Defective Speedotron Flash Head

[Wayne DeWitt]

Years ago, I purchased a backup 206VF head new from B&H. Stupidly, I put it on the shelf without ever testing it. When I went to use it, I found out it had a defective connector. I've contacted Speedotron multiple times, sent them a dozen photos, and they refuse to accept any responsibility. The connector is obviously not damaged - it was a manufacturing

defect. Any suggestions as to what to do next?

 

[btaylor]

I assume the defective bit is the position of pin “l” in the photo? If so I would reach in with a pair of needle nose pliers and pull it up to the level of the other pins. When I was in the repair business we would occasionally see this type of problem on multi pin connectors where the pins were not properly installed at the factory. If that’s the case pulling the pin up may allow the pin retainer to pop into place.

 

[koraks]

I assume the defective bit is the position of pin “l” in the photo?

Maybe? It looks like that pin might be intentionally shorter than the others. Possibly it carries a high voltage and the connector design is intended for other connections to be made (e.g. GND) before HV contacts.

@Wayne DeWitt can you specify the defect? Does the unit indeed refuse to operate properly?

 

[Pieter12]

Maybe? It looks like that pin might be intentionally shorter than the others. Possibly it carries a high voltage and the connector design is intended for other connections to be made (e.g. GND) before HV contacts.

@Wayne DeWitt can you specify the defect? Does the unit indeed refuse to operate properly?

I would compare it with the other Speedotron cord you have.

 

[Wayne DeWitt]

O.K.
Why would anyone miss the obvious?
The center pin is obviously a defective pin that was mounted into the connector during fabrication.
You DON'T "PULL" a pin through a molded connector.
The flat tip isn't a tip-off?
It doesn't complete the circuit with the mating connector - the head doesn't fire.

 

[koraks]

Why would anyone miss the obvious?

Because this equipment is generally tested before it leaves the factory. A manufacturing defect along the lines of your hypothesis would never pass QA.

You DON'T "PULL" a pin through a molded connector.

Perhaps you could if you heat it. However, that's assuming it's a manufacturing defect the way you describe it. I still have my doubts.

The flat tip isn't a tip-off?

No, why would it be? If the defect is along the lines you describe, there's no reason for a flat tip on that pin; it would be round just like the others.

I suspect this connector was manufactured in (at least) two variants, perhaps one being a later version, for a possible reason as I mentioned earlier. It's also quite possible that this results in incompatible combinations of male/female connectors across different versions.

 

[Wayne DeWitt]

I have 40 years in electronics manufacturing for companies such as: TRW, Motorola, Allen-Bradley and Halliburton.
I've worked as an electronics technician in the Navy, and a trainer, engineer and manager for manufacturing and Q.A. in the companies previously mentioned.
PLEASE do not tell me about electronics or manufacturing.
ALL I'm looking for is somebody who knows somebody who can get me a connector so that I can replace it.
Or lead me to a technician who can do it and won't charge me $200 for 15 minutes' worth of work.

 

[MattKing]

Contact Speedotron and ask where you can buy a replacement part.

 

[koraks]

ALL I'm looking for is somebody who knows somebody who can get me a connector so that I can replace it.

Going back to your original question:

Any suggestions as to what to do next?

I'd start by opening up the unit so you get access to the rear of the connector so you can at a later point desolder the contacts, but for now do some measurements on dimensions; if you're lucky, there's a brand and perhaps even product ID on that side somewhere. From the exterior, measure the inside & outside diameter and the diameter on the various pins. Based on whatever data you can measure/extract, use the parametric search on digikey, mouser etc.

Of course, with 40 years of experience in electronics, you already knew this and tried it, so kindly provide some photos you took of the rear side of the connector and tell us which parametric search options (distributors, manufacturers) you've already tried.

 

[ic-racer]

I had a similar issue recently. Searched the internet for a cable just for the connector.

Metz SCA300 Cable Repair

I got a Metz 45CT-4 'free' with a camera body from an auction site. Turns out the 45CT-4 is quite a nice flash. After rebuilding the power pack I thought it could go well with my Rolleiflex cameras if I had the correct adapter cable. Turns out the correct cable is called SCA300. I had trouble...

www.photrio.com

 

[Pieter12]

I have 40 years in electronics manufacturing for companies such as: TRW, Motorola, Allen-Bradley and Halliburton.
I've worked as an electronics technician in the Navy, and a trainer, engineer and manager for manufacturing and Q.A. in the companies previously mentioned.
PLEASE do not tell me about electronics or manufacturing.
ALL I'm looking for is somebody who knows somebody who can get me a connector so that I can replace it.
Or lead me to a technician who can do it and won't charge me $200 for 15 minutes' worth of work.

Where are you? Silvio's in Los Angeles can most probably do it. But it could take a while. https://silvinosproflash.com/

 

[Nokton48]

Kevin at KHB is gracious on the phone, looks to me like he sells Speedotron parts?

He has helped me a LOT with Broncolor questions and he knows how to build strobes of all sorts.

Call him and ask.

KHB Photografix Service and Parts

 

[Wayne DeWitt]

Where are you? Silvio's in Los Angeles can most probably do it. But it could take a while. https://silvinosproflash.com/

I'd already been in touch with Silvinio (logical to confuse with Silvio), he hasn't worked on Speedotrons for a long time.
I'm waiting to see if he has a connector that I can purchase.
Thank you for being the only one, so far, with a helpful suggestion.
If he doesn't, I'll just contact all of the other "authorized" repair centers.
One other that I contacted also hadn't worked on any Speedotrons for years - in fact they'd "recycled" all of their inventory. So, I guess the "repair" facilities list isn't up to date.

 

[Wayne DeWitt]

Kevin at KHB is gracious on the phone, looks to me like he sells Speedotron parts?

He has helped me a LOT with Broncolor questions and he knows how to build strobes of all sorts.

Call him and ask.

KHB Photografix Service and Parts

Thanks.
I'll call KHB if Silvinio doesn't pan out.

 

[Wayne DeWitt]

I had a similar issue recently. Searched the internet for a cable just for the connector.

Metz SCA300 Cable Repair

I got a Metz 45CT-4 'free' with a camera body from an auction site. Turns out the 45CT-4 is quite a nice flash. After rebuilding the power pack I thought it could go well with my Rolleiflex cameras if I had the correct adapter cable. Turns out the correct cable is called SCA300. I had trouble...

www.photrio.com

The cable connector (from an extension cable) and the head connector likely have a different body construction. I don't have a 206 extension cable, and I've sold my 4800 packs - so I can't make any comparisons at the moment.
I'm trying to get a connector from a repair center.
Thanks.

 

[Wayne DeWitt]

Contact Speedotron and ask where you can buy a replacement part.

Good luck with that.
THIS WEEK:
I've sent emails - no response.
I've called - you have to leave a message.
I've left a message - no one calls back.
They've been unresponsive in the past.
I have 0 expectations.
I'll continue trying to source elsewhere.

 

[Wayne DeWitt]

Going back to your original question:

I'd start by opening up the unit so you get access to the rear of the connector so you can at a later point desolder the contacts, but for now do some measurements on dimensions; if you're lucky, there's a brand and perhaps even product ID on that side somewhere. From the exterior, measure the inside & outside diameter and the diameter on the various pins. Based on whatever data you can measure/extract, use the parametric search on digikey, mouser etc.

Of course, with 40 years of experience in electronics, you already knew this and tried it, so kindly provide some photos you took of the rear side of the connector and tell us which parametric search options (distributors, manufacturers) you've already tried.

It looks like an Amphenol (type) body.
Going through Mouser, or anyone else, would require a minimum buy (usually 3-10 connectors), at $50- 200 apiece.
IF the connector was even identifiable.
There are no standard p/n markings on it that are traceable.
Going to see if I can get it from a repair center - haven't been able to find a "parts" head anywhere.

 

[Wayne DeWitt]

I'd already been in touch with Silvinio (logical to confuse with Silvio), he hasn't worked on Speedotrons for a long time.
I'm waiting to see if he has a connector that I can purchase.
Thank you for being the only one, so far, with a helpful suggestion.
If he doesn't, I'll just contact all of the other "authorized" repair centers.
One other that I contacted also hadn't worked on any Speedotrons for years - in fact they'd "recycled" all of their inventory. So, I guess the "repair" facilities list isn't up to date.

We BOTH misspelled SILVINO!
LOL

 

[Wayne DeWitt]

Apparently, 3rd time is the charm.
After considerable back-and-forth Speedotron has agreed to repair the head for me.
I shipped it off.
Let's see what happens.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Apparently, 3rd time is the charm.
After considerable back-and-forth Speedotron has agreed to repair the head for me.
I shipped it off.
Let's see what happens.

Best of luck with it.

 

[Flying Camera Studio]

Good luck! I had a used 206VF head blow up on me the first time I tried to use it (quite startling, very loud). Speedotron repaired it for me. Had a good experience. Hope yours is good too.

 

[Wayne DeWitt]

Third time was the charm.
Speedotron agreed to fix the connector this time around.
Got it back last week.
Looks good.