GAS BURST Agitation System DIY

[Tin Can]

I finally got it all in the box and running tests today. So far ten 10 minute cycles have run off my small air compressor. Air comp cycles on about every three 10 minute cycles, so air consumption is low.

The control unit is 1/2 done, as I am waiting on another timer, these are selling like crazy. System uses 8 watts for 1 second when solenoid is energized, timer wattage is so low I cannot measure it with a watt meter. Runs on 12 volt 1.5 amp wall wart. Overkill.

All parameters are adjustable under the LED with 4 buttons. The LED readout can be switched off and stay off. Box grounded to sink and house ground. Timer has power off memory maintain.

I will have N2 on the left side and compressed air on the right.

The water jacket tank set is 70's Calumet. I gallon tanks with 4-8X10 hangers of X-Ray. Water rise is adjustable by needle air valve and pressure. Set for 5/8" now.

Video https://youtu.be/9DddOzSUeRc I don't know what the ticking is and it's not the timer.

[Jim C.]

Very cool, Randy !

[Duolab123]

I must say that's quite the set up. I found a new in box Kodak 90B timer and valve made by Lektra Labs. UPS shipping label says 1972, cost $1.27 to ship from Rochester to NYC. Seems like lately all I've been doing is work on my darkroom. That's half the fun! My hats off to you, splendid! !!
Mike

[Tin Can]

I must say that's quite the set up. I found a new in box Kodak 90B timer and valve made by Lektra Labs. UPS shipping label says 1972, cost $1.27 to ship from Rochester to NYC. Seems like lately all I've been doing is work on my darkroom. That's half the fun! My hats off to you, splendid! !!
Mike

I have one of those. Donated by member here, it was working for him and DOA here.

Have you looked inside?

Full of tubes...I couldn't find the problem and simply built this.

Mine counts down cycles and stops, yours needs an external timer. Are you using it?

I also like putzing about my darkroom.

[Duolab123]

Haven't even plugged it in, buts it adds to the ambience :-) I put casters on my 8 x 10 Elwood today, I just love this stuff. I don't have any gas distribution stuff just the pretty timer and valve. I look forward to seeing your progress!

[Tin Can]

I ran 2 sheets 8x10 X-Ray and 4-up 4X5 HP5 simultaneously in 1/100 Rodinal for 10 minutes with 1 sec burst and 10 sec delay. 55-11 second cycles.

Best looking negs I have done, not in trays. I can only do one sheet at a time in trays. My clumsy fingers have touch tactile, damage from diesel engine testing. Shuffling does not work for me.

I tried tank stand development for 12-8x10 at a time, but got bromide drag, so hello tiny bubbles!

I like this bubble system, I can cover tanks and turn on lights between dunks.

I will be adding a hose splitter for directing gas. I saw something that might be good in Beer Brewing gear.

[Duolab123]

I ran 2 sheets 8x10 X-Ray and 4-up 4X5 HP5 simultaneously in 1/100 Rodinal for 10 minutes with 1 sec burst and 10 sec delay. 55-11 second cycles.

Best looking negs I have done, not in trays. I can only do one sheet at a time in trays. My clumsy fingers have touch tactile, damage from diesel engine testing. Shuffling does not work for me.

I tried tank stand development for 12-8x10 at a time, but got bromide drag, so hello tiny bubbles!

I like this bubble system, I can cover tanks and turn on lights between dunks.

I will be adding a hose splitter for directing gas. I saw something that might be good in Beer Brewing gear.

I can sure relate to loss of sensitivity in my fingers, I'm pushing 60, anything that helps get the job done is a great help. I was reading on Adox's website ,they illuminate the darkrooms with IR and the workers where IR goggles. I use some toy IR Spynet goggles for loading my 2509n reels. Never had a problem but wouldn't think of trying it with extended red or IR film.I'm going to have fun. It's all about the journey 😊
Mike

[Michael Kadillak]

I ran 2 sheets 8x10 X-Ray and 4-up 4X5 HP5 simultaneously in 1/100 Rodinal for 10 minutes with 1 sec burst and 10 sec delay. 55-11 second cycles.

Best looking negs I have done, not in trays. I can only do one sheet at a time in trays. My clumsy fingers have touch tactile, damage from diesel engine testing. Shuffling does not work for me.

I tried tank stand development for 12-8x10 at a time, but got bromide drag, so hello tiny bubbles!

I use N2 burst with stand and semi stand development and it works great. Without the N2 it is a disaster. That I agree with you on.

[Tin Can]

I use N2 burst with stand and semi stand development and it works great. Without the N2 it is a disaster. That I agree with you on.

Doesn't seem to be many using Gas Burst on this forum. I posted a second thread with chemistry oxidation questions. No answers yet.

I see this will be a continuing path. Winter I will build plenums for 3.5 gallon tanks and a set of 7x17 tanks. Or Vinny...

Next month get a N2 tank. 150 CF tank handles pretty easily and my supply is 5 blocks away. The last piece as I have a N2 regulator.

[EdSawyer]

Where I work there is/was a Wing-Lynch 4 or 5 that could be available. It was complete, and set up for color (c41 and E6 I think.). But the throughput needed to keep it up and in shape was more than I could deal with, you really needed to be running pretty high volume through it to make it worth it. I think it's still sitting unused, but haven't checked in the last year or two.