Running strobes on a generator

[BrianAZ]

Anyone ever try to run their strobes from a gasoline powered generator?

I'm thinking about picking up one of the Honda EU2000i generators (supposed to be electronic safe). I'm curious to know if this is going to be enough power for my 4 Hensel Integra Pro Plus strobes (500 WS), when using them outdoors on location. I can't find a wattage rating for the strobes to do the calculations, but I don't intend to run them with the 300 watt modeling lamp when outdoors.

[Technician X]

Besides the fact that i would not trust my equipment on a generator, not sure if it's made for it, the price of it is over a grand. It just does not sound cost effective or even practical for photography. Why not get a Vegabond or other portable power?

[epatt250]

I was watching some behind the scenes vids of Dave Hill doing a shoot, and he used quite a few Honda gennys to power his strobes and computers.

[BrianAZ]

Besides the fact that i would not trust my equipment on a generator, not sure if it's made for it, the price of it is over a grand. It just does not sound cost effective or even practical for photography. Why not get a Vegabond or other portable power?


Becaues a Vagabond won't power Hensel Integra Pro Plus strobes. The Honda generator mentioned is supposed to supply some of the cleanest power.

My only other option is the Hensel Visit, which is not a stocked item, and runs several hundred more. Other than that, I'd have to buy a whole new portable system, that typically starts at about 1K more, and come with 1 light, and I'd have to buy speedrings, reflectors, grids, and such all over again.

[BrianAZ]

I was watching some behind the scenes vids of Dave Hill doing a shoot, and he used quite a few Honda gennys to power his strobes and computers.


Thanks. Happen to have a link?

[sdipirro]

This isn't exactly the same thing, but I have a home generator and have run my Elinchrom Dlite-4's off of it. The important thing for electronics is that the generator has a DVR (digital voltage regulator) for clean power and ample surge wattage. I would think that strobes would be less sensitive than other electronics and that portable generators must be available that would work.