hi all,

I bought a nice handy 2 cell minicam flash unit for use with the bulbs I've got, but... new batteries give me no results - what is the diagnostic procedure you recommend?

the unit is in excellent condition (still in original box) no corrosion, no damage, and the leads all look very good (but I've no way to test them)

I just can't seem to get a bulb to fire - so what would you suggest I try now?

thanks,

paul

At the risk of sounding like a smartass, is it switched on? The Minicam flashguns have a slideing on/off switch built into the bottom cap (mine does, anyway). The cord outlets are well marked, so I'm sure you've got the synch cord plugged in right.
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I think the first thing to do is procure a cheap multimeter, if you don't have one kicking around someplace. Radio Shack has capable little meters of this kind. The idea is, for starters, to use the ohmmeter feature to make sure of continuity from one stage to the next, e.g. tip to cord, cord to flashgun connector, flashgun connector to socket, socket to battery box...

I face a somewhat similar chore, trouble-shooting a "Graflite" 3-cell apparatus to see why it discharges the battery when left alone. Something is shorted, and I don't look forward to trying to find out where!

Are all contacts clean and bright? Have you checked any cords for continuity?