I got an Alien bees unit and in order to convert the power from 120v to 220v I have to get a true magnetic transformers according to their website, what does that mean?
All transformers are magnetic. Perhaps if you would provide a link to the product in question, maybe even to its user's manual, some more information could be gleaned that would allow a more helpful answer. I have no idea what an alien bees unit is. -------- Ok with that I was able to google some more info. So you have a unit that came with a 120V power cord, intended to be plugged into a north american AC power outlet (120V, 60 Hz), and you need it to run on your local current, which is 220. You don't have a power brick or wall wart, the AC goes right to the flash unit. Yes? And the specs say it draws up to 6 amps at 120 volts, 60 Hz. What they're talking about is that you need a true voltage conversion transformer (usually this is actually an autotransformer), NOT any other sort of voltage converter. Travel stores in this country (US) sell these small and cheap voltage converters, made to allow use of certain high wattage devices (up to 1500 watts) on 240 even though they're made to run on 120. But they don't use a transformer, they use a capacitor and a diode. They're ok for things like curling irons and space heaters. They're completely unsuitable for anything electronic. You can usually tell the difference between a true transformer voltage converter and the voltage converter by weight. The latter weigh just about nothing. Whereas even a 50 watt transformer will sit fairly heavily in your hand. For a device that pulls 6 amps at 120 volts, you need a transformer of at least 1000 watts capacity. I've linked one below. Of course that is a US seller, but this will give you an idea of what to look for. Note that it weighs 17 pounds (about 8 kg) and is about 5 x 7 x 8 inches (13 x 18 x 20 cm). There just isn't any way these get much smaller or lighter. .
