Instructions
For The JOBO CPE-2 Plus Processor
#4065 (CPE-2 Plus) & #4069 (CPE-2 Plus
Starter Kit)
Section 1
Note:
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[CPE-2 Plus Starter Kit]
Back to TopInformation needed to operate your processor successfully with a wide variety of processes is included in this instruction manual. We urge you to read all the basic information contained in Section One and Section Two. Then read the pages of Section Three that describe the processes you wish to use. If you are having problems with your processor or processing, see the pages of Section Four. For conversions, tables and lists see Section Five.
If you have obtained this instruction manual as a replacement to earlier editions, use the process recommendations in this web page (where they are different), not the recommendations in the earlier manual(s). These instructions reflect the changes that have been made in film, paper, and chemicals since the original book was written. (If you already have processing procedures that completely satisfy you, don't change them just to match the directions in this web page.)
There are three types of special notations or cautionary information in this manual: Note, Caution, and Warning. The type and format of each is listed below:
Note: Text in this format is informative. It contains additional details to explain the basic information presented.
Caution: Text in this format presents important procedural information. Failure to follow these instructions could adversely affect the processing of your film or paper.
WARNING: Text in this format presents critical information. Possible damage to your equipment or personal injury could result from not following these instructions!
Copyright © 1997 by JOBO Fototechnic, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this web page may be reproduced in any form without express written consent from JOBO Fototechnic, Inc.
Every effort was made to include up-to-date and accurate information in this manual. All manufacturers, including JOBO, maintain the right to change specifications for their products. Changes may be made to specifications without notice. For the most current product specifications and usage, contact the manufacturer.
JOBO makes no claim for the accuracy or usability of other manufacturers' information contained in this manual. The processing recommendations included in this manual may not be optimal for every situation. If you require specific results, test all process instructions for suitability.
JOBO is not liable for any damages, direct or consequential, occurring from the use or misuse of information contained in this manual.
Credits:
Author: Damon Dean
JOBO Contributors: Ken Owen, Chris Mishler, Sam Proud, Paul Rowe
Manual part number 66051. Revision 06/97.
[CPE-2 Plus]
Section 2: General Processing Instructions
Since the mid-1920's, JOBO AG has been a manufacturer and supplier of photographic darkroom equipment. While the early years were confined to Germany and Europe, by the 1960's we had become international in scope. In 1981, JOBO Fototechnic Inc. began distribution in the United States.
The CPE-2 Plus or CPE-2 Plus Starter Kit processor you have purchased is part of the JOBO line of manual processors. Your processor is capable of processing virtually all film and print processes. This processor provides the temperature and agitation consistency vital to repeatable results.
This manual will inform you about the processor, accessories, setup, and processes you may use.
Our approach has been to assume the owner has very little photo lab knowledge. We suggest that even if you are well acquainted with photo lab processes and procedures, you review the information contained in this manual. It presents a solid background in processing techniques, and has directions that are specific to rotary processing.
We sincerely hope you will
have many pleasant hours with your JOBO processor. We are dedicated to
making this goal a reality for you. For any of your questions,
comments, or suggestions, call JOBO Customer Service at
When unpacking your new CPE-2 Plus processor or CPE-2 Plus Starter Kit , it should contain the accessories listed below. Check to be sure they are included. Contact your dealer if any are missing.
The following parts and accessories are included with the CPE-2 Plus processor (#4065):
- CPE-2 Plus Processor (#4065)
- 2 Black 600 ml Bottles (#3370)
- 2 White 600 ml Bottles (#3371)
- 4-260 ml Graduates (#3318 Kit)
- 1 Roller Block Assembly (#95183)
- Warranty Registration Form
- Instruction Manual (#66051, this this web page is a copy of it)
The following parts and accessories are included with the CPE-2 Plus Starter Kit (#4069):
- CPE-2 Plus Processor (#4065)
- 2 Black 600 ml Bottles (#3370)
- 2 White 600 ml Bottles (#3371)
- 4-260 ml Graduates (#3318 Kit)
- 1 Roller Block Assembly (#95183)
- Print Drum (#2840)
- Film Tank (#1520, includes one Reel #1501)
- 2 Magnets (#1504, already attached to the tank and the drum)
- Print Wiper (#4122)
- Film Wiper (#3530)
- Film Clips (#3312)
- Color Thermometer (#3321)
- Warranty Registration Form
- Instruction Manual (#66051, this web page is a copy of it)
Note: You may find water marks in your new processor. These marks are from final quality control inspections. It is not a used processor. Check carefully for damage. If you find any damage, immediately contact your dealer and/or the carrier that delivered the unit to you. Some processors may be labeled on the box as #4067 (European designation) instead of #4069 (US designation). The processor in the box is the correct (#4069) one.
The CPE-2 Plus can be used in many different environments. It is a daylight processor. You do not need to install it in a darkroom. You only need a grounded 120 Volt AC outlet.
Consider these things before installing the processor:
- Water:
Being close to a water supply will aid getting water for
rinses and mixing chemicals.
- Drain:
Proximity to a drain makes disposing of used chemicals
and rinse water easier. Processors with the JOBO Lift accessory are
most easily used with a drain to the left of the unit.
- Work
Area: The processor should be placed on a level surface, at a
height convenient for the operator. Optimum height is 30-35 inches
(75-90 cm). A working surface next to the processor aids filling,
draining, and mixing of chemicals. Many people prefer to have the
processor located in a 'darkroom' sink. Although not required, the
convenience of running water and drainage provided by placing the
processor in, or right next to a sink should be considered. Most people
spend a lot of time in front of the processor. Make sure you have a
comfortable location for it.
- Clearance: The CPE-2 Plus has a base area (including overhang) of 12 x 16 inches (30 x 40 cm). With a JOBO Lift attached, you need 36 inches (92 cm) height from the support surface (counter or sink) when draining tanks or drums. Check for items at the location that could prevent full operation of the lift or make operation of the processor awkward.
1 The CPE-2 Plus Processor should be plugged into a grounded 120 Volts AC outlet capable of supplying at least 4 Amps. (The electrical service provided in any home meeting electrical codes should be sufficient.)
WARNING: Do not operate the processor using an ungrounded or two pronged connection outlet. Never remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord plug. Never use the processor plugged into a 'two to three pronged' adapter or extension cord.
Note: A ground-fault interrupt circuit (G.F.I.) will provide even more safety from shock hazard and is strongly recommended. See your local electrician for installation of a ground fault interrupt.
[JOBO #4502 Spirit Level]
2 Level the processor. A set of two leveling wedges are available as an accessory from JOBO (part #95520). You may also use small blocks of wood or plastic. Use a small torpedo level, a line level, or the JOBO #4502 Spirit Level. Place your processor on the surface you intend to use. Put a drum or tank in operating position on the processor. Place your level on the front edge of the trough and level the processor with a leveling wedge. Leveling the processor will provide a starting base for leveling the tank or drum. Next, place your level on the drum or tank in the processor. Check the level of the drum right to left. Though the processor body is level, the drum may not be. The drum or tank must be level, even if the processor is slightly tilted! Adjust the processor until the tank or drum is level. When using a JOBO Lift, be sure that its arm is fully down (nested in the trough) before leveling the drum or tank.
Note: The primary concern for leveling the processor is the 'left to right' axis. Leveling the processor 'front to back' is not as critical, but should be close to level also.
The leveling of the processor, tank, or drum, is mentioned many times in this manual. Leveling plays a big part in developing quality and consistency. If you store your processor after use, be sure to re-level it the next time you set up.
3 The tempering bath must be filled with water. Add water until it reaches approximately the shoulder of the bottles in the bath. Be sure the water level is high enough to bathe the mounted tank or drum with water (1/8" to 1/4" or 3 to 6 mm, above the tank bottom). Do not adjust the level too high or the non-motor end of the tank or drum will float. To shorten the warm-up time for color processes, add warm (not above 120°F or 50° C) water to the tempering bath.
4 Locate the Thermal Overload Switch on the left side of the motor head. Note that when the switch is tripped, it does not protrude further out of the motor head. Press the Overload Switch button. The processor may now be turned on with the On/Off switch ('1'= 'On').
This step is necessary because the Thermal Overload Switch may be tripped from heavy motion or jarring during shipment. If this switch is tripped, the processor will not heat. (This step should only be needed for your initial setup.) It is safer to add water to the water bath before turning the processor 'On.' The Thermal Overload Switch may trip almost immediately without water in the water bath
- CPE-2 Plus Processor Illustrations
- Close-up Processor Illustrations
- Roller Block Assembly Settings for Tanks and Drums
- Processor Description
CPE-2 Plus Processor Illustrations
Close-up Processor Illustrations
[CPE-2 Plus Controls (click on part)]
[CPE-2 Plus Close UP (click on part)]
Roller Block Assembly Settings for Tanks and Drums
[Rollers up and inward for the 1500 series]
[Rollers without extensions for 2500 & 2800 series]
On/Off Switch This switch controls the power to the whole processor. `0' is `off', `1' is `on' (NETZ is German for `power.').
Rotation Motor Control This switch turns the rotation motor on and off. `0' is `off,' `75' is `on.' The `75' represents the rotation speed of about 75 RPM.
Heater Indicator Lamp This light is illuminated when the heating element is in operation. It goes off when the water bath has reached its set temperature.
Temperature Control Dial This dial is used to select the desired operating temperature (in degrees C). (Although the thermostat will maintain the temperature within ± 0.2º C once set, it is not unusual for the dial itself to be off by ± 2.0º C.) If you want to convert ºF to ºC, see the page with the Formula to Convert ºF to ºC or the Table to Convert ºF to ºC.
Magnet Coupling This magnet couples with the magnet on the bottom of a JOBO tank or drum. The coupling provides rotary agitation for the tank or drum. (If you are using the JOBO Lift accessory, see Section 2, Processing Using the JOBO Lift.)
Thermometer Holder This clip holds the Color Thermometer (#3321) for monitoring water bath temperature.
Bottles & Graduates The CPE-2 Plus Processor comes with four 260 ml graduates, located in the tempering bath. These graduates are used to pre-measure chemical solutions before or during a process. They also can be used to temper rinse water. The graduates lock into place with a 'bayonet' (insert and turn) type fixture to prevent them from floating. Four 600 ml bottles for storing and tempering processing chemicals or rinse water also come with the processor. These bottles are placed in the four bottle openings. To prevent the bottles from floating, push down and tilt them toward the front side of the processor. Lock the front shoulders of the bottles under the bottle frame.
Roller Block Assembly This cluster of parts serves as a support point for the tanks or drums during processing. It is placed at various distances from the magnet coupling (or cog gear, if using JOBO Lift), depending on the length of the tank or drum. It is attached on the raised ridge molded in the tempering bath trough. The roller block assembly is also adjustable in height, to accommodate the drum or tank series being used.
Thermal Overload Reset Switch This white button resets the thermal overload circuit breaker. The overload automatically turns off the heating element in cases of overheating, such as heating without a sufficient level of water in the processor. Pressing the button (after the heating element has cooled) will reset the circuit.
Tempering Bath The trough tempers the bottles and graduates. Tanks or drums being used for processing are tempered in the trough or 'tempering bath'.
Clean all chemical spills immediately to prevent staining the unit, contamination of the tempering bath, and possible introduction of corrosive chemicals into the control unit.
The CPE-2 Plus Processor is made of chemical resistant plastics, however, periodic cleaning is recommended:
1 The outside of the processor can be cleaned by simply wiping it with a damp cloth.
2 The water in the tempering bath should be changed regularly to prevent buildup of algae. Depending on local conditions and water quality, this step may be needed weekly or even daily. For best results, drain the tempering bath at the end of your processing session. Avoid getting water into the motor head (electronics box) when draining the processor.
3 The inside of the tempering bath should be cleaned periodically to remove any buildup of scum.
WARNING: Do not use chlorine bleach (Clorox) or other products that contain chlorine to clean or maintain the water bath. Chlorine will corrode the heating element, possibly causing an electrical short circuit. The amount of chlorine, in 'chlorinated' drinking water, is not enough to damage the heating element.
JOBO offers an excellent product for cleaning your processor called Processor Clean II, a powdered concentrate, available in two sizes #4135 (4.7 lb. jug) and #4136 (4 oz. packet). To use: Turn off the processor. Drain all water from the processor. If the outside of the bottles or graduates need cleaning, leave them in their slots, otherwise remove them. Place about 100 ml. (3 1/2 fluid oz.) measure of the powder (or one packet) in a graduate or bottle with about 1/2 liter (17 oz.) of water and dissolve. Fill the trough with water. Pour the container of dissolved cleaner into the trough. Turn on the processor. Set the temperature of the processor to about 38°C (100°F). Leave the processor on (to recirculate) for at least eight hours or overnight. Turn off the processor. Drain and rinse the trough. Refill the trough before using the processor.
Processor Maintenance and Tips
Your CPE-2 Plus processor is nearly maintenance-free under normal operation. However, with heavy, long-term usage, a periodic check of the items below will ensure maximum performance and reliability from your processor. Also included are usage tips and cleaning recommendations.
1 Wipe up all chemical spills when they happen. Most chemicals will not stain the processor unless they have had time to set in. A damp sponge or towel will remove still wet chemicals. Do not use any abrasive cleaning materials as they may scratch the surface of the processor. If necessary, use a damp sponge with a mild soap. Follow with a water rinse using a clean damp sponge. This procedure will usually remove dried chemical deposits. Processor Clean II may be used to remove more stubborn chemical deposits. Follow instructions provided with the cleaner. Whenever cleaning the motor head (electrical equipment), unplug the processor and be sure to avoid getting moisture inside the unit.
2 The drive cogs (used only with the JOBO Lift) on earlier versions of the processors were white. The current version drive cogs are black. The newer black drive cogs are used with all versions of the processors. Use part number #95299, a black drive cog, for the rotation motor shaft.
3 Be sure to fill the tempering bath with water whenever you are using the processor, to prevent overheating and tripping of the thermal overload mechanism. Running the processor without water but with a tank or drum will also cause excessive wear on the roller block assembly.
4 Do not exceed the maximum quantity (600 ml) of chemicals or water (in a tank or drum), for any process. This can wear out the rotation motor prematurely. Be careful to not have the water level too high in the trough. If the level is too high, the tank or drum will float, causing uneven development.
5 When using the stainless steel reel system, be sure to keep the plug in the funnel fully inserted.
6 Periodically examine the trough for buildup of foreign deposits. Hard water often leaves deposits of rust and calcium. A warm bath of water is likely to accumulate an algae-like growth. If any of these deposits are noticed, use Processor Clean II (follow the instructions that come with the product). Microorganism growth can be minimized by draining and rinsing the processor troughs between uses.
7 If you wish to cool a CPE-2 Plus processor below room temperature, use the following procedure: Fill unused or extra 600 ml bottles with water, and cap loosely. Do not put more than 600 ml in each bottle. Place the bottles in a freezer or refrigerator until frozen or cool. Put these bottles into unused bottle slots. Set the temperature on the processor to the desired process temperature. Let the processor run until the correct temperature is obtained. Be sure to check the temperature of the chemicals and rinse water. Run the process when all temperatures have stabilized at the desired point. You may need to exchange chilled bottles periodically in long processes (extra bottles already cooling in the refrigerator would be useful). The chilled bottles constantly cool the water bath, and the heating element of the processor heats as necessary to bring the temperature up to the process temperature. Alternatively, re-freezable 'ice packs' (Blue Ice) may be carefully placed in the trough. Be sure the pack does not interfere with the moving parts of the processor.
WARNING: Do not put loose ice in the processor trough! The ice could get caught in the rotation system and cause severe damage.
8 If you have obtained this instruction manual as a replacement to earlier editions, use the process recommendations in this web page (where they are different), not the recommendations in the earlier manual(s). These instructions reflect the changes that have been made in film, paper, and chemicals since the original book was written. (If you already have processing procedures that completely satisfy you, don't change them just to match the directions in this web page.)
9 Don't worry. The CPE-2 Plus Processor is an excellent machine. It will produce quality processing simply and consistently with only a little care and understanding of these instructions.