Metrolux Newbie Issues

I'm arranging my darkroom to handle a second enlarger (a dichro and condenser 23CII's). I impulsively bought a MetroluxII off the auction site with a quick load of my sniper software, remembering the unit as one of my choices when I was researching and thinking about it a while back. It arrived today and I was attempting to get it running tonight. I now found out that the probe is no longer being produced so I resigned myself to simple use of the Metrolux as a timer for now. The hookup seems simple enough and I simply took the Beseler plug that my trusty old Gralab 300 runs it from and plugged it into the enlarger plug on the Metrolux. The enlarger seems to not be reacting to any of the directives from the timer. I've moved it to the timer function (I've got the instructions) but the focus and time buttons don't trigger the enlarger. Am I doing something obvious that you can think of? The timer seems to be counting down and the lights indicate function but the enlarger isn't reacting.

Another thing that dawned on me when rigging it up is that I don't have an automatic safelight switch that I'm accustomed to on the old Gralab. I like having the room go dark when I'm dodging/burning, etc. The http://www.meteredlight.com web site just shows as under construction so I'm hoping someone has some tips for me.

Well, is the enlarger switched on and the bulb working when you plug it directly into the wall, rather than through the timer?

Yes, everything is functioning correctly through the Gralab. When I plug into the Metrolux, even though I feel like I'm operating the Metrolux correctly, the enlarger doesn't respond. I was just wondering if I'm not seeing something obvious on my initial trials here.

plug a radio or a normal light bulb into the back of the metrolux and tell us what it does when you hit the focus button. How about that?

It wouldn't turn a normal light on either.... I imagine there's a relay or draw switch in the Metrolux that must not be working. When first fumbling with this, I was first assuming that I simply wasn't running it correctly or had assumed something wrong. I got it from Calumet from one of their auctions, so I'll try working back through them on it. I was just hopeful that I was simply not doing something correctly.

You might want to try to troubleshoot it first - just to avoid a three month warranty repair or what-have-you. Or try to get a friend who's handy with that kind of thing to do that if you're not comfortable. You might want to check all your settings per the manual first though! It's a pretty simple relay circuit which controls the flow of juice to the outlet.

They're pretty simple inside. I tore mine apart and custom-wired everything (not too exotic - just hard-wired the heater element to be on whenever the metro's plugged in).

I assume your comment about "the probe" refers to the light integration probe. In that regards, I point your attention to the following link:

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/MT1005/

Although it's called an Arista Metrolux probe, it will work for cold light and tungsten light sources from any enlarger.

I have a Metrolux two and find it works great with my twenty year old Vivitar 6x6 and my sixty year old Kodak 4x5 enlargers.

K.

Thanks. I'm not using a cold light any more but it's good to know they're available if I go back to one. I was interested in the easel probe but have a decent analyser that I can use and am accustomed to but won't be integrated with the timer (which maybe doesn't work and will go back!). This unit:

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/MT1030/

is the one I had in mind. When I read the auction listing more thoroughly (after buying the unit!), I noticed that Calumet stated that this is no longer being made but their web site listing (above link) shows it overdue from vendor.

All the parts for MetroLux II are still made, at least for awhile. There are probes, baseboard probes (MRS), and MetroLuxes (MetroLuxi?). Anyway, parts and repairs are available. If Calumet can't help you, you can call the factory and leave a message at 415.452.9923. If that doesn't work, I can help. I have good connections with this group.

If the switched output is not working, it could be that the previous owner blew the fuse. There are two fuses in a MetroLux, one for the electonics and one for the switched output. I don't recommend you fixing it yourself unless you are very knowledgeable with electronics. It is not 'user serviceable'. It is soldered in.

There is no switched output for a safelight. This makes the unit OFF when it is off and it doesn't have safelight power running through it. If you want this feature, I'd recommend you make a relay box to do it or rearrange your safelights so they are not so bright on your easel. I did the latter.

Let me know if I can help.

--LG--

I have a metrolux II also and if I can help I will try also.

lee\c