Paul Buff ships VLX portable power for studio flashes

By Joel Shore • April 21, 2014

Paul C. Buff, maker of Alien Bee and Einstein studio lighting equipment, is now shipping its new $399.95 VLX Vagabond Lithium Extreme portable power product. When working in the field, the VLX provides a current-controlled, pure sine wave power source for operation of AC-powered studio flash units in locations where electrical power is either unavailable or unreliable. 

The VLX system includes a high-capacity lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery connected to the company's VLX inverter, taking power from the battery and converting it into a usable, 120VAC pure sine wave power source. Flash units are connected to the inverter, plugging into the standard, 3-prong grounded power outlets on the inverter (to power more than two units, a grounded power strip may be used). The system is capable of powering multiple flash units in various power model combinations, powering units with a combined total watt-second rating of up to 3,200 watt-seconds. According to the company, a single VLX can operate an entire 4-5 light system (using "Power Bar" extension cords) in the field at usable recycle times, or multiple VLX units can be used for lightning fast shooting and extreme numbers of shots per charge.

The system includes multilevel, accurate battery charge indicator and a charging port located on the front of the battery to connect the supplied universal battery charger. This rapid charger can be used on power lines from 100 to 240VAC, allowing the battery to be recharged from any location in just three hours. The charger arrives with a standard North American power cord plug, but a simple outlet adapter can be used to accommodate charging in international locations with various outlet configurations. Additionally, the VLX can be operated while charging, in any country, for all day in-studio shooting.

Like essentially all battery/inverter type supplies, modeling lamps on the flash units are not generally used because their power draw would quickly deplete the battery and slow recycle times dramatically. Buff recommends turning modeling lamps off, using them only for brief previews to maximize battery life. Alternatively, they can be replaced with low wattage lamps for successful operation.

The VLX typically cycles 640 Ws in 2 seconds, 1280 Ws in 4 seconds, 1920 Ws in 6 seconds, 2560 Ws in 8 seconds, and 3200 Ws in 10 seconds, as well as most 1200 to 2400 Ws power pack systems in 4 to 8 seconds. It includes a sturdy metal light stand clamp for up to poles up to 1.5 inches in diameter, and a 2A USB port capable of charging smart phones and tablets. Typical shots per charge is 1000 full power 320WS pops, 500 pops at 640WS, 250 pops at 1280 seconds, proportional to total WS recycled.

A key part of the design is the quick-change 26.4V 6.4Ah 170Wh LiFePO4 (Iron Phosphate) battery system. According to the company, this is the safest and most-durable Lithium battery made today. Competing systems use either Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) or LiCoxNiMnzO2 (NMC) Lithium batteries. Depending on battery sizing and recycle speed, these battery types offer typical storage life of about two years and as few as 100 battery recharge cycles before depletion. Also, SLA batteries characteristically result in longer and longer recycle times (very frustrating) as they discharge, and are easily destroyed if not recharged immediately after use. LiFePO4 batteries have a shelf life of over ten years, and offer an estimated 1200 to 1500 recharge cycles, and maintain recycle speed throughout their discharge cycle. While the LiFePO4 battery is somewhat heavier, and initially more expensive, in real world use it can be expected to last from 5 to 10 times as long before needing replacement...making it not only the best battery made, but also the cheapest to operate.

Vagabond™ Lithium Extreme
Weight	6 pounds including battery and stand clamp (excluding charger) 2.2-pound inverter / 3.8-pound battery
Dimensions	6.5” h x 5” w 7.8” d (with stand clamp)
Battery	26.4V, 6.4AH, 170 Wh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery
Inverter	120VAC inverter with two standard, 3-prong 120VAC outlets
Battery Charging	3-hour rapid charging with supplied universal charger (100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz, 50VA input)
Powering Capacity	multiple flash units with a combined total wattsecond rating up to 3,200 Ws (the more lights connected, the longer the recycle time and the smaller the number of flashes available per battery charge)
Recycle Time	recycles 160 Ws in approx. 0.5 seconds recycles 320 Ws in approx. 1 second recycles 640 Ws in approx. 2 seconds recycles 1280 Ws in approx. 4 seconds recycles 2560 Ws in approx. 8 seconds recycles 3200 Ws in approx. 10 seconds
Battery Life	approx. 2000 full power flashes expected with 160 Ws connected approx. 1000 full power flashes expected with 320 Ws connected approx. 500 full power flashes expected with 640 Ws connected approx. 250 full power flashes expected with 1280 Ws connected approx. 125 full power flashes expected with 2560 Ws connected approx. 90 full power flashes expected with 3200 Ws connected
Storage	the battery can be stored safely in any state of charge, but should be used and recharged every three months to maximize battery life