Vagabond II Malfunction

Ok, so I bought a Vagabond II about 2 years ago and it worked like a champ for the first year. Then last year while doing a shoot in the summer (was around Sep 2010) it started making this funky noise and recycling was taking longer than expected, then suddenly it stopped working.

I connected to AC when I got back home and left it there for 2 days, then disconnected it. I haven't used it until this past week, recharged it for 24 hours and then when I plug something it does not work at all. Does that mean the battery is dead?

I do get that funny noise again. Not sure if it's just the battery or the inverter is not functioning properly neither. Any thoughts?

I don't know what the reading should be, but putting a meter on the inverter and battery would tell you all the answers right off.

Also, calling PCB would probably be a wise step.

Kechar wrote in post #12245397
I don't know what the reading should be, but putting a meter on the inverter and battery would tell you all the answers right off.

Also, calling PCB would probably be a wise step.

I will check the voltage on the battery it self. But how would I know if the battery is dead or simply the inverter/charger is not working so getting a new battery will not work at all?

If it's still under warranty, just ask PCB and they'll walk you through checking. Funky noises isn't a good thing...sounds like the inverter might be hosed.

If you did not charge it between last Sept and now, the battery is almost certainly dead and beyond salvage.
The battery should be kept charged. I keep mine plugged into a timer that gives it an hour of charge each day.

george m w wrote in post #12247741
If you did not charge it between last Sept and now, the battery is almost certainly dead and beyond salvage.
The battery should be kept charged. I keep mine plugged into a timer that gives it an hour of charge each day.

Yep, thats what I was thinking.

OP: Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries have to be kept on a trickle charger or constantly topped off (like your car battery) otherwise they die. This is yet another reason why the Vagabond Mini Lithium is so attractive.

That being said, if this is indeed the problem, all youd have to do is replace the battery and you should be good to go. Or just sell the unit as is and pick yourself up a Vagabond Mini!

george m w wrote in post #12247741
If you did not charge it between last Sept and now, the battery is almost certainly dead and beyond salvage.
The battery should be kept charged. I keep mine plugged into a timer that gives it an hour of charge each day.

I missed the part about leaving it unplugged until now. Ditto this...if it's been left unplugged that long, the battery has sulfated. Buy a $30 one from your local battery store to test it if it measures as dead (not 12V)...

The Vagabond II works great with up to 3 strobes, I doubt the mini can take that load. Also the Vagabond II is heavy enough to double as a weight when shooting on location (just strap it to the light stand and voila, no need for a sandbag). The Mini looks promising and yes the lithium battery is a big plus, I might buy one to test it and if I am happy with it I think I will buy 2 (in case I need two lights), although for outdoor location shoots, I find myself using 1 light setting 90% of the time as the sun doubles as second light and if I need a 3rd light I use a reflector.

Btw, voltage was null on the battery, and yes is pretty sure is dead now. The timer idea is great! I think I will buy a Vagabond II battery replacement and 1 Mini. If the Mini works good enough I might sell the Vagabond II with the new battery and get a second Mini with that money.

telles75 wrote in post #12252391
The Vagabond II works great with up to 3 strobes, I doubt the mini can take that load. Also the Vagabond II is heavy enough to double as a weight when shooting on location (just strap it to the light stand and voila, no need for a sandbag). The Mini looks promising and yes the lithium battery is a big plus, I might buy one to test it and if I am happy with it I think I will buy 2 (in case I need two lights), although for outdoor location shoots, I find myself using 1 light setting 90% of the time as the sun doubles as second light and if I need a 3rd light I use a reflector.

Doubt no more. PCB says itll handle up to FOUR! LINK

ben_r_ wrote in post #12254295
Doubt no more. PCB says itll handle up to FOUR! LINK

Cool..I hope some guinea pigs try it first hand before I order them.. Preferably with Elinchrom strobes

telles75 wrote in post #12254570
Cool..I hope some guinea pigs try it first hand before I order them.. Preferably with Elinchrom strobes

I own two VMLs and two Elinchrom 600RX units. There are also many others here and on YouTube demonstrating at least two strobes on the VMLs. I have tried my two 600RX units and other than slowing down recycle time, they work just like me Vagabond 2 did except WAY smaller and cheaper!

ben_r_ wrote in post #12254614
I own two VMLs and two Elinchrom 600RX units. There are also many others here and on YouTube demonstrating at least two strobes on the VMLs. I have tried my two 600RX units and other than slowing down recycle time, they work just like me Vagabond 2 did except WAY smaller and cheaper!

Awesome news... Dang you convinced me now I will get 2 minis and buy a new battery for my Vagabond II and sell it right after... I doubt I will get any decent price if I sell the unit as IS without working...

telles75 wrote in post #12254691
Awesome news... Dang you convinced me now I will get 2 minis and buy a new battery for my Vagabond II and sell it right after... I doubt I will get any decent price if I sell the unit as IS without working...

? You might be surprised though, the market is huge for those things! They are on perpetual backorder.

However, if you do get a new battery for it, sell it for $300, local pickup preferred, then order one VML kit and one extra battery and one extra inverter. Dont order two kits as that adds I think $20 for the second charger which you shouldnt need. The VMLs total should cost you about $470 shipped.