Ikelite DS160 User manual

Product Registration
Please register your product at www.ikelite.com within 15 days of
purchase. Our product registration database is the best way for us to
get a hold of you in the event of a product update or recall.
DS160 Strobe
Product Numbers 4060US • 4060EU • 4060AU • 4060UK
DS161 Strobe
Product Numbers 4061US • 4061EU • 4061AU • 4061UK

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About this Product
Thank you for your purchase of Ikelite equipment. Please read this
instruction manual completely before attempting to operate or dive
with this product. Please visit ikelite.com to register your product to
receive information on any updates, notices, or recalls pertaining to
your equipment.
Included in the Box
• DS160 Strobe Front # 4060.2 or DS161 Strobe Front # 4061.2
• Rechargeable NiMH Battery Pack # 4066.5
• Battery Pack Cover # 0591.4
• Smart Charger for NiMH Battery Pack # 0083.92 US / 0083.93
European / 0083.94 United Kingdom / 0083.95 Australian
• Diffuser # 0591.3
• 1” Ball Mount # 4081.4
• Waterproof Bulkhead Cap # 9104.5
• Silicone Lubricant # 0184.1

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Important Notices
»The battery pack is NOT waterproof when removed from the
strobe front.
»NEVER use, ship, or travel with a water damaged battery pack.
Use of a water damaged battery pack is a safety risk and can
cause damage to the strobe electronics.
»Store strobe front and battery pack in a cool, dry location
when not in use.

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Contents
Product Registration 1
About this Product 2
Included in the Box 2
Important Notices 3
Getting to Know Your Strobe 6
Setting Up Your Strobe 8
Removing the Battery Pack 8
Attaching the Battery Pack 8
Using the Diffuser 9
Attaching the Diffuser 9
Choosing an Arm System 10
Attaching a Sync Connector 11
Using Your Strobe 12
Checking Battery Level 12
Turning the Strobe On 12
Using the Exposure Control 13
Positioning the Strobe 14
Firing the Strobe 14
Maintenance 15
Post-Dive 15
Travel and Storage 15
Troubleshooting 16
Photo Tips 18
Limited Warranty 19
Service and Repairs 19
Contact Us 20

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Getting to Know Your Strobe
Batt
w/Lite
Off
On
On
w/Lite
TTL
Full
Fuel
Guage
Ready Light
3
2
1
-2
-3
-4
-1
SOS
Battery
Pack
Shroud
Flashtube
Refl ector
DS161 Video Light
DS160 Modeling
Light
BulkheadMount

Toggle Lock
BACK
Mount
TTL Full
-2
-1
-3
-4
Re
a
Fuel
Gauge
3
2
1
SOS
Batt
w/Lite
Off
On
On
w/Lite
SIDE
Exposure Switch
Fuel
Gauge
Ready
Light
Power
Switch
Switch
Lock

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Setting Up Your Strobe
Removing the Battery Pack
»The battery pack is NOT waterproof when detached from the
strobe front.
1. Turn the Power Switch to the OFF position and place the strobe
face down on a fl at surface.
2. Slide the toggle lock out and fl ip up.
3. Rotate the toggle lock counter-clockwise 90 degrees.
4. Remove the Battery Pack from the strobe front.
OP
NO
Attaching the Battery Pack
»Never attach a water damaged battery pack to a strobe. Use of
a water damaged battery pack is a safety risk and can cause
damage to the strobe electronics.
1. Turn the Power Switch to the OFF Position and place the strobe
face down on a fl at surface.
2. Check that the o-ring is in place and that the sealing surfaces are
clean. It is not necessary to lubricate the o-ring.

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3. Place the toggle lock in the open position by sliding out, fl ipping up,
and rotating 90 degrees counter-clockwise.
4. Align the battery pack with the front of the strobe. The switches on
the side of the strobe and battery pack will line up when properly
oriented.
5. Press the battery pack down gently but fi rmly until it is fl ush with the
strobe front.
6. Press fi rmly on the toggle lock and rotate clockwise 90 degrees
until it stops.
7. Flip the toggle lock down and slide in to the locked position.
Using the Diffuser
The standard diffuser may be attached to further soften and spread
the edges of the strobe’s light output. The addition of a diffuser to any
strobe or light will reduce the effective power of the light.
The standard diffuser reduces the effective guide number of the fl ash
by approximately one f/stop.
An optional Dome Diffuser is available separately to spread out the
light even more when shooting wide angle or macro.
Attaching the Diffuser
1. We recommend attaching the diffuser to the strobe with a string
or lanyard using the two holes in the diffuser. This will prevent
accidental loss when not in use.

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2. Align the notches in the diffuser with the Diffuser Mounts on the
front of the strobe.
3. Press the diffuser down and rotate counter-clockwise until it stops.
Choosing an Arm System
• An aluminum ball socket arm system is recommended to
adequately support the strobe while allowing the most fl exible
positioning options.
• Most arm systems are designed for underwater use and may not
fully support the strobe above water. Be careful when transporting
the system above water.
• The mounting point is located on the bottom of the strobe. Slide the
mount into the strobe until it stops. Be careful not to cross-thread
the screw when installing.
• Although not necessary, you may apply a small amount of Ikelite
silicone lubricant to the screw prior to attaching the strobe mount
to avoid seizing up with long term use. DO NOT apply Loc-tite or
any other thread locking product as this may cause damage to the
strobe’s plastic components.
Diffuser mount Notch

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Attaching a Sync Connector
»A bulkhead cap or waterproof connector must be attached
to the strobe for waterproof operation. Never submerge the
strobe without either a bulkhead cap or compatible waterproof
connector attached.
1. Remove the bulkhead cap.
2. Lightly lubricate the connector o-ring. We recommend using only
Ikelite silicone lubricant to eliminate the possibility of swelling due to
incompatible compounds.
3. Line up the pins and receptacles and insert the sync cord plug into
the bulkhead. The plug should slide easily into the bulkhead. If you
feel resistence, do not force it. Remove the plug and check
alignment.
Waterproof
bulkhead cap
Bulkhead
4. Rotate the knurled retaining ring until snug on the housing
bulkhead. Do not use pliers or tools to tighten the retaining ring.

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Using Your Strobe
Checking Battery Level
When the switch is rotated to the Batt w/Lite position, the Fuel Gauge
will indicate approximate remaining battery level. Each LED
represents approximately 25% of the battery capacity.
Fuel
Gauge
3
2
1
3
2
1
3
2
1
3
2
1
75-100% 50-75% 25-50% 0-25%
The Fuel Gauge does not indicate remaining battery life when the
strobe is in the Off, On, or On w/Lite positions.
Turning the Strobe On
The strobe has three ON positions which each affect the function of
the fl ash, video or modeling light, and indicator LEDs.
Batt
w/Lite
Off
On
On
w/Lite
BATT W/LITE
Counter-clockwise one stop from OFF. Use this position to (1) check
the approximate battery level remaining; or (2) to use the strobe as a
video or focus light.

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In this position the LEDs marked 1 / 2 / 3 indicate the approximate
remaining battery level. The fl ash does not fi re in this mode. The video
(DS161) or modeling light (DS160) stays on. The exposure switch will
increase or reduce the intensity of the video light (DS161 only).
This switch position is designated “Batt” on older battery packs. The
operation is the same.
ON
Clockwise one stop from OFF. In this position the LED marked 2 on
the Fuel Gauge acts as a visual indicator that the strobe is ready to
fi re. The fl ash does fi re in this mode. The video (DS161) or modeling
light (DS160) is off.
ON W/LITE
Clockwise two stops from OFF. In this position the LED marked 2 on
the Fuel Gauge acts as a visual indicator that the strobe is ready to
fi re. The fl ash does fi re in this mode. The video (DS161) or modeling
light (DS160) is on.
The video or modeling light will momentarily turn off and back on when
the strobe is fi red to avoid overexposure or hot spots in the image.
Using the Exposure Switch
The strobe has 11 exposure switch positions which affect either the
output of the fl ash or video light (DS161 only), depending on which
ON position the strobe power switch is in.
TTL Full
-2
-1
-3
-4
SOS
SOS / TTL
•

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• In ON or ON W/LITE power setting, the strobe will automatically
adjust the fl ash duration based on signals received from the
camera or trigger device. Use only with compatible systems
and accessories; refer to your housing instruction manuals for
information on TTL compatibility with this strobe.
• In BATT W/LITE power setting, the video or modeling light will pulse
in the pattern of the international SOS emergency signal: 3 short
pulses, 3 long pulses, 3 short pulses.
FULL
• In ON or ON W/LITE, the fl ash fi res at full power each time.
• In BATT W/LITE, the video or modeling light will be on at full
intensity.
FRACTIONAL POWERS ( • -1 • -2 • -3 • -4 • )
• In ON or ON W/LITE, the fl ash fi res at a fractional power setting
each time. The difference between each switch positon is 1/2
f-stop. In photography, a decrease of one f-stop reduces the light in
half. Therefore, the -1 setting is equivalent to 50% fl ash power.
• In BATT W/LITE, the video light will decrease in 1/2 f-stop
increments (DS161 only).
Positioning the Strobe
• Use the built-in video or modeling light to make sure your strobe is
positioned in the correct location in relation to your camera frame.
• Adjust the angle of the strobe as the distance between you and
your subject changes.
Firing the Strobe
• Test fi re your system on the surface prior to gearing up for your
dive. Make sure that the strobe fi res during your photo at the
exposure level you expect.

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• The Ready Light LED on the side of the strobe will glow red when
the strobe is ready to fi re.
• The Ready Light LED doubles as a confi dence signal. The LED
will momentarily glow green after the strobe fi res if the strobe has
received a TTL quench signal.
• If the Ready Light does not glow red, check that the battery pack
is fully charged and the strobe power switch is set to the ON or ON
W/LITE position.
Maintenance
Post-Dive
1. Rinse your strobe and camera system in fresh water. Do not
remove the battery pack or sync cord prior to rinsing.
2. NEVER leave your system in a fresh water rinse tank. Collisions
with other peoples’ gear can cause scratches or damage to your
equipment.
3. Stow your system in a shaded place where it is protected from
impact or overheating. If no shade is available, we recommend
covering the system with a towel or cloth.
4. Check the memory card capacity and battery life of your camera
and strobe(s). Recharge as necessary.
5. Always re-check o-ring seal after removing the battery pack from
the strobe. Most importantly, make sure the o-ring is in place prior
to re-attaching the battery pack.
Travel and Storage
1. Remove the sync cord or triggering device from the strobe’s
bulkhead.

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2. Lightly lubricate the threads of the bulkhead. Be careful not to get
lubricant inside the gold connectors or rubber grommet inside of the
bulkhead.
3. Attach the waterproof bulkhead cap to the bulkhead.
4. Rinse the strobe with fresh water and dry thoroughly.
5. Remove the battery pack and charge according to its instructions.
6. Attach the battery pack cover to the battery pack.
7. Store the strobe front and battery pack in a cool, dry place.
8. Like regulators and other pressure-sensitive equipment, we
recommend careful care and cleaning along with bi-annual
replacement of the factory seals.
Troubleshooting
Water enters the battery pack.
• Remove battery pack, clean and dry the strobe front.
• Dispose of the battery pack at an approved local facility.
• Replace the battery with a new battery pack.
• Never re-use a battery pack that has been exposed to water.
Photos are over-exposed (too light).
• Adjust strobe exposure setting.
• Adjust aperture (smaller), shutter speed (faster), or ISO (higher)
setting.
• Move strobe(s) further away from your subject.
• Adjust exposure compensation in the camera.
Photos are under-exposed (too dark).
• Adjust strobe exposure setting.

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• Adjust aperture (larger), shutter speed (slower), or ISO (lower)
setting.
• Move strobe(s) closer to your subject and check aiming.
Strobe will not fi re when using sync cord.
• Make sure the strobe is turned on.
• Try a different sync cord.
• Restore camera to factory default settings and then re-confi gure
according to the housing instructions.
Strobe will not fi re when using an optical sensor.
• Make sure the strobe is turned on.
• Test fi re the strobe through the bulkhead. If it does not fi re through
the bulkhead, then the strobe must be returned for repair.
• Make sure the signal fl ash is fi ring.
• Make sure the strobe sensor is pointed directly towards the signal
fl ash.
• Move the strobe sensor closer to the signal fl ash.
Ready light does not come on.
• Charge or replace battery pack.
• Make sure the strobe is turned on.
Backscatter or “snow” in images.
• Position your strobe(s) farther away from your lens and at a slight
angle.
• Avoid using strobes in extremely low-visibility conditions.

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Photo Tips
1. Be mindful of your depth, decompression limits, air supply, the
location of your dive buddy, and the proximity of other divers at all
times. No photo is worth risking your safety or the safety of others.
2. Move in close to your subject to photograph through as little water
as possible. Try to keep things within arms reach. We recommend
trying to keep within 3 feet (1 m) of your subject or less.
3. Make sure your strobe is pointing towards your subject. Your strobe
position may need to be readjusted between shots.
4. Don’t chase your subject—watch its behavior, position yourself
appropriately, and then wait for it to come to you.
5. If possible, position yourself slightly below your subject and shoot
at an upward angle.
6. Use a wide angle lens to get closer to large subjects.
7. Take your time and take several photos of each subject, and vary
your angle and/or camera settings slightly between photos. The
professionals come back each day with hundreds of photos to sort
through!
8. Don’t trust your camera’s LCD. Never delete a photo until you see it
on a computer screen.
9. Try to keep the sun behind you when shooting portraits.
10. Avoid using a fl ash in extremely silty or low-visibility conditions.
11. It is important to respect all living creatures underwater: people,
marine life, and coral. While we encourage you to get close to your
subject while taking a photograph, please don’t touch our disturb
the things you fi nd underwater.

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Limited Warranty
The DS160 or DS161 strobe front is warranted against any original
manufacturing defects for a period of two (2) years from the original
date of purchase. All other components including the battery pack
and smart charger are warranted against any original manufacturing
defects for a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase.
Defective products should be returned to Ikelite postage paid. Ikelite
will, at its discretion, (a) repair utilizing new, remanufactured, and/or
recycled parts; (b) exchange for a new product or; (c) exchange for a
refurbished product; and return to customer prepaid. All other claims,
of any nature, are not covered. Except as mentioned above, no other
warranty, express or implied, applies to this product.
Service and Repairs
No prior authorization is required to obtain either warranty or non-
warranty service. You may return directly to us or through your dealer.
Please include a brief description of the problem, any relevant email
correspondence, and/or description of the service request. Always
include name, shipping address, email address, and phone number
inside of the package. Send postage paid to:
Ikelite Underwater Systems
Attn: Service Department
50 West 33rd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA
For the separate international customs documentation form that you
complete to accompany the shipment, please state or designate that
the enclosed products were originally manufactured in the USA and
are being returned to the manufacturer for repair service. Value of the
equipment listed for customs purposes should be zero or very low.

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