GC2 Megaflash

[andygg1986]

I have a batch of flashes assembled, tested, and ready to go. I have worked with Tretee on the JNPG forum on this design. He is a very skilled engineer with extensive flash design experience and test equipment. Here are the highlights of the new design.
1.) It will definitely work with serial numbers 4200 and above
- This is the point when Foresight started shipping their newest driver circuit board. The new driver can handle more current than the old one. The Foresight Superflash requires the newest driver board because it uses a larger bulb that needs more current to flash. The Megaflash uses less current than a Superflash but more than the old style, so to be safe I am saying 4200 and above.
- If you have a lower serial number and are interested in testing the Megaflash send me a PM for more info.
2.) It comes with a 1 year warranty
- If it stops working within the first year I will send you a new circuit board that goes inside the housing for free. Foresight's Superflash has a prorated 1 year warranty
- I expect it to last several years in a personal-use setting.
3.) The case has been designed to be reusable
- It is 3D printed on a $200k industrial printer for the highest quality print that I could find. It has a matte texture but no visible layers or extrusions like personal printers
- It has a glass infrared filter instead of a plastic one
- The back can be removed to put a new circuit board in
4.) It has a life expectancy on par with the Superflash.
- During longevity testing, we were able to run a bulb for over 2 million flashes which equates to 200k shots.
- Each flash is tested for brightness on a light meter that I built to be brighter than the old design for reliable readings
5.) A complete module costs $150.
- If you bought one of my other designs, I will give you $10 off a new one.
- Please add $10 for shipping to the UK and understand that it will take about 2 weeks to arrive. I can ship faster but cost will go up significantly.
6.) Additional circuit boards for inside will be $100/piece.
- I am going to hold off on selling extra boards until I can get everyone who is interested a complete module

To purchase a flash, please send Paypal to gc2flash@gmail.com. Include your shipping address and forum username in the notes please. I will post when the first batch is gone. I have parts to build more so I will be replenishing my stock as they sell. If you have any questions, please post them below since other people may have the same question.

[sdrthedj]

I am also interested in getting one ASAP

[andygg1986]

gnomike p3eps and sdrthedj I have them available. I have been out of town and just got back, so I may not be able to make it to the post office until tomorrow to ship them.

p3eps I have had varying experiences when shipping to Europe in terms of time to be delivered and import duties/fees. I have been shipping first class mail with the US post office which adds $10 (total $160). As an example, I dropped off two flashes both shipping to the UK on Jan 1. One was delivered Jan 13 and one Jan 23. You may have to pay around $15-20 to your local post office to cover taxes and a UK postage handling charge once it makes it into the country. Not everyone seems to be getting hit with import duties because I am keeping the declared value pretty low.

For an extra $25 (total $175) I can ship US post office priority mail which should take more like 7-10 days. I would assume the import duties would be the same, and I don't know if that would eliminate the UK postage handling charge.

If you have a shipping account with something like Fedex or UPS and would rather send me a shipping label, send me a message and I can work with you on that.

[sdrthedj]

paypal sent. Thank you very much. No need to rush and send today.

[nickm52]

Just put in my order. No rush as well.

[p3eps]

Sent payment too... just gone with the standard shipping as I’m not fussed if it takes 2-3 weeks.
Thanks!

[gnomike]

andygg1986 Payment sent... Thanks Andy, awesome work!!!

[p3eps]

andygg1986 - Flash arrived already! 6 days from Texas to Scotland... can't complain at that. Also escaped Customs Duties due to the low value on the shipping label.
Thanks very much... hopefully I'll get a chance to test it out soon!

[gnomike]

andygg1986 p3eps Too funny... 6 days to Scotland, but 11 on a straight shot NW to Vancouver... 1/4 the distance!! No duties due for me, either.... thanks, Andy. I won't get to test it for a while, though, because my GC2 is still in transit...

[andygg1986]

I'm glad it made it but have no idea why international shipments are so variable! At least it beat your GC2 there

[gnomike]

I know, it's crazy. Usually it's because it takes so long to clear customs/import brokerage etc, but in this case is was a long time with USPS... I'm guessing land travel and winter storm delays as it got further north. All's well that ends well though! I'm looking forward to testing it out (I don't have any worries, it's just that it will be the first time I've handled anything that was 3D printed!!... very cool)

[jkgolfer]

Just wanted to give a thumbs up to Andy. I received it last week and just installed it on my GC2 with HMT. It's working excellent. I had the original non-super flash from Foresight and the new flash works flawlessly. The flash fit perfectly and doesn't seem to have any problems with the polycarbonate protective cover. Thanks again!

[Ironstrokes]

Everyone else just get the email? Think foresight doesn't like your operation here haha. I for one say thank you for this, and plan on ordering one in the future if you are still making them. Foresight really needs to lower their price on it if they expect alternatives like yours not to pop up

[col forbin]

Foresight's answer to everything seems to be about $500. They are sales and marketing geniuses! I don't know what their warranty is, but I am sure I am long past it with a 2013 GC2 model. When my flash runs out, I'll probably take the chance and order from andygg1986.

[Jwheels9876]

Why wait. Order one so you have it just in case

I got one and it's working fantastic so far after about 1000 swings

[col forbin]

So we definitely know they work for SN around 2000 or so? If they do, I will def. order. If I had a newer SN, I would have ordered already.

[Jwheels9876]

Oh not sure on that one. I have a A5xxxx serial.

[Ronsc1985]

Grade A bullshit from Foresight

Don't risk voiding your warranty.

It has recently come to our attention that unauthorized third-party GC2 flash modules are being offered for sale. Using counterfeit components can result in serious damage to your GC2. For this reason, all customers should be aware that any use of unauthorized flash modules will immediately void your GC2 product warranty. Knowing that counterfeit components pose a significant risk to you and your GC2, we've made it easier than ever to buy genuine replacement parts. Just visit our online store!

[Bnovo556]

I just got the email from Foresight as well. They definitely don't like that someone is taking business from them. Sorry Foresight, but that's what happens when you slap outrageous prices on your parts.

[Andyman33]

execs at foresight....."the warranty becomes void adn to reinstate the warranty what shoudl we charge people -- oh i know how about 500$"

[Ronsc1985]

Foresight's answer to everything seems to be about $500. They are sales and marketing geniuses! I don't know what their warranty is, but I am sure I am long past it with a 2013 GC2 model. When my flash runs out, I'll probably take the chance and order from andygg1986.

No chance taken. Andy's replacement uses much better and more reliable parts then the original Foresight flash module . I say this as an EE with way too much experience designing and building electronic gizmos.