<p>I have 3 Flash Bowens Monolite 400 built between 1968 and 1983. Actually I have one 400 and two 200 slaves flash. I use only the 400. I bought it in 1980, in Belgium where I lived. It works on 220 V. I love it and it's great. <br>
But now, living in Los Angeles since 1983, I used it only occasionally. I didn't use it between 1983 and 1998 (with one or two exceptions). And when I wanted to use it around 1998, the main flash (the 400) did not work, the 2 others were OK. I got it repaired at the Calumet store in Los Angeles.<br>
After that, since I use it only from time to time, I took the habit to "charge" it once a month for 6-8 hours. <br>
I just plug the flashes into the electric outlet on the wall and I see the red lights blinking.<br>
I don't remember if I do this because the guy in the store (Calumet) told me to do so, or it's my idea but anyway, on the first of the month I do 2 things: pay the rent and charge my flashes.<br>
When I use it there's no problems, everything works fine. I used it 4-5 times a year between 1998-2013.<br>
The reason: in Sunny California I do a lot of shoots outside. An if I need inside, I have access to a professional studio. I use my flashes only at home to test-shoot a model or actress which is from time to time.<br>
2013:<br>
All my belongings, including these flashes, are in a storage and after 2 years, I came to take a few items and I was looking for the flashes but couldn't find them among the 200+ boxes I have there.I wanted it so I can charge them regularly as I did before.<br>
And suddenly it occur to me, after all these years: What am I "recharging"? Is there even anything to "recharge"? How come that the two 200 "slave flash" worked fine even if I didn't use them for 15 years? Actually more than that because I NEVER use them at all! I have them because I bought them second hand from a professional store and it came as a package; 3 flashes, 3 tripod, 2 umbrellas.<br>
When I plug the flashes during this monthly feeding, it shows me immediately it is ready to work. I trigger the flash a few times (so I guess I received these instructions/advise from the store).<br>
So again, do I have to "recharge" them? I'm worry that by leaving them in the storage without their "monthly fix" (missed 24 already and counting) It will eventually not work (despite what I said above).</p>
