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head – and so will only work reliably in normal lighting conditions, i.e. they will occasionally
not work if the sensor is exposed to direct sunlight or if a nearby flash head has its modelling
lamp shining directly on to the sensor. In these conditions it may be necessary to shield the
sensor from direct, unwanted light (or to switch off unnecessary modelling lamps).
The other control is the large knob in the centre, which controls the power of the flash. The
flash power can be set anywhere between full and 1/16
th
power.
The ‘synch’ socket is used to synchronise the firing of your flash with the opening of your
camera shutter. Simply plug in the synch cord or radio receiver. The maximum (shortest)
shutter speed that can be used with flash varies according to the model of camera. Do not
exceed this speed and be prepared to use a slower shutter speed if necessary, because
some cameras can only achieve their stated maximum speed with hotshoe flashes, not with
studio flashes.
And finally there is the ‘Test’ button. This is used to test the flash and to fire it manually. It’s a
very good idea to use the test button after reducing power, to ensure that unwanted stored
power is dumped immediately and doesn’t affect the next shot.
Replacing the lamps
The modelling lamp has a standard E27 (Edison Screw) fitting. Spare lamps are available
from stock and you may wish to keep a spare or two in stock. SmartFlash heads are supplied
with 150 watt modelling lamps, but because of the efficient cooling fan it is also safe to use
them with Lencarta 250 watt modelling lamps, which are available from the Lencarta website.
The flash head must be unplugged from the mains before removing or replacing the modelling
lamp.
Replacing the fuse
A 5A fuse is fitted next to the mains socket to protect the unit from voltage spikes. In the
unlikely event of your SmartFlash 200 flash unit failing to operate when switched on, replacing
the fuse may resolve the problem. You must replace the fuse with another 5A fuse of the
same physical size. The fuse holder can be removed with a slotted screwdriver or a suitable
coin.
The flash tube is user replaceable,
which means that you can replace it
simply by pulling out the old one and
replacing it with a new one.
But our flash tubes very rarely fail
and you are very unlikely to need to
replace a flash tube unless it has
been damaged by accident.
The flash tube must never be
touched with bare fingers, because
grease from skin will substantially
shorten the life of the tube. Grease
can be removed with the help of
alcohol.
