f/stop timers: Darkroom Automation or RH Designs?

[wrench]

So my timer finally kicked the bucket, and I've decided that if I'm going to buy a new one, I'm gonna bite the bullet and get an f/stop timer. The trouble is, I'm not sure which to get. From what I can tell, I have two options: RH designs stopclock pro, and Darkroom automation.
Aside from the obvious difference in user interface, are they substantially different in function? I can't really tell from the manuals.
I'm also confused about installation with the RH designs. If I'm reading the manual correctly, I have to drill a hole in the lamp housing and insert some sort of sensor. I would really rather not be using power tools on my enlarger. Do I also need some sort of plug adapter since it's a UK product?
The enlarger I have is a bessler 23dga dichroic color head, and circuitry is definitely not my strong suit. Can I just plug either of these timers into the power supply like I did with my old one or is there some special way that I would have to connect them.
Sorry if some of these questions seem ignorant, I just really have no idea about these things and I'd rather not bust something for lack of knowledge on how to go about using it. Thanks for your help.
Best, Laura

[Mahler_one]

The DA timer is simplicity itself. Plug the power cord of the enlarger into the timer, the timer into the surge suppressor, and away you go. One can also plug a foot switch into the timer and have complete functionality. I don't believe the RHD timer needs any special wiring into your enlarger, but best ask someone who really knows. Might I suggest that you read the manual again?

Both products are great, and work well. I have no experience with the RHD products, but those who do speak well of the unit, and Dr. Ross who represents the company elegantly and with honesty. Nicholas Lindan runs the DA shop, and is similarly helpful, honest, and easy to deal with. You wouldn't go wrong with either unit. The RHD unit times intervals in, I believe 1/12th F stops, and the DA in 1/10th F stops...not sure such matters at all. There are some other differences; such differences have been discussed almost ad nauseum here. I think if you do an APUG search that you will likely find out more then you ever want to know!

I use the DA timer, and I would never go back to a conventional timer that did not use the FStop method.

Best of luck.

[mwdake]

You can view the manual for the RH Designs stopclock at the RH Designs website.

http://www.rhdesigns.co.uk/

I am pretty sure they make a 110 volt version.

Richard Ross is a pleasure to deal with, he sometimes posts here so he may well answer your questions. If not contact him via his website.

Sorry, I don't have any experience with the DA Products but heard many good things also.

[wrench]

Thank you for the suggestions.
I did a few searches about these timers, but I couldn't really find anything directly comparing the two, and after lots of reading praises for both, I was even more confused.
I did go back and read the RH manual. It turns out that the pdf layout is a bit weird and the drilling part only applies to the vario version for cold light heads. So, that clears up that problem.

[Saganich]

I'm also confused about installation with the RH designs. If I'm reading the manual correctly, I have to drill a hole in the lamp housing and insert some sort of sensor.

This is the stopclock vario which requires the installation of a sensor to compensate for variability in the output from cold light sources. I use one and it is brilliant. I don't think it is the stopclock version you would be interested in. I would recommend the Stopclock Pro, or the Analyzer Pro. The analyzer it by far the most useful thing I ever purchased for my set-up.

[Stefan Findel]

I have the StopClock Pro and the Process Master II. I love both! The Stop Clock has quite a few features, a bit confusing at first, but once you use them regularly, they become 2nd nature. And yes, Richard is very nice to deal with. I am not really happy with the foot switch, a bit thick and too short a cable (ca 5').
But wait... These are digital, not analog. Maybe I better not post this...

[waileong]

I have the stopclock pro. 110v definitely available. No drilling required. The timer has power points for you to plug in your enlarger power plug, so that it can turn on/off your enlarger lamp according to the calculated timing.

[edtbjon]

The specific RH Designs timer that you've been looking at has a feature which is used for cold light (flourecent light) heads, where the light output isn't stable at startup. You don't need this feature, so the Stopclock Vario isn't the timer you need. Nor do you need to drill any holes in your (enlarger) head.
The Stopclock Pro is connected to the enlarger just as any other darkroom timer. Just see to that you order the 110V version. Apart from that just get the adaptors needed so that you can plug it in (according to the FAQ on the RHDesigns page).

//Björn

[Jerevan]

I am not really happy with the foot switch, a bit thick and too short a cable (ca 5').

Yes, I thought so, too. But you can buy an extension cable on the RHD site. Or, I think it is a standard stereo plug, so it may be possible to get one more locally. But don't quote me on this, I've not tested.

[RH Designs]

I did go back and read the RH manual. It turns out that the pdf layout is a bit weird

It's designed to be downloaded and printed out, making a booklet, rather than reading on-line. Maybe I should add an on-line-readable version as well?

As others have said you don't need to modify your dichroic head. The StopClock has a finest resolution of 1/24 stop.