Nova clubmate questions

[clasbou]

Hello,
I recently bought a Nova clubmate processor, and am wondering about its usage :
1) How to use the washing tray : does the water has to enter into the big input at the top ( ), or into the small input at the bottom ( ) ?
=> in the first case, do I have to find a cork for the bottom pipe ?
=> in the latter case, what is the top pipe for ?

2) I tried to raise the processor once filled up with water and solution, but it's damn heavy, as I suspected. As I use it in my bathroom, I need to move it at the end of each session, so I guess I'll have to empty it, however I don't figure how to empty the water tanks, do I have to lean the processor to make water flow by the two holes on the side of the processor ( )?
Is there a easyest way of emptying the water tanks ?

3) I will empty the chemistry at the end of each session, but is it OK to leave the water in the tanks while moving it ? I read in some places that this could cause a strain problem that may affect the plastif walls of the tanks, is it when there is chemistry and no water, or the opposite, or both (I'm afraid the common sense tells me the last option is the good one) ?

Thanks for your help !

 

[bdial]

It looks similar to my Nova Quad.
If you need to be mobile, and only doing B&W I wouldn't worry about filling the water jacket. Unless you keep your house very cold the chem temperatures will be just fine. But yes, you do need to be careful about moving and lifting it when it's full. So I understand, it's not quite meant to deal with the dynamics of a moving load of water. Not sure about the need for the waterbath to support the slots, the slots don't contain all that much so I expect it's not a problem (I hope it's not, because right now my jacket is empty waiting on new seals for the heaters).

To empty the water jacket I remove the two plugs in the middle on the side and tip it to empty it from those holes then lift and do the rest from the fill holes on the top.

For washing, I think you're supposed to fill from the small tap and empty it from the large one on top. They sell a plumbing kit with an outlet hose and such for that. If you're in the U.S. you may well need that, as that fitting is apparently metric, I've not had good luck finding a hardware store compatible piece. I'm going to order the kit next time I order parts.

But I use my 4th slot as a second fix bath and wash my prints in separate washer, so I've not tried very hard to figure out using the slot for washing.
The other problem with using the slot for washing is that you can only hold one or two prints, I rarely have just one or two prints to wash at any one time.

If you have enough space you could put the processor on a microwave cart or something similar, then just roll it in and out leaving the chemistry in it. With the floating lids the developer lasts for a very long time, especially if you use one of the long-lived formulas like Liquidol or Ansco 130.

If you contact Nova on their website, they will answer you pretty quickly, BTW.

 

[cowanw]

You must not have part empty and part full. The walls are not built to stand the strain of pressure on one side only.

 

[Andrew4x5]

Regarding the washing slot, connect the tap hose to the small bottom connector, and connect the drain hose to the large top connector.

I strongly recommend that you don't move or tilt the processor if it contains any liquid. It is quite a complex and delicate device, with all its parts being glued together. If you move or tilt it, you risk cracking a wall joint between one of the slots and a water jacket.

I also recommend that you fill the water jackets to minimise stresses on the walls.

To drain the water jackets, use a thin tube and siphon out the water, or buy a small pump designed for fish tanks.

Given that you need to move it after each session, you should consider making a 'cradle' for it - i.e. a base plate with suitable handles - so that you can easily move it after you have fully drained it. As I said, it's quite delicate and it doesn't have any handles to make handling easier.

Cheers, Andrew

 

[Muihlinn]

flow enters from the bottom and exits from the top.
don't lift or move the processor when it's full of liquid, chances of screwing it tearing it apart everything are high.
having it in a cart is ok.
Don't turn on heaters without filling the water jacket up to the holes in the back, that will break the heaters

I should have the manual somewhere, send me a PM if you want a scan of it.

 

[clasbou]

Thanks all for your response, I will definitely drain all the slots and tanks.
I just realize that the tank plugs on the side were not provided when I bought the processor, I'll try to find some plastic pieces to replace it (maybe earplugs?).

 

[Muihlinn]

those are small plastic faucets inserted in a plastic tube which inserts into the rigid processor tubes. Nothing you can't find in the right store.
The faucets aren't necessary, but they're handy to manage replenishment.