RF60 recycle times at full power lengthen quickly during use, relatively new flash

brentross

Hi, I have an RF60 that was purchased in early 2015. It hasn't been used extensively. Just recently, when shooting at full power (1/1), the recycle times seem to grow quickly with each successive flash (e.g., 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 24 seconds, etc), but recycle times at 1/2 power are punchy and quick.

The tests I'm conducting are mainly just pressing the test button. Note that I recently updated the firmware on the RF60 to the latest version.

I find it hard to believe the flash tube would be going after such a short period of time. As a Fuji shooter, I'm eager to invest in more Cactus gear. I'm hoping this isn't a quality issue.

Can you help me troubleshoot?

Thanks, Brent

raychan

Hello,

It looks like the battery doesn't have enough voltage to power up the flash or charge the capacitor. In case you are using rechargeable battery, it may reach the max recharging times. Maybe you can try using new battery. That may fix the problem.

FYI, the shoot at 1/2 power means the flash only needs half power. So, the recycle is shorter, comparing to full power.

Thank you.

brentross

Thanks Ray. I forgot to mention that I was using freshly charged, quite new Eneloop 1900 mAh batteries. (and yes, I know recycle times are shorter on half power). 

Here's a more accurate description of an average test:

Turn on, fresh batteries

First Flash, wait 3 seconds, recharge complete

Second Flash, wait 3 seconds, recharge complete

......

Fourth flash, wait 3 second, recharge complete

Fifth flash, wait 30 seconds, recharge complete

Sixth flash, wait 3 seconds, recharge complete

Seventh flash, wait 20 seconds, recharge complete

Wait for between 45 seconds and 2 minutes for a recharge.....

I only seem to be able to get through about 6 flashes max at the regular recycle time on full power, with fresh batteries, before I have to wait between 45 seconds and 2 minutes for the flash to fully recharge, if it recharges at all. I've had instances where after about six or seven flashes, the flash just doesn't seem to recharge. I'll turn it off and on and even after doing so, I'll have to wait up to 1 to 2 minutes after powering on the flash before it will fire again. 

Sometimes after powering on and off, the flash will let me fire at full power once right away, then I'll have to wait a really long time. Seems like it's all over the map.

If I just let the flash sit fully charged for a while, it will discharge on it's own after a few minutes, but then doesn't seem to want to recharge again for a very long time. If you'd like, I can do a series of three tests and provide exact timing and results in an attachment for troubleshooting. 

raychan

It looks like the hardware failure. Perhaps the DC-to-DC converter is aged. It's needed to replace.

You may ship it back to us for repair. For return and repair cost, please email your request to our customer service email at info@cactus-image.com

Thank you.