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The ProcessMaster II is now expected towards the end of next month (June) and details are now available on our web site together with a pre-order facility. You can place an order now for despatch as soon as available; no funds will be debited until despatch.
The countdown now ticks the last 15 seconds, and there are over- and under-temperature warnings, and a probe-disconnected warning. These only activate if the program step calls for temperature compensation. If compensation is set and the step started with the probe disconnected, the timer runs at normal seconds speed.
The features and specification on the web page are correct as of today but may change slightly between now and product launch.
At one time, I had a Zone VI compensating developing timer. It was the worst piece of darkroom equipment I've ever had. It had to be fixed 4 times, and of course it took awhile for me to figure out that it was broken! So I'm happy that RH Designs is going to build a better one, right?
I have a Zone VI unit - bought new - that has been working fine for years (attached to wall). If they get tossed around, which mine did for a while, they could malfunction like any other electronic device. I like it's simplicity.
It's good to know of something to replace it, if needed.
Last edited by panastasia; 05-22-2008 at 08:05 AM.
I use stainless steel tanks - you mentioned holding the temperature probe on the outside with a blu-tak or tape arrangement (IIRC) - how effective is this in determining the temperature of the chemistry and therefore correctly compensating for time?
I use stainless steel tanks - you mentioned holding the temperature probe on the outside with a blu-tak or tape arrangement (IIRC) - how effective is this in determining the temperature of the chemistry and therefore correctly compensating for time?
Apologies for not getting to this sooner. I'd recommend using a water bath and placing the probe in that rather than attaching it to the tank. This is good practice anyway especially if you temper the chemicals in the bath as well prior to using them. Attaching the probe to the tank should work, but its effectiveness will depend on how good the contact between the probe and tank is, and how much insulation the attachment method provides. My first attempt with Blu-Tak failed miserably because I forgot that massaging the Blu-Tak before use heats it up significantly. The timer took off at high speed!
We're just putting the finishing touches to the product and I hope to ship the first batch this week. The User Manual will be on our web site in the next few days.
Apologies for not getting to this sooner. I'd recommend using a water bath and placing the probe in that rather than attaching it to the tank. This is good practice anyway especially if you temper the chemicals in the bath as well prior to using them. Attaching the probe to the tank should work, but its effectiveness will depend on how good the contact between the probe and tank is, and how much insulation the attachment method provides. My first attempt with Blu-Tak failed miserably because I forgot that massaging the Blu-Tak before use heats it up significantly. The timer took off at high speed!
We're just putting the finishing touches to the product and I hope to ship the first batch this week. The User Manual will be on our web site in the next few days.
I'll be buying one of these. Richard, have you had them made with the keyholes for wall mounting? Are the LEDs dim enough to be film-safe?
I'll be buying one of these. Richard, have you had them made with the keyholes for wall mounting? Are the LEDs dim enough to be film-safe?
No keyholes as standard, but we can add some if you want. The display should be OK provided the timer isn't next to your tray - I don't think there's enough light to bounce around significantly, but as I don't use sheet film I've not been able to test it. I'll ask Chris to do some experiments as he uses 5x4 now and then. Could you place the timer out of the way of the trays but where you can still see the display - on a shelf beneath your work surface for example? Come to think of it I loaded some rollfilm into a tank next to it last night and there's no evidence on the negs of any ill effects.
No keyholes as standard, but we can add some if you want. The display should be OK provided the timer isn't next to your tray - I don't think there's enough light to bounce around significantly, but as I don't use sheet film I've not been able to test it. I'll ask Chris to do some experiments as he uses 5x4 now and then. Could you place the timer out of the way of the trays but where you can still see the display - on a shelf beneath your work surface for example? Come to think of it I loaded some rollfilm into a tank next to it last night and there's no evidence on the negs of any ill effects.
I could experiment wit location but this will probably go next to an existing Zone VI Compensating Timer. It could go in place of it but I already have it so I'm sure I'll keep it for timing something...washing perhaps. Something that is going on at the same time.
FWIW, the volume of the beep and the illumination of the display are both adjustable on the Zone VI. Even dialed all the way down, I find the display on it too bright when my eyes are accustomed to the darkness. I have a gel I put over it then.
FWIW, the volume of the beep and the illumination of the display are both adjustable on the Zone VI. Even dialed all the way down, I find the display on it too bright when my eyes are accustomed to the darkness. I have a gel I put over it then.
We have two levels of brightness and the beep can be switched off but there's no volume control.
This may not be relevant but I have used the MkI version quite close to my 5 x 4 developing trays for some years without fogging film. Quite close is at eye level on the wall directly behind the tray in the wet bench which is just above waist level and about 30" from the timer.
Linear Mode
