Ikelite DS160 User manual

Please read all instructions before using this product.
Instruction Manual
DS160 Strobe

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IKELITE DS160 ST OBE ..................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 BATTE Y PACK 4067 ............8
Charging the Battery Pack ..................9
Storage ................................................9
Warnings ..............................................9
Using NiMH or Ni-Cad Battery Packs ..9
SMA T CHA GE 4067.1 ................10
Specifications ......................................10
Includes................................................10
Usage ..................................................10
Warnings ..............................................10
FLASH DIFFUSE 0591.3 ..................11
Using the Diffuser ................................11
Diffuser Installation and Removal ........11
A M SYSTEMS/ST OBE MOUNTS ..12
Ikelite Arm Systems ............................12
Ikelite Mounts ......................................12
ST OBE CONNECTION ....................13
Strobe Connection (Illustration) ..........14
USING AS HA D-WI ED ST OBE ..15
USING AS HA D-WI ED ST OBE
WITHOUT TTL ....................................15
AIMING THE ST OBE........................16
SWITCHES / FUEL GAUGE ..............17
On/Off Switch ......................................17
Fuel auge ..........................................18
Confidence Signal................................18
Firing Mode Switch ..............................18
ST OBE EADY LIGHT ....................19
Strobe Ready Light and TTL Housing..19
Camera eady Light ..........................19
Triggered via Sync Cord ......................19
ECOMMENDATIONS........................20
Visual Inspections ................................20
Insurance ............................................20
Tips ......................................................20
Lubricant ..............................................20
MAINTENANCE ..................................21
Cleaning and Storage ..........................21
T OUBLESHOOTING ........................22
Strobe Will Not Fire..............................22
AI LINE T AVEL ..............................23
TECHNICAL SUPPO T ......................23
LIMITED WA ANTY ........................23
P ODUCT EGIST ATION ..............24

DS160 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, 4500mAh
Weight ....................................................2.5 lb (1130g)
Size..........................................................9.6 cm dia. x 17.9 cm (3.75 in dia. x 7 in)
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
uide # (ISO 100) feet ............................76 surface - 38 underwater
uide # 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
Modeling Light
Modeling Light ........................................5-watt LED
TTL
Full
-2
-1
-3
-4
ReadyLight
Fuel
Gauge
3
2
1
Test
O
On
On
w /Lite
Switch Lock
Toggle
Li-ion Battery Pack
DS160 Strobe Head
3
IKELITE DS160 ST OBE

INT ODUCTION
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 DS160 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.
STA TING OUT
Before using the Ikelite DS160 Strobe, please read this owner’s manual thoroughly and
retain it for future reference. Fully charge your strobe’s battery pack prior to your first use.
Ikelite recommends becoming familiar with the features and functions of the Ikelite DS160
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 owner’s manual as well.
ST OBE COMPATIBILITY
The DS160 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.
ST OBE POWE
The DS160 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 DS160 is adjustable in 10
half-stop increments for precise control over your exposure when used in manual mode.
IKELITE DS160 ST OBE (continued)
4

5
IKELITE DS160 ST OBE (continued)
DS160 ST OBE
The Ikelite DS160 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 DS160 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 DS160 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 DS160 and illuminate your
subject's colors with the built-in modeling light / night diving light.
OVE VIEW OF DS160 FEATU ES
• 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.

OPENING THE ST OBE
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 DS160, 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- ING
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 ST OBE
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.
6
OPENING AND CLOSING

7
OPEN
RCD
INDPLS IN U.S.A.
UNLOCK
INDPLS IN U.S.A.
UNLOCK
Pull Out
Flip Up Rotate
OPENING AND CLOSING (illustration)

8
The 4060.1 DS160 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 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 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
LI-ION BATTE Y PACK 4067
Charger Socket
O-ring

9
LI-ION BATTE Y PACK 4067 (continued)
CHA GING THE BATTE Y PACK
Requires Ikelite 4067.1 Smart Charger Li-ion. Do not attempt to charge the battery pack
with other chargers. Use of an incompatible charger is a safety risk and may cause
irreparable damage to the battery pack.
Typical recharge time is approximately 5 hours.
STO AGE
Do not store a depleted battery pack for extended periods of time. Charge the battery
pack to at least half full prior to storing. Always place the power switch in the locked OFF
position. Store in a cool, dry place. We suggest storage of your strobe with the locking
lever OPEN to allow any hydrogen/air mixture to escape.
WA NINGS
- Always turn off and lock the battery power switch or disconnect the battery and store in
a cool, dry place when not in use.
- The battery pack is not waterproof when removed from the strobe.
- Do not disassemble the battery pack.
- Do not expose the pack to heat.
- Do not use lubricant, cleaners, or any chemical on the o-ring or battery pack.
- NEVER use or charge a water damaged battery pack. Flooding may cause a short
circuit and lead to overheating.
- Do not discard, crush or incinerate. Check local rules and regulations on electronic
waste disposal and use an approved recycling facility.
- Do not ship or travel with a flooded or known defective battery pack.
USING NIMH O NI-CAD BATTE Y PACKS
The DS160 Strobe head also accepts both 4066.5 NiMH battery packs and 4066 Ni-Cad
battery packs in good working condition. Do not use a battery pack with dead or water
damaged cells. If you intend to use an older battery pack on your new Strobe, please
reference the notice dated 6/22/09 on the following web page:
http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/important.html.

10
SMA T CHA GE 4067.1
- It is safe to leave the charger connected to the battery pack when charging is complete
or when charger power is off. To conserve energy, unplug the unit when not in use.
- Operation of the charger with battery packs other than those intended is dangerous
and could result in damage to the battery or charger.
- Model numbers and ratings are shown on the rear label of the charger. This charger is
intended to be correctly oriented in a vertical or floor plug socket.
- This charger is for indoor use only.
- Use only in dry locations.
- Charger contains no user-serviceable parts. Do not attempt to open this product;
replace if damaged.
- Keep the charger away from fire and other sources of heat.
INCLUDES
USAGE
WA NINGS
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility ..................................................Ikelite 4067 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
Input ..............................................................100-240 Volts AC, 50-60 Hertz, 0.6 Amps
Output ............................................................8.4 Volts
Operating Temperature ..................................32°F - 104°F (0°C - 40°C)
Storage Temperature......................................-4°F - 185°F (-20°C - 85°C)
- Smart Charger Li-ion with US plug flip out blades
- European plug adapter
- Australian plug adapter
- United Kingdom plug adapter
CAUTION:
CAUTION:
Adapter Prongs Closed Attached
Charging indicator LED: OFF ..................Disconnected from pack
FLASHING ......Charging Mode
SOLID ..............Full Charge
DO NOT attempt to charge or connect a battery pack that has flooded or leaked. Electrical
shock, injury or fire could occur. Make sure the battery pack is turned off and are
completely dry before charging.
Use only with compatible Ikelite lithium-ion battery
packs. Charge a battery pack to at least half full prior
to storing for extended periods of time. This charger
features flip out blades for use with US plugs.
Additional plug adapters are provided. Close the flip
out blades and slide a compatible plug adapter on
until it snaps into position.