Enlarger timer for a Devere 504

[Doc W]

I have a Devere 504 enlarger with the Universal Timer. The timer is ok, but I want to get one with more options, including a foot pedal and metronome function. It also has to be able to handle the 500W head. It would be nice if it could count up as well as down but this is not absoolutely essential (and please, let's not argue about my quirky tastes). I am going to purchase the adapter cable for the 504 so I can use any timer out there, so I am looking for suggestions. While I am at it, what is a "process timer"?

I have a I have a Kearsarge 301 which looks pretty good, although I would have to get the foot pedal to go with it. It also does not have a metronome function, but I can use it until I find something else, if necessary. Any opinions on these? Any suggestions for other timers? I hear that the Gralab 500 is agood option and not too expensive (I am on a budget).

 

[faberryman]

I have a Kearsage 301 and like it a lot. I also have an extra footswitch if you can't track one down otherwise. Just PM me.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

The Gralab 645 does everything on your list I think. Two switchable channels for different times. Two outputs (enlarger/safelight). Metronome. Counts up/down. Standard earphone jack type footswitch. Everything is done directly with mechanical push buttons too. I am not sure if it has a 500 watt capacity, so you would have to double check that. I don't think they are made anymore, but they show up on ebay all the time and it should cost well under $100, although now that you asked the question, a few people might be bidding against you....

I have two of the 645s and a Gralab 900. The 900 has more features, but all the programming makes it a bit of a pain to use, especially at first, although if you like to make complicated prints with lots of different burning a dodging steps, the 900 works well for that. The 645 is simplicity and capability. You might as well spend the few extra bucks to get one over a lesser model.

The Kearsarge is a good timer, but finding a footswitch is going to be a royal pain in the a@@. Also, the models of Kearsarge that have what you want cost some bucks. I tried to find one of the better Kearsarges a while back, but they are so few and far between, and cost so much when they show up, I just broke down and bought the 900.

Hope that helps.