Testing flash tube on broken strobe?

[-chrille-]

I have an old Hensel 800ws strobe that is broken. Modelling light still working but no flash when testing.

Before I buy a new flash tube, is there a way to test the strobe to determine if it is the flash tube that is broken or any other component inside the strobe circuit?

I can not see any damage on the flash tube itself, no burnt surfaces or cracked glass.

 

[koraks]

Whatever tests you'd do would involve high voltages and potentially lethal charges on the flash capacitors. Basically, if you have to ask what to test, it's not safe to do these tests, leaving you with the only safe option of trying a replacement flash tube.

 

[forest bagger]

I can not see any damage on the flash tube itself, no burnt surfaces or cracked glass.

Then listen carefully (ear near the strobe body) when testing: is there a slight crackling or clicking to hear, when you push the test knob?
If yes, the flash tube might be spent.
If no, the electronics within the strobe body are faulty, and you should not go further!

 

[-chrille-]

Then listen carefully (ear near the strobe body) when testing: is there a slight crackling or clicking to hear, when you push the test knob?
If yes, the flash tube might be spent.
If no, the electronics within the strobe body are faulty, and you should not go further!

Thanks, yes I hear a clicking.

One more question, I know electrolytic capacitors have a limited life time. How does that affect the energy of the flash from flash tube? If I change the flash tube, is it possible that the strobe puts out a lower flash energy than the specified 800ws due to aged capacitors? The strobe is 30 years old.

 

[-chrille-]

Whatever tests you'd do would involve high voltages and potentially lethal charges on the flash capacitors. Basically, if you have to ask what to test, it's not safe to do these tests, leaving you with the only safe option of trying a replacement flash tube.

Yes, thanks for the heads up. The energy released is like a pistol bullet. With that high voltage involved in strobes you not even have to physical touch, just be close enough, the soldering point or contacts to have a fatal outcome.

 

[wiltw]

The electtrolytic power storage capacitor might have simply been left alone without any usage, so that it does not properly hold charge. One can try plugging in the unit and turning it on, then leaving it in that state for an hour or two, in an attempt to 're-form' the capacitor. Then try to fire the unit, to see if the capacitor has re-formed...if left for much too long without having been powered on, the capacitor may have gotten dried out and too far gone for re-forming to do any good.