Jobo ATL 1500 rotation jamming - suggestions?

I am new to Photrio, but not new to photography. I've been using an ATL 1500 for about 20 years. My machine behaves well except the tank rotation jams from time to time, which I 'fix' on the spot by nudging the tank. It means I have to stand by the machine throughout the process, listening out for the constant rotation, and intervene if I don't hear that rotation. Processing results haven't been affected but the problem has got worse and worse over recent months. Otherwise the machine works great. Any suggestions for lubrication or basic service that I can carry out? Also any suggestions for service on these machines? I could ship it within Europe if need be.

I do not have experience with the ATL 1500, only the PPE2. So no suggestions.

Give these people a call.


US Jobo service, they refurbish old machines.

Check your rotation gear. These should be replaced on a regular basis.

This is not the ATL 1500 gear, but is similar. At the least, pull the gear and check for wear and lubricate it. Check with Catlabs for details.

Wow, thanks all. I was aware of Catlabs but never realised they are clearly the go-to on Jobo. I will reach out to them.

You could also contact JOBO directly. Sometimes it can be an easy fix doable by the owner himself.

Best regards,
Henning

Thanks Henning. I've emailed Jobo in Germany previously without any response. I might give them a call.

I wanted to follow up on this thread for 'the record'. My Jobo ATL1500 is back working perfectly. Today I was able to run some film, and confidently go off for lunch without worry!

Through a series of conversations & online thread research I found out that one of the two motors in the ATL 1500 had worn brushes. Makes sense after 25 years in service. A mechanically minded friend of a friend verified the issue after online research indicated the rotation motor itself might have caused the jamming issue.

Two things happened then. The mechanical-minded guy identified the correct replacement brushes and I bought them online. Simultaneously I went on a search for a replacement motor itself. I found a source and purchased two box fresh motors. I also had the brushes changed in the worn motor which subsequently worked perfectly. However a new motor was swapped in, with the other serving as a future backup.

Fwiw the motor is a Bosch made windshield wiper motor. Apparently both motors (rotation / lift functions) in the Jobo ATL 1500 are the same Bosch motor. It hasn't been made since the 90's so don't count on them being readily available, although the mechanical guy told me that electric motors are actually very simple devices in essence and quite serviceable if needed. Certainly replacing the brushes did the trick.

Bosch Motor Part No. 0 390 206 692

Thanks for following up and providing these details! Great to hear your ATL is working again!