Water Panel

[resummerfield]

Another vote for the Hass Intellifaucet, low flow version. I converted about 10 years ago from the Delta panel, and I couldn't be happier!

[Adam Touffay]

Should I go with a water panel such as a Delta, made by Cal Stainless, or by Leonard?

Or should I go the mixing valve/temp regulator route made by any of the above?

What are the differences between the two methods and their pros and cons?

[ic-racer]

Just out of curiosity, what will you be using the tempered water for?

When I built my current darkroom, 9 years ago, I left dedicated wall space for a water panel...I'm still waiting for a case where I need it in B&W processing with a Jobo.

[Neil_4793]

Hi All: I think you'll notice the Rosy product is a self confessed shower value. That's what I had in my last darkroom. A pressure balanced rotary shower value (ask for a rough-in as you don't need the fancy trim kit and spigot). This was recommended to me by my plumber friend is employed at a large University. He said he always carried a spare value in his truck as he pointed out the fancy outfits always died on a weekend during a critical project. He also indicated the shower values never disappointed. I will be installing one in my new darkroom next week. KISS method and plumbing I can handle.

Cheers,
Neil in Da Burg

[Keith Pitman]

I have two -- both obtained at bargain prices. If you're patient you can probably find a good deal. Both are Powers. The one on the left is used for mixing solutions, and miscellaneous duties. The one on the right is used for print washers. It has a flowmeter attached, and two branches: one branch has a solenoid valve controlled by the Gra-Lab that will turn the print washer off based on the time set. Useful when my wife calls me for dinner!

[Turner Reich]

Buy the best and end the quest: Hass Intellifaucet. In dollars US, $545.00 not cheap but it will last a long time and save lots of grief over incorrect temperatures.

[rdenney]

Just out of curiosity, what will you be using the tempered water for?

When I built my current darkroom, 9 years ago, I left dedicated wall space for a water panel...I'm still waiting for a case where I need it in B&W processing with a Jobo.

When I processed 4x5 in deep tanks using hangars, temperature control was critical for the wash water in particular. I'm one of those who likes to keep black-and-white processes within a half degree, having learned the hard way early on.

By the way, for American readers not familiar with one of the more confusing Britishisms: "Value" = "valve". The shower valve might be inexpensive, but if I was building a darkroom again, I'd spring for the better value of the Hass.

Rick "who learned that corresponding with friends from the UK about tuba valves" Denney

[Blair Ware]

I just got a note from Dave Hass, that the current Hass D250 is capable of low flow right out of the box.

[jeroldharter]

Check out my post #418 as well as post #502 of a different setup on this link:

http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/1...traits-11.html

[Keith Pitman]

I had a Hass. It may have been defective, but it would not hold the temp, so I got rid of it. I've been very satisfied with the Powers units, even though they are "analogue." One came with my sink which cost me $400, plus a drive to Wyoming; the other I got for $50 and it was new and unused.