Power Gems ballasts spotted at MicroSalon Madrid

December 5, 2019

Last year we spotted a 20-year-old Power Gems ballast powering a K5600 Alpha, this time at MicroSalon Madrid, we noticed a Power Gems with an Airstar balloon.

The Power Gems high speed 1000Hz EB125P 575/800/1200W ballast proved the perfect companion for the Airstar helium-filled lighting balloon enabling suitable lighting levels for the main ECAM reception.

Not shown in the main picture – because the ballast was tucked away on the balcony, quietly and reliably getting on with things – but also caught on camera (below). Hidden but never forgotten!

Our old friends Aluzine Lighting Rentals provided the ancillary show lighting for Microsalon. Aluzine, which has a head office in Madrid and facilities in Barcelona, Malaga and Canary Islands, has been a great supporter of Power Gems over the years. Thirty years, as Patrick was reminded when catching up with Roberto Sacristan, Aluzine’s General Director (pictured).

The show, organised by AEC (Association of Spanish Directors and Directors of Photography) changed dates when it was held for the third time. Instead of being held in mid-December (see Power Gems, Christmas lights and MicroSalon Madrid), AEC decided to hold MicroSalon a few weeks earlier (29-30 November 2019).

Nearly two thousand visitors registered and 43 companies signed up to exhibit, including Power Gems. We shared a booth with our official Spanish distributor Grau Luminotecnia, on a trip hosted by Alfons Grau Pitarch and Carlos Cledera Castro (our thanks go to both).

Alfons Grau and Carlos Cedera of Grau Luminotecnia

Through seminars, panel discussions, presentations and companies showcasing the latest technology, the MicroSalon brings together cinematography professionals and serves as an indicator of the latest trends.

According to Patrick, LED was here, there and everywhere. Unlike Cine Gear, NAB and LDI, the smaller space means prioritising what you can show and many had chosen LED exclusively. We believe in choice, and took along our latest innovations in LED, plus HMI ballasts:

  • EB180P (1.8kW, 1.2kW, 800W, 575W) ballast which runs ARRI M18s, M8s and 1,200W light fixtures plus 575W fixtures.
  • EB425P which can operate on any supply voltage worldwide, and power up to 4 different lamp powers (4kW, 2.5kW, 1.8kW, 1.2kW). This ballast is known for being extremely lightweight and quiet.
  • EB960P (9kW, 6kW, 4kW, 2.5kW) complete with 1000Hz Autoscan and volt drop cable compensation features.
  • EB1812P (18kW/12kW/9kW/6kW) with unique 1000.0Hz Crystal Locking mode offering further improvements to high speed filming.

MicroSalon was a huge success, and we can’t wait to go back in 2020, to find out what Power Gems ballast will be powering next time. Hope to see you there.

Next stop? BSC Expo in Battersea, London on 30 January 2020