I've been using two S&S YS-03 strobes since 2019. Both were purchased separately a month apart and they've done about 30 dives.
On a recent dive they seemed to indicate low battery charge (ie. red/green light flashing, would fire a few times then need to be switched off for a few minutes before working again, etc). So today I replaced the batteries with my usual brand, only to find the red/green light blinking on both strobes and unable to fire. I tried a different brand of batteries just in case, but the issue remained. The strobes did not flood on the last dive, and were rinsed and stored as normal.
The fact that both have failed at the same time can't be coincidence, but I can't understand what has gone wrong or how I might be able to sort it out. Any suggestions?
Thanks, Rolli
I would check the condition of you battery contacts to make sure you have good contact and would double check they are inserted correctly, Have you confirmed that batteries have full voltage? Either check them with a volt meter or try them in another appliance that takes AA batteries.
Apart from that you may need to seek out service as there is not much else you can do with them.
There was a case for other S&S strobes where the firmware needed to be updated to solve this particular problem.
If you are going to test AA batteries, I think a load tester is more useful than a simple volt meter since the discharge curve is quite flat, but for sure it will let you know if the batteries are dead.
Bill
Thank you for your responses. I've checked and cleaned the battery contacts, and the batteries are fine. Hoping to hear back from the Australian S&S distributor soon. Obviously something has caused them both to fail simultaneously - I think it's some kind of circuit protection mode but there's no way to reset.
I fixed my strobes, just in case anyone has this issue in the future!
Using a Japanese document which Sea & Sea translated into English, and some super strong magnets that I got from work today, it finally cancelled the circuit protection mode. Apparently regular hardware shop magnets don't have the kick. It's quite a convoluted process that I eventually figured out.
1 hour ago, rolli said:
I fixed my strobes, just in case anyone has this issue in the future!
Using a Japanese document which Sea & Sea translated into English, and some super strong magnets that I got from work today, it finally cancelled the circuit protection mode. Apparently regular hardware shop magnets don't have the kick. It's quite a convoluted process that I eventually figured out.
Do you have a source you could link for that document? could be useful for others with the same problem.
Hello Rolli
I have exactly the same issue with my YS 03.
Would you be able to outline exactly how you reset your YS 03 out of protection mode.
I have some very strong rare earth magnets but do not know what I am supposed to do with them.
Thanks
3 minutes ago, BlueDevilfish said:
Hello Rolli
I have exactly the same issue with my YS 03.
Would you be able to outline exactly how you reset your YS 03 out of protection mode.
I have some very strong rare earth magnets but do not know what I am supposed to do with them.
Thanks
DM sent.
1 hour ago, rolli said:
DM sent.
Is it possible to link this information here? It is potentially useful to others who come by later looking for a solution to this problem.
Looks like files can be uploaded directly. See attached
Hello, I have sam problem as you and looking on Internet I found your posts. Wold You be so kind to send me manual since it's not available online any more. Thank you in a advance Berry
Hello, I have sam problem as you and looking on Internet I found your posts. Wold You be so kind to send me manual since it's not available online any more. Thank you in a advance Berry
The document that I was provided with is available in this thread.
Thank you all for quick response.
All the best
Berry
I contacted Rolli who kindly forwarded his .pdfs to me. I created a 'how to' document which covered both his and my situations as I had to modify the procedure slightly. I was successful in getting my strobe going too.
