Ilford Multigrade 500h Help - Left light no longer turns on!

forgetmenot777 · Sep 1, 2020

Hello, I have an Ilford Multigrade system on a de vere 504, with an RH Designs analyser pro timer.

Earlier today I went to print and just as I turned on the focus the left hand bulb blew. I replaced the bulb with a new one, but now the left hand light in the head of the enlarger doesn't turn on at all! and I'm at a complete loss as to what to do.

I have tested the bulb in the right hand side, and it definitely works.

I have tried a separate power supply (500s, as I have a spare), and it is the same.

I've also tried the ilford timer instead of the analyser pro, and that too doesn't make any difference - basically only the magenta light (the right hand side) turns on. The left hand light which normally gives the yellow light, won't turn on at all.

I have no idea what the problem might be, or how to repair it, and am quite upset as I use the enlarger a lot.

does anyone know what the problem might be? any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

fabrice pejout · Sep 1, 2020

Hello,
on my 500 head, there a spike on the upper left of the door witch press on a contact blade through a small hole when closed.
sometimes the pin don't press enought the contact and only one bulb fires
I fixed that with a taped piece of plastic pressing the contact permanently so the bulbs can be lighten even when the door is open.

forgetmenot777 · Sep 1, 2020

Hello, thanks for your quick reply, I have read about that switch/pin, but my head doesnt have it, it must be an older version. BUT, i just had another look and tried to clean the ceramic bulb holder again and have managed to get it working! i think it was either some dirt causing a bad contact or that I was not pushing the new bulb into the holder far enough. So its all ok now thank goodness, and fingers crossed. Thanks again!

MattKing · Sep 1, 2020

The bulb holders in these light sources do need to be cleaned from time to time and sometimes wear out and require replacement.

forgetmenot777 · Sep 1, 2020

yes for sure i can see that now, and will definitely pay more attention to making sure the bulb holders are clean in the future. In case anyone else runs into problems with the bulb holders on the 500h head, Ive just been given the contract details of Peter Glen, who apparently can provide repairs and/or parts for the 500h head/the ceramic bulb holders etc if necessary. He can be found at: Advena Sales & Service Ltd, 220 Hastings RoadBromleyKentBR2 8QH Tel/Fax 01689 880298 email advenasales@btconnect.com

AgX · Sep 1, 2020

A bulb "blowing" means an extraordinary high current on the wiring. So some contact may have burned to the extent of building much too high resistance now.
This is best explanation I can offer..

Lachlan Young · Sep 1, 2020

forgetmenot777 said:
yes for sure i can see that now, and will definitely pay more attention to making sure the bulb holders are clean in the future. In case anyone else runs into problems with the bulb holders on the 500h head, Ive just been given the contract details of Peter Glen, who apparently can provide repairs and/or parts for the 500h head/the ceramic bulb holders etc if necessary. He can be found at: Advena Sales & Service Ltd, 220 Hastings RoadBromleyKentBR2 8QH Tel/Fax 01689 880298 email advenasales@btconnect.com

According to Companies House, Advena have been defunct since 2015 - Odyssey De Vere are your best best for the lamp holders, though they are/ were actually apparently a fairly standard part - a QHV-1 socket or holder I recall.

forgetmenot777 · Sep 2, 2020

Lachlan Young said:
According to Companies House, Advena have been defunct since 2015 - Odyssey De Vere are your best best for the lamp holders, though they are/ were actually apparently a fairly standard part - a QHV-1 socket or holder I recall.

thanks for the information, ill definitely remember that for the future

youngrichard · Sep 5, 2020

This is my dread - every time I fire up my 500H head I wonder what I will do when the fans fail? How many hours have they already run, what is their life span?
Like the above poster I took the precaution of buying a spare head some years ago, and have plenty of spare bulbs. Hope they will see me out!
Richard

MattKing · Sep 5, 2020

I have a friend who replaced the fans in his 500 series head - it was some work, but I don't think he found it particularly difficult.
And I've heard of people who moved the fans outside of the head all toghether.

Ilford Multigrade 500h Help - Left light no longer turns on!

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Ilford Multigrade 500h Help - Left light no longer turns on!

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