Solution for dim lamp on an Eseco Speedmatic head?

[Arcturus]

Hi, I'm a long time visitor to this forum, but this is my first post here. I'm setting up my first darkroom and recently acquired an Omega D5 with an Eseco Speedmatic Compucolor DLS C dichroic head. Everything seems to boot up and operate as intended, but the lamp seems very dim. It's a 250w 24v halogen bulb, but it's so dim I can look right at the filament and it produces an amber light. I replaced the bulb with a new one of the same type but it is still has the same problem. The fuses all check out and there doesn't seem to be any problems elsewhere. Does anyone know anything about this system? I can't find any options to turn up the brightness, maybe it had the wrong bulb when I got it? I can't find any info about what sort of bulbs this head takes, can that be determined by the power supply maybe?

 

[Arcturus]

Hmm, Freestyle's bulb list says to use an ELC bulb, which is what I have. Is the bulb just supposed to be dim?

 

[ic-racer]

Call Eseco at Customer Support Hotline (800) 331-5904. I called a few weeks ago asking about their (there was a url link here which no longer exists) and a representative answered my questions right away.

 

[Arcturus]

Thanks, I'll give them a call! I didn't even know they were still in business.

 

[Arcturus]

The guy at Eseco confirmed that I have the right bulb, but he didn't give much more info. He did say that it should brighten up when set to expose, but it just stays dim. Are there any common issues with enlargers that would cause the light to be dim? The fuses work, but would buying new ones make a difference?

 

[bdial]

Do you have a way to measure the voltage to the lamp? A 250 bulb should be bright enough that you can't look at it comfortably.
With my enlarger (not an Eseco) a bad power supply was the culprit.

 

[Arcturus]

I'll pick up a volt meter and check it out.

 

[Arcturus]

I tested the lamp voltage and the first thing I discovered was my multimeter was broken. So I can't test it yet, but I strongly suspect it's the power supply. Unless the signal to go bright isn't making it to the head. The fan powers up and the shutter opens when set to expose, just the lamp stays dim. Can you mix and match a power supply? I can't find an Eseco brand power supply but there are other ones for Omega dichroic heads that look like they would work with the Eseco gear. Can this be done?

 

[ic-racer]

Can you get a schematic from them?

 

[Arcturus]

Well, I finally got a working multimeter and it looks like less than 3 volts are going to the lamp, both in standby and expose. So I guess the power supply is shot. The guy at Eseco didn't offer any advice, in fact it sounded like I woke him up when I called. So is it possible to get a replacement power supply from another manufacturer, or should I just shelf the whole system and start looking for a new head? It'd be a shame to have to give up on it, it's a very nice setup.

EDIT: I found this, any opinions if this would work? Dead Link Removed

 

[Ian C]

I looked at the listing for the LPL power supply at B&H (It looks like the same one as shown in the Adorama link). I believe that model is intended to power a 100 watt/12volt lamp on the LPL 670 and C6700 series dichroic lamp houses, so no, this probably won’t work on the Esco with its 250 watt/24 volt ELC lamp.

You could use the Omega Standard Power Supply #412-021 intended for the Omega D Dichro II Lamphouse. It is a 300 watt 120v to 22.5V step-down transformer intended to power the ELC lamp at a 6.25% voltage reduction (supposed to prolong the lamp life) in the Dichro II head. These can be found on eBay for reasonable prices. Wiring it to work with the Esco system in its original manner might be challenging.

You could certainly wire the lamp circuit of the head directly to that of the Omega power supply using an external timer. You’d also have to provide the cooling fan in the head with 120 volt current (I’m assuming that Esco provides a fan). You’d also need the Omega #404-841 Solid State Voltage Stabilizer or a 120 volt line stabilizer of sufficient power rating for color work. (Note: the Omega 75 voltage stabilizer is far too weak for a power supply of this size). The voltage stabilizer isn’t needed for B&W enlarging.

A simpler alternative is to look for an Omega D Dichro II head and power supply (and voltage stabilizer if you intend on color enlarging). These can be found on eBay for reasonable prices.

It would be great if you could find a technician that could repair your unit, but that might be tough to find.

 

[ic-racer]

So is it possible to get a replacement power supply from another manufacturer,

Can't answer that without knowing more about what you have. You first post indicates you have the Compucolor head. Does everything power up OK? Does the digital control pad work? Does the existing power supply you have now indicate anything about its specs in terms of voltage and power output? I only have a picture of the front of the power supply. Maybe some pictures of exactly what you have. Have you asked them for a schematic?

 

[Arcturus]

Thanks for the detailed replies! Yes, everything powers up right and functions as intended, but it just looks like there isn't enough power going to the lamp. I contacted Eseco again and this time they transferred me to someone who was pretty knowledgeable about the system. He guided me through some testing and it is the power supply. He recommended a part to change out and gave me the part number. I ordered it along with some thermal grease. Here are some pictures of the part I will replace, and the back of the power supply.

 

[Ken Hart]

I realize it's been five years, but do you still have this enlarger? I have an Eseco AF-45 that I am trying to get working, and I am looking for parts. If you still have it, are you willing to sell?
Thanks!
Ken Hart
kwhart1@frontier.com