I'm planning to upgrade from my CPE2+ to either a CPA2 or CPP2 so I can use the Expert drums, but as I primarily use the Jobo for E6 and C41 processing, temperature stability is something I'd like to maximize, where possible. My CPE2+, to which I've added an aquarium pump for water circulation, does pretty good in that regard—I'd estimate it exhibits about +/- 0.5 deg. C of hysteresis when processing, meaning: if the dial setting produces an average water temperature of 38 deg. C, the heating element will turn on if the water drops below 37.5 and turn off if it exceeds 38.5. I use a digital reference thermometer with a pt100 probe to confirm temperature accuracy within +/- 0.1 deg. C before starting a processing run, so the accuracy of the
dials on the unit isn't really a concern for me (i.e., if the Jobo dials have to be set to 37 degrees to produce a water temperature that I know from external measurement is 38 degrees, that little hiccup isn't a big deal to me). Rather, my interest is in how the CPA2 and CPP2 compare in terms of the narrowness of their respective hysteresis bands.
I've dug through about 20 years of forum posts on here and a couple other sites, and although the general consensus seems to be that the temperature control system on the CPP2 is more advanced, it's not always clear which aspect of the system is being praised (e.g., "user convenience," "dial accuracy," "temperature stability," etc.). Interestingly, the Jobo FAQ on the Catlabs
site seems to indicate that the CPA2 and CPP2 perform identically in terms of hysteresis. Specifically, of the CPA2 (and CPE2, for that matter), it says: "
Though the [analog] dial itself is not very precise, the thermostat is accurate up to 0.1C. The system is designed to be used with a trusted thermometer, such as the Jobo #3321 process thermometer... The temp is set against the thermometer reading, and the dial is adjusted as needed. Once the desired temperature is attained, the machine will hold it within 0.1C."
And of the CPP2, it says essentially the same thing: "
This system is also accurate to 0.1C. Because the [LED] readout displays the actual temperature, there is no need for an auxiliary thermometer."
The +/- 0.1 deg. C hysteresis claim contradicts my experience with my CPE2+, so I'm wondering what users of the CPA2 and/or CPP2 would say about their machines. How narrow are their respective hysteresis bands (particularly in the region of 38 deg. C), and do you think one model is noticeably better than the other in that regard? I realize there are other considerations to make when choosing one of these units (e.g., need for a cold-water solenoid, motor upgrade type, etc.), but I'm specifically hoping for feedback regarding the issue of temperature stability. Thanks in advance for sharing your insight.