Aristo Cold Light buzzing noise?

[Christopher Colley]

Greetings!

I am using an Aristo Cold Light enlarging unit equipped with a v-54 bulb on an Omega D-II. Every once and a while when turned on the unit will make a slight buzzing noise, or vibrating type noise, if I tap the side of the unit it stops, only to return when the light cycles off then back on again. This will go on for 1 session every few months or so. It is not the heater as I have heard the noise with the heater unplugged and the noise only happens with the lightsource turned on and never when its off.

Is this an omen of something to come? I received this item used and have no idea how old it is, I have owned it for nearly 1 year.

 

[eumenius]

Sounds like 50-60 Hertz? It can be a transformer that got loose in the case, so it's usually easy to fasten it back by tightening the screws or to place some piece of pencil eraser underneath to stop vibrations.

 

[Jon Shiu]

You might try turning the light bulb on for half an hour before you plan to print. Worked soemtimes with an old aristo at school.

Jon

 

[Richard T Ritter]

Try reversing the plug. This sometimes works. Other then that the transformer is either cold and it will go away as it warms up or it going bad. If it gets too bad it will shack the enlarger head.

 

[RAP]

Mine occasionally does the same thing, but it does it after it has warmed up, very unnerving.

If it is as old as mine, 25 years, it may be time for a new one. They are not too expensive, 250 to 300.00 from Calumet.

 

[removed account4]

why don't you call aristo-grid and ask for rick.
he is the guy there that knows everything about
the cold light heads -

http://www.aristogrid.com/

good luck!

john

 

[Christopher Colley]

thanks everyone