Motorised Lab-Box

[drmoss_ca]

I ran into a problem with my motorised Rondinaxes, and I'm far too lazy to do things the old way anymore. Anyway, problem solved. I'll post these as links for those unafraid to see iPhone photos of the results!

http://drmoss.ca/Web Images/Motorised_Lab-Box 1.jpeg

http://drmoss.ca/Web Images/Motorised_Lab-Box 2.jpeg

Because the external dimensions of the Lab-Box are the same in both 120 and 35mm guise, one single mount will run it in either form. The tank lifts out when it's time to change solution, and as it slots back in the cogs re-engage and agitation at 30rpm resumes.I should probably buy another one of the motors and replace the old K'Nex motor that was driving the Rondinaxes:

http://drmoss.ca/Web Images/Motorised_Rondinax_35u.jpg

http://drmoss.ca/Web Images/Motorised_Rondinax_60.jpg

 

[Auer]

I thought about ordering another lid and making a permanent motor mod similar to what this guy did, but I would fabricate some brackets etc.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mel_buckpitt/50720246218/

I use the crank, it really isnt that bad as most times are fairly short when doing full rotation and I tilt it a little every minute too to avoid drag marks.

 

[Randy Stewart]

I thought about ordering another lid and making a permanent motor mod similar to what this guy did, but I would fabricate some brackets etc.


I use the crank, it really isnt that bad as most times are fairly short when doing full rotation and I tilt it a little every minute too to avoid drag marks.

If you motorize a Lab-Box and run continuously at 30 rpm, the very last thing you need to worry about is bromide drag. Fluid surging unevenly over the film surface may cause areas of uneven development and density, but tilting the box isn't going to deal with that either.. Lab-Box delayed distribution of the tank at the last moment and took a few months to redesign the 35mm reels, dropping the 35mm/120c collapsible design first planned. I suspect that this resulted from uneven development using the 35mm design. The replacement design added external tabs to the reel which seem to stir the solution and flush it into the reels. Lab-Box has always been non-transparent about its development and production of the tank, so this is just my guess based on analyzing the last-minute modifications.

 

[cvansas]

I have solved the problem with a 3d printed solution. Easy to assemble, easy to mount as it uses the profile on the wheel of the lab box for traction.
The device is only measuring 5x10x13cm and portable because of the AA battery pack implemented.

It can be downloaded for here for free: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6919853