SB600 zoomhead problem

[domonizo]

Hey all,
There seem to be a problem with my sb600. When I'm on TTL, and zoom in with my camera lense, the zoomhead values on the LCD are changing, however there seem to be a problem with the zoomhead itself. There's like something blocking the mechanism inside it resulting in weird noises being made.
It's like it's attempting to zoom, but unable to.
Anyone knows of any remedy or face such problems?
I've read through the manual, fully charged the batteries, but the problem still exists..

 

[nixontkl]

u look into the flash does the bulb inside move up and down when u zoom?

the mechanism inside maybe spoiled

 

[fatigue]

It could be due to drop or knock.
It's a simple fix but make sure you discharge the capacitor if you plan to DIY

You need to remove the 2 screws under the zoom and remove the 2 round rubber covers on the side to access a few more screws.
Check if the encoder (a piece of metal that slides along the conductor) sits properly

A bit difficult to explain. I got some picture illustrations. Will post if I managed to find it.

 

[domonizo]

u look into the flash does the bulb inside move up and down when u zoom?

the mechanism inside maybe spoiled

i cant see the bulb moving, seems to be stuck.

 

[nixontkl]

i cant see the bulb moving, seems to be stuck.

does the sound of the motor continue non stop or it stop after a while?

sound dont stop - chances are that the encoder is jam and the gears connecting the motor to the blub is faulty.

sound stop - the gears connecting the motor to the blub is faulty. (as fatigue mention the encoder inside the flash. that encoder maybe moving but not the blub)


being someone who like to take apart faulty/spoiled stuff to find the issue/problem, IMO the flash was drop or knock and the shock knock some of the gear loose, or some plastic part inside broke and thus the blub is not moving as its suppose to.

dont fool around with flash as its a electronic gadget that can store thousands of volt in it capacitors, make sure to fully discharge it if u plan to DIY. test fire and off the flash b4 it can recharge then remove the batt and keep trying to on the flash and test fire to empty the capacitor, leave the flash alone for awhile. dont touch the capacitor inside.

 

[domonizo]

the sound doesn't stop, so it seems that its attempting to move but unable to.
btw, i only saw 2 screws at the bottom which i can remove. are there any others that i should remove to open up the inside?

 

[nixontkl]

the sound doesn't stop, so it seems that its attempting to move but unable to.
btw, i only saw 2 screws at the bottom which i can remove. are there any others that i should remove to open up the inside?

sorry cant help u here with the opening up your sb 600, bro fatigue probably got better exp with that. just make sure to have discharge your flash b4 opening up.

 

[fatigue]

Caution: The flash contains high voltage even after the switch is turned OFF or batteries has been removed. Proper discharging is required.
Don't attempt to DIY if you have heart problems

Again, you need to:
1. Turn OFF the unit
2. Remove the batteries
3.Discharge the capacitor with a 2KOhms/2W resistor for at least 3 to 5 seconds

There are a few more screws on the side. Just remove the 2 rubber covers
(pictures taken with a 2M Nokia handphone)

Right side

Left side

Just remove the 4 screws indicated by red circles
And the 2 screws below the flash head

 

[fatigue]

What's inside:

Green arrows indicates screw locations
Red indicates encoder
Blue- flash bulb

If I'm not opening the main body, I discharge the flash bulb and trigger plate instead of the capacitor. Anyway, there are connected to the capacitor. I just discharge a bit longer to be safe.

Make sure the encoder sits properly on the metal strip. This is the part the controls the position of the bulb assembly. Check also the motor.

Since the head is not moving, you may need to manually turn the motor to access some screws.

 

[fatigue]

Oops! not so clear.
The encoder is the metal strip at the right side near the middle

 

[fatigue]

repost:

Green arrows indicates screw locations
Red indicates encoder
Blue- flash bulb


Forgot to mention, flash bulb for sale :bsmilie:
just kidding

 

[domonizo]

hey man! thanks so much!
i'll give it a shot, and hope for good news!
cheers!