Sync Cord Shorting Out

Just returned from a week in Bonaire and experienced some strobe firing problems with my DS125's. Sometimes would fire, sometimes wouldn't. Full dump when they shouldn't, etc.

Turns out the Ike dual sync cord has a wire problem right under the blue band where it goes into the connector. This area of the cord tends to get kinked and can result in internal wire damage. In all honesty, I probably was not careful to make sure it didn't bend too sharply.

I have the 20D housing with the 90 degree sync cord bulkhead.

I remember seeing a post a while back, (can't find it now), where this problem was discussed. Seems like someone was coating this area of the cord with a flexible material to keep if from binding.

I will replace the sync cord and get a spare. Looking for suggestions on how to prevent this from happening again. I usually try to wrap the cords around the handles and arms to keep everything neat but this may be causing too much pressure on certain areas.

Thanks

I, like you , have this same problem. I use a splint to transger the load to the coiled section of the cord. I use a flexible plastic tube and duct tape it to the cord.

Joe

David,

I use purse lock ties to hold the strobe cables to the arms.

Link here

These keep the tension on the coiled portion of the cables helping keep the slack constent at the connectors. I'll post pics of the setup when I get home if you want..

I need to send my last housing to Ike and get the angle bulkhead conversion, but this has helped me make the cords last longer.

HTH,

David

Re"Looking for suggestions on how to prevent this from happening again. "

I too use tie wraps at strategic points to keep the cable neatly fastened to the tray and the strobes.

And when I remove the connector from the housing, I push on the nut as opposed to pulling on the cord.

Thanks everyone for the tips. David, I would like to see a picture of how you use the purse lock ties to hold the cord. That may be what I am looking for. Of course, zip ties would work as well. I always carry a bunch of them in my spare parts kit. Just never thought of it before.

Is it a good idea to protect the curved cord near the housing bulkhead with some hard item from plastic/metal?

It’s the most vulnerable part in the cord but I'm not sure that to hold it in constant curve won't make more damage.

David,

I was using velcro straps before, but did not like them grabbing everything and getting dirty. They would have sand, etc. in them and I was concerned about that being around the housing. I did not like cable ties because I had to cut them off each time. The clips stay clean and are reusable, in fact I use them for many things now (storing cords, etc).

Here you go, not good shots, but they were for insurance purposes when I took them...

BTW: that is not my real focus light... I was using the 4c as a test. The junction block for the dual cord I used a cable tie to strap the clip to it, so it could be clipped to the handle.

HTH,

Dave

All these are good. I've also used the core of a plastic line spool, taping the synch cord where it comes out of the port on the housing to the outside curve on the spool, to avoid the synch cord(s) taking sharp bend.

If you're passing through Bali on one the right days of the ceremonial calendar, it's possible to arrange for a special Hindu ceremony to provide spiritual protection for your camera and other underwater gear. It's a very nice ceremony, and you'll have some nice charms woven out of cut pieces of palm leaf that you have to leave on the housing until they fall off by themselves. I don't see how it could hurt. .

Frogfish

If you're passing through Bali on one the right days of the ceremonial calendar, it's possible to arrange for a special Hindu ceremony to provide spiritual protection for your camera and other underwater gear. 

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Now that would be something great for all of us

I think all dive operators should offer this service. I'm thinking of hanging a lucky rabbit's foot from each strobe....

don't know if it is the same in anglo saxon countries, but in latin countries you never pronounce the "r" word on a boat, nor do you bring anythig related to that animal on board. it's bad luck..., and we don't need that when it comes to housings

/paul