Ikelite DS51 II User manual

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DS51 II 50ws TTL Strobe
Product Number 40051

2
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 or notices pertaining to your
equipment.
Included in the Box
• DS51 II strobe
• Diffuser # 0561.2
• Bulkhead cap # 9104.7
• 1” Ball Mount # 4081.4
• Silicone lubricant 1cc tube
• 2 year manufacturer warranty

3
Specifications
Weight ....................................................0.6kg (1.3 lbs) with batteries
Energy Rating ........................................50 watt-seconds
Coverage Angle ....................................70° (80° with diffuser)
Guide Number (ISO 100) feet ...............56 surface
Guide Number (ISO 100) meters ..........17 surface
Firing Modes ..........................................TTL, Full, -0.5, -1, -1.5, -2,
-2.5
Color Temperature .................................5700K
Power Source ........................................4 AA
Flashes ..................................................200 full power
Recycle Time..........................................3.5 seconds (full power)
Depth Rating ..........................................90 meters (300 feet)
CE - Compliant with applicable EU directives
Complies with FCC part 15, subpart B, Section 15.109 for Class “B”
Products

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Important Notices
»To prevent salt build-up and sticking controls, submerge the
strobe in clean, freshwater. Operate the knobs several times
each while underwater to ush out any residue.
»Do not use cleaning agents, spray lubricants, Rain-X, or
other solvents on strobe. Use of an incompatible chemical
compound can damage the plastic and o-rings, and may result
in leaking.
»The DS51 bulkhead connector is not waterproof and must
be capped when not connected to a cord or sensor. Using a
DS51 underwater with the bulkhead connector uncapped or
unconnected will cause the strobe to ood.
»The strobe is factory sealed; do not disassemble. Disassembly
will void your Ikelite DS51 limited warranty.
»Do not continuously re the strobe more than 15 times above
water in rapid succession. If this does happen, allow the
strobe to cool down for at least 10 minutes.
»Lithium-ion batteries are NOT recommended.

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Contents
Product Registration 1
About this Product 2
Included in the Box 2
Specications 3
Important Notices 4
Getting to Know Your Strobe 7
Mounting the Strobe 8
Ikelite Arm/Mounting System 8
Attaching a Sync Connector 9
Battery Compartment 10
Installing Batteries 10
Strobe Ready Light 11
Power/Exposure Dial 11
OFF position 11
TTL/Auto Exposure Position 12
Manual Exposure Position 12
Strobe Diffuser 13
Using the Diffuser 13
Diffuser Installation and Removal 13
Maintenance 14
Post-Dive 14
Post-Travel and Storage 14
Troubleshooting 15
Photos are over-exposed (too light) 15
Photos are under-exposed (too dark) 15
Strobe will not re 15
Strobe will not re when using sync cord 16
Strobe will not re when using an optical sensor 16
Ready light does not come on 16

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Compartment Flooding 17
Limited Warranty 17
Service and Repairs 18
Contact Us 18

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Getting to Know Your Strobe
ikelite
Knob Battery Door Power/Exposure Dial
Strobe Ready Light
Waterproof
Bulkhead
Cap
Bulkhead
Connector
Flashtube
Mount

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Mounting the Strobe
Ikelite Arm/Mounting System
A 1-inch diameter ball mount is included which will allow attachment to
1-inch diameter ball arms from Ikelite, TLC, Ultralight, Nauticam, and
others. The ball mount may be removed for attachment of the optional
Flex Arm (sold separately). For more information, visit ikelite.com.
Ball Arm (not included)
Ball Mount

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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 resistance, do not force it. Remove the plug and check
alignment.
Sync Cord Plug
Connector O-ring
Bulkhead Waterproof
Bulkhead Cap
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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Battery Compartment
Installing Batteries
1. Rotate the strobe switch to the OFF position.
2. To access the battery compartment, rotate the knob counter-
clockwise several times and gently pull the door off.
3. Install four AA-cell batteries (alkaline, NiCad, or NiMH). Refer
to the “+” and “ – “ markings in the battery compartment to help
properly install the batteries. If the batteries are installed incorrectly,
it may damage the strobe’s electronics.
4. Check that the o-ring and sealing surfaces are clean. Make sure
the o-ring is in the groove and free of dirt or debris. We do not
recommend removing the o-ring from the groove or lubricating the
o-ring.
5. Replace the battery door. Make sure the door ts into the recess
around the battery compartment.
6. The o-ring seal will be visible through the battery door as the door
is attached. Rotate the thumbscrew until a solid black line forms.
Do not over-tigthen.
»Do not use lithium batteries.

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»Tilt the rear portion of the strobe down while removing the
battery door to eliminate the possibility of water droplets
falling into the battery compartment after a dive.
»Do not remove the knob from the battery door.
»The battery compartment is sealed separately from the main
electronics. Do not disassemble the strobe. Disassembly will
void your Ikelite limited warranty.
»Always carry spare batteries; weak batteries cause many
camera and strobe problems. It’s time to replace the batteries
when the ready light remains dark for 15 seconds or longer
after a ash.
Strobe Ready Light
The Ikelite DS51 Strobe features a ready light at the rear of the strobe
that glows red when the DS51 has recycled and is ready to re its
ash again.
»AA batteries will provide slow recycle times as they reduce in
power. If recycle times are too long, replace fresh batteries.
Power/Exposure Dial
OFF position
Always turn the strobe to OFF before connecting or disconnecting a
sync cord or opening the battery compartment.

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TTL/Auto Exposure Position
This position should only be used when the strobe is attached to a
compatible TTL system. When taking pictures with the mode switch in
this position, the camera automatically signals the strobe to turn off
when the exposure is correct.
Manual Exposure Position
»The DS51 features six manual exposure settings in half f/stop
increments: Full, -0.5, -1.0, -1.5, -2.0, and -2.5. Rotate the dial
clockwise to increase strobe ash power. Rotate the dial counter-
clockwise to reduce strobe ash power.

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Strobe Diuser
Using the Diffuser
The white diffuser can be secured to the front of the DS51 strobe
when softer lighting or a coverage angle of up to 80° is desired. The
diffuser reduces the DS51 light intensity by one full f-stop.
Diffuser Installation and Removal
Tab
Push and Lift
to Remove
Tab
Holes for the
Lanyard
7. The white diffuser features two protruding tabs for use in
installation and removal. The tabs on the diffuser should be
positioned away from the strobe.
8. Place the diffuser over the front of the strobe. Spread the two tabs
apart, insert the diffuser into the recessed front, and then rotate the
diffuser until it locks into position.

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9. To remove the diffuser, bend one tab out towards the edge while
lifting simultaneously.
»A lanyard or string can be attached to the diffuser by threading
it through the two circular openings near its edge. Attach the
other end to the strobe arm to prevent accidental loss.
Maintenance
Post-Dive
1. Always re-check o-ring seal after removing the battery door from
the strobe. Most importantly, make sure the o-ring is in place prior
to re-attaching the battery door.
2. Make sure the battery door is on and tightened down. Rinse your
strobe in fresh water. Do not remove the sync cord prior to rinsing.
Dry thoroughly.
3. Never leave your system in a fresh water rinse tank. Collisions
with other peoples’ gear can cause scratches or damage to your
equipment.
4. 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.
Post-Travel and Storage
1. Rinse the exterior of the strobe with fresh water after use,
especially after exposure to salt water. While rinsing, turn the mode
switch to free built-up salt or debris.
2. Dry the strobe thoroughly with a clean, lint-free cloth.
3. Check the battery door o-ring and sealing surfaces for any dirt or
debris. The battery door o-ring does not require lubrication.
4. Clean and lightly lubricate threads of the bulkhead connector.

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5. Remove the batteries prior to storage.
6. Loosen the thumbscrew on the battery compartment door if storing
the strobe for long periods of time.
7. Store in a cool, dry place.
Troubleshooting
Photos are over-exposed (too light)
• Adjust strobe exposure setting.
• Adjust camera aperture (smaller), shutter speed (faster), or ISO
(higher).
• Move strobe(s) further away from your subject.
• Adjust exposure compensation in the camera.
Photos are under-exposed (too dark)
• Adjust strobe exposure setting.
• Adjust camera aperture (larger), shutter speed (slower), or ISO
(lower).
• Move strobe(s) closer to your subject and check aiming.
Strobe will not re
• Turn on strobe.
• Check the DS51 ready light. Turn the strobe’s mode switch to
OFF and then back to TTL. Make sure that the switch has actually
clicked into position.
• Check that the batteries are inserted according to the “+” and “-”
markings. It is possible to buy bad “new” batteries, so check the
voltage output with a meter if possible. If using NiCad or NiMH
batteries, make sure the charger is operating properly and that the
batteries are fully charged.

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• Check the camera settings.
• Check cable connections.
• Refer to troubleshooting at www.ikelite.com/blogs/faq
Strobe will not 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-congure
according to the housing instructions.
Strobe will not re when using an optical sensor
• Make sure the strobe is turned on.
• Make sure the signal ash is ring.
• Make sure the strobe sensor is pointed directly towards the signal
ash.
• Move the strobe sensor closer to the signal ash.
Ready light does not come on
• Charge or replace batteries.
• Make sure batteries are facing the correct direction when installed
• Make sure the strobe is turned on.
Backscatter or “snow” in images
• Position strobes or lights farther away from your lens and at a slight
angle.
• Avoid using strobes in extremely turbid conditions.

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Compartment Flooding
1. Air out and thoroughly dry the battery compartment with air from a
blow dryer or a SCUBA tank hose.
2. Wash out the battery compartment with alcohol.
3. Air out and thoroughly dry the battery compartment with air from a
blow dryer or a SCUBA tank hose.
4. Replace all batteries. Never re-use batteries that have been wet.
The water could create an internal short circuit in the strobe at
some later date, potentially causing an explosion.
5. Reassemble with fresh batteries.
6. After returning from your trip, send the DS51 and other system
components to Ikelite for inspection and testing.
Limited Warranty
This Ikelite product is warranted against any manufacturing defects for
a period of two (2) years from the original date of purchase. Defective
products should be returned to Ikelite postage paid. Ikelite will, at
its sole discretion, repair or replace such products, and will return to
customer postage paid. All other claims of any nature are not covered.
Except as mentioned above, no other warranty expressed or implied
applies to this Ikelite product.

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Service and Repairs
Ikelite is most interested in performing any service to ensure that all
products perform as intended. Evidence of purchase date must be
provided to obtain warranty service. No prior authorization is required.
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.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about your product or need advice on
getting the images you want, please contact us and we’ll do
everything we can to help you capture your unique perspective.
Ikelite Underwater Systems
50 W 33rd St
Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA
[phone]
[email protected]