The unit contains all components and circuitry to supply the flash tube with the proper high voltages to power the lamp and trigger the flashes.  An internal clock is used to produce self-generated flash pulses whose rate can be controlled at the front panel.

A push button switch can be used to manually trigger single pulses.  A two-position switch, when activated, will disengage the internal clock and enable the unit to accept a customer-supplied clock signal.

The unit also provides automatic shutoff when the safe maximum flash rate has been exceeded.