YS-110, Battery overheating issues...

I have an issue with my YS-110 strobe. This seems to only happen with certain batteries!

I use rechargeable batteries. When I use a combination of 2 GP (1800mAh) batts and 2 Konnoc (2000mAh) batts, I have no problems. However, when I use 4 GP (2700mAh) batteries, I have a problem.....

What happens is that after a number of shots....the strobe stops working (as if there was no/low batt). I notice that I have less of an issue if I turn off the strobe and turn it on when I need to use it.

Anyway....when it does get to the point that the strobe stops working, on closer inspection, I notice slow forming tiny bubbles escaping from the pressure valve. The first time I saw this, I freaked out as I thought my strobe had flooded and I was real pissed with myself during the rest of my dive.....I turned off everything and tried my best to hold it all together and turned the rig so that any water in the compartment would accumulate near the cap. When I got back to the surface, I opened the battery compartment....there was a loud "POP" as the air rushed out.....the batteries were hot. This probably caused the air to heat up and push out of the valve.....

I then tried my other GP 2700 batteries on another dive and the same thing happened. Going back to the other batteries (1800/2000)...I had no problems throughout the dive! Even though I was using the strobe repeatedly as it was a night dive....

I spoke to the Sea n Sea distributor in Singapore.....he was very surprised.... his suggestion was that I use Sony or Sanyo batteries.....I don't know why but that's what they recommend. I assume it is because there are less fakes around? (i have bought fake Energizers which can't even hold a charge).......but these batteries are just fine! they work elsewhere without a problem!

Anyone have any ideas what my problem is?

We use 2500 duracell batteries in our YS110s and ive not seen this. I would try using 4 brand batteries and try again.

Cor

I have an issue with my YS-110 strobe. This seems to only happen with certain batteries!

 

What happens is that after a number of shots....the strobe stops working (as if there was no/low batt).

 

Anyway....when it does get to the point that the strobe stops working, on closer inspection, I notice slow forming tiny bubbles escaping from the pressure valve.

 

Anyone have any ideas what my problem is?

I've used my Sea and Sea 110s for about 200+ hours underwater so far now and I experienced something once, last April - very similar with one of the 110 strobes not working part way through my dive and "tiny bubbles escaping". I thought it was also a flood...... It wasn't - totally dry inside.

I found it was a problem with the 2700 Sanyo rechargeables. I never had/have any problem with my MAHA 2700 rechargeables. I've never put anything in those strobes except 2700 - you get really fast recycle times with 2700.

I've tossed my Sanyo's as I had problems with the same brand but different batteries in my former Inons also.

I think it makes a big difference which batteries you use. I'm sold on MAHAs and MAHA chargers now and it is all I use, I've never had a single problem with those batteries in my former Inons or my current Sea and Sea 110s.

Hope this helps, Carol

Cor....do duracell make rechargebles?

Thanks Carol for the insight....you are right... I think a good brand battery and decent fast charger is a must......I was wondering if it was just me and a bad strobe....but with your experience, it sounds like a battery issue...damn....i have so many of those 2700's from GP.....AND I bought more Sanyos too!....I think I better test them out in the pool before I go on my next trip!

If anyone else has experienced this please also share your thoughts!

Oh...the Sea & Sea reps told me that even if the strobe floods, it isn't a big deal as the battery compartment is quite well sealed. Just dry out the compartment as best as you can, use a small screwdriver and remove inside contacts, wash contacts in fresh water, dry thoroughly...use blower to ensure screw holes are dry and put everything back.....should work fine again

It sounds like you may have some salt water moisture either on your hands when you load the batteries, or on the batteries, or getting into the compartment. It only takes a drop or two to start NiMh batteries off-gassing hydrogen. I would inspect/replace the oring and switch to new batteries.

Jack

I didn't know that.....thanks for the tip....I managed to get a spare lid and oring for the battery compartment for the Sea and Sea agents....will try that....

Once this happens, are the batteries rendered useless or can they be cleaned off and still used?

It sounds like you may have some salt water moisture either on your hands when you load the batteries, or on the batteries, or getting into the compartment. It only takes a drop or two to start NiMh batteries off-gassing hydrogen. I would inspect/replace the oring and switch to new batteries.

 

Jack

An interesting point Jack and thanks for the heads up. I use 2400 Mha NiMh AAs branded by the electroics retailer 'Maplin' here in the UK. Last year I had a strobe (light, not flash gun) flood. I salvaged the two AAs, dried them out and since they seem to have performed flawlessly when used to power dive lights, cameras or strobes. They acquired a little oxidisation around the + terminal so its been easy to identify them amongst the other batteries. Maybe I'm pushing my luck?

I have no idea if the batteries can be reused, sorry. But generally salt water and electricity is a bad mix. I personally wouldn't use them in a sealed housing like that. I've had flashlights explode on me!

Jack

Grrrr....I opened a new pack of Sanyos and they seemed to have an issue holding a charge......the GP 2700's are STILL giving the same problems whereas the 2000's are not!

I decided to just go straight with the Eneloops and ordered a bunch of them for my trip. I will have backup Alkalines as well. The Eneloops are known to emit less heat and hold a charge longer. Will report my findings when I get them and take them on my 6wk trip. Nothing worse than a strobe not firing or recycling after you have been SO SO careful in preparation.....

I decided for roughly the same reason to switch completely go for Eneloops. That should reduce the Heat problem. The Plastic Housed Strobes can potentially have problems with Heat dissipation.

/Erik

I have been using ANSMANN 2850 rechargeables in the YS110 (my dealer suggested anything lower than 2500 and I would not get that many shots). Twice I thought the battery housing, once in each strobe, has leaked but on the last occasion there was no moisture in the battery section and when I opened this there was a certain 'pop' as gas was released - one battery had leaked.

I am now going to stick to 2700 - had no problem with these...is it heat or just maybe a dodgy battery??? In the second case the batteries and strobe contined to work after a qucik clean up.

Given a dive lasts says an hour and the flash goes off, what, max 100 times is this the problem or is it the odd dodgy battery??

Stick with the Eneloop's although they have a substantially reduced ma/h rating they seem to last longer than my old (tried and trusted) Fuji cells 2700 ma/h.

They are recommended for use in the Inon Z240 mklll's because they emmit less heat.

There is a thread somewhere on this forum that explains their pro's and con's. It's well worth a look.

Good luck

Nige Wade