DARKROOM AUTOMATION f-STOP TIMERS User manual

DARKROOM AUTOMATION
f-STOP TIMERS
A QUICK GUIDE TO BASIC
OPERATIONS
This guide supplements the Instruction Manual.
It quickly demonstrates the use of the basic features of Darkroom Automation’s
f-Stop timers.
It does not cover the advanced memory, split grade, setup and seconds mode
features of the Memory f-Stop Timer.

Contents Copyright 2007, 2021
Release 1.03 - 3 November 2021, Add flashing at end of test strip
DARKROOM AUTOMATION
1412 Dorsh Road CCleveland Ohio 44121-3840 Chttp://www.darkroomautomation.com C216.956.5795

1
Base Exposure
The mode key advances the exposure type -
shown in the first display character: ‘d’ for
dodge, ‘b’ for burn, ‘p’ for progressive burn, ‘t’
for test strips, ‘m’ for memory mode. Types
may not appear if a required previous exposure
has not been made or option enabled.
The timer is ready to make the base exposure
when there is a blank character in the left
position.
You can focus at any time by holding the
expose key down for one second. Turn the
enlarger off by tapping the expose key again.
Set the exposure in stops with the raise and
lower keys.
0.0 = 1.00 sec 3.2 = 9.19 sec
1.0 = 2.00 sec 3.3 = 9.85 sec
2.0 = 4.00 sec 4.0 = 16.00 sec
3.0 = 8.00 sec 5.0 = 32.00 sec
3.1 = 8.57 sec 9.9 = 955.43 sec
Start the exposure by tapping the expose key.
The enlarger will turn on and the safelight off,
the display will count down the remaining
seconds.
Pause the exposure by tapping the expose key;
the display will flash. Resume the exposure by
tapping the expose key again.
Cancel the exposure by holding the expose key
down for one second.

2
Dodging: A Single Dodge
Set the base exposure in stops.
DO NOT EXPOSE. The dodge exposures made
below will add up to make the base exposure.
Advance to dodging with the mode key - the
display will show ‘d’ in the first character.
Use the raise and lower keys to set the desired
dodge in stops.
Insert the dodger and make the dodged
exposure.
Press the mode key to ‘finish’ the exposure.
Remove the dodger and make the finishing
exposure. The finishing exposure and the dodge
exposure combined will equal the base
exposure.

3
Dodging: Multiple Dodges
Set the base exposure in stops.
DO NOT EXPOSE. The dodge exposures made
below will add up to make the base exposure.
Advance to dodging and set the shortest dodge
exposure.
Insert all dodgers and expose.
Set the next longest dodge exposure.
Remove the dodger for the exposure just made,
leaving the remaining dodger(s) in place.
Make the next dodge exposure.
If there are additional dodges then repeat:
remove the present dodger; set the next longest
exposure; expose.
After all dodges are completed advance to ‘Fin.’,
remove all dodgers and expose the remaining
portion of the base exposure.

4
Burning
Make a base exposure or dodge/finish
exposure.
Advance to burn - the display will show a ‘b’.
Set the number of stops to burn.
Insert the burning card and make the exposure.
Repeat as needed: set burn exposure; expose.
Burns can be made in any order.
Progressive Burning: Burning Inside a Burn
After making the base burn as shown above,
press the mode key to advance to progressive
burning - ‘p’ will show in the display. If there are
no progressive burns then advance to base
exposure, otherwise set the number of stops to
burn.
Insert a burning card and press the expose key
to burn an area inside the previously burned
area.
To burn a smaller area inside the previous
progressive burn insert a burning card with a
smaller opening, set the number of additional
stops and press the expose key. Repeat as
needed.

5
After all the progressive burns are completed
press the mode key. The timer will ask if you
want to reset the current progressive sequence
and make another. If you are done just press the
mode key one more time for a new print.
Advance to burn if you want a new base burn.
To make a new progressive sequence inside the
previous basic burn first press the raise key to
re.y “reset-yes” and then press the mode key.
Make a new progressive burn.
Test Strips
Make a base exposure at the lowest
exposure desired on the test print.
Press the mode key to advance to test
strips - the display will show a ‘t’.
Set the desired step size.
Cover up a strip of the paper with a piece
of card.

6
Make an exposure with the strip covered.
At the end of the exposure the timer will
flash the total exposure given to the last
strip.
Advance the card and make the next
exposure. Continue making strip
exposures as needed. Press the mode
key when you are done.