Ikelite Ds125 strobe upgrade to Ds160/161!

[AussieByron]

I saw this link elsewhere: IKELITE Underwater Systems

Showing that Ikelite can upgrade your DS125 strobe to either DS160 or Ds161. Also Upgrade DS160 to DS161!

It would have been nice to know since I just sold off 3 Ds125's to replace with DS161.

Does this also mean in the future you will provide upgrades to the next model which will be in the DS125/160 strobe body.

Possible chance of upgrading the LED 500 lumens to something more powerful???

Regards Mark

 

[Ikelite Staff]

We always try to look at offering upgrades. Typically we do not offer upgrades if the majority of (or all of) the product would have to be replaced to make the conversion. While this is the case for DS125 to DS160 conversions, we have decided to make an exception.

A more powerful video light is not possible at the moment but certainly something I would expect to see sometime in the future!

Regards,
Jean / Ikelite
IKELITE Underwater Systems

 

[jdcpa]

Wow, that is interesting. I will have to study that.

That must be quite recent.

Any idea on the turn around time?

Thanks for the information.

 

[Ikelite Staff]

We're running 2-3 weeks right now, however that will certainly back-up as holiday closings and shipping schedules are approaching. We are also unable to service products for the first week and a half of January while we complete year-end processes. So if you have a vacation coming up soon I recommend waiting to send your strobe(s) in.

Details of the upgrade offer are as follows:

Substrobe DS125 Upgrade to DS160: $ 300 - 475*
Substrobe DS125 Upgrade to DS161: $ 450 - 625*

These upgrades result in increased power of 160 watt-sec (from 110 watt-sec), additional manual power settings and replacement of halogen modeling light with LED modeling (DS160) or video (DS161) lite. DS160 and DS161 Substrobes are compatible with all current Ikelite TTL systems including Nikonos.

Substrobe DS160 Upgrade to DS161: $ 200*

This upgrade results in replacement of the LED modeling light with a 500 lumen LED video light and updating of circuitry.

* Freight charges will be added to the total cost of the repair. Upgrade prices are based on a fully working Substrobe with no signs of abuse, water damage or other non-warranty issues. Non-working and/or damaged Substrobes will result in increased cost to upgrade. We will provide an exact estimate for the upgrade after evaluating the Substrobe. We are not able to provide a more precise estimates over phone or email even if provided the Substrobe's serial number.

The battery pack is not required to perform the upgrade but will be checked if returned. Please also refer to our "Batteries & Chargers" FAQ re: battery pack locking mechanisms for important update information. The Service FAQ contains complete information on returning products for service or repair.


Regards,
Jean / Ikelite
IKELITE Underwater Systems

 

[jdcpa]

Awesome. You guys are the best!!

Can you convert any DS-125 to a DS-160, even the older ones?

Do you still accept incoming upgrades in the first few weeks of January even though they will not get serviced until later?

TIA

 

[Ikelite Staff]

Yes, we will convert any DS125. The pricing determines on age, condition of the strobe, and prior updates.

Regards,
Jean / Ikelite
IKELITE Underwater Systems

 

[jdcpa]

It would seem to me that the upgrade is a great idea for those with older units, you can get the latest and greatest for less than the cost of a new strobe, which is awesome.

For those with the more recent DS-125 strobe, it would seem to be more of a convenience rather than a real money saver. A new DS-160 can be purchased for about $750 and you can sell the DS-125 for about $500. But, you do get the most recent electronics for not a lot more money.

I just think it is awesome that Ikelite is doing this.