Problem controlling two analogue strobes

[Howza]

Hi guys

 

I've got a simple problem but one that is infuriating me.

 

I've got two Wildzap 1500kw analogue strobes

 

http://www.bluearan.co.uk/menu/index.php?id=ACMSTRO10

 

and an Acme Strobe Controller

 

http://www.decks.co.uk/products/lighting/acme/strobe_ignitor

 

I'm connecting them using 1/4" mono jack to jack cables as instructed

The strobe controller is brand new and works

The strobes are brand new and work on their own perfectly.

You can controller the dimmer and speed on the strobes itself with two knobs

and they have an In and Out socket for the guitar cables

I'm instructed to set the strobes dimmer to full on the strobes itself then plug the guitar cable into the controller

when the guitar cable is plugged in it stops the strobe from strobing, and it continues when I pull it out, but for some reason the controller will not work with them in any combination.

 

Is there any reason why these two products will not work together?

Please help I've got a show tomorrow and I'm running out of ideas

Thanks in advance!

[chrishandcock]

One thing I noticed is on the web page for the controller it says... "Acme Strobe Ignitor works with Acme Firecracker and Acme Thunderdome"

It doesn't state it is compatible the wildzap.

[enbee]

hey there howza,

 

I haven't personally used either of these units, but whilst looking at the prolight website (manufacturers) I found this as the description of your strobe controller:

 

Description for the Acme Strobe Ignitor With 4 analogue outputs and 1 DMX output this easy to use

strobe controller enables the user to control analogue and DMX strobes simultaneously. Built-in

programs make for great chasing light shows with blackout, flash and flood at the touch of a button.

For use with Acme's Firecracker and Thunderdome strobes

 

The fact that they have specified 2 particular strobe units may mean that the way in which their other strobes recieve and interpret data signals means that they are not compatable. Probably worth giving them a call to confirm that your units are designed to talk to each other. Website is http://www.prolight.co.uk/

 

If the units are designed to talk to each other, I would suggest a quick test for continuity on the jack leads

 

Hope this is of some use

 

just posted to find that Chris beat me to it!!!!!!doh

[Ynot]

Well, in theory, most simple pulsed-output strobe controllers will normally drive most simple pulsed input strobes.

 

However, your Wildzaps have more than one control function - ie dimmable as well as flash control. This MAY be the reason you can't control them with the Acme, which does state on their web site "For use with Acme's Firecracker and Thunderdome strobes"

[MarkPAman]

Wildzap strobes are:

Linkable to other Wildzap units and controllable from most pulse strobe controllers.

 

So will one strobe control the other? (And if it does, does it work the other way around?)

[Howza]

Hi guys

Thanks for all your replies!

 

STEREO 1/4" Jack to Jack cables solved the problem, even though the manual clearly says MONO.

 

Thanks again,

 

Howard