Flicker with HMI and High framespeeds

Jamie Metzger · April 25, 2009

Any idea's? I've tried going into phase and synchro, but I never find an absolute cure. I can get close though. And yes the ballasts are flicker free. This has happened on multiple shoots.

Mike Thorn · April 25, 2009

Had this issue once too. Wasn't sure what it was - thought it was the ballasts, but they were supposedly flicker-free.

Would love to know what the issue is.

Keith Walters · April 26, 2009

Any idea's? I've tried going into phase and synchro, but I never find an absolute cure. I can get close though. And yes the ballasts are flicker free. This has happened on multiple shoots.

Are you positive the HMIs are not being inadvertantly run in "silent" mode? I've been called out to sets quite a few times over the years for that particular problem.

In normal mode the lamps are being run with a squarewave AC signal which means the current reverses direction virtual instantaneously 60 (or 50) times per second. However, that causes an audible buzz in many HMI lampheads' ignitor coils, which is not a problem with hi-speed because there is no sync-sound.

To use the same lights for live sound, the output AC waveform is modified so that transition from negative to positive is more gradual, meaning there are small gaps in the current, which produces slight dips in the light output 120 (or 50) times per second, but still nothing like the ones you get with an iron-core ballast.

But anyway, I suppose the question is: "Are the lampheads making a buzzing noise?" If they aren't, it could be because the ballast is being run in silent mode, or it could also be that it is a more modern "quiet" HMI lamphead specifically designed for squarewave ballasts.

Also, are the HMIs the only light source? Overhead fluorescent lights can contribute a surprising amount of flicker. Easiest solution it to put a few stops of ND gel on the tubes, which will also make them look more realistic, particularly when using a video camera. (Same principle as getting actors to wear light grey shirts when the script calls for white).

Jamie Metzger · April 26, 2009

Are you positive the HMIs are not being inadvertantly run in "silent" mode? I've been called out to sets quite a few times over the years for that particular problem.

In normal mode the lamps are being run with a squarewave AC signal which means the current reverses direction virtual instantaneously 60 (or 50) times per second. However, that causes an audible buzz in many HMI lampheads' ignitor coils, which is not a problem with hi-speed because there is no sync-sound.

To use the same lights for live sound, the output AC waveform is modified so that transition from negative to positive is more gradual, meaning there are small gaps in the current, which produces slight dips in the light output 120 (or 50) times per second, but still nothing like the ones you get with an iron-core ballast.

But anyway, I suppose the question is: "Are the lampheads making a buzzing noise?" If they aren't, it could be because the ballast is being run in silent mode, or it could also be that it is a more modern "quiet" HMI lamphead specifically designed for squarewave ballasts.

Also, are the HMIs the only light source? Overhead fluorescent lights can contribute a surprising amount of flicker. Easiest solution it to put a few stops of ND gel on the tubes, which will also make them look more realistic, particularly when using a video camera. (Same principle as getting actors to wear light grey shirts when the script calls for white).

Interesting idea. I usually made mention to the gaffer/electric and they would assure me that it was a flicker free ballast...I don't know about the silent mode, but I will remember it next time.

Have you noticed the lag time when changing synchro and phase on the camera?

John Sprung · April 26, 2009

If they're not in square wave mode, the light pulses at twice the power line frequency, 120 blinks per second here in 60 Hz land, and 100 blinks per second in the 50 Hz countries. To shoot with with pulsation due to the power frequency, you have to use frame rates that give you a whole number of light cycles per frame period. So, the blink rate divided by any whole number will work.

For 60 Hz power, the usable frame rates are 120, 60, 40, 30, 24, 20, 17.143, 15, etc.

For 50 Hz power, the usable frame rates are 100, 50, 33.333, 25, 20, 16.667, 14.286, 12.5, etc.

Of course, a maximum of 100 or 120 fps isn't all that high.

-- J.S.

Keith Walters · April 26, 2009

Have you noticed the lag time when changing synchro and phase on the camera?

Are you talking about the RED?

Sorry, I've never laid eyes on one. I've only ever seen three things that were shot with it, to my certain knowledge at any rate. For all practical purposes, it doesn't exist as far as I am concerned.

The film industry here pretty much died about 5 years ago with the changes is local content regulations under various Free Trade agreements, so I had to get a real job.

I still do some freelance maintenance and consulting work, but nobody has ever asked me for help with a RED, and given the current climate on this forum, nobody is likely to. :lol: