Does this sound like a good idea?

Ultimate goal: have 2 strobes (as a start) that will work indoors and outdoors.

Current state: own 2 Calumet Genesis 200. I have no way to use these outdoors AND they aren't powerful enough for everything I want to do outdoors. So far they have been mostly powerful enough for indoors but I'd still like a little more power.

Step 1: Buy Vagabond II and use with my Genesis in the near term. There is at least one thread on this forum of someone making this work and there's a video on youtube of someone using it with 2 500ws digital strobes. If this doesn't work though, I'm not sure what I'll do.

Step 2: Replace the Genesis 200s with AB Einsteins. The reason I want to do that is I think I'll need the ability to turn them WAY down for indoor use, something I don't think I can do with say AB1600s... I'm not sure they'd go low enough.

Like I said, the wrinkle will be if the Genesis don't work with the Vagabond but there is at least SOME evidence that they will.

A very reasonable strategy. I dont have the genesis but I have read here that they are compatible with the vagabond. If the Einsteins perform as described then you should have a great setup. Of course you, may accept delivery of them about the time you go into a nursing home if the current production delays continue

Yeah, I've been scouring the forum and am up to speed on all the PCB "drama" and people's opinions of the company and the man... oh well.

I love their products, have no opinion on the man and really didnt mean that as any sort of slam. Its just that they tend to lead with their chin in terms of product announcement and that creates a situation where they cant always deliver what they promise. I think the lights will be fantastic when they do show up.

I'm sure your right. My personal and professional philosophy is under-promise, over-deliver. Always exceed expectations. So I get frustrated with others don't.

I just ordered a Vagabond II. Hopefully I can provide further confirming data on its compatibility with the Genesis 200s.

imahawki wrote in post #9658555
I just ordered a Vagabond II. Hopefully I can provide further confirming data on its compatibility with the Genesis 200s.

I don't understand what the doubts are. The Vagabond is nothing more than a battery connected to an inverter so it provides 110v. Right?

Maybe I have been under the rock too long but I don't see what the problem is.

MT Stringer wrote in post #9658910
I don't understand what the doubts are. The Vagabond is nothing more than a battery connected to an inverter so it provides 110v. Right?

Maybe I have been under the rock too long but I don't see what the problem is.

there have been reports of it not working with Genesis. it's why i likely wont buy a VII and just get a supply that i know works with the Genesis.

Due to the multi-volt power supply there are no guarantees it will work and I've seen everything from no dice AT ALL to people running two higher watt-second strobes than mine off of it with no problems. It seems like part of it is if you have BOTH the newest Vagabond II and newly manufactured Genesis strobes, they work, people with older strobes and/or older Vagabond IIs have had some problems.

Thanks for the clarification. I thought 110v was 110v.

I have also heard of people using the Honda 2000w generators to run their lights. Light, small and very quiet, but expensive.