Jobo ATL-3

I would appreciate any advice the APUG community could give me on the potential purchase of a JOBO ATL-3. There is one on eBay now for just under $500 that is local pick-up only (Phoenix area) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140138880978)

I am currently trying to find a Jobo, preferably a table top CPP or CPE unit, so I can do my own E6 processing in bursty, but overall low volume. The eBay price on those is pretty close to the ATL-3. After looking in the APUG archives, LF archives, etc there are a few things about the ATL-3 that make me a bit nervous. First, it would have to go in my garage given its size. The h/c water hookups are not a problem but I am concerned about what being in a garage in Phoenix in the summer will do to E6 chemistry and to the unit as a whole. Second, the ATL-3 does not appear at all to be meant for a hobbiest, let alone being consumer maintainable and serviceable. How much maintenance does it require to continue operating properly. Finally, the lack of parts appears to be one of the downsides mentioned.

Does anyone have experience with the ATL-3? If so, can you provide some insight on my concerns?

Thank you for any advice you can offer.

Rob

If you don't get a response here, I think that John Sexton uses this Jobo (at least the last that I recall). You might try contacting him.

Your concerns about chemistry would appear to be valid...given the heat in Phoenix.

The ATL 3 or 3000 is a very large machine. I just purchased one from a lab that closed and it dwarfs my Jobo 2300. The 3000 is certainly not intended for hobby processing, although it could be used as such. The ATL 3000 I have, an updated version of the ATL3 with a head that looks like the modern 2300, has a massive chemical system of 10 x 15 liter plastic "jerrycans" that can be used for new and recycled chemistry in addition to the 2 banks of (what I believe is ) 2 liter bottles on top of the machine.

Just setting up running and cleaning the machine should take in the vicinity of 3 hours (if done properly) and all that for a couple of rolls of slides? This machine wants LOTS of film and LOTS of chemistry and to run hours a day...

My 2300 is bad enough, but I don't have to contend with flushing replenishment pumps and huge chemical containers.

My 2 cents.

It sounds like this would be using the proverbial pile driver to crack a walnut. Looks to me like waiting for the right price more of a hobbiest unit is the right answer.

Thank you for your responses.