Ikelite DS161 User Manual

4061.1 DS161 Strobe

I n s t r u c t i o n M a n u a l

Please read all instructions before using this product.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IKELITE DS160 STROBE ..................3

Specifications ......................................3

Introduction ..........................................4

Starting Out..........................................4

Strobe Compatibility ............................4

Strobe Power ......................................4

DS160 Strobe ......................................5

Overview of DS160 Features ..............5

OPENING AND CLOSING ..................6

Opening the Strobe..............................6

O-ring ..................................................6

Closing the Strobe ..............................6

Opening and Closing (Illustration)........7

LI-ION BATTERY PACK 4067 ............8

Charging the Battery Pack ..................9

Storage ................................................9

Warnings..............................................9

Using NiMH or Ni-Cad Battery Packs ..9

SMART CHARGER 4067.1 ................10

Specifications ......................................10

Includes................................................10

Usage ..................................................10

Warnings..............................................10

Fuel Guage ..........................................18

Confidence Signal................................18

Firing Mode Switch ..............................18

STROBE READY LIGHT ....................19

Strobe Ready Light and TTL Housing..19

Camera Ready Light ..........................19

Triggered via Sync Cord ......................19

RECOMMENDATIONS........................20

Visual Inspections ................................20

Insurance ............................................20

Tips ......................................................20

Lubricant ..............................................20

MAINTENANCE ..................................21

Cleaning and Storage ..........................21

TROUBLESHOOTING ........................22

Strobe Will Not Fire..............................22

AIRLINE TRAVEL ..............................23

CUSTOMER SUPPORT ......................23

LIMITED WARRANTY ........................23

PRODUCT REGISTRATION ..............24

FLASH DIFFUSER 0591.3 ..................11

Using the Diffuser ................................11

Diffuser Installation and Removal ........11

ARM SYSTEMS/STROBE MOUNTS ..12

Ikelite Arm Systems ............................12

Ikelite Mounts ......................................12

STROBE CONNECTION ....................13

Strobe Connection (Illustration) ..........14

USING AS HARD-WIRED STROBE ..15

USING AS HARD-WIRED STROBE

WITHOUT TTL ....................................15

LED MOVIE LITE ................................16

Aiming the Strobe ................................16

SWITCHES / FUEL GAUGE ..............17

On/Off Switch ......................................17

TTL

Full

-2

-1

-3

-4

Ready Light

Fuel

Gauge

Batt w/Lite

Off

On w/Lite

IKELITE DS161 STROBE

DS161 SPECIFICATIONS

CE - Compliant with applicable EU directives Complies with FCC part 15, subpart B, Section 15.109 for Class “B” Products

S p e c i f i c a t i o n s

Battery Pack ............................................Li-ion module, 7.4v, 3900mAh

Weight ....................................................2.5 lb (1130g)

Size..........................................................9.6 cm dia x 17.9 cm....... 3.75" dia x 7"

Depth Rating............................................90m - 300 feet

S t r o b e

Energy Rating..........................................160 watt-sec

Recycle Time ..........................................1.4 sec

Angle of Coverage ..................................90 degrees....... 100 degrees with diffuser

Guide # (ISO 100) feet ............................76 surface - 38 underwater

Guide # meters ........................................24 surface - 12 underwater

Color Temperature ..................................4800 degrees Kelvin

Full Power Flashes ..................................450 flashes per full charge

Firing Modes............................................TTL, Full, 9 fractional powers

M o v i e

Movie Light ..............................................15-watt LED

Angle of Coverage ..................................45 degrees

Brightness................................................500 lumens

Color Temperature ..................................5000-5500K

Burn Time ................................................8 hours at max intensity

Power Settings ........................................Full, 9 fractional powers, SOS

Switch Lock

Toggle

DS161 Strobe Head

Li-ion Battery Pack

IKELITE DS161 STROBE

(continued)

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing an Ikelite Strobe. Ikelite brings over 50 years of underwater photographic and lighting experience to the strobe market. Ikelite Strobes are designed and built in the USA by Ikelite to suit both the professional and the amateur photographer. The purpose of a strobe is to illuminate the subject and assist the camera in taking vivid pictures. The Ikelite DS161 Strobe is equally suited for general and wide-angle photography, covering up to a full 100° angle with a diffuser. The contents of this instruction manual are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

STARTING OUT

Before using the Ikelite DS161 Strobe, please read this owner’s manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference. Ikelite recommends becoming familiar with the features and functions of the Ikelite DS161 Strobe above water before trying the camera and strobe in the water. And, if you have not yet done so, it is suggested that you read your camera’s owner’s manual as well.

STROBE COMPATIBILITY

The DS161 Strobe is compatible with all Ikelite TTL systems and current digital cameras, as well as all older TTL film cameras including the Nikonos system. A variety of sync cords, sensors, and TTL adapters are available to connect to almost any camera system currently on the market.

STROBE POWER

The DS161 recycles in a quick 1.4 sec from full discharge. When fired at a fractional power — whether in TTL or manual mode — the strobe recycles virtually instantaneously. Number of flashes per full charge will increase dramatically in most cases when using in TTL mode with a compatible camera system. The powerful DS161 is adjustable in 10 half-stop increments for precise control over your exposure when used in manual mode.

MOVIE LIGHT COVERAGE

Three super-bright LEDs are arranged behind a special optical element to provide 45 degrees angle of coverage free of hotspots. The daylight balanced color temperature brings out true, natural colors with or without the use of a color correcting filter.

MOVIE LIGHT MODES

With the strobe set to the "Batt w/Lite" position, the movie light is adjustable between 100% and 50% power in 10 fractional power settings. The "SOS" mode emits the universal signal for help in an emergency situation.

With the strobe set to the "On w/Lite" position, the movie light doubles as an aiming light for focusing or night diving. The light automatically turns off and back on when the strobe fires so there is no effect on photos.

IKELITE DS161 STROBE

(continued)

MOVIE LIGHT BURN TIMES

Custom circuitry and highly efficient drivers provide 8 hours of continuous burn time on a fully charged battery with no waning effects. Continuous use of the light at full power reduces number of full power flashes by less than 15%.

DS161 STROBE

The Ikelite DS161 Strobe combines high intensity output and wide coverage angle in a compact, versatile design. This strobe features 160 watt-sec. intensity and covers a full 100° using the diffuser. Special soft-lite reflector provides rich reds, oranges, and warmer flesh tones.

The DS161 is pre-flash compatible and operates with both traditional film cameras and digital still cameras. Multiple firing modes are featured, including TTL/Auto exposure.

The DS161 electronics are safely sealed separately from the battery pack. The industrial grade Li-ion batteries recycle in an incredible 1.4 seconds and the Li-ion battery pack is easily interchangeable with a spare unit. When in the “Batt w/Lite” position, the fuel gauge references the remaining battery capacity. Aim the DS161 and illuminate your subject's colors with the built-in modeling light / night diving light / movie light.

OVERVIEW OF DS161 FEATURES

• Separate power and firing mode switches.

• Interchangeable battery pack features industrial grade Li-ion batteries.

• LED fuel gauge approximates the remaining battery capacity.

• Visual ready light indicates when strobe has recycled.

• Female Ikelite bulkhead connector accepts different camera sync cords and the EV-Controller 4100.6.

• Exposure guide label references recommended exposure settings.

• Separate diffuser provides softer lighting and wider coverage angle.

• Movie Light includes “SOS” mode for help in emergency situations.

OPENING AND CLOSING

OPENING THE STROBE

Turn the strobe OFF, and place the strobe face down on a flat surface.

Slide the locking lever out by either grasping the sides of the lever and pulling it out OR use your thumb to apply slight pressure to the top of the lever and slide it out.

Flip the lever up and then rotate the lever counter-clockwise 90°. The internal spring automatically pushes open the strobe. Lift the rear section off of the strobe front (See illustrations on page 7). The rear section is the battery pack for the strobe.

The battery pack does NOT remain waterproof when removed from the strobe. Therefore, we suggest keeping the open portion of the battery pack pointed down while removing to eliminate the possibility of water droplets falling inside. The Li-ion batteries remain permanently secured inside the Li-ion battery pack.

The front section of the DS161, which houses the main electronics, is safely sealed separately from the battery pack. The front section will remain waterproof when the battery pack is removed. However, avoid salt-water contact with the battery pins. Damage/corrosion can cause a short circuit.

O-RING

The o-ring is located on the inside rim of the battery pack. Keep the o-ring and the sealing surfaces clean. DO NOT stretch the o-ring when cleaning. It is not necessary to lubricate the o-ring. Never use spray lubricant because it may crack the plastic.

CLOSING THE STROBE

Make sure the power switch has been rotated to the OFF position.

Place the front of the strobe face down on a flat surface. Check that the o-ring and sealing surfaces are clean; make sure the o-ring is positioned properly inside the rim of the battery pack. Place the locking lever in the open position (slide the lever out, flip the lever up, and rotate the lever counterclockwise 90 degrees until it stops).

Align the front and rear sections of the strobe. Lower the battery pack onto the front section of the strobe. Proper alignment of the two sections is extremely important to avoid possible damage to the internal components.

To seal the strobe, simply press down slightly on the rear of the battery pack and rotate the lever clockwise 90 degrees until it stops. Flip the lever down and then slide the lever into the locked position to properly seal the strobe.

Pull Out

Flip Up Rotate

OPENING AND CLOSING

(illustration)

LI-ION BATTERY PACK 4067

The 4061.1 DS161 Strobe includes a Lithium Ion (Li-ion) battery pack and smart charger. The battery pack requires Smart Charger 4067.1 (page 10).

Li-ion Battery Pack 4067 is compatible with Ikelite's DS125, DS160 and DS161 strobe. The battery pack must be attached to the strobe head for use in or underwater. Additional battery packs are available through an Ikelite dealer.

The battery pack is factory sealed and contains no user-serviceable parts other than the O-ring. Do not disassemble the battery pack.

Li-ion Battery Pack 4067

Charger Socket

O-ring

+ 16 hidden pages

Ikelite DS161 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual