What's wrong with my Quark 123? (video)

[Count]

My Quark 123 worked perfectly for the first week or two, then started acting up. Here's a short video of my problem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4glSM9mWkAU

I've read LOTS of praise on CPF concerning the level of customer service from 4Sevens, but I'm not having very good luck. I've sent several messages to customer service through their "Contact Us" link on their homepage. I sent one on 11/14, one on 11/16, two on 11/18 and one on 11/29. I did get a response from Mary on the 18th saying that I was experiencing "pre-flash" and that "it is normal in all lights with a boost circuit". I sent a reply that day further describing my problem and that it wasn't pre-flash. I also called and left a voice message one day between the 18th and 29th (I think the 24th), but never got a return call. I'm beginning to get a little frustrated - Is there a better way of contacting 4Sevens?

 

[vali]

Seems to me there is contact problem somewhere. Try cleaning the lube in the head threads and apply only a bit of it in the o-ring. My Quark-Ti were dim in high mode (the same brightness of medium) until I cleaned and relubed the head.

 

[DimeRazorback]

Yeah it looks like some form of contact issue... after cleaning and lubing the threads, check to see if it continues with the werd behaviour.

 

[chaosmagnet]

If cleaning and lubing doesn't fix it, call 4Sevens on (866)470-6691 and ask them to take it back. Let us know how it goes.

 

[tab665]

my quark123 started acting up like that, (flickering, changing modes at random) before eventualy becoming stuck on turbo no matter how much i loosened the head. im going to try cleaning off the lube too to see if itll go back to working normal.

 

[Flic]

Saw the video. Good job by the way.

What you may have is a loose retaining ring in the tailcap. This can lead to a number of weird contact issues. Remove the tailcap. You'll see a silver retaining ring inside. Use a pair of needle nose pliers and insert the tips into the two indentations you see in the ring. Then tighten. Replace the tailcap and try the light again. If the problem persists, get a replacement from 4Sevens. Yes, their customer service is overloaded lately as they have launched a ton of new products in the last few weeks.

Best of luck!

 

[Saint_Dogbert]

Makes sure the threads are clean, and that all other contact points in the head are as well. Pretty much every light has the potential to suffer from contact-related issues. After doing that, see if you can replicate the issue when taking off the tailcap and touching a paperclip to the battery and battery tube.

 

[[email protected]]

Count, I apologize for the lack of response. It seems your email was overlooked. You should have a response in your email inbox now, issuing you an RMA if the problem hasn't been resolved.

Peter

 

[4sevens]

Count,

We are a bit swamped these days but thats no excuse.
Someone will reply to you shortly as soon as we can match your cpf name to the email.

David

edit: oops looks like we both jumped on this at the same time. Since Peter beat me to the punch, I'll defer to Peter

 

[Count]

Thanks David and Peter (and all the other CPFers!)

I got a couple of emails from 4Sevens, one suggesting that I try tightening the retaining ring in the tail, and another issuing an RMA if needed. I appreciate the responses and help.

I'm going to try tightening the retaining ring and cleaning and lubing the head threads and o-ring. I've been doing a little research to see what kind of lube to use. I found a thread suggesting Radio Shack PTFE (64-2301). I'll pick up some of that tomorrow and give it a try. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Thanks!
lovecpf

 

[Woods Walker]

Wow. I don't own a 4/7 light but respect what I just read. Good to see that kinda customer service.

 

[ZRXBILL]

Wow. I don't own a 4/7 light but respect what I just read. Good to see that kinda customer service.

Yup. Things can and do go wrong but it's the service you get after that that counts.:thumbsup:

 

[bosh]

My quark has been acting ..... well, quarky as well.
All threads were clean. It kept getting stuck on high mode, and then it decided it didn't want to shut off.
The switch retainer ring was tight. I took the switch out and when I put it back together it started working right again. We'll see how long it lasts this time.

 

[tab665]

my quark123 started acting up like that, (flickering, changing modes at random) before eventualy becoming stuck on turbo no matter how much i loosened the head. im going to try cleaning off the lube too to see if itll go back to working normal.

today i wiped off the lube inside the head. there wasnt much on there that was visible but afterwards my quark went back to working like normal. before it would stay on turbo all the way from the tightened position all the way to when the head was loosened enough to come off. although, itll probably still stay on turbo mostly out of preference.