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.

[bm11]

I'd like to buy one of these. Where do I find my serial number to confirm compatibility?

[andygg1986]

Yes, I can do FedEx to the Netherlands for $185 USD. It should take 3-5 business days, although with the current situation it might be a day or two longer.

[SJP]

Andy, shipping to The Netherlands possible? Complete flash unit

[andygg1986]

Hi Lucas, they are $150 with PayPal to gc2flash@gmail.com. I ship with priority mail so it probably will take 3 days to get there

[lucasdowden]

Hey Andy,

I need one of your flashes, I am located in South Dakota. Do you know how much everything would cost with shipping?

[mthunt]

I'm in canada and have received 3 flashes from Andy.

[andygg1986]

Yes I can ship them to Canada. I will PM you to get your address though. Certain areas of Canada cost considerably more to ship to in my experience.

[soccerdude]

andygg1986 Hi Andy. I am in need of one of your mega flashes - the complete module. Do you ship to Canada? If so, how much would the complete cost be including shipping? Thanks!

[andygg1986]

Since I’ve got more time at home to build flashes, and a lot of us are playing more simulator golf, I’m going to reduce the price for replacement flash internal boards from $100 to $75. You still need to have bought one complete megaflash for $150, but you can reuse the plastic enclosure and just replace the internal board when it wears out. Unfortunately, I can only offer this price in the US because shipping internationally costs quite a bit, but I will still give a proportional discount for international orders. As always, you can send payment with PayPal to gc2flash@gmail.com and include your shipping address in the notes.

[wbond]

You would've ended up going to foresight and getting gouged on pricing

Not sure what i would have done without his help.

[tim2372]

Same experience as others... Andy fixed my flash driver board for an extremely reasonable price, provided a mega flash, and my GC2 is now back up and running. Not sure what i would have done without his help.

[ruscal]

I would like also to add my appreciation for Andy's efforts. He assisted me in replacing a faulty driver circuit board and providing a new megaflash. The new parts have been working perfectly since I recieved them a week or so ago. His assistance was invaluable to me and I would thoroughly recommend Andy's opinion and great service.
Thanks Andy

[col forbin]

My flash board went, and I thought I was going to have to send it into Foresight and pay probably an astronomical amount. Sent Andy an email and he fixed my board and my flash! Can't recommend his work or his flashes enough. Great guy!!!!

[JSPNW]

Thanks. Spoke to Protee today, extremely helpful.

[andygg1986]

If you take the flash driver board out, you can test the flash driver board's switching transistor with a multimeter. To take it out, you need to remove the flash, then remove the GC2 cover (6 screws). Then remove 5 hex head screws around the gold board on the top left and pull out the flash driver board. You need to put the multimeter in resistor testing mode. The diode is the biggest component mounted on the board. It is a square about 1cm x 1cm with a big metal tab on the bottom and two legs soldered to the board on the top. Measure the resistance between all combinations of pins that are soldered down (tab to left pin, tab to right pin, left to right pin). If any of them are close to zero ohms, the transistor is blown.

If your board says N3 on the sticker and the transistor is not blown, there is no need to replace it to use with my flash. If it says N or N2, then I would go ahead and replace it anyway as a precaution since you will already have it apart.

You should also replace the gate driver which is smaller and more difficult. It is the 5 pin part next to the top right leg of the transistor. If you don't have much experience soldering, I would not recommend trying to do that yourself. I have had a few people think they can do various GC2 repairs only to end up making it worse and having to send it to me later on. Feel free to PM me with other questions or for part numbers.