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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Any ideas how to turn 220V into 110V for use with a 2500 watt 110V HMI light?

Stephen Pruitt

Stephen Pruitt

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Hi all. . .

I just purchased an HMI set on Ebay (item #260235927040). It is a Cinemills 2500 watt set with an electronic ballast. It ONLY runs on 110V however (not 110 and/or 220).

The question is this: What kind of a converter is available to turn 220V 60 cycle into 110V 60 cycle so that I can use this light.

At 120V, 2500 watts is, of course, about 21 amps. Since there aren't all that many 25 or 30 amp 120V outlets in the average house, I'm wondering if it is possible to tap into the 30/40/50/60 amp circuits that run clothes dryers. What would I need to do this?

Alternatively, is it possible to buy a small (say $1000) portable generator to run this light on? Any ideas which models you'd recommend?

Thanks very much.

Stephen
 
Stephen Pruitt said:
Hi all. . .

I just purchased an HMI set on Ebay (item #260235927040). It is a Cinemills 2500 watt set with an electronic ballast. It ONLY runs on 110V however (not 110 and/or 220).

The question is this: What kind of a converter is available to turn 220V 60 cycle into 110V 60 cycle so that I can use this light.

At 120V, 2500 watts is, of course, about 21 amps. Since there aren't all that many 25 or 30 amp 120V outlets in the average house, I'm wondering if it is possible to tap into the 30/40/50/60 amp circuits that run clothes dryers. What would I need to do this?

Alternatively, is it possible to buy a small (say $1000) portable generator to run this light on? Any ideas which models you'd recommend?

Thanks very much.

Stephen
Click to expand...

The best way might be to change or modify the ballast.
 
I don't have the slightest idea how to do that. Any other suggestions?

Surely there is some sort of a box that will turn 220V 40amps into 110, right?

Stephen
 
So is it 220 or 110? If its 110 you'll have to tie-in to a 60AMP circuit... Located at the Back of your House...

Or like the Pros do it, rent a 100AMP generator when you use it. I'm afraid using a step up transformer will blow the fuses when the Globe ignites, or not give you 100% from the light. It may have the wattage to handle it, but these transformers aren't meant for heavy use with High Voltages, especially when the light could be on for 2-3 hours straight.
 
Hi Steven,


Bearing in mind the spike when the bubble strikes, I suggest you rent a 220v to 110v convertor from a building store and see what happens, soak it for hours. If it works buy one as they are robust and cheap.

Ive also run 400w and 1.2HMI from small generators.
Some of these generators do not deliver a smooth supply which results in some random flicker. Mileage will vary with model of geni so try before you buy.


Mike Brennan
 
Yes, tie in to one 110v leg at the panel, make sure the rig you are using to tie in is fused.

Alternately, you could just use one leg of a clothes dryer 220v outlet. Buy several 220 dryer plugs and make up a cable. Problem: not all houses have electric dryers! Mine is gas. Really, it would be easier to make up a rig and tie in. Have someone who knows how to do this show you - don't mess with A.C. unless you get training.
 
Almost all electronic (and all magnetic over 4k) can do 110-220. The arri ballasts you take off the panel, and move the leads to different terminals.

Call the manufacturer of the ballast and ask them or try these guys

http://galaxyrepairservice.com/index3.html

Even if it's not set up that way now, they can probly modify it.

Nick

Just looked up the ebay auction, that looks like a Lightmaker electronic ballast that is only set up to do 110v. Try galaxy they may be able to hook you up.
 
No wonder this thing was so cheap.

:-)

Next thing I'll learn is that I can't get replacement bulbs for it.

:-)

I like several suggestions here. The dryer one was one that I had thought of. The house tap might be another one. I sure as heck don't want any to get electrocuted, though!

Thanks very much!

Stephen
 
Big Rubber gloves and one brave bastard... Thats usually the only way we could use our 4k or the 2.5, most shoots didnt have the budget or they were on Tropical islands without access to them.
 
Sorry, just now saw this thread. I own an LTM 2500w HMI and I run it off a dryer drop system I made myself with an electrician's advice.

Make sure you use 10g wire (safe to 30 amps). Consult an electrician on this one, but basically you can make a device that takes one dryer or stove plug (220v 30a or 50a) and converts it to two 110v 30a lines. It cost me over $300 in raw parts, but it was phenomenally useful on my last short to be able to run every single light needed off one dryer socket!
 
Okay, Shawn. . . time to spill the design. . . what did you do???? I need this gizmo pronto!!!!

:-)

Stephen
 
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