Zone VI VC enlarger

[resummerfield]

• Is the power supply in the head itself?
• Do I just need a power cord with a female end to plug into the top of the head? Is that "Power" cord for a heater?
• What is the mouse-like connection port for?

I don’t have that exact model head you refer to–my head is the Zone VI VC head for the Zone VI enlarger chassis–but I may be able to answer your questions by describing my Zone VI VC head.

My head has 4 connections:

1) a 3-pin shrouded male receptacle (IEC-60320-C14 as found on a common computer) to connect to 120 volt for the built-in heater. A common computer power cord will connect to this plug.

2) a 3-pin shrouded male receptacle (IEC-60320-C14 as found on a common computer) to connect to the timer, to control lamp on/off. This energizes the power supply, which is built-into the head.

3) a DIN 3-pin female connector (I think this is the mouse-like connector you reference) to connect the built-in photo cell to a compensating timer. This will measure lamp output and adjust your timer for consistent results. I believe the newer Zone VI VC lamp heads had a built-in stabilizer which pretty much compensates for lamp output, but I’ve always used a compensating timer, so I can’t verify this.

4) a phone plug to attach to the VC controller that you have.

I hope this helps.

 

[jeroldharter]

I don’t have that exact model head you refer to–my head is the Zone VI VC head for the Zone VI enlarger chassis–but I may be able to answer your questions by describing my Zone VI VC head.

My head has 4 connections:

1) a 3-pin shrouded male receptacle (IEC-60320-C14 as found on a common computer) to connect to 120 volt for the built-in heater. A common computer power cord will connect to this plug.

2) a 3-pin shrouded male receptacle (IEC-60320-C14 as found on a common computer) to connect to the timer, to control lamp on/off. This energizes the power supply, which is built-into the head.

3) a DIN 3-pin female connector (I think this is the mouse-like connector you reference) to connect the built-in photo cell to a compensating timer. This will measure lamp output and adjust your timer for consistent results. I believe the newer Zone VI VC lamp heads had a built-in stabilizer which pretty much compensates for lamp output, but I’ve always used a compensating timer, so I can’t verify this.

4) a phone plug to attach to the VC controller that you have.

I hope this helps.

Thank you very much. That is just what I needed.

I assume that you do not leave the cord to the heater plugged in all the time? I could plug it into a switched receptacle and turn it on for a while before starting a print session.

I need to buy a dedicated light sensor cord for my StopClock Vario timer.
I need to find a source for the power cords.

Then I think I will be in business. Thanks for the help.

 

[resummerfield]

….I assume that you do not leave the cord to the heater plugged in all the time? I could plug it into a switched receptacle and turn it on for a while before starting a print session….

That’s what I did. I turned mine on about 30 minutes before I started to print.

….I need to buy a dedicated light sensor cord for my StopClock Vario timer…...

Some time ago I saw a cord that would fit the RH Designs timer. If you email Dr. Ross I’m sure he has some ideas.

….. I need to find a source for the power cords.….

A common computer cord fits my VC head, and you can find those at any store that carries computer products.

 

[mike c]

I put in a dedicated wall switch and plug with little lite built into it so to remind me when its on. Works great,don't let the heater run when not using it .

Mike

 

[jeroldharter]

I ordered some power cords online last night.

I sent an email to RH Designs re: the Zone VI cord for my Vario timer.

Can't wait to see how this head compares to a Beseler 45S. I hope it lights up first of all. Then I am hoping it is quieter and ~2-3 stops dimmer with a similar contrast range compared to the Beseler. I am also trying to get a Beseler 8x10 cold light conversion running on the second enlarger. So I will be switching over to cold lights for the first time.

 

[fotch]

I need to find a source for the power cords.

Then I think I will be in business. Thanks for the help.

Jerold, I have many equipment cords from office machines, computers, etc. I can give you a couple free.

 

[jeroldharter]

Jerold, I have many equipment cords from office machines, computers, etc. I can give you a couple free.

Thanks for the offer but I already ordered the power cords. I ordered 10 foot cords also to make sure that I would have plenty of flexibility. Thanks.

 

[jeroldharter]

I'll try posting this here:

I have the Zone VI VC head for Beseler 4x5 set up. I have the power cords, the telephone cord plugged into the VC module, and a light monitor cord plugged into an RH Designs Vario timer. It powers up and the light seems bright. I have not tried printing with it yet.

However, something seems amiss. The variable contrast module seems to do nothing. The intensity of the light looks constant, regardless of how I set the intensity dial. The color of the cold light (pale violet) stays the same regardless of where I set the hard and soft channels or even turn them off.

I think I have everything plugged in OK. Am I doing something wrong or did I buy a dud?

 

[georgecp]

Jerold,

check the center toggle switch on the Variable contrast module....you may have it set to "focus" instead of its normal operating position. This would cause the behavior you describe........

Regards,
George

 

[jeroldharter]

Jerold,

check the center toggle switch on the Variable contrast module....you may have it set to "focus" instead of its normal operating position. This would cause the behavior you describe........

Regards,
George

Perfect diagnosis! It works after all. Of course, I have no instruction manual so I am left to rely on my blunderings and advice from others. Thanks for the help.

Sometimes I do split printing, so I assume for that I just use maximum soft (with hard turned off) and maximum hard (with soft turned off) alternately for that. Somewhere I read an article or post about settings for specific grades. Does anyone have a copy of the manual or a link for how to use this light source? Thanks.