Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

If there is no digital component (like an LCD or LED display), then the light will probably work. If it does have a digital processor, then it may or it may not. We have not tested every model of flash on the market, so we cannot speak in absolutes. It does appear your flash is an analogue units, and will probably work. You are welcome to order one, and you have 60 days to return it if it does not meet your needs for any reason.

I purchased the Vagabond II on September 6, 2010. Since receiving it I've typically followed the instructions every usage though not recharging immediately following each usage (usually within 24 hours). At a recent shoot I operated the unit for approximately 90 minutes with the model lamp on and now unfortunately it will no longer hold a charge. Due to the above confessed neglect, have I depleted the battery this much within only a one year period that it's already time for a new one?

When you say it will not "hold a charge", do you mean it is not charging at all, it is charging quickly, or what charge it takes does not last very long? Do you get a red light on the inverter when charging?

Remove the plastic battery cover and remove the inverter. Does the battery (black, or gray and blue, part) look swollen, cracked, corroded?

Does any part get really hot when charging? Any sulfur/rotten egg smell?

Anyone with a SLA battery powered Vagabond should keep an extra battery around, particularly if you use yours alot and especially if you discharge your battery heavily. I will look for the official numbers (I can't find it right now) but I recall if you discharge a lead acid battery below 80% of rated voltage/capacity you will permanently reduce the total capacity of the battery. It will still work, you may or may not even notice the reduction in capability of your vagabond, but it's capacity has been reduced.

If you have a capability to carry two batteries and switch them out half way during your shoot, I personally think you will be less frustrated in the long run swapping batteries vs. having a light not fire during a paid job. And there always is a break or some time in the middle somewhere when the model or whatever has to have a break, costume change, or something needs moved.......save yourself the headache and change the battery.

You can use your Vagabond to recharge one battery and invest in a Battery Tender or similar smart charger that only puts a half amp maximum (very precisely) into the battery during recharging to recharge the other at the same time. That will get you back in business in the minimum time.

Realistically both batteries probably will need to be replaced together in a slightly longer time versus use one battery, kill it, get another battery, use it until it is dead too. The benefit of using two batteries is the convienence of not looking like an idiot during your paid shoot when one or all of your lights stop working and you have to troubleshoot to see if the tube burned out or if the battery ran out. Nobody needs that hassle.

I appologize if it seems I am lecturing, but I have dealt with SLA, lithium and most other battery techology issues for the past 5 years or so dealing with custom one-off and/or limited run led and hid flashlights. Mr. Buff has done a remarkable job with these Vagabonds mixing cost versus performance. I can tell you that using any other battery system other than what he has would have raised costs really fast and honestly, not made the user's life any better.

Bob E.

Hi the day after using my Vagabond II I went to charge it and the fan on the inverter came on and now won't stop going also the led lights don't light up except for the green fast/slow when you turn it on. HELP please!
It still fires my b800 I can even turn the modeling lamp on for short periods to see if it will drain the battery but it handles it fine.
The day before I used the modelling lamp briefly whilst shooting.
I just want to know if it's the inverter or the battery.
Both fuses are fine. I've detached the inverter from the battery but every time I reconnect the fan comes on and the same issue. I have it on recharge right now and the fan is still going with no led charging response.
Advice?

That sounds like something in the inverter that needs to be addressed. If you are in the US or Canada, you will need to send it to us in Tennessee. Otherwise, contact which ever distributor you purchased it through (us, PCB AU, or PCB EU).

I bought my Vagabond II a while ago and have only used it two or three times. Had an outdoor portrait shoot today and after a few shots it died. Thought maybe it was the battery but I had just charged it up recently. Got it home and it had blown both fuses. Bought new fuses and turned it on with nothing plugged in and heard one of the fuses pop. Not sure of the warranty on this thing. What do I need to do to get this fixed? The battery itself seems good, put it on a smart car charger and it went green on the lights.

Edited to add: I was using one AB800 on full power when this happened. No issues with the light. Ran an extension cord and finished the shoot.

Thanks,
Jeff

Warranty for the inverter is two years. It will need to come in for a look see.

I shot at a venue with poor electrical supply, but with an all-day shoot. I need a solution like a UPS that sits between the AC power and draws what it can, covering for me when the circuit breaker trips periodically, and the flashes, which I need to fire reliably. Is there a way to insert the VB's in circuit like that?

Yes, but you will lose the ability to run the model lamp very high or very long. Just plug the light into the VML, then the charger from the VML to wall.