Stupid Question - BXRI 500 Light Kit

Okay, I have now returned my first kit, purchased a 2nd kit, and have the same problem, or at least I think. Are both lights exactly the same? One of them lights up when I turn it on with the modeling lamp and the other one does not. They both "fire" with the strobe light and the skyport transmitter works perfect, but the 2nd light does not light up otherwise. I have tried resetting to the manufacturers default settings as well. The manual is practically useless.

Now I am wondering if they are supposed to be that way? One lit at all times with modeling lamp and the other not? That would not make sense to me, but obviously, I am totally new to studio lighting.

I also need some recommendations for on-line classes for studio photography and books, please.

El stupido,
Jewel

do you have the modeling light set to on, or some ratio setting? did you try swapping bulbs to make sure one isn't burnt out/defective?

The manual is actually far from useless.

Have you tried resetting both units to default settings?
This is done by switching the unit off, hold both power up and down buttons and switch the unit on, then let go shortly after.
If they're both reset to default and still behave differently, then something is probably wrong with one of the units.

Yes, I tried swapping out the bulbs. That didn't work.

I also tried resetting both units to the default settings using the manual instructions.

I still have one unit not lighting up with the modeling lamp.

Jewel wrote in post #12932975
Yes, I tried swapping out the bulbs. That didn't work.

I also tried resetting both units to the default settings using the manual instructions.

I still have one unit not lighting up with the modeling lamp.

Return it.

Yes, I may have to return it. I have 30 days. I bought the kit from Adorama.

I wonder if it is a fuse?

I just think it is really odd this has happened to me twice now which is why I am hoping it is not a user error.

Could definitely be, but if it doesn't work fine out of the box, why bother?

I had purchased the first kit through amazon.com and i had to return the entire kit which was a pain in the butt. They reimbursed me for postage but not for packaging. I really don't want to have to return the entire kit again. i am hoping it can be solved more easily.

I have also contacted Elinchrom to see if they can help directly.

Have you tried cycling through the modeling light modes? Are you absolutely sure that you've got the modeling lights in one of the 'on' modes?

There are three positions or modes with the modeling lights. First is OFF, then PROP, or proportional, and finally, FREE, which separates the modeling light power from the flash power and the modeling lamp can be controlled independent of flash power.

Are those three modes working?

Yes, I have tried all 3 modeling modes and none work on the 1 box. I have put the lights side by side as well and reset, changed bulbs, changed the fuse (just tried that) and with all things being equal, one lights up and one does not.

The modeling light does not come on at all one one of the lights but the flash tube definitely works when testing via test button and using the camera.

http://www.prophotolif​e.com/video-library/

Pretty good tips.

Jewel wrote in post #12933419
Yes, I have tried all 3 modeling modes and none work on the 1 box. I have put the lights side by side as well and reset, changed bulbs, changed the fuse (just tried that) and with all things being equal, one lights up and one does not.

The modeling light does not come on at all one one of the lights but the flash tube definitely works when testing via test button and using the camera.

Well then, I'd say you've done all you can in terms of troubleshooting and you definitely have a defective light. It is interesting that you've gotten two kits with this same problem.

Have you changed the modeling lamp fuse?

Jewel wrote in post #12932780
The manual is practically useless.

If you don't like the book this will help you

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=ACJKbhe-NQ8

Yes, i switched out the fuse. Still doesn't work.