Using Super Chromega & power supply with US plugs in UK & what timer to use?

[Ibanez]

Just an update - I re-wired the plug to go into the transformer from the timer and it didn't work. It tripped the fuse box. I think it blew the fuse in the plug of the timer itself so back to the drawing board.

 

[koraks]

It's possible that the inrush current if the transformer is too much for the timer.
The fuse should be a slow-blo type, but even so, your transformer may be too much for it.

 

[Ibanez]

It's possible that the inrush current if the transformer is too much for the timer.
The fuse should be a slow-blo type, but even so, your transformer may be too much for it.

Quite possible. I’ve bought an old gralab 171 from the states on eBay so once that arrives I will see what happens.

I also replaced the projector bulb. Nether the new bulb or the front panel light are coming on, the fan still works though, so I’m thinking there may be some other issues here.

 

[Ibanez]

It's possible that the inrush current if the transformer is too much for the timer.
The fuse should be a slow-blo type, but even so, your transformer may be too much for it.

Really stupid question, but where the hell is the front panel bulb? I have seen some heads have a dedicated switch but mine hasn’t got this.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Hello all

By way of reintroduction, I am a (young-ish) film photographer based in Kent in the UK. I am about to move into my first house with my Wife, and i am currently collecting all the last bits of equipment that I need to build a permanent darkroom. I have three enlargers, my main one being an Omega D2. It came with a very old Chromega with all of power cables cut off, so I was not able to use it. I mainly do B & W but I also wish to start colour printing at some stage as I have all of the gear to do so.

I have been using the D2 with the intrepid LED light source which works, as it sits on top of the negative carrier, but it is irritating as it moves around. I have thought about 3D printing a harness/cage for it but I just want to concerntrate on getting better as a printer.

I was scrolling ebay whilst bored at work and came across a Super Chromega (diocrhoic) version, which comes with the stabilser and accompanying power supply/transformer, all of which cost £40 excluding shipping. It was a gift from the gods, as these things are rather rare in the UK. The link can be found here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266726786316.

Looking at the photos on the listing, the plug which would power the entire thing appears to be an old US standard plug which was phased out in the early 70s. I had the idea of purchasing this (a UK to US) transformer from ebay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266718373503

In terms of the overall set up, the transformer would sit between the timer (with a UK standard plug - which I am yet to purchase, any reccomendations?) and the old US plug.


However, I realise that it may just be easier to get the plug rewired by a professional electrician to a UK plug as the power supply would regualate the power.

I am aware that i can also purchase a chromegatrol (what an awful word) from KHB but I would prefer to purchase this timer which I am about to purchase: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305411448231.

I am unsure of how to proceed as I am still getting my head around how the overall Omega D2/Omega Super Chromega set up works and would very much welcome a nudge in the correct direction.

Many thanks

Sam

at first glance, the transformer looks allright but, but make sure it also transforms the frequency (60Z in the EU vs 50HZ in the US)

 

[Mal Paso]

at first glance, the transformer looks allright but, but make sure it also transforms the frequency (60Z in the EU vs 50HZ in the US)

A transformer won't change frequency. Solid state frequency drives are available to run 3 phase motors at different speeds from single phase power by changing frequency so a solid state 50 to 60 cycle converter is possible. I looked on Automation Direct and didn't see anything, they do frequency drives.

Transformers are tuned to a single frequency. A 50 cycle transformer requires more mass in the iron core, why we changed to 60 cycles. Running a 60 cycle transformer at 50 cycles will convert more of the electricity to heat.

I found one on Amazon...... $1,100.

Economy 120 Volt/60Hz AC Power Source - Step-Down Voltage & Frequency Converters 1350W / 12.6 Amp EX-12

 

[Ibanez]

Hi all

Just a brief update to confirm the issue was sorted. I ended buying a RH DESIGNS ANALYSER PRO 110V (using the UK/US transformer) and now everything works perfectly, now that the other timer was taken out of the equation. I can now get on with enjoying my time in the darkroom!