Instructions For The JOBO CPE-2 Plus Processor
#4065 (CPE-2 Plus) & #4069 (CPE-2 Plus Starter Kit)
Section 2
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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
- Introduction to Processing
- Loading Film and Paper (all are links to additional pages)
- Post-Process Tank and Drum Care (linked to additional page)
- Tank and Drum Parts (linked to additional page)
- Tank and Drum Capacities (linked to additional page)
- Processing Instructions for Film Using Magnet Drive
- Processing Instructions for Prints Using Magnet Drive
- Processing Using the JOBO Lift Accessory
- Processing Instructions With the JOBO Lift Accessory
- Precautions for Film and Paper Processing
- Additional Processing Information
This processing information is up-to-date, as of this publishing.
Over many years, JOBO has been providing instructions on processing. Changes have taken place in the films, papers and chemistries available. In addition, we at JOBO continue to test and refine process procedures. Our customers also give feedback on processing problems and their solutions to these problems.
If you have used JOBO products a long time, you may have noticed some slight changes in our published processing recommendations. Some of our earlier suggestions may not exactly match the information in this page. Do not be alarmed or confused. The changes that have been made are part of the ongoing, 'fine-tuning' of the processing craft. None of the changes are so drastic as to cause a 'disaster.' If you already have processing procedures that completely satisfy you, don't change them just to match the directions in this web page.
The recommendations for processing contained in this web page are just recommendations. They are derived from many years experience, and countless users, but not all lab situations, or personal tastes are the same. Experiment if you wish. Use what works best for you.
Many people find satisfaction in 'fine-tuning' or 'tweaking' their processing, to deliver the best possible process for their own setup. If you are one of these people, use our recommendations as a starting point. Adjust and log your changes (changing only one thing at a time). Test your ideas.
Don't expect to become an 'expert' the first week you are working with your processor. Relax and enjoy it. Expertise will come with time.
Are you new to processing? Do you dislike 'experimenting?' Use these recommendations. They will help you to produce consistent, quality processing.
Note: JOBO's Customer Service Department is available to aid you with any processing questions or problems. Call JOBO Customer Service at
(734) 677-6989 , ext. 4721. Our hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, but our voice mail answering system is available 24 hours a day. You may fax us at (734) 677-6963 . If you wish to write us, our address is: JOBO Fototechnic, P. O. Box 3721, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-3721, USA. E-mail tech@jobo-usa.com We will be happy to help you.
Processing Instructions for Film Using Magnet Drive
Read and familiarize yourself with the entire process procedure, before starting the process.
1 Fill the trough with water to the shoulder of the bottles. -- To speed warming of the processor you may fill the trough with water at the process temperature, but check the solution temperatures before starting the process. Be careful, if the water is too warm (50+ C. or 120+ F.), it will trip the Thermal Overload Switch.
[Controls]
2 Turn the On/Off switch to 'On'. (bottom knob)
3 Set the temperature control (upper right knob) to the desired processing temperature. The heater indicator lamp (above temperature knob) should light if the temperature in the tempering bath is cooler than the temperature set. When the lamp turns off (and then cycles on and off), the processor has reached its operating temperature.
Note: When the temperature of the processor has stabilized, the heater indicator lamp will cycle on and off. The thermostat works to maintain the proper temperature. Check the developer temperature with the Color Thermometer (JOBO accessory #3321) and adjust the temperature control if necessary.
Always monitor for correct process temperature in a bottle or graduate containing chemicals or water. The trough temperature will be several tenths of a degree higher than the temperature maintained in the bottles or graduates. Monitoring the temperature of water or chemicals poured out of a tank or drum, or coming out of the JOBO Lift drain hose, is not an accurate indication of the process temperature.
The temperature of the actual process (inside the tank or drum) is equal to the temperature stabilized in the bottles or graduates, not the temperature of the trough or post-processing effluent.
The following steps can be completed while waiting for the processor to reach operating temperature.
4 Chemicals should be mixed, and bottles filled and in place, before turning on the processor. This sequence ensures the chemicals will reach the processing temperature about the same time as the tempering bath. If the bottles or graduates are put in the processor (or refilled) after heating has started, check their temperature. Do this after the processor is at the correct temperature.
Caution: Do not start a process until all solutions are at the required processing temperature.
5 Be sure you have enough rinse water available. If your process does not require the use of all four bottles, the unused bottles may be used for rinse water. They are kept at the processing temperature by the lower trough. If you do not have room in the processor, and require additional rinse water, use one or more bottles or graduates filled with water at or about 10º F (5º C) over the processing temperature. For most color processes, rinse water should be within ± 8º to 10º F (4º or 5º C). The cooling that takes place before use will not drop the temperature out of tolerance. Black and white processes usually use room temperature rinse water.
6 Adjust the roller block to the tank size being used.
Press the roller block onto the raised ridge in the upper trough until it snaps into place. Position it so the black body of the tank being used rests on the rollers as far to the right under the tank as possible. Do not allow the tank to rotate on the red ring.
7 Load your tank in the dark. Note the volume of chemicals required for the tank and reel combination. For further information see the Loading Film and Paper and Tank and Drum Capacities pages.
8 Turn the Rotation Speed Dial (upper left knob) to '75.'
9 Couple the tank to the magnet coupling.
Notes:
A Practice with an empty tank until you can complete the coupling with a smooth, even motion.
B It is easiest to make the coupling when the drive magnet on the processor is near its stopping point. Mount the tank on the drive magnet when the drive magnet is changing direction of rotation.
C Observe the drive magnet. As it reaches the end of a rotation cycle, move the base of the tank up to the drive magnet. Move it with the tank in a horizontal position. You will feel the magnet try to 'grab' the tank. Let go of the tank, and it will attach to the drive magnet and begin to rotate.
D To uncouple, grasp the tank body and lift the free end straight up, at a right angle to the processor. This motion will break the magnetic bond, and the tank can be removed from processor.
10 Refer to instructions for the specific process you are using (see Section 3 pages). They will cover pre-rinse or pre-warm time, as well as times for each processing step, rinses, etc. Be sure the water level is high enough in the trough (to bathe the tank with water (1/8" to 1/4", or 3 mm to 6 mm, above the bottom of the tank). Do not go too high. The lid end of the tank will float.
Notes:
A When using a pre-warm, allow the tank to rotate in the trough (the loaded tank is dry inside, with no water or chemicals in it) for the specified warm-up time.
B When using a pre-rinse, allow the loaded tank to rotate in the trough with the appropriate amount of rinse water (see table below for specified pre-rinse volume).
C At the end of the pre-warm or pre-rinse step, remove the tank from the processor. Remove the red cap. Pour out the pre-rinse water (if a pre-rinse was used). Pour in enough of the chemical for the tank and film you are using. Replace the red cap. Start timing the step.
Caution: Many photographic solutions can produce gasses that cause a pressure buildup inside the tank. The red cap is constructed with a flexible membrane section at its center. Press down the center of the red cap before putting the cap on the lid. Pressure generated will move the depressed membrane in the cap, rather than forcing the cap off the tank.
D When processing film (without the JOBO Lift attached), manually invert the tank two or three times. This action ensures that the solution has covered all the films' surface quickly. Strike the bottom of the tank against the heel of your hand, or against the counter top to dislodge any 'air bells' (bubbles) on the film. Couple the tank to the processor.
E About ten seconds before the end of the time for the chemical step, remove the tank from the processor. Remove the red cap. Pour out the used solution.
F Pour in the next chemical (or rinse, if specified). Replace the red cap. Start timing, and couple the tank to the processor.
G Continue this sequence of emptying and filling until the process is complete.
H For the pre-rinse step only, use one filling of water for the tank. Do not change the rinse water for the duration of this step. Other rinse steps are done in the tank, using a series of 30-second rinses to make up the total rinse time required. (An example would be: 2 minute rinse = 4 x 30-second rinses.) The final rinse step may also be done this way. The tank may be removed from the processor, and a running water rinse with the JOBO Film Washer #3350 may be used. (See table below for recommended rinse water quantities.) Either procedure will provide a thorough final rinse.
I Be sure the water level is high enough in the trough to bathe the tank with water (1/8" to 1/4" or 3 to 6 mm, above the bottom of the tank.) Do not go too high. The lid end of the tank will float, causing uneven development
11 Rinse Water: Rinsing (washing) of photographic material is a very important part of the process. Insufficient rinsing can produce inferior processing results which are likely to fade or deteriorate much sooner than would happen with sufficient rinsing.
Three factors affect rinsing: the water quantity used, the number of water changes, and the rinse time. For best results, use the amount of rinse water listed in the chart below. Use of rinse amounts higher than listed is discouraged, because the decreased agitation inhibits the rinsing process. The water should be changed about every thirty seconds for the duration of the rinse step. The time of each rinse step must be determined for each process. Consult Section 3 on Specific Processes pages, or the chemical manufacturer's instructions for details.
The number of water changes (cycles) is more important than the timing of the cycle in rinse steps. If you have difficulty in cycling the rinse water every thirty seconds, take whatever time for the cycle you need, but, be sure to have at least as many cycles as recommended. (Divide the rinse time in minutes by two, to determine the number of rinse cycles.) In virtually all processes the rinse time may be longer without causing any problems. For best results, do not shorten rinse times or reduce the number of water changes.
| If the chemical volume is between: | Then the minimum rinse water is: |
| 40 ml - 260 ml | 260 ml |
| 300 ml - 470 ml | 500 ml |
| 540 ml - 600 ml | 600 ml |
Processing Instructions for Prints Using Magnet Drive
Read and familiarize yourself with the entire process procedure before starting a process.
1 Fill the trough with water to the shoulder of the bottles. -- To speed warming of the processor you may fill the trough with water at the process temperature, but check the solution temperatures before starting the process.
[Controls]
2 Turn the On/Off Switch (bottom knob) to 'ON.'
3 Set the temperature control to the desired processing temperature. The heater indicator lamp should light if the temperature in the tempering bath is cooler than the temperature set. When the lamp turns off (and then cycles on and off), the processor has reached its operating temperature.
Note: When the temperature of the processor has stabilized, the heater indicator lamp (above temperature dial.) will cycle on and off. The thermostat works to maintain the proper temperature. Check the developer temperature with the Color Thermometer (JOBO accessory #3321) and adjust the temperature control if necessary.
Always monitor for correct process temperature in a bottle or graduate containing chemicals or water. The trough temperature will be several tenths of a degree higher than the temperature maintained in the bottles or graduates. Monitoring the temperature of water or chemicals poured out of a tank or drum, or coming out of the JOBO Lift drain hose, is not an accurate indication of the process temperature.
The temperature of the actual process (inside the tank or drum) is equal to the temperature stabilized in the bottles or graduates, not the temperature of the trough or post-processing effluent.
The following steps can be completed while waiting for the processor to reach operating temperature.
4 Chemicals should be mixed, and bottles filled and in place, before turning on the processor. This sequence ensures that the chemicals will reach the processing temperature at the same time as the tempering bath. If the bottles or graduates are put in the processor (or refilled) after heating has started, check their temperature after the processor is at the correct temperature.
Caution: Do not start a process until all solutions are at the required processing temperature.
5 Be sure you have enough rinse water available. If your process does not require the use of all four bottles, the unused bottles may be used for rinse water. They are kept at the processing temperature by the lower trough. If you do not have room in the processor, and require additional rinse water, use one or more bottles or graduates filled with water at or about 10°F (5°C) over the processing temperature. For most color processes, rinse water should be within ± 8° to 10°F (4° or 5°C.) The cooling that takes place before use will not drop the temperature out of tolerance. Black and white processes usually use room temperature rinse water.
6 Adjust the roller block to the drum size being used. Press the roller block onto the raised ridge in the upper trough (see illustration, above) until it snaps in place. Position it so the black body of the drum being used rests on the rollers as far to the right under the tank as possible. Do not allow the drum to rotate on the red ring.
7 Load your drum in the dark. (See instructions included with the drum or Loading Prints With Print Drums page for details.)
Note: If you are using a standard size photo paper (5 x 7", 8 x 10", 11 x 14") it will fit between the ridges in the drum. Multiple sheets are separated by these ridges. It is not necessary to use the paper separators that used to be supplied with the drums. Only one sheet of paper, (regardless of size) may be placed inside the 1526 Combo Drum, as it has no ridges.
8 Turn the Rotation Motor Control to '75.'
9 Couple the drum to the magnet coupling (see illustration below).
Notes:
A Practice with an empty drum until you can complete the coupling with a smooth, even motion.
B It is easiest to make the coupling when the drive magnet on the processor is near its stopping point during direction reversal.
C Observe the drive magnet. As it reaches the end of a rotation cycle, move the base of the drum up to the drive magnet with the drum in a horizontal position. You will feel the magnet try to 'grab' the drum. Let go of the drum, and it will attach to the drive magnet and begin to rotate.
D To uncouple, grasp the drum body and lift the free end straight up, at a right angle to the processor. This motion will break the magnetic bond, and the drum can be removed from processor.
10 Be sure the water level is high enough in the trough to bathe the drum with water (1/8" to 1/4", or 3 to 6 mm, above the bottom of the drum.) Do not fill too high. The lid end of the drum will float.
Notes:
A When doing a pre-rinse, allow the drum to rotate in the trough with the right amount of rinse water (see Table in Section 2) for the specified pre-rinse volume.
B At the end of the pre-rinse step remove the drum from the processor. Remove the red cap. Pour out the pre-rinse water.
C Pour in enough chemical for the drum and paper you are using. (See instructions included with the drum or Tank and Drum Capacities page) Replace the red cap. Start timing the step.
Caution: Many photographic solutions can produce gasses that cause a pressure buildup inside the drum. The red membrane cap is constructed with a flexible membrane section at its center. Press down the center of the red cap before putting the cap on the lid. Pressure generated will move the depressed membrane in the cap, rather than forcing the cap off the drum.
D About ten seconds before the end of the time for the chemical step, remove the drum from the processor. Remove the red cap. Pour out the used solution.
E Pour in the next chemical (or rinse, if specified). Replace the red cap, with its center depressed. Start timing, and couple the drum to the processor.
F Continue this sequence of emptying and filling until the process is complete.
G For the pre-rinse step only, use one filling of water for the drum. Do not change the rinse water for the duration of this step. Other rinse steps are done in the drum, using a series of 30-second rinses to make up the total rinse time required. (An example would be: 2 minute rinse = 4 x 30-second rinses.)
11 To Process Prints: Refer to instructions for the specific process you are using (see Section 3) which will cover pre-rinse or pre-warm times, as well as times for each of the processing steps, rinses, etc.
Note: The lid of the print drum is fitted with a light-trap beaker. The beaker keeps solutions off the paper, as long as the drum is vertical. Once the drum has been turned horizontal, immediately couple it to the processor (to ensure even development). Practice will help you take a drum from a vertical to horizontal coupled position in an easy fluid motion. If you do the final rinse off the processor, rinse the drum thoroughly before drying. The beaker should be removed from the lid when drying the drum.
12 Rinse Water: Rinsing (washing) of photographic material is an important part of the process. Insufficient rinsing can adversely affect processes and decrease longevity of the final results.
Three factors affect rinsing: The water quantity use, the number of water changes, and the rinse time. For best results, use the amount of rinse water listed in the chart below. Use of rinse amounts higher than listed is discouraged, because the decreased agitation inhibits the rinsing process. The water should be changed about every thirty seconds for the duration of the rinse step. The time of each rinse step must be determined for each process. Consult Section 3 on Specific Processes, or the chemical manufacturer's instructions for details.
In a rinse step, the number of water changes is more important than the timing. In virtually all processes, the rinse time may be longer without causing any problems. For best results, do not shorten rinse times or reduce the number of water changes.
Caution: In processing of Ilfochrome materials, do not increase the first or second rinse times or volumes.
Rinse water volumes for prints:
| If the chemical volume is between: | Then the minimum rinse water is: |
| 40 ml - 260 ml | 260 ml |
| 300 ml - 470 ml | 500 ml |
| 540 ml - 600 ml | 600 ml |
Processing Using the JOBO Lift Accessory
Note: These directions do not replace the JOBO Lift's instructions. Please read both sets of instructions before operating your processor with the JOBO Lift accessory attached.
The JOBO Lift (Part #4062) simplifies processing. It eliminates the need to remove the tank or drum during the process. Filling and draining of chemicals and rinse water from the tank or drum is done with the JOBO Lift. This enhancement ends wet hands and messy counter tops, improves timing accuracy, and gives better chemical distribution. The JOBO Lift can be added to the CPE-2 Plus Processor at any time with a minimum of effort.
The JOBO Lift accommodates 1500, 2500, and 2800, series tanks and drums. The 1500 and 2800 series tanks and drums require the addition of a cog (part #1505). Tanks 2521 and 2551 (from the one and two reel sheet film kits) also require the addition of a cog (part #1505). Tanks 2523 and 2553 come with the cog already built into the lid. (Tanks 2521/2523, and 2551/2553 have the same capacity for rolls of film. The only difference is a magnet on the bottom or a cog lid on the top.) All tanks and drums which number either begins or ends with a '3' already have a cog in the lid.
See the instructions included in the appendix for the procedure used in permanently mounting the cog to the lid.
Note: You don't need to remove the magnet from the bottom of the tank or drum when using the JOBO Lift.
Tanks and drums are filled immediately by pouring liquids into the built-in funnel in the top of the JOBO Lift. Liquids are drained from the tank or drum by moving the lever of the JOBO Lift counterclockwise to allow the liquid to flow out the hose on the left side of the JOBO Lift.
When using the JOBO Lift, processing instructions are the same as the preceding General Processing Recommendations, except:
1 Do not remove the tank or drum during intermediate steps. Filling and draining is done with the JOBO Lift.
2 The red membrane cap is not used on the tank or drum.
3 The procedure outlined in sections 9 A-D and 10 B-E of Section 2, General Processing Recommendations should not be done.
Processing Instructions With the JOBO Lift Accessory
1 Practice mounting and removing a tank or drum on the JOBO Lift, before you start actual processing.
Note: The retention clip may snap loudly when removing the tank or drum. This sound is normal. When lowering the lift, the cog gear will mesh with the transfer gear. They may make a 'thunk' noise as they engage. This sound is normal too.
2 Check that the correct chemical/wash outlet (on the lift arm, looks like two horizontal nozzles one above the other) has been selected by plugging the upper outlet with the bell-shaped red cap. (The upper outlet is only used for 3000 series drums; which do not fit the CPE-2 Plus processor, all others use the lower outlet.)
3 Set the roller block assembly and rollers in the proper position, for the tank or drum being used. Make sure the rollers are not under the red locking ring of the tank or drum.
Note: Special black rollers with stainless steel shafts (#92167) are available to reduce friction and wear. They are suitable for use with any 1500 tank or drum.
4 To mount a tank or drum, push the lid assembly straight into the outlet on the JOBO Lift. The retention clip will snap the lid into place.
5 To remove the tank or drum, grasp the bottom end of the tank or drum and pull up and toward you. The retention clip will release the lid.
6 The final rinse of a process should have at least the first three cycles of rinsing done with the JOBO Lift, even if you are planning to finish the rinse off the processor. This action rinses the JOBO Lift and leaves it prepared for the next process run. At the end of a processing session, or when switching processes, flush the interior of the JOBO Lift by pouring about a liter (quart) of clean water into the funnel on the top of the lift (with a large empty tank attached) and drain the tank.
7 When raising and lowering the JOBO Lift, do not stop the rotation motor.
8 When pouring liquids into the JOBO Lift funnel, pour steadily so liquid does not overflow the built-in funnel. Pouring too rapidly can cause some liquid to flow out the drain, or leak into the motor unit, causing damage. It is normal for a few drops of chemicals to flow out the drain hose of the JOBO Lift when pouring in chemicals. Always place the end of the hose into a drain or container when pouring into the JOBO Lift.
Precautions for Film and Paper Processing
In rotary processing, the most frequently seen fault is runs or streaks on film and paper. This effect is caused almost exclusively by water in the tank, drum or reel being carried forward to the next process. This carry-forward affects the contents of the tank or drum before any new solutions reach the film or paper. For further information see the Troubleshooting page.
Often the first run of the day is fine (the equipment dried overnight). However, the next run may show streaks. The film tank, film reel, paper drum, and the lids, must all be dry before loading them for the next processing run. For more information see the Tank and Drum Care page. Illustrations of tank and drum parts can be found on the Tank and Drum Parts page.
For the film tank or paper drum:
1 Disassemble all removable components.
2 Rinse and drain completely.
3 Dry inside and out with paper towel or cloth until there is no visible water remaining either inside or out.
For the tank or drum lid:
1 Disassemble the lid by removing the funnel or beaker. Turn it counterclockwise. Remove the red cap if it is being used.
2 Rinse and drain completely.
3 Dry each piece with a paper towel or cloth until there is no visible water remaining. Shake the lid, or rap it against a towel in the palm of your hand, or counter top. This action will dislodge water droplets that are caught under the red ring of the lid.
For the center core of a film tank:
1 Disassemble the core into its components.
2 Rinse and shake all excess water from inside the cores.
3 Dry the outside of the cores with a paper towel or cloth.
For a film reel:
1 Disassemble the reel into its two halves by twisting counterclockwise past the detent. (Stainless steel reels do not come apart.)
2 Rinse the reel components
3 Rap the reel halves sharply against a towel to dislodge any water droplets from between the spirals.
4 Use a paper towel or cloth to finish drying the reel halves.
Note: If you have time, any of these items may be left to air dry. Other options are hair dryers (use very low heat), fans, etc. Reels and cores may be put in the bottom of a film drying cabinet to speed drying.
Both film and paper are very sensitive to small quantities of water running across the emulsion. If a drop of water runs across a piece of paper or film before it is pre-rinsed and developed, the droplet area will be easily seen in the finished print or film.
To pre-rinse, pour in all the water quickly, completely covering the paper or film in the drum at one time. This step prevents stray droplets from 'running around' before the pre-rinse.
Rarely, runs across the face of a print or film may be caused by other problems. Almost always a run mark is caused by stray water droplets.
Additional Processing Information
Warm-up Time:
The processor will require 1 hour, 15 minutes to 1 hour, 30 minutes to warm from about 68° F (20°C) to 100°F (38°C).
If you know when you are using the processor for any given day, it can be set up in advance. Chemicals should be put in the processor bottles. Check the water level and fill the trough as necessary. Switches should be set as if you were ready to start warm-up. Set temperature control (upper right knob) to the desired process temperature. Set rotation motor control to '0' (Off) and ON/OFF switch to '1' ('On'). The processor is then plugged into an electrical timer (not supplied by JOBO). Set the timer to turn on about 1 or 2 hours before the next time you want to do processing. The processor will be warmed and waiting for your use.
WARNING: The CPE-2 Plus Processor requires 300 watts at 120 volts. Any timer used must be capable of switching at least that power level, and must be grounded.
Another method of hastening the warm-up of the processor is the introduction of hotter (not over 50°C or 120°F) water into the trough. Do it carefully to avoid overfilling the processor. It may be necessary to drain water from the tempering bath to allow room for the water being added. The On/Off switch should be on ('1') and the temperature control set. A little practice with this method will allow you to warm the processor rapidly to operating temperature. (Normally the water bath can be ready in 30 minutes or less with this approach.) In fact, the water bath can be up to temperature almost instantly with this approach. The bottles will not heat as rapidly as the water bath. Check the bottles with a thermometer to be sure the chemicals are at the processing temperature.
Timing Process Steps:
Use this procedure to achieve accuracy in timing any process step. Start timing of the step immediately upon pouring into the lift or tank. Start draining the tank (raise lift, if used) so that it will have just finished draining at the end of the step's time. The time you need for draining will depend on the specific tank and the volume of solution you are using. You may want to do a few practice runs with water and no film (or paper) until you get the technique to run smoothly and accurately. As a rough guide, figure about one second for every 100 ml to drain.
Graduates:
The 260 ml (8 oz.) graduates supplied with the processor, three have colored dots on them. These dots allow rapid identification. It is possible to set up your own code (such as developer in red, stop in yellow, etc.) Each graduate is then used for only one type of chemical. The graduates also may be used to temper rinse water.
Rotation Motor:
While processing, do not shut off the rotation motor. You may be tempted, especially if you are not yet skilled at mounting and dismounting the tanks or drums. Once you have introduced chemicals to a film tank, or turned a paper drum into a horizontal position, processing has started! You must start rotary motion as soon as possible to avoid streaking the film or paper.
Tempering Bath:
The CPE-2 Plus Processor uses warm water in contact with open air. Foreign organisms may grow in the water bath. One type is algae, and the other is airborne fungus. The open warm water bath provides ideal conditions for either organism to grow. To prevent the growth of these organisms, change the water frequently. A dilute non-chlorinated algaecide used in swimming pools also will work to control growth in the tempering bath. (There are many different brands of non-chlorinated algaecide available; all seem to work quite well.) Periodic use of Processor Clean II #4135 (4.7 lb.) or #4136 (4 oz.) will help prevent growths and remove chemical stains in the tempering bath. Drain the processor after use. Neither algae nor fungus grows well in the cool and dry environment of an empty water bath.
Replenishment:
JOBO tanks and drums require small quantities of chemicals and are well suited to 'one shot' use. However, it is possible to recover your used chemicals for replenishment and reuse, disposal, or for silver recovery. Follow the chemical manufacturers' recommendations if you replenish your chemicals.
Additional Reading:
Unit Fails To Heat...
Temperature selection dial not set properly. The processor will not heat if the selected temperature is lower than actual temperature of the tempering bath.
The Thermal Overload has tripped...
This switch may trip from vibrations during shipment. Press the reset button.
Caution: If the processor is turned on without water in the tempering bath (or very hot water is added to the bath), the thermal overload will trip. This is a safety feature, to prevent overheating and damage to the processor. Always fill the tempering bath with water (not over 50°C, or 120°F), even when doing 'room temperature' processing.
Drum Or Tank Floats While Processing...
Lower water level in tempering trough.
Check for the proper roller block arrangement, for the tank or drum used. For 2500 and 2800 system tanks or drums use the lower setup. For 1500 series tanks use the higher setup.
Rotation Motor Slows When Coupling Tank, Or Adding Chemicals...
A slight slowing of the rotation speed is normal when coupling a tank or drum, or when adding chemicals or rinse water to a lift equipped processor. If the slowdown is significant, you are probably using more than the recommended amount of chemicals or rinse water. The maximum recommended volume to be used is 600 ml (20 oz.). If the volume is not excessive, check the positioning of the tank or drum on the roller block. The lid or locking ring should not ride on the rollers. Check that the supports are set correctly for the series tank or drum in use. If you are using the lift, be sure that the correct coupling position is selected. Be sure that the trough level is not set too high. If the Transfer Gear shaft is worn, it may slow down the rotation in one direction more than the other - replace the Transfer Gear (#95200).
The Temperature Of The Processor Does Not Lower...
The CPE-2 Plus does not have a cooling mechanism. The processor cools by radiating heat to the air and counter. If the temperature difference is slight, it could take some time to stabilize. If the room temperature is higher than the dialed in temperature, it will remain at, or slightly above room temperature. For alternative procedures to lower the temperature, see Section 1, Processor Maintenance and Tips.