ProLux Enlarger Timer with Durst M670

Hey folks,

I'm currently using the Durst DES 100 exposure system with my Durst M670 enlarger. It has the timer unit, with power in / out box - and a power converter / transformer (I know little about these things) unit (TRA305N).

I'm not a fan of this system and would like to use a different timer I have with my M670. IThe timer is called the PROLUX Precision Digital Enlarger Timer PET 100. It has a mains plug and a standard female kettle plug port.

The Durst system uses a similar connector to what I know as kettle, but the two lower pins are rounded and would not fit the PROLUX unit. I don't know what these are called.

Thought 1 - I could rewire the Enlarger plug to a standard kettle plug to connect it to the PROLUX - which would then plug into the wall. Doing this would remove the converter / transformer from the circuit, so perhaps this would be problematic?

Thought 2 - I could (as above) rewire the Enlarger plug to standard kettle to connect to PROLUX, then could rewire the PROLUX mains plug into the rounded-pins connector which I removed from the enlarger, so I could then connect the PROLUX to the transformer(?) instead of directly to the mains.

Thought 3 - forget it and put up with the timer I don't like because I don't want to cause any damage when I've finally got my setup working..

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Do you have the users manual for the Prolux? Would that not show how it is to be connected to the enlarger?

ic-racer said:

Do you have the users manual for the Prolux? Would that not show how it is to be connected to the enlarger?

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I don't, I got a selection of second-hand equipment and it did not include a manual - nor can I find one online.

Mike Chalmers said:

I don't, I got a selection of second-hand equipment and it did not include a manual - nor can I find one online.

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Why change, you don't like the F-stop style timer control? Some people go to great lengths to have that. All my Durst and Omega timers are linear, so if the batteries in my pocket calculator are spent, I have to cancel my printing session.

ic-racer said:

Why change, you don't like the F-stop style timer control? Some people go to great lengths to have that. All my Durst and Omega timers are linear, so if the batteries in my pocket calculator are spent, I have to cancel my printing session.

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Two things - I learned on linear and that's my initial way of thinking but mainly the unit is not as tactile as I would like and I find the dial turning imprecise.

It's maybe something I could get used to over time, but I'm considering my options before I settle.

Hi, Mike
This is SunXun from China, I had a prolux timer befor. I used a PDU converter to connect it to my durst enlarger. It's cheap and convenient, hope you can find one from local retailer.

Thought 1 - I could rewire the Enlarger plug to a standard kettle plug to connect it to the PROLUX - which would then plug into the wall. Doing this would remove the converter / transformer from the circuit, so perhaps this would be problematic?

Thought 2 - I could (as above) rewire the Enlarger plug to standard kettle to connect to PROLUX, then could rewire the PROLUX mains plug into the rounded-pins connector which I removed from the enlarger, so I could then connect the PROLUX to the transformer(?) instead of directly to the mains.

Click to expand...

Neither !!

The transformer provides the enlarger with specific voltages 11V / 12V

#1 The prolux would be OK, but the enlarger would receive 220/230V instead of the expected 11/12V. Unpleasant consequences.

#2 The prolux would receive 11/12V instead of 220/230V. Probably will just not wake up.

What you want to do is
Mains -> Prolux -> Transformer -> Enlarger.
As concerns plug/socket types, as much as possible keep your modifications reversible. If a special plug becomes surplus, secure it with tape near its original location so you don't have to hunt it down in case...

Thanks guys, in the end I decided to figure out the f-stop timer and I've seen the light.