Speedotron Brown Line Equipment - Manual (Page 15)

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TROUBLE-SHOOTING
System will not work at all; no flash.
Check that sync cable, AC power cord and light unit cables are firmly and properly
attached. Check that the flash tube is firmly seated. Check that Power switch is on.
With metal camera bodies, you may be required to polarize the camera sync cable and
the power supply sync extension in order to avoid possible misfires resulting from a
build-up of static electricity. This is done by touching any unpainted metal part of the
power supply with the unpainted part of the camera, or better still, with the outer shell
or the grounded part of the sync cable with all sync cords attached. If the unit flashes,
the plug on the sync cable should be reversed and then marked for future reference.
Test fire the camera after reversing the sync extension cable (PC to power supply). If the
unit still does not fire, reverse the PC to camera connection and try again. The trigger
current is very low and is measured in microamperes, so it is impossible to even feel any
shock when touching these contacts.
Occasional failure of all light units to flash.
Check sync cable and light unit cable connections. Make sure that the Ready indicator is
illuminated before attempting to fire unit.
Occasional failure of one light unit only.
Check light unit cable connection. Inspect the cable. Check flash tube. Make sure that
the Ready/Push to Flash indicator is illuminated before attempting to fire unit.
Reduced light output.
Check to see if Full/Half/Low or Full/Half/1/4 switch is in right position. Check flash tube;
check power supply by comparing to similar pack with same light units if possible.
Flash tube glows after firing (afterglow); will not flash again until glow is gone.
If confined to one light unit, check flash tube by substitution. If it continues or all heads
afterglow, power supply is at fault. If this is the case, turn power supply off immediately!
Power supply needs repair.
Full/Half/Low or Full/Half/1/4 switch has no effect on recycle time or light output.
Power supply needs repair.
Circuit breaker on power supply pops.
Check that all cables on power supply and light units are properly connected. Also check
for afterglow. If a circuit breaker blows, it is an indication that something is wrong.
Normal operation will not blow circuit breakers.
Circuit breaker or fuse in studio blows.
Be sure AC line is rated for a minimum of 10 amperes and that high amperage
electrical equipment is not operating on the same AC line.
Important: When checking power supplies, light units and cables, be sure that Power is
off. Look for blackened, discolored or burned pins and sockets. If a Light Unit Outlet on
the power supply is burned, blackened or discolored, it must be replaced before it is
used. It could damage light units that are connected to it. Check that cables are not
loose or frayed.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND CARE
All Speedotron Brown Line equipment is ruggedly built. Nevertheless, it should be
treated with the same care given to other pieces of quality photographic equip-
ment. To protect the user, all Speedotron equipment is designed to be safe when
used in accordance with instructions. To assure the maximum in safe, dependable
service, the following guidelines should be carefully observed.
• Avoid kinking or pulling cables. Disconnect cables by pulling on the plug only. Never
pull plugs out by the cable. Light cables as well as sync cords and AC power cords
should be occasionally checked for wear, cracks, separation between cable and plug, and
for indications of arc-over.
• Do not wrap the light unit cables around the light units. Coiling cables tightly stresses
the internal wires and may lead to premature cable failure. If possible, keep the coil
diameter at least 10 inches.
• If a cable becomes frayed, the insulation damaged, or the connectors bent or broken,
have them repaired immediately.
• Keep all connectors, plugs and sockets free of dust, moisture and corrosion.
• Do not connect or disconnect light units or insert or remove flash tubes while the
power supply is on.
• When using your equipment, be sure all cable, sync, power and flash tube connections
are completely and properly installed.
• Do not attempt to make repairs to your Speedotron equipment yourself. It is very
dangerous, and will void your warranty. Consult your dealer regarding authorized
service in your area, or return the equipment to Speedotron.
• When you are not using your equipment, it is recommended that you store it in a dry
place. Equipment should be charged up and flashed a few times at least once a month.
This will keep your equipment in top working condition for many years.
• With your light unit disconnected, occasionally clean the interior surface of the
reflector. Carefully remove the flash tube, and clean the glass cover. Only in this way will
you conserve a consistent color temperature and light output. Dirt and dust deposits on
the tube and reflector act like a filter to alter color.
• Never handle the quartz halogen model lamps with your bare hands. Use tissue or
packing materials when installing and removing. The natural oils from your skin may
cause the glass surface to heat unevenly and cause early failure. When removing these
lamps allow sufficient cooling time before touching.
• To extend their life, the model lamp circuit should be turned off after set-up and
focusing.