New JOBO CPP2 w/Lift

[robertarthur]

I am getting a new CPP2. Does anyone have any tips/warnings about setting it up or using it? I will be doing 2 1/4 and 4x5 film and printing - all b&W with it. I have not been in the darkroom for any extended period of time since college (25 plus years ago!). I am excited and scared all at the same time. Thanks in advance.

 

[lee]

when using the lift help it along with the other hand under the tank for support and help. Good luck.

lee\c

 

[robertarthur]

Will do and thank you.

 

[jeroldharter]

Get the expert drums for 4x5 film. More than one if you can afford it. Very expensive but convenient.

Use the little plastic wedges and level to make sure that it is level front to back and side to side after your fill it with water.

Drain it after using it so that muck does not accumulate in the inaccessible bottom area.

When lowering the drum, time it so that the cog is shifting directions to avoid the loud clicking noise.

Be careful if you have the unit on and then try to load negatives in the drums because the light from the unit might fog the film. I always cover mine so that no light gets out.

It uses a lot of sink space. Consider a cart with casters.

 

[galyons]

Congrats! The CPP2 is a great tool! You say it is new. Is it new, of recent manufacture, that is with the latest motor and control board? If so, get expert drums as you can afford. If not, check the serial number as the older motors really can't handle the load of a loaded expert drum. The 4x5 tank and reels work very well, also. I used them for quite a while with the CPE2 before getting my CPP2.

Just some clarifications. Level before you fill with water. IMO, there is no need to worry about the control panel lights, unless you are loading near, they are designed not to fog paper. I have never had an issue with B&W film, but I am loading the drum on the dry side.

Where are you located?

Cheers,
Geary

 

[Ed Sukach]

Use the little plastic wedges and level to make sure that it is level front to back and side to side after your fill it with water.

I've heard about the "necessity for this "side to side" levelling before - and I'll ask again: Why?

The last time I looked ALL the JOBO tanks were cylindrical - so why - and HOW do you level a cylindrical tank "side to side"?

You ARE levelling the TANK longitudinally and not the apron of the machine - aren't you?

 

[Keith Tapscott.]

I've heard about the "necessity for this "side to side" levelling before - and I'll ask again: Why?

The last time I looked ALL the JOBO tanks were cylindrical - so why - and HOW do you level a cylindrical tank "side to side"?

You ARE levelling the TANK longitudinally and not the apron of the machine - aren't you?

Your processor should come supplied with two plastic wedges and a small spirit level which you can place on top of the lift, making sure the bubble is in the centre. Making sure the processor is level helps to prevent any risk of insufficient film/papar coverage if using the `minimum recommended` volume of processing chemical solutions.

 

[wilsonneal]

that is with the latest motor and control board? If so, get expert drums as you can afford. If not, check the serial number as the older motors really can't handle the load of a loaded expert drum.

How can you tell from the serial number what vintage it is? I am looking at a used one and want to make sure it will handle a loaded 3005 drum.

Thanks
Neal

 

[Ed Sukach]

Your processor should come supplied with two plastic wedges and a small spirit level which you can place on top of the lift, making sure the bubble is in the centre. Making sure the processor is level helps to prevent any risk of insufficient film/papar coverage if using the `minimum recommended` volume of processing chemical solutions.

My processor *DID* come with the two plastic wedges... I had to buy the spirit level separately... some ten - fiteen years ago.

"Place the spirit level on top of the lift"??

The INSTRUCTIONS - remember them - specifically call for levelling the tank, not the apron of the machine, or the lift. What is important for coverage is the level of the solutions in the tank, and nowhere else.

I'm still trying to figure out - and wondering - how this side to side business ever got started.

 

[galyons]

How can you tell from the serial number what vintage it is? I am looking at a used one and want to make sure it will handle a loaded 3005 drum.

Thanks
Neal

From the "old" jobo site:
There are times when you might want to consider having the Rotation Motor Circuit upgraded in your CPP-2 or CPA-2 Motor Unit. The strength of the circuit depends upon the manufacturing date of your processor. Newer systems like the 3000 series EXPERT Drums, have necessitated the need for increased strength in the Rotation Motor Circuit. You may want to consider upgrading the Rotation Motor Circuit if you experience the rotation speed of the tank or drum being sluggish or seem to struggle with heavier loads. The 3000 series EXPERT Drums create the heaviest possible load for the rotation motor circuit.

The following information will help you know where your unit fits within the range of all of the rotation motor modification upgrades.

From the list below, find which version of motor circuit you have:

Beginning production of the CPP and CPA began with a single bearing rotation motor.

CPP Serial # ARXXXX - 10593

CPA Serial # ARXXXX - 10312

1st Upgrade: Changed single bearing rotation motor to a double bearing rotation motor.

CPP Serial # 10594 - 20455

CPA Serial # 10313 - 13309

2nd Upgrade: Strengthened the rotation motor circuit to accommodate larger loads, i.e. 3000 Drums.

CPP Serial # 20456 - 21999

CPA Serial # 13310 - 21999

3rd Upgrade: Changed to a stronger rotation motor (same as used in the ATL's) and strengthened the rotation motor circuit to accommodate the stronger motor.

CPP Serial # 22000 - present

CPA Serial # 22000 - present



Cheers,
Geary

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Anyone have an idea how much this motor upgrade costs?

 

[galyons]

Anyone have an idea how much this motor upgrade costs?

To bring, (DIY), a unit up to latest spec ran about $800 for parts and shipping. This would be a for CPP2, CPA a little less.

Cheers,
Geary

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

To bring, (DIY), a unit up to latest spec ran about $800 for parts and shipping. This would be a for CPP2, CPA a little less.

Cheers,
Geary

OUCH.

 

[pelerin]

OUCH.

See:
Dead Link Removed

It is probably more cost effective to buy a used unit with a late serial #.
Celac.

 

[jeroldharter]

Ed,

I get your point about leveling the cylindrical drum side to side. I agree that front to back is all that really matters.

I was trying to emphasize the importance of levelling the drum. Sometimes my lift does not go all the way down without a little nudge. Sometimes when changing out different drum sizes I forget to reposition the rollers and the roller is on the narrow edge at the bottom of the drum setting the drum off level. If the water level is too high in the upper compartment the drum might float. I usually check it both ways so that I don't absent-mindedly miss something.

 

[wilsonneal]

I am looking at two different CPPs on the used market. One turns out to have the double bearing rotation motor, which is the first upgrade. Is anyone out there successfully using a 3000 series drum on this vintage CPP?

Thanks
Neal

 

[davetravis]

Ain't this a great group!
Robert,
I verify the temp controls with a darkroom thermometer poked next to a bottle after all are in.
Use a small level to place on the drum/tank itself, after filled with water, and rotating in the bath, adjust to near perfect. (a little extra chems will compensate for not being 100 % perfect...)
Pay attention to the "height" of the drum/tank in the bath, make sure it don't "float" during the spin.
Good luck, and welcome back to the darkside!
DT

 

[keffs]

I am getting a new CPP2....

Where are you getting it from. I am trying to get one, but with not much luck.

Steve

 

[robertarthur]

Thanks everyone for such great resposnes!