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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 :)

Litemats

Linda Barzini

Linda Barzini

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I have narrowed down my selection to Litemats and Astras. The litemats aren't as bright but I love the lightness. I always diffuse so I love the polyskirt with 3 diffusion options you can velcro in. Even with diffusion, it is only about 3 inches deep and 2-4 pounds.

I'm leaning away from Litemats now because their technical support said they should only be run off batteries 90% full or they could overheat and burn-up. This is problematic. How does one take a full Anton Bauer battery and run it down 10% accurately? I really like the Litemats for weight and size, but can't go with them if they are likely to melt with a full battery. I imagine the tech support guy mentioned this because he has seen it occurring in the field.

It seems like everyone that uses Litemats use the largest 4 size as it is the brightest.

Has anyone had problems with Litemats overheating, smoking, or melting? Opinions?
 
I've had my Astra's for a while now and they've been brilliant for me in a multitude of conditions. At NAB they will announce a output boost of about 40%.

I've been using Westcott Flex lights for tight situations as needed, but the Astra have been super flexible. More than I expected.
 
Linda Barzini said:
I have narrowed down my selection to Litemats and Astras. The litemats aren't as bright but I love the lightness. I always diffuse so I love the polyskirt with 3 diffusion options you can velcro in. Even with diffusion, it is only about 3 inches deep and 2-4 pounds.

I'm leaning away from Litemats now because their technical support said they should only be run off batteries 90% full or they could overheat and burn-up. This is problematic. How does one take a full Anton Bauer battery and run it down 10% accurately? I really like the Litemats for weight and size, but can't go with them if they are likely to melt with a full battery. I imagine the tech support guy mentioned this because he has seen it occurring in the field.

It seems like everyone that uses Litemats use the largest 4 size as it is the brightest.

Has anyone had problems with Litemats overheating, smoking, or melting? Opinions?
Click to expand...


Hey Linda,
Litemats are the best possible solution for in the field stuff. I own a full array of lite mats and they are amazing! I travel with 2 litemat 2l's 2 litmat 1's and a 4x4 lite tile. In a pelican gun case. I touch down grab some c stands and im shooting that easy.I have the p-tap adapters and have never had any issue with them. Plus Anel over there is the man and they stand behind their products. I run them off the aa battaries as well via there adapter. The light quality is unreal on theres things heres some screen prints of a 2l top down with one dedo light and a practical. Theres a reason why almost every hollywood film is using these things now.
 

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Yes, the dimmer at 90% would work.

I just spoke with the tech support guy (Anel). The S2 series lights are rated for 12v, but the AB batteries are 14v. If you make a mistake and use a full battery, there is a good chance it will burn out the electronics and kill the light.

They will be releasing a "plus" series in a couple months that will be twice as bright and be rated for 24v, but price point is currently unknown.
 
Phil Holland said:
I've had my Astra's for a while now and they've been brilliant for me in a multitude of conditions. At NAB they will announce a output boost of about 40%.

I've been using Westcott Flex lights for tight situations as needed, but the Astra have been super flexible. More than I expected.
Click to expand...

I always diffuse lights, so would you recommend the Astra Bi-Color Softs?
 
Linda Barzini said:
I always diffuse lights, so would you recommend the Astra Bi-Color Softs?
Click to expand...

The Softs are diffused indeed. I'm a bit opposite, I like the harder, stronger output and add diffusion as desired. But if you are always after the softer light the Softs are a good place to start.
 
Linda Barzini said:
Yes, the dimmer at 90% would work.

I just spoke with the tech support guy (Anel). The S2 series lights are rated for 12v, but the AB batteries are 14v. If you make a mistake and use a full battery, there is a good chance it will burn out the electronics and kill the light.
Click to expand...

You're not going to instantly burn it out, but over-driving the lights isn't a good idea and can definitely cause permanent damage. Dimming the lights down to 90% with a fully charged battery does work, but do keep in mind that as the battery drains the lights will get dimmer. This is not unique to LiteMats. It's true anytime you use an unregulated DC power source for LEDs. One other thing... If you are planning to power a LiteMat 4 off batteries, you won't be able to do it with 1 battery. It's a 16A load. Most high-load camera batteries max out at 10-12A and standard options max out around 7A. You will need to connect at least 2 high-load batteries in parallel for it to work. A double battery plate with a regulated 12V output would solve all the above problems. If you manage to find an off the shelf option, let me know. I'd love to have one also :)
 
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