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| Ovrheating Vagabond II http://paulcbuff-techforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=384 |
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| Author: | Stefano [ Thu Mar 18, 2010 7:54 am ] |
| Post subject: | Ovrheating Vagabond II |
Yesterday I plugged in my Vagabond II for a top off charge (it had not been used for a couple of months) before leaving on a quick business trip. This morning I received a call from my wife, telling me that my 'orange box' was putting out a terrible burnt smell, and it was so hot to the touch that she could only grab it by the shoulder strap and transfer it to the back porch, as she was afraid it would burst into flames (she did unplug it in the process). Any suggestions on what to look for as potential causes when i get back home. or is this a matter that requires return to the factory? V/r, Stefano |
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| Author: | Technical Support [ Thu Mar 18, 2010 11:28 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Ovrheating Vagabond II |
Could be a couple of issues. If the smell is more like rotten eggs, the battery is likely sulfated (which can generate heat, too). If it is more of a burnt plastic smell, it could still be a sulfated battery, which the battery will look swollen and/or a white powdery substance will be apparent, or maybe even a crack in the case of the battery. Also, if more of a burnt smell, there could be an internal issue of the inverter. In any case, it should be returned for service. The VII has a 2 year warranty, and you can call Customer Service to verify warranty status or any other specific repair process questions. |
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| Author: | Stefano [ Thu Mar 18, 2010 12:09 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Ovrheating Vagabond II |
Thanks for the quick reply. I'll be back home tomorrow and definitely call customer support, as the unit is within the 2 yrs of warranty. Would a couple of months on the shelf cause battery sulfation? Any recommendations for best maintenance practices? The green light was still on when I plugged it in yesterday, so I assume there was still some amount of charge in the battery. V/r, Stefano |
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| Author: | Technical Support [ Thu Mar 18, 2010 2:29 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Ovrheating Vagabond II |
The reccomended way to maintenance the VII is to fully charge immediately after each use. Once fully charged, you should take it off the charger, then top off the charge about once a month or so. If not used for several months, put a draw on it, i.e. plug in a lamp, or a flash w/ the model lamps on, etc., then recharge. Here is a link to a thread that has a great explaination and discussion of this. viewtopic.php?f=8&t=295&start=0 |
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| Author: | RDKirk [ Sat Mar 20, 2010 10:11 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Ovrheating Vagabond II |
It just occurred to me...how many people these days have ever actually smelled a rotten egg? I don't think I've smelled an actual rotten egg since the early 60s. |
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| Author: | Technical Support [ Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:42 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Ovrheating Vagabond II |
Something to consider. The smell would be that of sulfur (as it is the battery sulfating). If you're from the sticks (like me), you may know the smell from sulfur water. Or perhaps chemistry class. In any case, it is a very different smell than that of burning plastic. |
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| Author: | Stefano [ Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:18 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Ovrheating Vagabond II |
It turned out to be the battery... no sulfur smell, but a badly bulged battery and a bottom battery tray partially melted. The smell was definitely plastic cooking. I will contact customer service for return instructions. Thanks Stefano |
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| Author: | igoralekseevcom [ Tue Mar 23, 2010 6:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Ovrheating Vagabond II |
when you first turn on my Vagabond II smell like burned pizza is stuffed with plastic =) My dog almost died, and my wife would kick me out of the house with the orange bag =) bunch of flowers, champagne and bone (for dogs) have solved all the problems But seriously, what is with the battery, if you smell of hydrogen sulfide |
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| Author: | Technical Support [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:52 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Ovrheating Vagabond II |
igoralekseevcom wrote: when you first turn on my Vagabond II smell like burned pizza is stuffed with plastic =) My dog almost died, and my wife would kick me out of the house with the orange bag =) bunch of flowers, champagne and bone (for dogs) have solved all the problems But seriously, what is with the battery, if you smell of hydrogen sulfide The smell you refer to is the smell of a sulfated battery. This is usually caused by the battery not getting a proper charge and sitting without a charge. |
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