Kino Flo problems

[Aaron Griffin]

I recently picked up a 4 bank Kino Flo off craigslist. I was buying some other gear from a guy and he actually threw this in for free because he said he couldn't get it to work properly. When I turn the unit on the bottom bulb turns on and flickers for about 5-7 seconds and then goes out. I've tried moving that bulb to over connectors but the only set that seem to be getting power is the bottom set. Any ideas on what I should start looking at first? I have emailed Kino Flo to see if I could possibly get it serviced but I'm not sure I'll get a response from them. The power supply is an older one, it's a BAL-400-S.

[Phil Rhodes]

Tricky to diagnose at arm's length. I know what I'd do, but it'd involve taking the thing apart and I can't recommend you do that on the basis you might kill yourself.

 

Very possibly worth trying to fix, though. Valuable.

 

P

[Aaron Griffin]

the thought crossed my mind to open up the power supply but i didn't want to turn a small fix into a paperweight haha.

[David Mullen ASC]

Maybe take the Kino over to a rental house -- or borrow one from an owner -- and try swapping out the cable and then the ballast to narrow the source of the problem.

[Aaron Griffin]

Thanks David! Now to find someone in the Raleigh area with an old Kino Flo!

[Aaron Griffin]

I actually found a place in town that has multiple sets for rent, so I shot them an email. Thanks again David, I never would've thought of that. I would have paid to send it to Kino Flo to fix.

[JD Hartman]

Any 4 bank ballast and matching cable will do.

[Aaron Griffin]

thanks guys. I just got an email from the rental house and we are trying to schedule a time for me to go in to check out my light.