Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Greetings,

I seem to remember reading references to "exercising" strobes if they are not used for an extended period.

Is this necessary and what is the procedure ?

2 x B1600

Cheers, Don

I'm not sure and I will let Luap or tech support to give the appropriate answer, but my recollection with older electronic device that was using chemical capacitor is to use them regularly to avoid to dry them up.

If you have an equipment that hasn't been used for a long time, set them to the minimum power before plugging them and let them on at that level for a few hours before increasing the voltage slowly (power setting).

With newer chemistry in the capacitor, I'm not sure that does still apply.

For older tube amplifier the process was almost the same.

Okay,

FYI the B1600's are ~ 1 1/2 years old :)

Cheers, Don

I would fire them up at least once per six months to keep the capacitors in good shape. Admittedly I have let units sit for two or three years without plugging them in and never had one fail as a result.

If you do have a flash of any brand that has sat unused for a long time, the best thing to do is to turn them on to half power of less, then pop them a few times over about five minutes as you raise the power to full. This will reform the capacitors.

Thank you.

Will have to be sure to rotate my lights, have four and normally use three :)

Cheers, Don