What is considered to be an acceptable output regulation for an enlarger lamp? I am looking at an inexpensive voltage regulator, which has an output regulation of +6 to -12%.
The problem is that I am suffering slight inconsistencies from print to print, on all three of my enlargers, a B-22, a B-22XL and a D-6. All three use different timers. The two B-22s are fitted with the standard PH111A lamp, 125 volt, 75 watt, and the D-6 fitted with a PH212 lamp, 120 volt 150 watt. My paper (RC) is processed in a modified AGFA Rapiline processor, so I don't suspect processing variations.
One of the types of prints I make is simple snapshot prints, either 4-up 4x5 or 3-up 4x6, on a single sheet of 8x10 paper. When I make 3-up 4x6 prints, typically the first is fine, based on my test, the next is ever so slightly lighter, and the third is lighter still, enough for even a snapshot to be discarded. Even if I make another set of three prints and process them at the same time, I get the same results.
I also have cases, with all three enlargers, where I make a test, increase the exposure, and sometimes get the second test slightly lighter. If I have a test where where I decrease the exposure, I sometimes get the second test slightly darker.
The fact that there is no consistency as to density drift, and all three enlargers exhibit the problem, I suspect lamp voltage changes, but I cannot be 100% sure. Could it be the lamps are all aging?
Anyway, I am looking at an inexpensive voltage regulator. Industrial strength voltage regulators seem to sell in the thousands of dollars, a bit rich for my circumstances. This is a link to the voltage regulator I am considering: https://download.schneider-electric...Ref=SPD_ASTE-6Z7V37_EN&p_enDocType=User+guide.
If any of the APUGgers have some thoughts on this, I would appreciate hearing from you. I do recognize that is can be difficult to troubleshoot a problem, based only on my observations, with precious little hard data available.
The problem is that I am suffering slight inconsistencies from print to print, on all three of my enlargers, a B-22, a B-22XL and a D-6. All three use different timers. The two B-22s are fitted with the standard PH111A lamp, 125 volt, 75 watt, and the D-6 fitted with a PH212 lamp, 120 volt 150 watt. My paper (RC) is processed in a modified AGFA Rapiline processor, so I don't suspect processing variations.
One of the types of prints I make is simple snapshot prints, either 4-up 4x5 or 3-up 4x6, on a single sheet of 8x10 paper. When I make 3-up 4x6 prints, typically the first is fine, based on my test, the next is ever so slightly lighter, and the third is lighter still, enough for even a snapshot to be discarded. Even if I make another set of three prints and process them at the same time, I get the same results.
I also have cases, with all three enlargers, where I make a test, increase the exposure, and sometimes get the second test slightly lighter. If I have a test where where I decrease the exposure, I sometimes get the second test slightly darker.
The fact that there is no consistency as to density drift, and all three enlargers exhibit the problem, I suspect lamp voltage changes, but I cannot be 100% sure. Could it be the lamps are all aging?
Anyway, I am looking at an inexpensive voltage regulator. Industrial strength voltage regulators seem to sell in the thousands of dollars, a bit rich for my circumstances. This is a link to the voltage regulator I am considering: https://download.schneider-electric...Ref=SPD_ASTE-6Z7V37_EN&p_enDocType=User+guide.
If any of the APUGgers have some thoughts on this, I would appreciate hearing from you. I do recognize that is can be difficult to troubleshoot a problem, based only on my observations, with precious little hard data available.