A New Bare Bulb Flash Arrives

Rocky Rhode wrote in post #16371250
Once they get the cable problem resolved they can begin working on an ETTL model; the one thing I wish the current model was capable of doing.

I think that's what's called a complete redesign as it begets all the problems of marque-compatibility. Before they do that, I'd like to see:

1. The Cells IIC and the FT-16 controller integrated into a single unit - I wonder what, if anything, the FT-16S version mentioned elsewhere will offer on it's associated controller?
   
2. Although the current 433MHz frequency has proved satisfactory so far (and unlike certain PW models, doesn't interfere with EU emergency frequencies), a switch to the 2.4GHz band would be desirable.
   

dmward wrote in post #16371180
All the cables come from Godox. Think about it a minute. Cheetah Light is rebranding and reselling Godox product. Where else would the cables come from.

It this is endemic then Edward will find a solution by working with Godox to improve the cable construction. That's what resellers do, and we know Edward takes this seriously.

Another thing to consider is that since all the cables we have collectively are manufactured by Godox if there were an endemic problem it is likely to have shown up more than just with Nick.

It sounds like Nick is undertaking good troubleshooting technique for a system with multiple components. i.e. change one component and see if problem persists. If it does put original back into system and change another component. etc.

In this system, LIght-cable-battery, the cable is probably the most likely element. Since there are cable connections in both the light and battery that would be my next point of suspicion.

This, in a nutshell. I bought from Cheetah for a reason. I know Ed will take care of me regardless of what the situation is and when you've got a company with that kind of positive attitude, I want to help troubleshoot and get to the bottom of things.

Indeed, all the cables are from Godox. I'm going to do more comprehensive testing and try to sort things out.

lucky its a isolated thing so far and hope nicksan gets it figured out
things do happen and lemons cant get through
best of luck

It kind of doesn't surprise me the standard coiled cord could end up causing some problem because it can put so much tension of the sockets. That seems to be the downside of it being such a good solid cord. I have some cheap ones for the Canon flashes and they are much lighter duty, but much less spring tension on the coils as well.

I think straight cords are the way to go.
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yup going to get the 2.5 cords when he gets them as it is now I put my battery really close so no tension

Regarding the cable connection; The cable connection on the light unit is vertical and the cable plug is 90* so there is minimal stress, even with the cable spring coil stretched a bit.

The cable connection into the battery has a locking collar which offers support and absorbs the spring coil stress. Its about as good a connector design as I've seen on a flash unit and battery that doesn't have screw locking connection.

That said, there are still lots of places in the connectors and cable for QA issues.

As Phil lamented, cables have been a consistent weak link in a system.

Considering ETTL incorporation; I'm not sure a redesign would be required. Godox has ETTL capabilities in smaller shoe mount flash units. That suggests that they have the firmware and circuits required. Adding it to the CL/AD-180/360 would require additional engineering, but it shouldn't presume loss of compatibility with existing equipment. That's more a firmware than hardware consideration it would seem.

elv wrote in post #16371650
It kind of doesn't surprise me the standard coiled cord could end up causing some problem because it can put so much tension of the sockets. That seems to be the downside of it being such a good solid cord. I have some cheap ones for the Canon flashes and they are much lighter duty, but much less spring tension on the coils as well.

I think straight cords are the way to go.
.

Now you know why I kept pushing for straight cords

I ziptie together the coil-cable with the swivel, 4 inches below the strobe head. There's plenty of cable in that 4" length, so there's little tension in that region, thus no stress at the socket.

However, when the stand extends to 6 feet, the battery pack dangles about. I was so hoping for it to double as a counterweight. Even when deployed like this, the ziptie takes all of the batt's weight.

Hundreds of post previous, someone mentioned boiling the wire to set its shape longer; if Cheetah Stand doesn't push out a 2m non-coiling line, I might try that.

As far as I understand they are going to make the shorter straight cables. I don't know when though.

The FT-16S turns out to be a new smaller receiver for the new V850 Lithium speedliight. The transmitter is the same as the current FT-16 and CL-TX, so the V850 should work in nicely with the Cheetah Lights and Witstro.

No more AA's... happy days
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dmward wrote in post #16371668
Regarding the cable connection; The cable connection on the light unit is vertical and the cable plug is 90* so there is minimal stress, even with the cable spring coil stretched a bit.

The cable connection into the battery has a locking collar which offers support and absorbs the spring coil stress. Its about as good a connector design as I've seen on a flash unit and battery that doesn't have screw locking connection.

That said, there are still lots of places in the connectors and cable for QA issues.

Agreed. I also have the battery attached very close to the light itself so there should not be too much strain. These lights are very moderately used. I've used them at about 5 weddings. I still usually use my Einstein for outdoors work so these lights are only used at receptions where they go on a light stand and remain pretty still. So again, cable strain probably isn't the issue.

I'll report back my finding for the benefit of the group.

Thanks for all the help.

speaking of coiled wire, I routinely have my wires stretched to the max. I keep the battery clamped low on the light stand to keep the weight down low. I have yet to have an issue with my lights not firing. I have probably put over 10,000 pops on my lights since I bought them.

The PB960 is not that heavy that putting it as low as possible on the stand will give a lot more stability.

To me the angled connector is the weakest part of the cable and then that it is also a heavy cable that is coiled which ad even more weight. The DIN battery connector has no angle and even without using the locking collar the connector does not detach except in an emergency.

The connector in the CL/AD-180/360 is very strong and I could not even take it out to check on damage after the drop on the ground.

On the new Godox V850 flash. Yes was time that Li-ion entered that area of flashes.

Wishlist:

- battery-packs compatible with other flashes
- receiver/transmitters not bound to one brand or even worse one type

What I really like about the Godox Witstro series is that I can take the battery pack and connect it to my old Canon 550EX or the more modern 580EX and it works like a charm. I can take accessories from other suppliers and attach it to the flash.

It is made to be compatible but all the other stuff is made to be incompatible to other brands or types.

At least it is not as bad as Canon not wanting to implement certain compatibility to pre 2012 flashes on the ST-E3-RT.

ZoranC wrote in post #16371776
Now you know why I kept pushing for straight cords

Or make your own like I did.

https://photography-on-the.net …p=16213127&post​count=2246

Totally agree Whortleberry..I'd buy one in an instant.

I think that's what's called a complete redesign as it begets all the problems of marque-compatibility. Before they do that, I'd like to see:
1.The Cells IIC and the FT-16 controller integrated into a single unit - I wonder what, if anything, the FT-16S version mentioned elsewhere will offer on it's associated controller?
2.Although the current 433MHz frequency has proved satisfactory so far (and unlike certain PW models, doesn't interfere with EU emergency frequencies), a switch to the 2.4GHz band would be desirable.