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.

[andygg1986]

The bulb in the spare one is much smaller and has a shorter lifespan. It is meant to just hold you over while you get a new one. I do have stock and shipping with fedex to Canada is a total of $175 USD. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[RHS]

Hi Andy; My GC2 just took a medium ball hit and the flash stopped working. The spare I got with the unit it seems to work, but I would like to try one of yours. What do I have to send for shipping UPS or FedEx etc. to Canada (Toronto area) and do you have stock ? Just in case you know: what is the difference between the spare and the Super Flash (or yours) ? The window appears a lot smaller.

[andygg1986]

You can install it, but it is likely that the flash driver board inside will burn out at some point. The Superflash draws more current than your old flash, so it will stress the driver board. It may last a while or it may burn out quickly, it's hard to say. Upgrading it involves removing the board from inside the GC2, replacing a couple of components on the board, and reinstalling it. If you want me to do it for you, I'm flexible on what that looks like. You can send me the whole GC2 and I will do everything, or you can open it up and send me just the driver board which will save on shipping costs.

[RPLGolf]

andygg1986 my unit says hardware rev 2. What's needed to get upgraded? I have a SuperFlash on the way from Foresight... should I NOT install that? What impact would that have if I did?

[wbond]

Huge shoutout to andygg1986 , my flash power driver board went out and he got me up and running with a replacement board within 2 days. Thanks a million!

FYI, the screw that holds the cover over the flash power board is a 1/16 hex. I had an issue where i was using a cheap handheld toolset and the one marked 1/16 was too small and couldn't figure out what size it was. I changed to a different set of tools that had a 1/16 and it fit perfectly.

[andygg1986]

When you turn it on, see if it says hardware rev 3 in the bottom corner of the startup screen. If it does then you are good to go. If not, I can get you upgraded.

[RPLGolf]

Hey andygg1986 I just purchased a used GC2 A1***. Are there tests to mention to see if my current flash drive board will support the Megaflash or Superflash? Just recently finished my garage hitting bay, and the GC2 is my first LM. Cheers!

[andygg1986]

Yes, it will work for you. I can ship with the US post office for $160 which varies quite a bit on delivery time, but is usually in the 2 week range. Or for $180 I can ship with UPS or Fedex which is usually 3-5 business days. I'm waiting on another batch of enclosures but will resume shipments at the end of next week (around Jan 17)

[golferpaul1969]

Hi Andy

I have a GC2 serial no 8xxx would your megaflash be compatible and what is the current cost to the uk.

Many thanks

[Maxomoto]

Also have a Megaflash (I am in Germany) - no problem!