Ow... my ears (420ex)

[KevC]

Hey,

My 420ex just arrived, it looks like it's in immaculate condition. However, there's one thing that bothers me. My 2300mah NiMH AAs haven't come in the mail yet, so I just looked around and found an old set of alkaline AAs. I popped them yet.

I turned on the flash and ... it starts emitting this super high pitched whine. Sorta like a resistor straining. I figure it's only when you start it... so I wait. and wait.. and wait.... and it's still going. So I take a shot... *snap*... and it dies down a little bit.. but it's still on.

Is this normal for a flash? It's driving my ears insane. Maybe my ears are just too sensitive, but all I hear is ring ring ring and I'm going nuts! Somebody please tell me...

[DocFrankenstein]

WOW

They do emit a high frequency sound... but it's not loud by any means. Usually transformators emit similar sounds.

Looks like the flash is "normal", but the ears are sensitive.

[HJMinard]

With my Sigma it just whines while it charges/recharges and then I don't hear it anymore until the next flash/recycle. It's not particularly loud.

[Mark_48]

The whining you hear is a DC to DC converter that steps up the 6 volts of the batteries up to several hundred volts DC to charge up a capacitor in the flash. The DC to DC converter uses an oscillator just a tad above normal hearing range to drive a small transformer to step up the voltage and then it's converted back to DC. The voltage is stored in the capacitor until the flash is triggered and then the capacitor releases its energy or a part of into the flashtube.
Using the old alkalines just takes longer to charge the capacitor and thus you hear it longer. Once you get fresh batteries in there the cycle time should be quick and hopefully you'll just hear a quick chirp as it cycles up.

[pradeep1]

Yes, this is perfectly normal operation for your 420EX. I've used three different copies of the same flash and notice the exact same response. You'll notice an even larger whine if you do an exposure that requires a lot of light and the flash fires at full output. I actually thought when I got my 420EX that there was a malfunction, but later found out, through help from forum members, that this is normal.

[RAitch]

So, the 420 isn't louder than a 'normal' flash?

[Loekito]

Mine also like that, especially when the flash is not charged-up. Usually when we just turn it on for the first time after a long period of inactivity.

But I'm not sure about that "annoying" sound.. maybe right, your ears are too sensitive :P

Have fun with your new 420EX. It will bring a new excitement during your photo taking session.

regards,

Loekito

[wintermute76]

Personally, I like the sound of a flash cycling up :)

All the flashes I've seen do it, but I only faintly notice it, but my hearing isn't what it should be either, was a bit too careless in my younger days :o

[tim]

If you really don't like the sound, an external battery pack will eliminate or reduce the noise.

[robertwgross]

If you really don't like the sound, an external battery pack will eliminate or reduce the noise.

The 420EX does not have a connector for an external battery pack.

---Bob Gross---

[Jon, The Elder]

Yup - normal healthy sounds as is the "pop" when you test fire it.

Mirror slap must drive you nuts.

[DocFrankenstein]

If you really don't like the sound, an external battery pack will eliminate or reduce the noise.
How would it do that exactly? The converter still has to work... and since it has to work faster, the sound will probably be louder?

[RichardtheSane]

Worth pointing out here that the whine is louder when the falsh can't draw enough power from the batteries - so if the el cheapo AA batteries were not up to the job the whine will be noisey. Also, with decent batteries, once charges the whine stops. You will then get a small half second whine every now and then as the flash keeps its charge topped off.

An external battery pack is capable of supplying all the power needed to the whine will be quieter and quicker.

[tim]

How would it do that exactly? The converter still has to work... and since it has to work faster, the sound will probably be louder?

Ok, i'm guessing, I could be completely wrong. Here's what i'm thinking, hopefully someone can tell me if i'm right or wrong:
- The battery pack supplies more power, so the sound doesn't last as long.
- The "high power" battery packs supply the high voltage themselves, hopefully with a quieter DC-DC convertor, or at least one that's further from your head.

[Maureen Souza]

Mine makes a soft whine when I turn it on, then quiets down and emits a soft whine after the flash pops. But none of it is very loud.....

[2goldens]

I have the same flash. The sound is very normal. You just need to change out those old batteries. IF the batteries can't keep up with the flash, the sound will get stronger. When you get your new batteries you will see.