Changing a GC2 flash unit - advice needed

[Bloodredshadows]

Hi there

if I were able to get a spare flash unit for my GC2, does anyone know if it is easy to swap over?
does anyone have any pictures etc?
is there any soldering etc required?

foreisght say they have to do it and want to charge about £650 to do it which is around Usd$800

anybody done it themselves?

also, does anyone have a spare to sell?

thanks

john

[goatbarn]

The regular spare flash swap is literally just unscrewing two screws, pulling out old flash, pushing in new flash, and screwing same two screws back in.

Make sure you're getting an old flash vs a new superflash for replacement. The $800 is for the superflash.

[Yrrdead81]

If you are looking for something more DIY this is THE thread for that, including some really great pictures/step by step from Mr. Goatbarn; http://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/...sh-tube-repair

[Bloodredshadows]

The regular spare flash swap is literally just unscrewing two screws, pulling out old flash, pushing in new flash, and screwing same two screws back in.

Make sure you're getting an old flash vs a new superflash for replacement. The $800 is for the superflash.

Thanks bud.
If I got a new "superflash" would that not be compatible with an old flash for a straight swap out?

Thanks

John

[goatbarn]

Correct. Assuming your model GC2 is older than 1 year or so...not sure on how to check via serial #. If you take a pic of it (the front of the GC2 showing the flash), someone can tell if it's the super or not. The super lens is bigger than the old version.

[mmlincon]

Both the old and new flash units are compatible with any GC2. Foresight wants you to send it in? What a joke. This is a field replaceable component. The super flash is $500 US.

http://www.foresightsports.com/sites/default/files/files/GC2_Replacing_Flash.pdf

[docsmilez]

So goatbarn, you are saying that the superflash is not compatible with old GC2 units and mmlincon is saying that all flashes are compatible with all GC2s. Which one is it?
Also can a superflash be purchased directly from Par2pro if you did not register your gc2 with foresight?

[andygg1986]

I have read on the other forum that the flash driver circuit board inside the GC2 needs to be upgraded for around $80 to work with the superflash. The speculation is that the voltage is lower to make it last longer.

[mmlincon]

Oh, that could be. I have not heard of that yet.

[mmlincon]

wait. They make a change to the hardware and force you to buy a super flash. then they want you to pay to have this upgraded? what kind of bs is that? you should have to buy the flash and they should cover everything else. its not your fault they made this change. that doesn't seem right.

[docsmilez]

According to this video, it seems that you just swap out your old flash and plug in the superflash without needing to update anything on the gc2. Can anyone confirm?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIQKXpAdr0I

[andygg1986]

A direct quote from the other site
"Beware that not all GC2s will work with the new super Flash unit. GC2 units with SN4600 or lower will find that the flash board will need to be"upgraded" at the cost of around £80 and your GC2 being away with the fairies for around a week. Only then can you spend even more on a super expensive item with chuff all warranty."

It seems unlikely that someone would pull those rather specific numbers (SN4600 and 80) out of thin air

[inorkuo]

$500 for a flash is a lot, not to mention the $500 registration fee just for the privilege of purchasing parts or service from foresight. check out the link that Yrrdead81 posted above. goatbarn posted some very detailed instructions on how to replace the burnt out bulb to repair the flash. i've done this replacement twice now and it really is a simple process. you just be quick with the soldering iron so you don't damage the transformer, which i did the first time. replacement transformers are $4 and flash tubes assemblies are $6.

[docsmilez]

Typically how long does your DIY replacement flash last?

[inorkuo]

the first one only lasted a few days before the original transformer gave out. i believe that i damaged the transformer with too much heat from the soldering iron. i was trying to get a nice solid joint and left the iron on the lead for too long. i got replacement transformers a little over two weeks ago and it's still going strong. i typically hit between 100 to 200 balls a day.

[Bloodredshadows]

Okay, thanks.
ill be honest and say I'm not super comfortable doing soldering an a £6000 unit but if it is only on the flash then I might give it a go when the time comes.

[inorkuo]

i'm definitely no expert on this, but there are others that have worked on this that really know their stuff and from what they are saying, there is very little chance of damaging anything by replacing the xenon bulb or the transformer in the flash.

[Bloodredshadows]

I have to say that I love the GC2, and would recommend it to anyone. However I can't say the same about Foresight as a business overall.
They are making a killing at a high profit margin on parts, much like a car dealership.
that might be okay when you have a near-monopoly on the market right now, but should somebody come out with a comparable product then they will suffer.

[wjf67]

How long should a flash unit last and what are the signs that the existing one needs replaced?