Bad VagabondII ?

I've had my AB400 and VagabondII for all of about 10 days now. All this time the Vagabond has sat plugged in staying charged until I FINALLY get a chance to use it.

I unplug the Vagabond from the wall socket and set it next to the lightstand, and after plugging the AB400 into it I flip the Vagabond power switch to "SLOW", turn on the AB400 and just as the AB400 fan begins to rev up POP! and everything goes dead.

I checked the Vagabond and there are no green or even red lights glowing. Switch on, switch off, nothing. GREAT! I take the inverter out of the bag, locate and check the two 30 amp fuses, pull them, and find they are blown.

So I run to Auto Zone (automotive parts store for everyone else in the world reading this) and there I pick up a 5-pack of ATC 30A fuses (good to have some as spares in case this happens again, right?)

When I get home and try to install the new fuses, as soon as the fuse tabs touch the fuse port there is major sparking reminiscent of the wicked witch of the west trying to touch Dorothy's ruby red slippers - the sparking was so bad it scorched the fuse tabs.

Anyone ever heard of this?

Not sure of what caused fuses to blow but I think that it should be turned off and nothing plugged in when you replace the fuses. Does Flash work plugged into regular AC outlet? If so I may be ok and it is something wrong with the Vagabond. Hope this helps John

Yes, the VB is turned off while I am attempting to replace fuses. Lights work fine plugged into the wall.

Just odd. I guess I'll have to send the thing back to PCB come Monday.

i had a different issue with my vagabond II (mine worked but wasn't charging) ... just call they'll send you a new one out no problem and will send you a return shipping label to send the one you have now back to them

I know it is inconvenient but they will jump right on a fix for you. I have had my VII for a long time now and it works perfectly.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. It is disappointing that this has happened, however, I also understand enough about electronics to know that there is some "infant failure" that may occur which is only brought out through use.

I have full faith that PCBuff takes care of his customers. This is one of the reasons I selected Alien Bees to start my studio level flash experience and hands-on education.

I'll call PCB Monday a.m. and provide feedback so everyone is informed as well.

Again, thanks.

EDIT: Today (Monday, 11-2-09 - afternoon)I called up PCB Company and told them what happened. They are going to test a new unit out prior to shipping, then send it out to me with a return address label for the old one. I'm very impressed with their customer service.

EDIT UPDATE 11/6/09: Today the brown truck delivered my replacement VB2. I called late Monday and it came in 45 minutes ago, at Friday afternoon. That's darned good service! Now the unit is plugged into the wall charging up, after which time, I will see how this one works.

For the record, Paul C. Buff company is coming through with shining colors on customer service. I'll have a last note after final testing.

FINAL REPORT (MODS. PLEASE LOCK IT UP!): After charging up the new VB2 for a few hours I am happy to report that the VB2 and AB400 light now work as designed. I can happily state that Alien Bees are not only great value but also have one helluva customer service to back it up! Thanks Paul!!