Vivitar DR-7000 Not Working Properly

DarkSwordsman

New member
Hello All,

I am new here and have just got my first DSLR, a D3200. I have been using my girlfriend's in the meantime, but I have always been into photography.

I recently ordered some tube extensions to do macro with (and they work great) and the set came with this Vivitar DR-7000 LED ring. It works alright, however, every time it flashes, it shuts off by itself. Also, it's supposed to have a mode where it stays on by hitting the "light" button, but every time we hit it, it flashes then shuts off.

Since it does flash and you can still adjust the brightness, it works, but it would be nice to keep the light on to use a longer shutter and lower ISO, especially with smaller apertures.

We've tried different batteries and looking all over the internet, but there is no information on it. I want to know if anyone has had any experience with it before I start taking it apart or calling in for a new one since it has a warranty.

By the way, here's a shot of my eye that my girlfriend took:

_DSC0323 by The Dark Swordsman, on Flickr
 

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
That light seems to support two different modes.
1. Is a flash
2. Is a constant light

Have you read thru the documentation on how to change modes? I have a similar ring light (JY670_ and there is a menu option to select to determine which mode the light stays in...
 

DarkSwordsman

New member
I read through all of the documentation. To keep the LED ring on, it says to press the light button and it will stay in that mode until pressed again. On the LCD screen, it seems to switch to Light mode, but then the whole system powers off as though the batteries don't have enough power.

Edit: Okay, that was weird. I just tried lowering the brightness to -1.5 and it worked. I raised it all the way to 0 with it working, then once it hit +0.5 it shut right off. Now it works fine, but the LCD backlight shuts off and it has this continuous beep when it's on. Then I press the Light button and it shuts off normally without turning off the whole device.

Hey, it works, I'll take it. I'll update if anything else happens.
 
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DarkSwordsman

New member
I'm thinking it may just be bad batteries. I'm using Panasonic batteries, and even though they are brand new, they might not be up to the task. After the batteries warmed up from being in the cold garage it seemed to work. But then when I left the light on for more than two minutes, it shut off and I had to wait until I could do it again.

Once I get my hands on some Energizers or Duracells I'll test it out again.

I'm finding that it's not very useful if I use more than a 12mm tube on a 18-55mm lens since I have to get so close to my subject. However, if I stand it up on something next to the subject it does a very good job. It's honestly brighter than my 800 Lumen flashlight, or at least more consistent since it's 48 LEDs vs 1 LED in the flashlight.
 

Bob Blaylock

Senior Member
I'm thinking it may just be bad batteries. I'm using Panasonic batteries, and even though they are brand new, they might not be up to the task. After the batteries warmed up from being in the cold garage it seemed to work. But then when I left the light on for more than two minutes, it shut off and I had to wait until I could do it again.

Once I get my hands on some Energizers or Duracells I'll test it out again.

You might want to have a look at this thread before you buy Duracells to put in anything of any value. Apparently, at least as of about a year ago, they were becoming notorious for bad leakage problems.
 

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
You would also save quite a bit of money in the long run by buying eneloop rechargeable batteries, and a good charger... I don't wast time with alkaline batteries any more... last longer, and less chance of leakage...
 

LouCioccio

Senior Member
This is one of the charging units I use:
https://www.amazon.com/Powerex-MH-C800S-8-Cell-Smart-Charger/dp/B000LQMKDS/ref=sr_1_11?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1483570527&sr=1-11&keywords=smart+AA%2FAAA+battery+chargers

Here is a snippet of instructions and modes:


Read these instructions carefully and thoroughly before operating this unit. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
• Do not charge batteries other than NiMH or NiCD. They must be able to accept a 1.0A (Standard mode) / 0.5A (Soft mode) rapid charge current.
• Do not use the default Rapid Charge mode on batteries rated under 800mAh. To charge them, use the Soft Charging mode (refer to “Soft Charging Mode”).
• Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture due to the risk of fire.
• Do not operate the charger if it appears damaged in any way.
• Always place the battery cells with positive tip facing the top. Incorrect polarity may cause fire or explosion. Observe polarity diagrams located on the charger.
• Do not allow the unit to be exposed to direct sunlight. Operate in well- ventilated area.
• Do not allow the battery terminals to become shorted.
• To reduce the risk of damage to the power cord, always pull by
connector rather than the cord.
FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS
• Eight independent charging slots. Charges 1-8 AA or AAA batteries.
• Selectable Rapid Charge (default) and Soft Charge mode.
• Recharge in approximately 1 to 2 hours.
• Selectable conditioning / rejuvenation cycle.
• Worldwide power supply.
* Charge time will vary depending upon the brand, capacity, and condition of batteries being charged.
VARIOUS MODES
This section explains various charging modes and when to use them. To enable each mode, refer to the “Operation” section.
Rapid Charge Mode (Default)
• Shortest recharging time (approximately 1 to 2 hours).
• Suitable for batteries with capacity greater than 800mAh.
Soft Charging Mode
• Maximizes battery life and performance (recharging time approximately two to four hours).
• Suitable for most batteries.
• Recommended if recharging time is not critical.
Conditioning Mode
• A special mode which rejuvenates and cycles batteries. Applies a special initial charge, discharge and recharge cycle which can restore battery performance (requires up to 16 hours to complete).
• Conditioning cycle can be used to rescue degraded batteries and exercise infrequently-used batteries.
• Recommended once every ten normal charges for NiMH batteries to ensure good performance.
OPERATION
Rapid Charge Mode (Default)
1. Connect the power supply unit DIN connector to the charger as shown in the figure below.
Rapid Charge Current: 1.0A
Microprocessor: Eighth-generation MH-NM7008 Powerex Precision Microprocessor


Charge Time*:1 to 2 hours (Standard), 2 to 4 hours (Soft)


Input Voltage:


AC 100-240V 50-60Hz


This section explains various charging modes and when to use them. To enable each mode, refer to the “Operation” section.
Rapid Charge Mode (Default)
• Shortest recharging time (approximately 1 to 2 hours).
• Suitable for batteries with capacity greater than 800mAh.
Soft Charging Mode
• Maximizes battery life and performance (recharging time approximately two to four hours).
• Suitable for most batteries.
• Recommended if recharging time is not critical.
Conditioning Mode
• A special mode which rejuvenates and cycles batteries. Applies a special initial charge, discharge and recharge cycle which can restore battery performance (requires up to 16 hours to complete).
• Conditioning cycle can be used to rescue degraded batteries and exercise infrequently-used batteries.
• Recommended once every ten normal charges for NiMH batteries to ensure good performance.
 
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