suggestions for strain relief of camera flash wiring?

[John Ozz]

I have a Yongnuo 460 camera flash where I added a wire sticking out the
side so I could use an external battery several years ago. Since the
flash saw hardly any use until recently, now any shortcuts I used at the
time are rearing their ugly heads.

One of the wires disconnected from inside the flash. I repaired it (by
resoldering), but the same situation occurs externally: anytime the
flash is moved, strain occurs where the wire enters the flash and it's
only a matter of time before something disconnects again.

So, how I can relieve strain here? For now, I took some JB Quickweld
and dabbed it around the wires exiting the flash with the wires
temporarily being held in place with tape. It's shown here:

https://i.imgur.com/KH6avoo.jpg

I'm not sure how well the epoxy will bond to the flash housing and, even
if there is a decent bond, I'm sure this won't hold up over the long term.

Please note that this is a hacked flash. Not something I'd ever sell,
just something decent I keep around for photography around the home.

Any suggestions for an easy to implement, more permanent strain relief
method would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[peterw...@gmail.com]

Automotive (High-Temperature) RTV Silicon comes immediately to mind. Flexible, will 'bond' to about anything and easily removed should the need arise.

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA

[whit3rd]

On Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 10:18:39 AM UTC-7, John Ozz wrote:
> I have a Yongnuo 460 camera flash where I added a wire sticking out the
> side so I could use an external battery several years ago. Since the
> flash saw hardly any use until recently, now any shortcuts I used at the
> time are rearing their ugly heads.
>
> One of the wires disconnected from inside the flash. I repaired it (by

> resoldering), but ...

> So, how I can relieve strain here?

Three methods: first, you could put a grommet around the hole, and
tie a knot or apply a wire-tie so the cord cannot pull out. Some grommet
gizmos can snap into D or double-D holes and clamp the wires.
Second, you could put (clamp, screw, glue) a connector to the case , so that
strain on the external wire doesn't wiggle the internal wire. You'd use this
with a cord that has the mating connector, of course.
Third, the battery-substitution can use a dummy battery (whittled from wood?)
so that cord stress acts on a battery-shaped object that is contained in the
battery compartment.

[Jeff Liebermann]

On Thu, 16 Jul 2020 13:18:34 -0400, John Ozz <john...@caltom.net>
wrote:

>So, how I can relieve strain here? For now, I took some JB Quickweld
>and dabbed it around the wires exiting the flash with the wires
>temporarily being held in place with tape. It's shown here:
>
>https://i.imgur.com/KH6avoo.jpg

The JB Weld is too hard to use as a strain relief. Instead, I suggest
either some silicone caulking compound:
<https://www.gesealants.com/Products/Advanced-Silicone-2-Kitchen-Bath-Sealant.aspx>
or Sugru:
<https://sugru.com>
You want something that's "rubbery", not something that's hard.

>I'm not sure how well the epoxy will bond to the flash housing and, even
>if there is a decent bond, I'm sure this won't hold up over the long term.

I can't tell from here. If the flash housing is made from simulated
leather or paper, it's likely to be rather greasy. Cleaning with 91%
alcohol will help, but the only way to tell for sure is to try a small
amount of epoxy, RTV, silicone caulk, or Sugru and see which will
stick. However, even if it sticks, pulling on the glue will probably
cause the simulated leather or paper covering to peel off the metal
flash housing.

>Please note that this is a hacked flash. Not something I'd ever sell,
>just something decent I keep around for photography around the home.
>
>Any suggestions for an easy to implement, more permanent strain relief
>method would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Drill a hole. Insert a brass rivet with a hole in the center. Shove
the wire through the hole. Seal with RTV or silicone caulk on both
sides. The brass rivet will prevent the simulated leather or paper
covering from peeling off.

--
Jeff Liebermann je...@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558