Follow-up on Flooded Sunpak G-Flash

[SeaYoda]

After being encouraged by Bobf, I emailed the Tocad company (they only have Japanese addresses and phone numbers) about my flood. Here is our correspondence:

My email to Tocad
I purchased your Sunpak G-Flash and recommended it to several friends
because of its low price and great features for Scuba Diving. I have
enjoyed using the strobe for about 6 months. This week I had a problem with the
battery door and was hoping you could help me.

I lubricated the O ring and sealed the door as the instruction manual
states. I checked to be sure the black dots on the battery door tabs were
no longer visible. During my dive, the strobe stopped functioning and when I
opened the battery door, water poured out. I rinsed the battery compartment
with fresh water and then alcohol. I put the strobe in front of a fan to dry
for 24 hours. One of the battery terminals in the compartment was badly
corroded so I cleaned it. The springs on the door of the compartment that
complete the circuit are badly corroded too. I cleaned them the best that I
could and placed batteries back in the strobe. I was surprised that it did
charge and fire.

My questions are these:
1. Have you had this problem with your product before, the door seems to be
a weak design for securing the compartment under water?
2. Since I followed the instructions, is there any warranty that I can use
to have the unit inspected and repaired or replaced?
3. Is there anything else I can do to keep the strobe from leaking again?
4. Is there anything more I can do to fix the damage done by this flood?

Thank you for your help,

Tocad's reply
Thank you very much for your use and of our G-Flash and high evaluation.
We think that flooded G-Clash may have trouble battery cover as you ponited
out. The spring force of Battery cover will be weakened, so water come
inside.

The only way after water flood is to replace the G-Flash. we don't know
where you live, but could you please contact our distributor or near shop you
bought ?

Best Regards

I have forwarded this correspondence to LeisurePro where I purchased the strobe. I'll post more as I get an answer from them.


I find it interesting that Tocad admits a problem with the door - the language barrier makes it vague as to what they feel they should do about it, like a redesign. They were very quick with a response and very friendly.

 

[justleesa]

Hey! Cool deal!

 

[Larry C]

After your post, I decided to check the "spring force of battery cover" on mine. When I opened it up and observed the cover while squeezing the spring tabs, I had noticeable flex causing space between the inner and outer battery cover on one end. I carefully tightened the tiny phillips screw on that end, and the flex went away. While it was apart, I noticed that the base plate that the door clamps into is also held on with tiny phillips screws. If that came slightly loose, things might move around enough to cause a leak. I plan to keep an eye on these as well. Certainly you wouldn't want to overtighten them as they screw into plastic, but they bear watching. Good luck with Leisure Pro.

 

[Tortuga Roja]

Because of the language problem, I found the answer to be pretty ambiguous. I can't figure out if they said there is a pre-existing weakness or a weakness due to the flooding. I.e., their fault or yours. Also hard to say whether they think YOU should replace it because the flood weakened it and it will likely flood again, or that THEY will replace it.

It will be interesting to see what happens.....

 

[ocrmaster]

It seems to be they admitted that there is a flaw in their design.

 

[SeaYoda]

I got an email back from LP and they want me to send the strobe back to them. Of course "replacement", according to their wording, happens if the merchandise is in the original packaging and in unused condition. I think I'll call before I send the strobe back, sounds like a round trip in the mail for nothing since I don't still have the original packaging and the thing is flooded .

 

[Tortuga Roja]

It seems to be they admitted that there is a flaw in their design.

I dunno. Maybe. But you could also read it as the flood caused the problem. Add to that they wanted him to get in touch with someone else. I hope they will do something about it.....

 

[SeaYoda]

I decided to email LP instead of call - it may be in my best interest to have things in writing .

 

[SeaYoda]

Good news, it looks like I may be getting a new Sunpak! Here is my correspondence with LP:

My questions to LP

I read the return instructions you sent and have some questions.

The strobe is used and in fact has flooded. I no longer have the original
packaging. Will I have a problem with an exchange since the strobe is not in
brand new condition and does not have original packing?

According to Tocad (the manufacturer) they thought a battery compartment
door problem caused the flood so this is not a normal exchange request. Will
this be reviewed when the strobe gets there or has authorization already
been given to replace it by Tocad?

If I'm going to have to pay for repairs or replacement, I'd rather purchase
a different strobe and not have the expense of sending this strobe back to
you. What is your best advice?

LP's reply

Since this is a warranty issue and still within the warranty period, there
is no need to worry about having the original packaging e.t.c. just send it
in to us following the instructions on the return form, we will replace it
for you once the return has been processed and evaluated.

 

[justleesa]

hmm...doesn't sound 100% solid to me...hope that it all works out for you