USER’S GUIDE

TRONIX EXPLORER XT3

Congratulations on your purchase of the Tronix Explorer XT3!

The technically superior Tronix Explorer XT3 , rated at 800 Watts continuous and at 2000 Watts peak power, is designed to provide power to most flash and power pack units. It makes your studio lights work on location - with faster recycling time, more power and better performance.

Power and Reliability

- 2400 Watts peak power

- Provides a clean sine wave from a 24 V DC source

- Efficient circuit design that generates almost a thousand pops for 300 Ws flash units

Flexibility and Mobility

- Auto-volt/Global charging feature (100 V - 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz)

- 14 V DC car battery charger and Auxiliary Battery port for 24 V external battery pack

- It can also be used for powering battery chargers, laptops, printers, etc.

Safe and Easy to Use

- Plug and play

- Battery power and charging indicators

- Switch over circuit from battery to external battery pack

- Short circuit protection

- Overload protection

The convenience and reliability that Explorer XT3 boasts would be reason enough to bring this gadget wherever a photographer travels and goes for work, and needs it most.

Thank you for your purchase of Tronix Explorer XT3.

We hope you will enjoy the product as much as we enjoyed developing it to serve your needs.

Contents

Important Safety Instructions

General Safety

Electrical Safety

Battery Safety

Getting Started

Shipping Materials

Installation

Operation

Charging

Maintenance

Battery Replacement

Troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical Specifications

Service and Warranty

Contact Information

Important Safety Instructions

SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND USER’S GUIDE. Safety Instructions

Save this User’s Guide. Contents of this User's Guide should be followed during installation, operation and maintenance of Explorer XT3.

General Safety

- Do NOT expose Explorer XT3 to dust, moisture, liquids, rain or snow.

- Do NOT block ventilation openings of Explorer XT3. Overheating may occur. Do not place

Explorer XT3 in a compartment with zero clearance.

- Not recommended attachments, when used with Explorer XT3, may result in risk of fire, electrical hazard or injury.

- Periodically observe the status of the LED indicators to ensure that Explorer XT3 works as intended.

Electrical Safety

- The disconnect device of Explorer XT3 is the mains plug.

- Always connect Explorer XT3 to a grounded outlet. The outlet to which Explorer XT3 is connected must be in close proximity and must be easily accessed.

- Flash units and other supported equipment must be properly connected to Explorer XT3. As with the connection to the outlet, connections of the equipment to Explorer XT3 must be easily accessed.

- Before doing any maintenance, always switch off and unplug all attachments connected to

Explorer XT3.

- Explorer XT3 incorporates multiple power sources. Only connect one of these sources at a time.

Though not posing any risk, simultaneous connection of any of these sources is not recommended. Disconnect all power cords to completely remove power from the unit.

- If the external flexible cord of the unit is damaged, it shall be replaced by a cord available from the manufacturer.

Battery Safety

Warning: Contains potentially hazardous voltages.

Do not make any changes or modifications to Explorer XT3 unless otherwise specified. Explorer

XT3 has no user-serviceable parts.

and eyes. The batteries can also emit dangerous or explosive gases.

and jewelries when replacing batteries. Use properly insulated tools and handles.

batteries with the same type as originally installed in Explorer XT3.

electrical hazards or damage to Explorer XT3.

Dispose replaced batteries properly. Deliver the battery to its manufacturer for recycling.

Important: Innovatronix Inc. does not recommend Explorer XT3 for use in life support equipment, where malfunction of the product will significantly degrade effectiveness of such equipment.

Examples of life support equipment are, but not limited to, the following: pacemakers, blood pumps, ventilators and dialysis systems.

Getting Started

Shipping Materials

Please check if the shipped package contains the following:

-1 Tronix Explorer XT3 unit

-1 Power Cord

-1 14V

DC

Car Battery Charger

-User's Guide (this document)

Contact Tronix Customer Service or reseller in case any item is missing in the package

(see Contact Information).

Installation

1. Switch off Explorer XT3.

2. On the rear panel, plug the power cord to a 100 V to 240 V mains outlet.

The green Charging LED indicator should blink. This indicates that Explorer XT3 is charging.

If Explorer XT3 is being charged the first time, charge the unit for 12 to 15 hours. This ensures optimum battery performance. Succeeding charges would only take 6 to 9 hours.

Note: The mains outlet to which Explorer XT3 is connected must be in close proximity and must be easily accessed.

Explorer XT3 has the following power sources: AC mains outlet, car battery input and auxiliary battery. Only connect one of these sources at a time. Though not posing any risk, simultaneous connections of any of these inputs are not recommended.

Operation

1. Charge Explorer XT3 as instructed in Installation.

2. Set up the necessary lighting equipment.

3. On the front panel, connect the plug of the flash unit to one of the sockets of Explorer XT3.

For 115-60 models, a universal adapter is supplied.

Note: The connections between the flash units and Explorer XT3 must be in close proximity and must be easily accessed.

4. Switch on Explorer XT3.

The battery level indicators ( green High, yellow Mid and red Low) indicate the amount of power left in the battery. Explorer XT3 is now supplying power to the flash units.

5. Test the flash units. If the desired lighting requirements are set, proceed with the photo shoot.

6. To conserve battery, switch off Explorer XT3 when the flash units are not in use.

Note: Using the modeling lamps in flash units will prolong recycling time and will quickly discharge the battery. Therefore, it is advised not to use modeling lights when using

Explorer XT3 as power source.

Optional: For additional safety, connect the earth stud of Explorer XT3 to earth.

Below is a table of the status LEDs of Explorer XT3 and its corresponding indication:

Status

Charging

Charging -

Battery full

Battery full

Battery at half power

Battery low

Overload or short circuit

Indication

Green Charging LED indicator is blinking

Green Charging LED indicator stays lit

Green High LED indicator is lit

Yellow Mid LED indicator is lit

Red Low LED indicator is lit

Green High, Yellow Mid, and Red Low LED indicators are lit

Aside from its normal use of powering strobes and flashes, the battery of Explorer XT3 will be discharged if any of the following occurs:

•Explorer XT3 is switched on at no load. The battery of Explorer XT3 will be discharged after 10 hours.

•Explorer XT3 is switched off at no load. The battery of Explorer XT3 will be discharged after 200 days. Thus, when not in use, it is recommended that Explorer XT3 should be plugged in to a 100 V to 240 V AC mains outlet or to a 14 V DC outlet.

•Even when switched off, the internal circuitry of Explorer XT3 still consumes power. A totally discharged battery will severely affect its useful life.

Should Explorer XT3 run out of power and no power source is present, the Tronix Auxiliary Battery

Pack can be connected to Explorer XT3. When the Auxiliary Battery Pack is connected, Explorer

XT3 bypasses its internal battery and draws power from the battery pack. Tronix Auxiliary Battery

Pack is sold separately. More information can be obtained from the Innovatronix website (see

Contact Information).

Charging

•Switch off Explorer XT3.

•Explorer XT3 can be charged through the following methods:

Mains Supply

- Plug the power cord to a 100 V to 240 V AC mains outlet. (see Installation)

- Except for the initial charging, Explorer XT3 should be fully charged after 6 to 9 hours.

- When the green Charging LED indicator stopped blinking (LED stays on), the battery is fully charged.

14V DC Outlet

- Plug Explorer XT3 to a 14 V DC outlet. A car cigarette lighter socket would be an example. Use the appropriate adapter.

- Note that Explorer XT3 can not be fully charged when this method is used.

Tip: You can leave Explorer XT3 plugged in even after it is fully charged. Explorer XT3 uses trickle charging method. If the cord is still plugged after the battery reached full charge, the battery will not be damaged in any way. Trickle charging also maintains the battery's optimum life span.

Maintenance

•For optimum performance, keep the battery fully charged. A lit green High LED indicates a fully charged battery when Explorer XT3 is being used. On the other hand, a lit red Low LED indicates a drained battery.

•Switch off the unit when not in use. Leaving Explorer XT3 on when not in use will severely drain the battery.

•Use a dry cloth when cleaning the unit. Do not use any liquids or detergent.

•Coil cables when not in use. Loose cables may cause accidents.

•Battery Replacement: See Battery Replacement

Battery Replacement

WARNING:

Risk of electric shock. Proceed with extreme caution.

Before replacing batteries, disconnect all cords and wait 30 minutes.

Remove any metal objects such as wristwatches and jewelry.

Use properly insulated tools and handles.

Strictly follow the instructions stated to avoid possible damage to the unit and injury.

1. Switch off Explorer XT3.

2. Remove the screws of the plastic frame and the unit

itself.

3. Remove the screws of the cover located at the sides and top portion of the unit.

Remove the cover. Place screws in a container to avoid misplacement.

4. Carefully disconnect the battery terminals located on the boost converter and the battery converter side (the S-shaped cord that connects the two batteries) located on the charger board side from the battery to avoid short circuit.

Note: Position the wires in such a way that correct reconnection will be made later.

5. Remove the charger board located at the sides of the batteries. The charger board serves as DC charger of the batteries inside.

6. Remove the screw of the battery bracket and screw under the battery casing.

7. Remove the battery bracket and the battery at the same time.

8. Turn the unit to the other side and remove the boost converter board.

9. Remove the screw of the battery bracket and the screw under the battery casing.

10. Slide the battery out of the battery casing.

11. Securely place the new battery, sliding it into the battery casing. Tighten the screws and install the boost converter board.

12. Turn to the other side and make sure to place the batteries inside the metal closure first.

Reinsert the battery screws and put back the charger board before connecting the battery terminals and connector.

Note: Ensure the battery terminals do not touch the heat sink. For safety, cover the area of the heat sink where the battery terminals will pass during battery replacement.

Attention: Do not interchange the polarity of the wires. Black wire is for the negative

(–) terminal and red wire is for the positive (+) terminal.

13. Place back the cover and plastic frame. Reinsert and tighten all screws.

Dispose replaced batteries properly. Deliver the battery to its manufacturer for recycling.

Troubleshooting

Refer to the table to address minor problems regarding installation and operation of Explorer XT3.

For other problems, contact Tronix Customer Service (see Contact Information).

Problem

No power

Not charging

Lighting equipment not working

Possible Cause

Battery empty

Solution

Charge Battery; Plug Explorer XT3 to a 100 V to

240 V AC outlet or to a 14 V DC supply. If Explorer

XT3 does not switch on after charging, contact

Tronix Customer Service (see Contact Information)

Connected to AC outlet

Not plugged to supply

Explorer XT3 does not provide power when switched on while connected to an AC outlet. Disconnect the

AC cord before using

Plug Explorer XT3 to a 100 V to 240 V AC outlet or to a 14V DC supply

No power from outlet

Battery not charged

Ensure power is in the mains outlet. If Explorer XT3 still does not charge, contact Tronix Customer

Service (see Contact Information)

Charge Battery; Plug Explorer XT3 to a 100 V to

240 V AC outlet or to a 14V DC supply

Lighting equipment malfunction

Contact manufacturer of lighting equipment

Incompatible equipment Lighting equipment not compatible with Explorer

XT3 (see Compatibility Chart for compatible equipment)

Battery draining fast

Battery not fully charged

Charge battery for 3 to 5 hours (12 to 15 hours if charging for the first time)

Modeling lamps in flash units

Modeling lamps, when used with flash units, drains the battery faster. It is not advised to use modeling lamps with Explorer XT3 as power source

No power; All three LEDs lit

Battery nearing end of its useful life

Battery performance decreases with time. Also, batteries age prematurely when placed in places with high temperatures. Replace battery. See

Battery Replacement

Overload or short circuit of output has occurred

Check output for short circuit and power on the unit again

Frequently Asked Questions

There are 2 models. How do I know which one will I need?

The model denotes the voltage output of the Tronix Explorer XT3. Select the model which matches the input voltage of your studio lights or power packs. For example:

– The Tronix Explorer XT3 115-60 models are used by photographers in North America

(United States and Canada).

– The Tronix Explorer XT3 230-50 models are used by photographers in Europe, Middle

East, Australia, New Zealand and the rest of Asia.

How do I know if my strobe or power pack is compatible with Tronix Explorer XT3? Why not all strobes and power packs are compatible with Tronix Explorer XT3?

Tronix Explorer XT3 is compatible to more digital strobes due to its increased power rating. The newer Tronix Explorer XT3 is compatible to digital and most bi-voltage flash units. However, compatibility to all strobes and power packs is not guaranteed due to differences in design of strobes and power packs between brands.

In a few cases, digitally controlled strobes will not be compatible with Tronix Explorer XT3.

This is because after a flash is fired, the capacitors inside the strobe will draw a large inrush current. Tronix Explorer XT3 cannot adequately provide such current. Thus, for a few seconds, the voltage output will be less than adequate.

This is not a problem for analog flash, however. Analog flash can tolerate this voltage drop.

For digital flash units, this will probably cause a reset of its settings to power up stage.

Though this case is not damaging to the flash or Tronix Explorer XT3, the flash will just not work properly.

How do I charge the Tronix Explorer XT3?

There are two ways to charge Tronix Explorer XT3:

- Mains outlet, 100 to 240 V AC. For a fully discharged battery, except for the initial charging, charging can take about 6 to 9 hours.

- Car Battery. Plug the Tronix Explorer XT3 to the car cigarette jack through the 14 V DC jack located at the rear panel of Explorer XT3.

How many pops can I expect with one full charge?

The number of pops will depend on the type of flash unit and the power loaded to Explorer

XT3. Small loads will produce greater number of pops and faster recycling time compared to large power loads.

What are the things to watch out when using Explorer XT3?

Just like any portable power source from batteries, the recycling time of Tronix Explorer

XT3 for flash units and power packs can never be faster than the recycling time when a studio light or power pack is plugged directly from a mains outlet or power line.

In addition, modeling lights MUST BE SWITCHED OFF as continuous load drains the battery at a higher rate.

It should also be recharged after each use and should not be kept stored for more than a month without using or charging. Similar to other products that use lead-acid batteries, a discharged battery for a few months will severely affect its performance and lifetime.

Are there any maintenance tips on storing Explorer XT3?

The unit should be switched off when not in use. Leaving Tronix Explorer XT3 on and not in use will severely damage the battery. Its battery can be left plugged even after it is fully charged. The product uses trickle-charging technique so the battery would not be over charged. This practice also maintains the battery's optimum life span.

What is the expected life span of the Explorer battery? How much would be the replacement battery?

Tronix Explorer XT3's batteries are rated at 300 charge-discharge cycles or about a year of everyday use or the battery's actual usage. Should the batteries be needed to be replaced, use only batteries provided by Tronix or with the same specification (see Technical

Specifications). Tronix Explorer XT3 uses two 12 V, 9 Ah Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries. Other batteries may not be suitable to Tronix Explorer XT3 and may cause electrical hazard or injury.

What are the Customer Satisfaction Guarantee and/or Warranty?

As stated in Terms of Use, only items with manufacturing defects should be returned for a full refund if purchased within the last 30 days and will be replaced as soon as possible or in about 10-15 days. All costs are charged to Innovatronix Inc. It also carries a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Battery sets are not included in the warranty because these items are based on number of charge and discharge cycles or on the customers’ actual use. In addition, SLA batteries must be properly maintained, otherwise, if the gels dry up, the battery capacity is diminished, hence the product warranty on battery is voided. This program applies only to units directly purchased from Innovatronix. For units purchased from a retailer or third party vendor, refer to their guarantee and warranty programs or contact us for authorized service centers in your country.

(See limited warranty information for batteries)

Technical Specifications

Feature

Model

Power

Voltage

Frequency

Current

Waveform

Sockets

Specification

115-60

Output

230-50

1000 VA 800 W max. at 0.8 pf

115 V

60 Hz

6.9 A

NEMA-5

Input

230 V

50 Hz

3.4 A

Pure sine wave

Schuko / Universal

AC Input

Voltage

Frequency

Current

Connector

Auxiliary Battery

Voltage

Current

Connector

DC Input

Voltage

Current

Connector

100 V – 240 V

50 / 60 Hz

460 – 220 mA (drained battery)

40 – 20 mA (full battery)

IEC C14

24 – 28 V

40 A

Neutrik powerCON NAC3MPA

Type

Voltage

Capacity

Charging Time

Runtime

Visual

Physical

Dimensions

Net Weight

Operating temperature

12 – 14 V

500 mA

Coaxial

Battery

Maintenance-free, Valve-regulated lead-acid (x2)

12 V (per battery)

9 Ah (per battery)

6 – 9 hours

10 hours at no load

Indicators

Green , Yellow and Red LEDs for battery status

Green LED for charging status

15 cm. x 23 cm. x 37 cm.

-15 °C – 70 °C

Service and Warranty

The Tronix Explorer XT3 is covered by a one-year warranty starting from the date of purchase.

From that date, the product should be free of any defect in material and workmanship and it will function in accordance to its stated performance.

Within this period, Innovatronix Inc. will repair or replace defective parts. This warranty only covers failures due to manufacturing defects and workmanship. Hence, breakdown of the product due to gross abuse and normal wear and tear is not covered in this warranty.

There are no warranties by use except as stated therein. For unsafe and/or faulty repairs,

Innovatronix Inc. and/or sellers shall not be liable by such cases. Any alternation made to this product by unauthorized service technicians are the sole responsibility of the owner. Maximum liability for any breach of this agreement or other claim to the use of this product shall not exceed the purchase price of the product by the customer.

Warranty registration is not required. Warranty is applicable if and only if the product is used under normal conditions and for its intended purpose.

(See limited warranty statement for batteries)

Contact Information

You can send inquiries 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Response may take up to 24 hours.

Mail Innovatronix Incorporated

Km 26, The Richdale

Sumulong Highway, Sta Cruz

Antipolo City 1870

Philippines

Telephone

E-Mail

Website

+63 2 661 4108 [email protected]

http://www.innovatronix.com/

Or contact your reseller:

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, duplicated or transmitted in any form or by any means, or otherwise, without prior written permission from Innovatronix Inc. The information contained herein is designed only for the use with Tronix Explorer XT. Innovatronix is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other portable power supplies and other related products.

Copyright 2012 by Innovatronix Inc.