Vivitar PTC "Process Time Commander" Instructions

[DannL]

I was curious if anyone had the programming instructions for a Vivitar PTC "Process Time Commander" Model PT40. Willing to share? Thank you.

 

[Randy Stewart]

Not a timely reply, however if someone wants this material, I can scan and forward it by email

randal@pacifier.com

 

[AgX]

First time I learn about it. However the keyboard already is so confusing with its designations, that I wonder if not even a list and a stopwatch would mean less hassle... Or the more modern generic LCD triple timers.

I would like to learn about the benefits of this device. It switches over from one step to the next. But at a triple timer one can press jut the next buttom.

 

[Randy Stewart]

The Vivitar PTC has several features which are very helpful. You can store up to six process steps in one register. There are three registers, and they and be ganged together to create a 12 step register if needed. The registers retain their programming with the PTC is turn off, but loose it if power to terminated to the unit. I run a full E-6 process on mine (6 solution), programing stops to change solutions, wash periods, etc. It also runs a drum roller. It can be set to signal an alert prior to the end of a process step, so you do not have to stand around watching the drum turn. It can be programmed to automatically move to each successive step, or it can stop at the end of a step, then move on to activate the next step on command. If you can find one, it also takes an accessory digital thermometer probe which will withstand submersion in chemistry. It would be near to perfection but for a design flaw in the separate power supply which burns out a resister in the circuit. That can be replaced by a larger rated resister as a cheap fix, but a circuit redesign would be better. I once saw on internet a repair to the circuit itself, but failed to copy it down, Of course, now it is lost to the ages.

 

[AgX]

Thank you!

 

[MediaDude08]

Hi. I know this thread is old, but wondering if anyone had the manual for the vivitar timer; the email listed came back undeliverable. Thank you for any direction or help.

 

[Randy Stewart]

Hi. I know this thread is old, but wondering if anyone had the manual for the vivitar timer; the email listed came back undeliverable. Thank you for any direction or help.

Yeh. My old internet server decided they didn't want to serve non-commercial accounts any more. My new email is

rls63463714@gmail.com

Send me your email address. I'll return an email attaching PDF copies of the PTC operation manual and the separate manual for the power supply. In the event that your supply burns out its little sacrificial resistor, that will give you the value of its replacement. My advice would be to install a resistor of same value but with much higher capacity. Since I use mine only for color processing, which I do infrequently, I just leave mine unplugged when not in use and suffer having to reprogram the process sequence when I use it.

Randall Stewart