This project started a while ago for me (probably back in July 09), when I got my first Vivitar 285HV flash.
By default, this flash has 4 manual power settings. Full, 1/2, 1/4 and 1/16.
I never liked the fact that there was no 1/8 power. So searching the web I came across some DIY projects to add a selector knob to select different power settings.
From what I remember (will update this later) they were all too intrusive,and modified the flash body too much for my liking.
So after poking around a bit, and taking the unit apart a few times, I decided to make my own flash power selector.
The 285HV has a module that plugs into the front of the flash. My idea was to replace the circuit board inside this selector, and use all the positions of the selector to switch between different power settings.
I have created a schematic and board layout (In Eagle board design software) of the circuit board that’s inside the module.
This will allow me choose between 8 power settings. Full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64 and 1/128. The module has 8 positions, so I figured I’d use them all.
The way the front module/selector currently works is by making an electrical contact between the center metallic circular pad and the 8 outter pads. When you turn the knob it completes the circuit between the two green dots (that’s where the 2 wires leading back to the camera connect to) by placing a different resistor in the path of the circuit, or keeping the circuit open for full power.
The resistors used are tiny surface mount resistors (package 0603)
The resistor values for the corresponding power settings are as follows: 100k
Full power = No resistor
1/2 power = 180k
1/4 power = 82k
1/8 power = 46k
1/16 power = 24k
1/32 power = 12k
1/64 power = 6.8k
1/128 power = 4.1k
These values were taken from the “Ultimate2 Vivitar 285 Flash Mod” strobist thread on Flikr. Thanks Benjamin!
Today I have just produced my first prototype circuit board.
All the resistors are surface mount, to keep the size down (there’s not much space in there for much circuitry.
I will do a trial fit tonight and adjust the design accordingly.
This post will be updated until I get a working design.
When I get the details sorted out, I plan on making these circuit boards available to anyone that wants one (for a few bucks)
Leave me a comment with your thoughts/suggestions.
UPDATE: 26 June 2010
Made another board which I was hoping would have fixed the issues I had. No luck.
The issues I was trying to fix was that the selector didn’t always “select” the correct resistance. I was attempting to copy the pcb layout of the pads inside the selector, but even my second design still has a couple of settings where the selector bridges two pads.
Will have to do some more research.
UPDATE: 12April2010
Soldered up a board with all the resistors. Attached it to the 285HV, and fired off some pictures. Will post some images (of a white wall) at all the intensities.
There seems to be some problems with a few of the settings, but most look like they work pretty good. I will need to do some more fine tuning of the design before I release this to the public.
This work will be posted as open source, and I will also sell fully populated boards to whomever wants to buy them if they can’t manufacture their own boards, and solder their own components. I will also retrofit the board to your existing power module, but you have to ship it to me first.
So let me know if you’re interested in buying one.
UPDATE: 28 March 2011
Project is on hold.
Currently working on getting PCB/milling capabilities at home, to start this project again.
Excellent work! I can’t wait to see how it turns out. That pcb is clean and perfect as can be…
Excellent. That is exactly the sort of mod I’m looking for, having got two 285HVs and wishing for the missing 1/8, 1/32 1/64 power. And, like you, not wanting to extensively mod the casings, just replace the plug-in module.
Would be interested in buying a couple of the PCBs (or even better, kits with the PCB plus surface mount resistors).
Awesome!
Very nice work!
It’s too bad the Vivitar 283 auto-power module can’t be modified in a similar way. It has no electrical switch inside, just several neutral-density filters of varying densities that can be placed in front of the auto sensor “eye” by turning the knob.
If you could come up with a ready-to-plug-in replacement for the discontinued Vivitar VP-1 vari-power module, using a switch rather than the VP-1’s potentiometer, you’d make a mint selling them on eBay. A used VP-1 sells for $50 on eBay now, and is not as useful as a 7-stop switch.
@Darron
http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157603735912632/
you could compute these values into a stepped resistor switch if you don’t like the infinite variability.
Hi Adrian,
Wondering if you have any updated for this? I’m interested in it in general as I have several 285’s and know there is a huge market for a product like this….give me a shout if you have a chance.
Clayton
Wondering if you have any updated for this? I’m interested in it in general as I have several 285’s and know there is a huge market for a product like this….give me a shout if you have a chance.
I am wondering if you have any updates on this. I have several friends with 285’s that would love one.
I am getting closer.
I had some issues with my 285 (not working) which stalled the project, but have fixed my 285, and am continuing.
I have had to make several boards, in order to fine tune the layout and should have something soldered and tested in the next week or so.
I will update the post when I get some more details.
Added an update to the post.
Thanks for the update, watching this with interest.
Added another update.
Hi,
Just wondering..did you ever get this to the sellable state you were looking for? Very interested!
Hi, any luck with that mod ?
Cool mod, let you know when you start selling on ebay 🙂
I’ve not done any more work on this project as I have moved jobs and lost access to the PCB prototyping tools I had. For now the project is on hold.
The project will be restarted once I get PCB milling/prototyping capabilities at home.
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