General Maintenance and Care
All Speedotron Black Line equipment is ruggedly built.
Nevertheless, it should be treated with the same care given to
other pieces of quality photographic equipment. To protect
the user, all Speedotron equipment is designed to be safe
when used in accordance with instructions. To assure the
maximum in safe, dependable service, the following
guidelines should be carefully observed.
• Avoid kinking or pulling cables. Disconnect cables by pulling on the
quick release only, except for the 206 light unit which has a threaded
ring. Never pull plugs out by the cable. Light cables as well as sync
cords and AC power cords should be occasionally checked for wear,
cracks, separation between cable and plug, and for indications of arc-
over.
• Do not wrap the light unit cables around the light units. Coiling cables
tightly stresses the internal wires and may lead to premature cable
failure. If possible, keep the coil diameter at least 10 inches.
• If a cable becomes frayed, the insulation damaged, or the connectors
bent or broken, have them repaired immediately.
• Keep all connectors, plugs and sockets free of dust, moisture and
corrosion.
• Do not connect or disconnect light units or insert or remove flash
tubes while the power supply is on.
• When using your equipment, be sure all cable, sync, power and flash
tube connections are completely and properly installed.
• Do not attempt to make repairs to your Speedotron equipment
yourself. It is very dangerous, and will void your warranty. Consult your
dealer regarding authorized service in your area, or return the
equipment to Speedotron. When you are not using your equipment, it
is recommended that you store it in a dry place. Equipment should be
charged up and flashed a few times at least once a month. This will
keep your equipment in top working condition for many years.
• With your light unit disconnected, occasionally remove the reflector
and clean the interior surface with a light solvent or soap and water.
Carefully remove the flash tube, and clean the glass cover. Only in this
way will you conserve a consistent color temperature and light output.
Dirt and dust deposits on the tube and reflector act like a filter to alter
color.
• To extend the life of the model lamp, it should be turned off after set-
up and focusing.
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Trouble-shooting
System will not work at all; no flash.
Check that sync cable, AC power cord and light unit cables are firmly and
properly attached. Check that the flash tube is firmly seated. Check that
Power
switch is on.
Occasional failure of all light units to flash.
Check sync cable and light unit cable connections. Make sure that the
Ready
indicator is illuminated before attempting to fire unit.
Occasional failure of one light unit only.
Check light unit cable connection. Inspect the cable. Check flash tube.
Make sure that the
Ready
indicator is illuminated before attempting to
fire unit.
Reduced light output.
Check to see if Ratio or Variable Power Control switch is in right position.
Check flash tube; check power supply by comparing to similar pack with
same light units if possible.
Flash tube glows after a flash (afterglow) and will not flash again
until glow is gone.
If confined to one light unit, check flash tube by substitution. If it
continues or all lights afterglow, power supply is at fault. If this is the
case, turn power supply off immediately! Power supply needs repair.
Ratio or Variable Power Control switch has no effect on recycle time
or light output.
Power supply needs repair.
Circuit breaker on power supply pops.
Check that all cables on power supply and light units are properly
connected. Also check for afterglow. If a circuit breaker blows, it is an
indication that something is wrong. Normal operation will not blow circuit
breakers.
Circuit breaker or fuse in studio blows.
Use slow setting on
Recycle
rate switch.
Model lamp fails to light on one light unit.
Check that the model lamp switch on that light unit is in the “
ON
”
position.
When checking power supplies, light units and cables, be sure that
Power
is off. Look for blackened, discolored or burned pins and sockets.
If a
Light Unit Outlet
on the power supply is burned, blackened or
discolored, it must be replaced before it is used. It could damage light
units that are connected to it. Check that cables are not loose or frayed.
