Bowens/Bogen Mono 15000

dbonamo · Nov 13, 2008

Hi

Can anyone tell me a little about this unit. I know it is from the 80's era and I believe 500ws. I did an impulse buy eBay. Just received the light and it appears in excellent condition, although I have not test yet. I have little experience with studio type lighting and I am concerned about connecting to the PC connector of my F5, I have heard these flashes have high voltage at the sync connector. I assume it would be safe on a RB67 Len PC connection but I am not sure about the F5. Of course I could use the included MK4 slave unit to fire the flash.

Any comments would be appreciated.

John Koehrer · Nov 13, 2008

You can use the slave or get a "safe-sync" made by Wein, it fits a hot shoe & drops the voltage to a safe level.

Mike Wilde · Nov 13, 2008

as fred picker said - try it.

watch for the Radio Shack/Circuit city flyer for a small VOM test meter. Set the switch to measure 0-500 DC volts, and put the probes across the pc socket while the strobe is ready to fire.

Some units do have surprisingly large trigger voltages; I'm not sure what the units you have are. I have an old Braun Hobby EF300 from the late 60's that on full charge presnts about 540V on the trigger circuit.

dbonamo · Nov 13, 2008

Mike Wilde said:
watch for the Radio Shack/Circuit city flyer for a small VOM test meter. Set the switch to measure 0-500 DC volts, and put the probes across the pc socket while the strobe is ready to fire.

Some units do have surprisingly large trigger voltages; I'm not sure what the units you have are. I have an old Braun Hobby EF300 from the late 60's that on full charge presnts about 540V on the trigger circuit.

Thanks I will check that , I have a Fluke meter at home, so I will check this evening.

dbonamo · Nov 13, 2008

dbonamo said:
Thanks I will check that , I have a Fluke meter at home, so I will check this evening.

Oh well, unit was DOA,

Lee L · Nov 13, 2008

One likely problem to investigate is dead capacitors, which store up a charge over longer time and then release it in a very short time. If left sitting with no charge for a long time, they can become useless and lose their capacity (sorry...) to store a charge. It's best to use them to keep the capacitors "formed". A tech might be able to replace them, or tell you if that's the problem.

Lee

dbonamo · Nov 13, 2008

Lee L said:
One likely problem to investigate is dead capacitors, which store up a charge over longer time and then release it in a very short time. If left sitting with no charge for a long time, they can become useless and lose their capacity (sorry...) to store a charge. It's best to use them to keep the capacitors "formed". A tech might be able to replace them, or tell you if that's the problem.

Lee

Thanks, but not even the modeling light will come on, new bulb. Although the power light (built into the switch) comes on. Seller swears he tested it before shipping. If I had schematic I troubleshoot it.

Lee L · Nov 13, 2008

dbonamo said:
If I had schematic I troubleshoot it.

Maybe the mfgr will send you one if you request it. Worth a try.

Lee

Philippe-Georges · Nov 14, 2008

If a flash unit has not worked for a long time (a few months), there is a little procedure to 'launch' the capacitors safely again. A Multiblitz technician told me so.
First, BEFORE switching on, set the unit at the LOWEST capacity, SLOW charging speed and modelling light OFF, then switch it on and leave it running for a few hours. Then gradually, let's say in four steps, turn the capacity higher, in time lapses of about 15 min. Then leave it, set at high power, for a few min, even when the ready light is on (this should normaly happen in about 5 sec.). Then fire the unit and leave it charge again (slow speed) and wait for about 15 min. then fire again, and again. Now the unit is ready for use and the modelling light can be turned on.
I know, this takes about 3 to 4 hours, but it might prevent of damaging the capacitors and they are expensive to replace!
Actually, this is the same procedure as when new capacitors are 'launched' for the first time.
This procedure is for 'modern' capacitors, thus not for the older paper-rolled ones like in the old Godard's. For these models, you have to leave the unit in a dry place, at living-room temperature, for about a week first, then you might try the start procedure on your own risc.

Good luck,

Philippe

dbonamo · Nov 14, 2008

leicam5 said:
If a flash unit has not worked for a long time (a few months), there is a little procedure to 'launch' the capacitors safely again. A Multiblitz technician told me so.
First, BEFORE switching on, set the unit at the LOWEST capacity, SLOW charging speed and modelling light OFF, then switch it on and leave it running for a few hours. Then gradually, let's say in four steps, turn the capacity higher, in time lapses of about 15 min. Then leave it, set at high power, for a few min, even when the ready light is on (this should normaly happen in about 5 sec.). Then fire the unit and leave it charge again (slow speed) and wait for about 15 min. then fire again, and again. Now the unit is ready for use and the modelling light can be turned on.
I know, this takes about 3 to 4 hours, but it might prevent of damaging the capacitors and they are expensive to replace!
Actually, this is the same procedure as when new capacitors are 'launched' for the first time.
This procedure is for 'modern' capacitors, thus not for the older paper-rolled ones like in the old Godard's. For these models, you have to leave the unit in a dry place, at living-room temperature, for about a week first, then you might try the start procedure on your own risc.

Good luck,

Philippe

Thanks Philippe, I will give it a try this evening.

Bowens/Bogen Mono 15000

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency