reforming flash units

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ujjwaldey8165

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I have acquired a Balcar system.

Now, the system is pretty old - I guess 20 odd years. But it came with a lot of accessories; and with 4 light heads, at a very attractive price - so I couldn't resist

I am not sure how frequesntly the unit was used in the last few years, given that the gentleman retired from commercial photography a few years back

The manula for the system does not say anything much about how best to reform the capacitors.

So, can someone please tell me whats the genereic guidance for reforming the capacitors; and what to/not to do for such units

The units consists of a assymetric 2400 pack for 3 heads ( 1200 + 600 + 600 watt).

Thanks to everyone for all the help till date; especially to Garry ( Edwards) who have patiently answered all my noobish question

Ujjwal
 
Switch it on and immediately fire the test button. Just jab at it repeatedly until it has enough power to fire, don't let it reach full charge. A bit like pressing the esc or f8 key (I think) to go into the setup menu on a computer to stop Windows loading.

Repeat several times, then leave it a bit longer before pressing the test button, repeat that several times, etc etc gradually building up the charge until it is firing at full power. That usually does the trick
 
Thanks as usual Garry.

Today I just fired up the unit; and tested all the flash heads. Seem to work fine, except one flash head fan is not working ( 2 pins of the 16 pin connector is clearly gone, which is possibly creating the problem.) That can stay as the backup head for now. I guess if I am using it for short periods of time, heating up is not such a big issue. Even the optical trigger is working.

It came with a lot of accessories - including a whole set of honey combs and even a spot attachment, which can take GoBos. Much more than I would find need for in a long time.

Now time for some practise.

Garry, your DVD tutorials on lighting and Portrait are exteremely helpful; and I am learning a lot from it. Thanks for those two. I think any beginner like me will greatly benefit from them.

Ujjwal
 
It should be fine. Just don't leave the modelling lamp on for more than a few seconds with either the honeycombs or the spot attachment - that applies to ANY flash head, with or without a cooling fan.
 
Garry Edwards said:
It should be fine. Just don't leave the modelling lamp on for more than a few seconds with either the honeycombs or the spot attachment - that applies to ANY flash head, with or without a cooling fan.
Click to expand...

hehehe done that with a saftey cover and warmed up the covers nicely :D
 
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