20 replies to this topic

[fpalsson]

Just took my brand new z240 type4 strobe for a test dive in the pool and it exploded after 10 minutes. It blew out the front of the strobe completely. Has anyone experienced this before? My other z240 type4 was fine but when I took out the batteries and compared them, the ones in the exploded strobe were quite hot, while the ones in the functioning strobe were cool. I'm using powerbase AA rechargable 2700mAh, and a Sea&Sea TTL converter N. I'm guessing this is cause by a fault from the production of the strobe. Any other ideas?

[Kilili]

My guess... The batteries were hot because the battery chamber flooded and they shorted out, generating a lot of heat. Gas buildup probably caused the explosion. When you say "blew out the front" is this what you mean? The battery chamber is not isolated from the rest of the strobe, and any water within it generally guarantees destroying the whole thing.

I've seen this happen in salt water [without exploding], with its high conductivity. Does seem less probable in fresh water pool, but I've never actually tried it to find out.

As a type 4, only Eneloop batteries are to be used. May I assume these were not? Even so, not likely they would be the source of the problem.

They only problem I ever encountered with Z240s was from flooding caused by an o-ring swelling, jumping the groove on closure, and me not noticing [no explosion, but certainly pressure buildup]

Swelling is normally the result of not using the correct grease. Since yours is new, that seems improbable

Go back to where you got it and see if you can get satisfaction.

[RBernardo]

Hi,

what was the temperature of the pool water?

[Alex_Mustard]

Wow - I bet that was quite scary.

I have not heard of this problem before, but being rare, I am sure doesn't make you feel any better about it.

So the front of the strobe exploded, but the batteries and the battery compartment were still fine?

Alex

[fpalsson]

The battery chamber was not flooded. I have two identical strobes and used the same type of batteries in both, and my funtioning strobe had no heat build up at all, whereas the malfunctioning one had hot batteries.
It's the type 3 that is only to be used with Eneloop batteries and the type 4 can be used with other NiMH batteries. Both strob, batteries and sync cable were new.
-------------------- From Inon ---------------------------
New Z-240 Type4/D-2000 Type4 can use other conventional NiMH batteries or high-capacity NiMH batteries as like S-2000.

However, INON INC. still recommends using Sanyo "eneloop" (HR-3UTG) and equivalent new generation NiMH batteries since some conventional NiMH batteries and high-capacity NiMH batteries have following characteristics and could have problem to keep their performance.

a) High self-discharging characteristic prevents using all battery capacity
b) High heat generating characteristic during charging/discharging could cause excessive load on batteries/devices
c) Above a) could lead to over discharge and together with above b), could lead to sudden performance deterioration

When using "conventional" or "high capacity" NiMH batteries other than ("eneloop" type) "new generation" NiMH batteries, we recommend using good quality batteries with least problem mentioned above.
---------------------------------------------------------------

The temp in the pool was approx 28C (82F) but I dont see how that could effect the strobe.

[fpalsson]

Wow - I bet that was quite scary.

I have not heard of this problem before, but being rare, I am sure doesn't make you feel any better about it.

So the front of the strobe exploded, but the batteries and the battery compartment were still fine?

Alex

Liftet up the camera out of the water pretty fast but it was definetly more disapointing than scary. The clear front plastic has shattered and taken a couple of front screws along with it but the batteries and battery compartment were fine except for the heat build up in the betteries.

[Otara]

If the battery compartment wasn't flooded, I cant see how it could be much else than a manufacturer issue - was the electrical sync port sealed OK? I dont know if a short/leak there could cause this, but its really the only other user accessible error I can think of.

Otara

[Alex_Mustard]

I agree with Otara, if the batter compartment was fine, it doesn't sound like a user error. I am sure if you return it to your dealer they will take care of things.

Alex

[owfotograaf]

On a trip a capacitor exploded in one off my old subtronics (age related). That caused also an overpressure in the housing!
And a recent bought capacitor, made in China, exploded also without any reason.

A warranty problem!

[cor]

I bet most of us initially thought 'batteries got wet'. That can cause a buildup of gases and pressure which can explode almost anything. So whomever is responsible for your warranty will probably think the same. Make absolutely sure you document the state of your battery compartment! Maybe even get witnesses.

[fpalsson]

I have contacted the dealer whos initial reaction as you antisipaded was that this was most likely was caused by a battery compartment flooding. After I explained the situation again they have contacted Inon and forwarded both pictures and comments and now Im awaiting feedback which should come in a couple of days.

After the malfunction I checked the strobe thoroughly and both the battery compartmant and sync port were completely dry as they should after a 10 minute dive at 1 meter. This was the gear try out for the trip and I spent a couple of hours going through the gear and checking each O-ring and O-ring grove.

We are two divers on this trip so I have at least one witness that is as confused as I about why this happened and the only explanation that we can come up with is a manufacturer issue.

[Drew]

Can you post some pics? I think it'd be interesting to see if nothing but for interests sake. Sorry you had to experience this.

Capacitors can get hot in use and aw Owfotograaf says, can blow. Were you rapidly firing the strobe? I did that once at low power at I had the tube glowing hot!

[fpalsson]

Here is a photo

[fpalsson]

Can you post some pics? I think it'd be interesting to see if nothing but for interests sake. Sorry you had to experience this.

Capacitors can get hot in use and aw Owfotograaf says, can blow. Were you rapidly firing the strobe? I did that once at low power at I had the tube glowing hot!

Didint fire rapidly at all, took 5-6 shots during that 10 minutes as I also helped my buddy with her wide angle rig.

[fpalsson]

I just heared back from INON who have been very helpful and they will fedex me a new replacment strobe. Really great service

[Alex_Mustard]

Well done Inon! :-)

[johnjvv]

Well done Wetpixel!!!

[tdpriest]

I did a freshwater dive once with no o-ring and my older Z-240 was fine, even if the batteries were wet...

... it was pretty shallow, but no water got into the electronics.

Tim

[adamhanlon]

Just to echo:

Well done Inon!

Adam

[Erbster]

I'm wondering about replacing my Sea & Sea YS-110a's with Inon Z-240's. It's not clear from this thread whether the battery compartment is sealed or not. Can anyone clear that up?

Thanks