduce an offset between the model intensity and flash power.
- The model lamp will still track the flash, but with a different relationship of model watts to flash WS. This allows the user to set this ratio to match that of a different light(s) that might be in use so as to enable WYSIWYG modeling between dissimilar flash units. In past systems accomplishing this required physically changing the wattage of the modeling lamps.
- If the modeling lamp is set to be separately adjustable from the flash, operating the ADJUST button will independently raise or lower the modeling lamp intensity.
- Allow the user to set the parameters of each function shown, including the frequency and channel used to communicate with Cyber Commander.
- After selecting any of the sub-screens, the LCD will automatically return to the FLASH sub-screen in ten seconds, as this is the primary screen used with the EINSTEIN once the parameters are set to the user’s needs.
- Functions like a modern TV. That is, when turned OFF the CSXCV transceiver module remains powered. Because of this, the EINSTEIN can be remotely powered off or on from Cyber Commander.
- All current settings are remembered when the unit is powered off or unplugged. Thus, in a studio using multiple EINSTEIN lights and Cyber Commander, the user can shut down all the lights from the Cyber Commander when a session is finished, and turn them all back on the next day in the same manner.
- This is a recessed button used for instant setup to the most commonly used function parameters. When the EASY SET button is pushed, EINSTEIN is set as follows:
- Model lamp tracks flashpower with no offset.
- READY state is indicated by both modeling lamp dimming and by the beeper.
- The slave sensor is turned on.
- The unit is set to CONSTANT COLOR mode.
- The CSXCV transceiver channel and frequency are both set to “1”.
- Thus, EINSTEIN is ready to use in plug-and-play fashion for most users. After pushing the EASY SET button the user can then use the function button to change any of the settings mentioned.
- EINSTEIN also contains additional menu screens that allow the user to upgrade firmware, to set the LCD brightness, to set the delay time before reverting to the FLASH sub-screen and to perform other advanced setup information not yet defined.
- Features a plug-in slot for a standard 2GB Micro SD card.
- Used to upgrade the firmware via download or email should features be added in the future.
- A thermostatically controlled high velocity fan and improved airflow, coupled with multiple internal heat sensors and circuit fault detection assure reliable performance under the most demanding commercial shooting.
- Approximately the same size as the AlienBees B1600 and very slightly heavier (~4lbs) due to the all-stainless steel improved accessory mount and the Pyrex frosted dome.
- EINSTEIN has a 2 year factory warranty.
- Click here to download the preliminary operating instructions.
- $439.95 USD
FULL DISCLOSURE - The information presented here is preliminary and deemed accurate, but is subject to change at any time.
Behind the Einstein
As many customers are aware, Project Einstein™ has been in progress in parallel with the development of CyberSync™ and Cyber Commander™ since early 2008. These products are tightly intertwined and together form the core of the next generation of Paul C. Buff studio flash products. It should be pointed out that all of these, as other Paul C. Buff products, have been conceived and designed by our founder and President, Paul C. Buff.
Paul’s work consists of the product concepts, function, ergonomics, marketability analysis, cost and quality control, mechanical concept, engineering and CAD design, circuit design and overseeing of all aspects of development and marketing. Dr. Michael Morgan assists Paul in his position as Chief Engineer.
Those who know Paul are keenly aware that his work is performed at an exceedingly rapid pace. But, at age 73, Paul tends to hang onto a sometimes-optimistic view of the capabilities and work pace of third-party vendors and consultants. This has not presented much of a problem to Paul’s past efforts because there was little need for, in particular, third-party engineering consultants.
However, the next-generation product line involves certain advanced technologies that are outside of Paul’s engineering experience and capabilities.
The original Einstein designs required a high level of technical expertise in the area of high efficiency switch mode power supplies of complex nature and demanding performance requirements. Thus, a respected group of consultants was selected to do the engineering of the power supply elements of Einstein. They offered time, cost and performance estimates that projected a timely and cost-effective completion of a design that would suit the Einstein requirements. The projected design time frame was 90 days.
After one year of work, the consultants were unable to deliver a design that was acceptable. Since coming product announcements had been released prior to this, Paul decided to use a scaled-down version of what had been developed in an alternative product named AB Max. Five months later, AB Max was indeed designed and functional and all parts needed to begin production had been purchased. However, upon thorough evaluation and testing, Paul concluded the power supply design work was too marginalized, not cost-effective and possibly prone to reliability problems . . . not suitable for prime time.
At this point Paul announced that he would not release the AB Max product for the reasons stated, feeling such a release could possibly bring more damage to the company’s reputation than would the failure to deliver a promised product on time.
At this point it was decided that all previous power supply work would be scrapped and that the product would be designed in-house, using technologies that both Paul and Dr. Morgan were well experienced in. In the redesign process it was decided to restore most of the features of the original Einstein concept, so the product will have capabilities quite beyond those announced for AB Max.
This work began on July 15. Since that time we have completely designed and prototyped the entire product in-house and are now ready to begin the process of finalizing production circuit boards and programming the microprocessor and LCD display firmware.
Most parts needed to build the product are in stock. We appreciate your continued interest and patience.
FLASH DURATION EXPLAINED
Figure 1 depicts the typical characteristics of a Xenon flashtube. When the tube is fired there is rapid ionization period as the tube output rises to maximum brightness. This is followed by an exponential decline in tube current, voltage and light as the capacitors are discharged to zero.
The standard engineering term for stating flash duration is “t.5”. This describes the time it takes for 50% of the total flashpower to be dissipated. Whenever the simple designation “Flash Duration” is specified it can be assumed to be the t.5 spec.
However, the t.5 spec doesn’t adequately predict the actual motion freezing capability of a flash. There is a much longer trailing edge that continues to emit the remaining 50% of the light. This causes considerably more motion blur than the t.5 spec implies. In order to better compare flash duration specs to an equivalent shutter speed, the term “t.1” was introduced by the photo industry. t.1 specifies the time it takes for 90% of the total flash to be emitted. But even following the t.1 time there is still light being emitted at sufficient intensity to cause some ghosting or motion trails.
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL OF FLASHPOWER The vast majority of studio monoflash units, regardless of price, control the flashpower by varying the voltage to which the flash capacitors are charged. Figure 2 depicts such a flash when the power is reduced to 50%. Notice the discharge curve is similar to the Full Power curve, but that the intensity is reduced and the discharge time is slower. Both the t.1 and t.5 flash durations are longer because of the reduced voltage and flashtube current.
COLOR TEMPERATURE AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE Another result of the reduced voltage and current is a lowering of color temperature that is proportional to the amount of power reduction via voltage variable means.
SUMMATION OF VARIABLE VOLTAGE FLASH CHARACTERISTICS
Flash units using variable voltage power control can be summarized as exhibiting an increase of about 20% in flash duration time and about 75°K decrease in color temperature per f-stop of power reduction.
IGBT CONTROL OF FLASHPOWER
Essentially all low power camera flashes (speedlights) employ IGBT control of flash power instead of variable voltage control. This technology is easily implemented in low power units, but only recently have IGBT devices become available with sufficient power handling capacity for use in higher powered studio flash, especially those offering fast flash durations.
In looking at FIGURES 3, 4 and 5, it is seen that, in an IGBT flash, the voltage and current remain constant as power is reduced and that power is reduced by abruptly shutting the tube off once the desired amount of light has been emitted. This results in flash durations that become shorter and shorter as power is reduced, as well as the complete elimination of the exponential flash tail that is responsible for motion blur in non-IGBT flash units.
Notice in Figure 2 that a 50% power reduction in a conventional studio flash lengthens the t.1 flash duration from 1/666 second to 1/500 second while the same power reduction in an IGBT flash (Figure 4) shortens the t.1 duration to 1/2200 second and that the trailing edge tail is completely removed.
Figure 5 illustrates the extremely short 1/10,000 second t.1 time when the power is more dramatically reduced.
COLOR TEMPERATURE WITH IGBT CONTROL It should be understood that the color temperature of a flashtube is, in part, determined by the voltage and current at which it is operated. In Figures 1 and 3, the color temperature emitted is not constant throughout the discharge period. Rather, the color temperature is higher (more blue) at the beginning of the discharge and becomes lower (more red) as the waveform declines. Thus, it is the average of the beginning and ending color temperatures that form the effective color temperature for the exposure.
Speedlights typically produce higher and higher color temperature as power is reduced because of discarding the lower color temperature “tail” and keeping the higher color temperature initial portion.
EINSTEIN 640 When used in its CONSTANT COLOR mode, Einstein combines IGBT shutoff of the flash tube with an exacting digital adjustment of the capacitor voltage in order to achieve a constant 5600° +/- 50°K color temperature at any power setting. In ACTION MODE, Einstein allows the color temperature to rise slightly as power is reduced as a means of achieving the fastest possible flash durations. Both the t.1 flash duration and the color temperature are displayed on the rear panel LCD in all modes and at all power settings.