WTB : Schematics / Parts / Service info Bowens Studio Flash Heads - UK / EU - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: BenKenobi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2019, 07:57:02 pm
content: Since Bowens are no longer trading access to spares and information is challenging, the sources that I have found won't even discuss - you'd think I was asking for a kidney not a schematic / parts for an obsolete product.Anyone out there have any schematics, parts lists or service data specifically for the Esprit range up to and including the digital 'DX' units.I'd also consider any spares that may be available for these units or even complete 'spares / repair' units - some of the PIC's and other chips used on the later models are no longer available.

author: TheNewLab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 09:38:39 am
content: Can't help on schematics. I have a number of Balacar lights. Balcar went out of business years ago thanks to Calumet getting exclusive rights in the USA, then ignoring the line pushing their own "house" brand.Love the lighting system, but alas, like all old stuff they die and require repair.Not sure of Bowens build, but here is what I did with my Balcars.1st, got a rivet gun and learned to use it.2nd, drilled out the rivets to open the unit up.Found the bad High capacity capacitor. searched for new equivalent..not quite the same size..so just replaced them all.3rd, changed the connectors to Elinchrom type. Balcar was using old WWII French military connectors and just not findable. (if that is a word..)I then had to change over the rest of the units and power pack to the Elinchrom type connectors. the power pack was the most difficult.Since I had to Dremel out the holes for the largeElinchrom connectors.. I had to repaint.To a unit to Home Depot to match colors...close but not perfect.Oh, and the flash tube. I had to change these out, too. just the one for nowI know from way back when repair people did not want to repair these powerful strobe heads, I just bit the bullet, learned what I could and was very carefulI hope this helps. feel free to message me about anything specific. I have been inspired by my success and actually want to get into repairing strobe heads and power packs.Only alternative I know is to watch eBay and see if something pops up..

author: TheNewLab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 09:43:41 am
content: Just followe the top Duck, Duck hit.https://petapixel.com/2019/01/31/bowens-is-back-from-the-dead-with-the-xmt500-flash-head/This is the problem with older equipment. China and newer technology, and faster CCD sensors.To me the older units are still better. with 9 - 1600 w/s heads, I can light up most of a winery where the wine ages in those dark oak barrels! With the Napa valley nearby, I still get work!

author: BenKenobi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 06:40:54 pm
content: I saw that the name was back but I think it is name only, I sure wouldn't buy anything expensive from them until I was sure they were back to stay.I appreciate the input, the main caps look OK - Bowens specific if the covers are to be believed - scary part is that they're hard to discharge until you've pulled a bunch of stuff out of the way.I think that I've figured most of it out but I can't find the source of the problem - the problem's clear - what caused it not so much as everything around it tests out OK. The problem's in aswitched mode power module producing 30VDC to supply a 7805C voltage reg and 5V DC rail, the PWM switch has literally exploded (TOP200YAI), the caps are fine, the bridge rectifier's fine, diodes fine, filter cap is fine but both inductors aren't in good shape - I'm pretty sure they're 10mh 100kHz (since the PWM switch runs at 100k) but I've no way to verify.I know what you mean about older 'stuff' - compared to my old V1 Esprit's these newer digital units are just over complicated - more to go wrong

author: impulsite
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 04, 2019, 05:36:52 am
content: Welcome to the forumhttp://impulsite.ru/viewforum.php?f=7- here we collect photos of printed circuit boards, internals of flashes and service info, including Bowens Studio Flash. There are some circuit diagrams. You can write in English, Russian, German.