Inon z240 failure

While on a recent dive trip, after a few dives, one of my Inon Z240 strobes failed. After replacing the batteries, I switched it on to test fire

before my dive and I heard a beep and then the light turned green instead of red. When I fired it, it was very weak and then stopped firing

all together. The strobe looks fine, no signs of any leakage. I bought these used (probably on this site) so I don't know the history but they were sold as fairy new and looks like it.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is it worth sending the unit back to Inon for repair? I know they have discontinued this model so they may not support it anymore.

Thanks

Please do look at this thread...and look at my answer there. May help.

Diggy

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=61848&hl=

If after replacing the batteries, the Z240 strobe continues not to fire, then it may be that one or both the capacitors have failed.

From reading of other Z240 failures, it seems that the available Inon replacement electronics have been used up. The replacement cost is about US $400, a bit on the high side.

However, it may be possible to replace the capacitors if they are defective. This will require opening the strobe, and carefully replacing the capacitors. This should be done by somebody with experience in electronics repair as the capacitors may retain a charge of over 350V and the internal circuit boards are wired together and to the optical trigger, requiring a skilled touch.

Please tell us the outcome. Best of luck!

Have you tried it on the different settings? Sometimes when full or manual stops working, switching to sTTL forces a flash for me.

Does it make a noise when you first turn it on (the little whine of the capacitor charging up)? If not, capacitor may be broken/melted.

Do the tubes look like they have small brown flecks on them? If so they may be burnt out.

Both can be replaced but best to get this done by an aftermarket expert. Inon will be very slow and expensive, or claim that it can't be repaired. Doing it yourself exposes you to the capacitor which has enough kick in it to solve any and all future problems you may have

It doesn't make the usual sound when turned on, it's silent. The tubes are clear and everything looks new.

Hmmmm, the silence is not good. No possibility it might be the batteries?

I looked at the strobe again (first time since I came back from trip). As soon as the battery goes in (without turning on the strobe) the green light comes on. When you turn the strobe to on (any mode) it does make the whining sound.

At that point, both the red and the green lights come on together.

Does it fire now? Sometimes they are a bit temperamental but a few rounds of "turn it on, turn it off, give it a little rest for a few days, repeat" combined with trying a few different settings options to force a flash will do it.

Of course, you may decide you're looking for more reliability in your strobe which would be reasonable.

I have never flooded my Inon strobe but found that occasionally It does strange things and I have to clean the lower battery contacts to get it to work. Could be worth trying.