Tronix Explorer 1200 / Tronix Explorer XT / Tronix Explorer XT SE

Frequently asked questions: 

• How does it compare to Explorer 1200 and other portable power solutions in the market? What about the Explorer XT SE?
• How much would be my total cost? How much is shipping? How soon can I get it after ordering?
• How can I purchase? What are the cards accepted? Is Pay Pal accepted?
• There are three (3) models. How do I know which one will I need?
• How do I know if my strobe or powerpack is compatible with the Explorer XT? Why not all strobes and powerpacks are compatible with the Explorer XT?
• How do I charge the Explorer XT?
• How many pops can I expect in one full charge?
• What are the things to watch out when using the Explorer XT?
• Are there any maintenance tips on storing the Explorer XT?
• What is the expected lifespan of the Explorer battery? How much would be the replacement battery?
• Is the Explorer 1200 now discontinued?
• What is the customer satisfaction guarantee and/or warranty?

Answers:

• How does it compare to Explorer 1200 and other portable power solutions in the market?

A truly plug-and-play portable power solution, the Explorer XT is a technically superior portable power supply in terms of circuit design, efficiency and reliability. It is rated at 350 watts continuous power while the Explorer 1200 is rated at 150 watts. The new model's peak power is 1200 watts while the old model is 600watts. The Explorer 1200 is recommended for up to 1200ws while the Explorer XT is up to 2400ws. In simple terms, it is more powerful, recycles much faster than Explorer 1200. 

For example, at 350watts, it is now more compatible to digital strobes giving 1-2 seconds recycle time at 400ws load.

Compared to similar or other products in the market, it gets power from 24V source where as other product uses 12V battery. This is why the Explorer XT has two 12V batteries, as it can provide more power compared to "similar" product that uses one 12V battery. In addition, using 24V instead of 12V uses lower current. Dealing with lower current results in higher efficiency for the product. 

It is also compatible to more digital flash units/strobes than the Explorer 1200 although Innovatronix Inc cannot guarantee it to be compatible to all digital flash units/strobes/powerpacks in the market. 

It also has a provision for an auxiliary battery pack. The auxiliary battery pack is useful when the Explorer XT stored power may not be enough for the photo shoot. It offers more convenience than changing the battery while on-location. It is powered by two (2) 12V/12Ah SLA batteries. 

Explorer XT SE (or the Special Edition) is designed for bi-voltage monoblocks or flash units. Bi-voltage flash units can be used at voltage range of 110V and 220V. The Explorer XT SE model is released to accommodate these flash units. Unlike Explorer 1200 and Explorer XT, Explorer XT SE is not on regular production line and is on special order only. 

• How much would be my total cost? How much is shipping? How soon can I get it after ordering?

The Explorer XT costs US$349 plus the standard, flat rate shipping (worldwide) of US$45 for a total of US$394. We guarantee a 7-10 day shipping lead time. All packages are delivered by our courier (UPS, Fedex or DHL Express). These couriers have transit delivery time of 3-4 days in most locations in the world.  

• How can I purchase? What are the cards accepted? Is Pay Pal accepted?

Tronix Explorer XT is available direct from Innovatronix website. There are also a number of resellers in US, Canada and in Europe. Please note that we do not have their actual selling prices. 

This website accepts the following cards: AMEX, VISA, Mastercard and JCB. Credit card payments are processed by Yes Payments . 

PayPal payments are also accepted.

• There are three (3) models. How do I know which one will I need?

The model denotes the voltage output rating of the Explorer model. You should select the model which matches the input voltage of your studio lights or power packs. For example, Explorer XT 115V/60Hz models are used by photographers in North America (US and Canada) while the Explorer XT 230V/50Hz model are used by photographers in Europe, Middle East, Australia/New Zealand and the rest of Asia. 

• How do I know if my strobe or powerpack is compatible with the Explorer XT? Why not all strobes and powerpacks are compatible with the Explorer XT?

The Explorer XT is compatible to more digital strobes than the Explorer 1200 due to its increased power rating. However, we cannot guarantee the compatibility to all strobes and power packs in the market due to the differences in the design or make of strobes and power packs of other brands.

For analog flash, this is not a problem and can tolerate the voltage drop. For digital flash units, this will probably cause it to go on reset and return all its settings to the power up stage. Though this is not damaging to your flash or to the Explorer XT, but it will just not work properly.

To summarize:

Explorer 1200 - compatible with analog flash units

Explorer XT - compatible with analog and digital flash units

Explorer XT SE - compatible with analog, digital and bi-voltage units

• How do I charge the Explorer 1200/XT/XT SE?

There are two ways to charge the Explorer XT. Plug it to a conventional outlet, direct to a power line. For a fully discharged battery, charging can take about three (3) to five (5) hours. The Explorer XT can also be charged using the car's battery. The unit has a designated car cigarette jack that should be plugged into a 14Vdc slot located at the back of the Explorer XT. 

• How many pops can I expect in one full charge?

The number of pops will depend on the type of flash unit and the power loaded to the Explorer XT. Small loads will produce the greater number of pops and faster recycling time compared to large power loads. For example, for a 150ws load, the Explorer 1200/Explorer XT and Explorer XT SE can give almost a thousand pops. 

• What are the things to watch out when using the Explorer XT?

Just like any portable power source from battery, the recycling time of the Explorer XT for flash units and power packs can never be much faster than the recycling time when a studio light or power pack is plugged directly from convenience outlet or power lines. 

In addition, modeling light must be turned off as continuous load drains the battery charge much faster. While it can accept or power up modeling lamps to compose the lighting, after that, it must be turned off. 

The product should also be recharged after each use and should not be kept stored for more than 3-4 months without using or charging. Similar to other products that use lead acid batteries - a discharged battery for a few months will severely damage the battery performance and eventually shorten its useful life. Please note that you can leave it unplugged for several months. 

Or if keeping it charged at all times becomes inconvenient, you can charge it once in a while. 

For better maintenance and to prolong the useful life of the batteries, it is best to charge it once in awhile when not in use. 

The Explorer XT is also equipped with a thermal shutdown feature. This will be activated when cases of overheating or when the fans are shut off. If the RED LED gives a continuous blinking and buzzes, the AC output is shut off. This is a safety and protective measure.

• Are there any maintenance tips on storing the Explorer XT?

The unit should be turned off when not in use. Leaving it on and consequently draining the battery will severely damage the battery. The Explorer's battery can be left plugged even after it is fully charged. It uses trickle charging technology so that it won't overcharge. This practice also maintains the battery's optimum life span.

• What is the expected lifespan of the Explorer battery? How much would be the replacement battery?

The Explorer XT's batteries are rated at charge-discharge cycles or about a year of every day use or depending on the battery's actual usage. Typical batteries retail at US$20-30 per piece. If the user would need to replace the battery, use only batteries provided by Innovatronix or with the same specifications. The Explorer XT uses two (2) 12V, 7AH SLA batteries. Other batteries may not be suitable to the system and may cause damage or injury. 

• Is the Explorer 1200 now discontinued?

No, the Explorer 1200 is not discontinued. The Explorer 1200 is recommended for those who work for lower loads while the Explorer XT is recommended for those who need faster recycle time and for larger loads. 

• What is the customer satisfaction guarantee and/or warranty?

As stated in our Terms of Use, only items with manufacturing defects should be returned for a full refund if purchased within the last 30 days and will be replaced as soon as possible. All costs are charged to Innovatronix Inc. It also carries a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. 

Or contact Innovatronix Inc for the authorized service centers in your area.

Last Update: June 5, 2010