LED timer with footswitch

[cyrus]

I could really use a count down timer with large red LED lights, operated withd a footswitch, which automatically resets to whatever time it was originally set at, to put over my sink and time development. The usual enlarger timers don't count past 90 sec or so I need at least 10 min. And nice large numerals. Any ideas?

[Drew Wiley]

Put it UNDER the sink! Those red LED's will fog some films! I use the Zone VI timer
with a waterproof rubberized footswitch that I picked up from McMaster Carr.

[cyrus]

Oh this isn't for developing film, its for developing prints. I can put it where it is eye level for me but not seen by the film. So, add "dimmable display" to the list of requirements anyway.

[cyrus]

For developing film I use a talking countdown timer with no lighted display at all. Works perfectly, as it counts down minutes then the last 30 sec. It doesn't automatically reset with s foot switch but that's ok since developing film is not as repetitive as developing prints.

[tgtaylor]

this is what I use: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/171120-REG/Omega_200500_ET_500_Digital_Enlarging_Timer.html

Provides accurate timing up to 16 minutes and 40 seconds without reseting.

Thomas

[Eric Woodbury]

I use an old LED alarm clock that is modified to show minutes and seconds. The footswitch I added makes it start at zero and it counts up 9:59 before it rolls over. To dim the LEDs, I tape a piece of film in front of it. I haven't been able to figure out how to modify a newer LED alarm clock. Maybe someone here knows.

[Ross Chambers]

RH Designs Process timer: excellent. Two options for display brightness, I do put under the bench when tray processing, but probably not necessary.

My only criticism: when in run on mode you need to manually push the stop button, rather than the foot switch, in standard mode the option is to pause between stages of processing and start the next via the foot switch.

Offers percentage over and under at the press of a button, too.

http://www.rhdesigns.co.uk/darkroom/html/processmaster.html

[edtog]

Another vote for RHdesigns, simply one of the best darkroom timers I've ever used.
I use the analyser pro with my multigrade 500 head, feel a bit of a fraud as I no longer have epic hours in the darkroom trying to get a FB print perfect :)

[cyrus]

Yikes! $300 for the RHDesign timer!
Uh, I was thinking of something more like this (http://www.hobbytron.com/UK247.html) but with a footswitch and auto-reset. Perhaps one of our electronics hobbyists can slap one up? Or the fella that's selling homemade shutter timers?

[cyrus]

Well found what I was looking for - a Gralab 645 with a footswitch for $50 on ebay. Half-inch dimmable LED display, autoreset, up to 1 hour timing.
Now, just hope it works and the contacts aren't all worn out.

[Ross Chambers]

Yikes! $300 for the RHDesign timer!
Uh, I was thinking of something more like this (http://www.hobbytron.com/UK247.html) but with a footswitch and auto-reset. Perhaps one of our electronics hobbyists can slap one up? Or the fella that's selling homemade shutter timers?

You have a point, but I bought the RH timer after using a long list of kitchen timers, speaking timers (for total darkness) and 2 of those Paterson Triple timers, both of which failed after about 6 months.

I do enjoy the security that my timer isn't going to die in the middle of a development session as most of these did.

[nolindan]

Well, if you are technically inclined you might try an Arduino

http://www.arduino.cc/

Google for "arduino led timer" for plans for some timers, you will most likely have to modify the design for your particular needs; but one of the designs may be close enough.

If you are really into self-abuse and have the equipment for PIC development you can modify the timer plans provided on the Darkroom Automation web site - look in the support files page and scroll to the bottom.

http://www.darkroomautomation.com/da-main.htm

[cyrus]

Well, if you are technically inclined you might try an Arduino

http://www.arduino.cc/

Google for "arduino led timer" for plans for some timers, you will most likely have to modify the design for your particular needs; but one of the designs may be close enough.

If you are really into self-abuse and have the equipment for PIC development you can modify the timer plans provided on the Darkroom Automation web site - look in the support files page and scroll to the bottom.

http://www.darkroomautomation.com/da-main.htm

Sadly, that's not my preferred form of self-abuse. I can only wish I had those types of skills!