GC2 flash compatability

[Mrh]

So I just purchased a GC2 that is missing quite a few shots, especially at higher ball speeds. I’m thinking it might be a flash problem. Problem is, the guy from whom I purchased the unit sent me a super flash, and it doesn’t work once installed.

would this be a firmware issue, or is this because it’s an older GC2 s/n 16xx? I’ve read where the older units might not be compatible with the super flash. What’s my best bet to get this working correctly?

[Ronsc1985]

Having an older serial number model is not the problem if your original flash module still works.

The change for a super flash model has to do with the flash drive transistors which are somewhat marginal for the super flash i.e. the drive power transistor may quit working after awhile. If your other flash module still works then this is not your problem. As to firmware the latest and last is 4.0.0.15 which has been around for a long time and has no idea what flash module you are using.

Andy may have more insight since he has fixed a number of GC2's.

[Mrh]

Ok so you’re saying I should still be able to order a super flash and it will work? The extra flash could be bad. I’d like to try that before I send it off, but I’m just ready to get this thing working!

[andygg1986]

Ronsc1985 is correct. The flash power board inside the GC2 has a transistor that gates the current to the flash. On older GC2's the transistor that was used had a lower current rating. So when you put a superflash in it, the flash pushes it to its limit, which causes it to wear out after a while (could be anywhere from weeks to years depending on how much it was used already).

The flashes can start missing shots as they get close to the end of their lifespan because the bulb inside clouds up and less light comes out. That is probably what is happening with your old flash. There is no way to test the superflash that he sent you other than putting it in a GC2 that you know is working, unfortunately.

If you buy a Foresigh Superflash (or my Megaflash), it should work for a little while. But I would recommend upgrading your flash power board when you don't plan on using your sim for a week or so. I have done lots of power board upgrades for people. You send me your old board, then I swap out the necessary components and send it back to you. I have a spare power board as well that sometimes I can send out first to reduce your down time, but you may have to wait a week or two for it to become available. I charge $25 for the upgrade if you buy a Megaflash from me, or $50 if you don't. I usually get it done in a day or two, whereas Foresight has some pretty long lead times for repairs these days due to having to work at reduced capacity. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[Mrh]

Hello Andy, 

Thank you for the reply to my thread. I want to go ahead and do what I need to do to get this thing working properly. Can I send you the unit and have you replace the face/upgrade the board? I wouldn’t mind doing that if I can confirm your identity, that way you can test it before sending it back. 

Also, do you have a charger that you can sell as well? Or is that something I’ll need to order from FS? 

PS, it wouldn’t let me send you a private message as it said you’ve reached your private message quota. Do you have an email?

[simmb]

Lots of people on here have bought stuff from Andy without any issue, I wouldn’t have a problem sending my GC2 to him if it needed a repair. Top bloke.

[andygg1986]

Mrh Sorry about the full inbox. I sell metal GC2 enclosures and flashes on here in addition to doing repairs for people, and it fills up pretty quickly. I deleted a bunch of old messages though so you can send me a message through the forum. Or you can email me at gc2flash@gmail.com. As far as confirming my identity, you can scroll through some of the threads on here to see how many people have been happy buying stuff from me in the past. Or if you are on any of the discord channels or Facebook groups for golf simulator stuff, you can ask for reviews about me there.

https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/foresight-sports/139083-gc2-megaflash

https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/foresight-sports/283979-metal-gc2-enclosure

For the charger, the best option I have found is this one from Amazon. Any of the amperage ratings will work, but I usually tell people to get the 4A one just to save a couple of dollars. Foresight supplies a 2.4A one, so as long as it is greater than that it will work.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D2ZFW73/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

You can either send me just the flash power board to upgrade, or you can send me the whole GC2 if you prefer. If you decide to send the whole GC2, I would ask that you pay for part of the return shipping though. It can be anywhere from $25 too over $100 depending on if you want insurance and how fast you want to get it. If you send just the power board, I would cover the shipping with either UPS or Fedex ground since that is only around $10.

[wbond]

I have bought multiple parts from Andy as have others. You will not have any problems dealing with him. I would suggest to just ship the board, it’s easy to remove and not nearly as costly to ship.

[pchyen]

I can vouch for Andy as well. Bought a metal enclosure and will be buying mega flash when the super flash wears out.

[Ronsc1985]

.Andy is excellent to deal with, no problems there. As to shipping the GC2 it is very expensive due to the insurance costs unless you are wiling to take a chance on the shipper not losing or damaging the LM. It is much better to just ship the driver board.

Here is a video of removing and installing the board so you can see if you would be comfortable in doing so.

• https://vimeo.com/88369475