RH Designs Stopclock - Firmware upgrade?

[klownshed]

I've recently acquired a used Stopclock professional. It has firmware v7.3

The manual I've downloaded is for firmware 8.5.

Is it worth upgrading my firmware? I've read something about the split grade mode being different, but as I've not used the stopclock much yet (just a quick test print to make sure everything works!) I'm not sure what difference the new features would make to me.

Thanks.

 

[klownshed]

Oh, and a long shot... does anybody have a PDF copy of the manual for firmware v7.3?

TIA

 

[bdial]

Hard for me to say wether it's worth it, the older firmware has been fine for me.

Sent you a p.m.

 

[tih]

Sounds like you're getting a manual from bdial, but I would assume that the selection of manuals available for download from RH Designs is intended to sufficiently cover the various versions that are out there:

http://www.rhdesigns.co.uk/darkroom/html/user_manuals.html

 

[klownshed]

Thanks.

Yes I've checked RHDesigns' site. It has a manual for the stopcock pro but it's for v8.5 of the firmware. My stopclock had v7.3.

From what I've read, the latest firmware has improvements for split channel mode and zone master improvements.

So far, I've been happy with split channel mode as it is. I'm not 100% sure how I'd benefit from an upgrade.

And whilst I was also lucky enough that my stop clock came with a zone master ii, I don't think the zone master will get an awful lot of use (at least not connected to the SC; I do use it to quickly check the contrast range sometimes) as I can't see how it can help much with split grade printing. I like test strips! So the improved zone master functionaty isn't really of interest either...

So I think I've talked myself out of upgrading the firmware, at least for now.

But I must say that the Stopcllock is a fantastic bit of kit! I would put it at the top of my essentials list!

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Hard for me to say wether it's worth it, the older firmware has been fine for me.

Sent you a p.m.

I had my StopClockIIfirmware customized to increment in 1/12th stop around 16s for f/stop printing for which I prefer 1/3,1/6 and 1/12 stop increments.It's my main tool in the darkroom and gets a workout every day;a brilliant tool!

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Ralph,

I thought you had stopped darkroom printing?

Tom

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Ralph,

I thought you had stopped darkroom printing?

Tom

You can take Ralph out of the darkroom,but you can't take the darkroom...

 

[Henry Alive]

You can take Ralph out of the darkroom,but you can't take the darkroom...

Thank you, Ralph. Here, in Apug, all of us are happy to hear your answer.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Thank you, Ralph. Here, in Apug, all of us are happy to hear your answer.

Who knows? Mabe one day, They come up with an inkjet ink that smells like fixer

 

[naaldvoerder]

It's my main tool in the darkroom and gets a workout every day;a brilliant tool!

This is good news!

 

[PeterB]

You can take Ralph out of the darkroom,but you can't take the darkroom...

Kodak didn't formulate D-76 (back in 1927), they discovered it in the veins of Ralph's father who obviously passed down the gene. It is synthesized today in their factory, but they are secretly working on genetically modifying the humble snail to secrete a stock concentration in its mucus. Gastropods chosen for their ability to thrive in most places of the world, thus making B&W photography more accessible to the masses.

 

[Ai Print]

I have a Stopclock Pro and a Stopclock Vario, how do I check what firmware version I have?

 

[miha]

I have a Stopclock Pro and a Stopclock Vario, how do I check what firmware version I have?

It shows up for a moment when you switch on the unit.

 

[MattKing]

Has anyone asked SDS, the current manufacturers of the products?

 

[klownshed]

I've not asked them directly but can't find the firmware upgrades on their site.

The firmware update page on RH designs' site still shows it but theres no way of purchasing it there now that SDS have taken over sales.

I think I'm happy enough with 7.3 for now though and often don't bother using split mode when split grade printing anyway,

The first couple of times I used the stopcock for split grade printing I forgot there was a split grade mode; I just used each channel independently and it worked fine. I haven't yet found a need to link the channels.

I am probably using it 'wrong' but it works for me so far!

 

[bdial]

As I recall, when SDS took over for selling, firmware upgrades were to be available from them as well. Also, as I recall, the purchase mechanism was always send an email. Note that the upgrade is an EPROM chip, and you open the case and swap it for the old one.