Profoto ComPact 600R strobe won't fire

<p>Johnny,<br>

Ellis may be right. I don't own any Profoto gear nor possess the circuit diagrams for your flash, so I could only guess what might be wrong. I won't even do that, but I will suggest that you try re-seating the flash tube if possible. On some units, that can fix a similar problem. The fact that your ready light does not come on is troubling though. Usually that lights based primarily, if not entirely, on the capacitors coming to full charge. On the Profoto, it may be different. Good Luck. This must be frustrating for you, especially after paying a premium for a quality brand.</p>

<p>Hi Johnny,<br>

I have the EXACT same issue. Compact R600 set purchased earlier this year and not used too many times. All of a sudden one does not work. Powers up, fan is on, green test light does not come on, test button has static firing sound but no flash.<br>

What was your outcome? I'm concerned someone else has the same issue.<br>

Thanks</p>

Hi Everyone.. I just bought two 600R's in like new condition for $575.00 but one of the strobes fires intermittently can anyone tell me what the resolution was to this old thread?

Replying to my own post. I swapped out the Bulb from another unit and it fixed the problem. I believe the small tabs weren't making contact at the front of the bulb.

Congrats on solving it. That's always the number one troubleshooting thing for a studio-style flash unit. (Assuming that you have a spare and that they're user replaceable.) Something that I would advise, if you do portrait work, is to get a replacement flash tube that is "UV coated." Otherwise white clothing, which almost always contain fluorescent "brighteners," will tend to get a slight bluish tinge.

Ps, as a note it's normal for pro-grade flash tubes to fail after something like 150 to 200 thousand flashes, depending on how much power you're putting through them. At lower power settings they'll probably go a lot longer; I can't say for sure, though.

Congrats on solving it. That's always the number one troubleshooting thing for a studio-style flash unit. (Assuming that you have a spare and that they're user replaceable.) Something that I would advise, if you do portrait work, is to get a replacement flash tube that is "UV coated." Otherwise white clothing, which almost always contain fluorescent "brighteners," will tend to get a slight bluish tinge.

 

Ps, as a note it's normal for pro-grade flash tubes to fail after something like 150 to 200 thousand flashes, depending on how much power you're putting through them. At lower power settings they'll probably go a lot longer; I can't say for sure, though.

Wow thanks for the advice Bill. I had no idea. I feel for al the people that bought new strobes only to have them malfunction almost immediately due to poor electrical contact issues. My strobes cost the original owner over $2000.00 I can't imagine spending that much only to have the lights misfire. ;) These Forums are invaluable! Now if I can only get the admins to approve my photo.net profile.