Nova Washmaster-eco User manual

Nova

Washmaster-ECO

Archival

Print Washer

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE

MAINTENANCE

Unless the unit is to be used every day, it is

best to empty the unit totally using the drain

tap and daggar blade to prevent the build up of

algae.

Every month, remove the separators, taking

care to keep them in order and wash them in

warm soapy water.

NEVER, under any circumstances, use very

hot water or attempt to move the washer

when it is full.

ILFORD`s latest information on fibre base

washing for decreasing the wash time by using a

Hypo Clearing Agent/Washaid:-

a) 60 seconds FIX (no longer) with a

non-hardening

fixer

b) 5 minutes RINSE in running water.

c) 10 minutes in HYPO clearing agent.

d) 5 minutes WASH in running water

(at 20°C or higher)

Or if lower than 20°C

a) 10 minutes WASH in running water

(single weight paper)

b) 20 minutes WASH in running water

(double weight paper)

NOVA DARKROOM EQUIPMENT LTD

UNIT 1A, HARRIS RD

WEDGNOCK INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

WARWICK. CV34 5JU

ENGLAND

Telephone:- ++44 (0)1926 403090

Fax:- ++44 (0)1926 499992

E-Mail:- [email protected]

Washmaster-ECO  ISSUE 1  09/01

To gain the full benefit of all the features of the NOVA WASHMASTER-ECO , it is

extremely important that you read all the instructions contained within this leaflet.

UNPACKING

Carefully unpack the washer and check that the following items are present:-

The main wash unit, 4 - Internal Separators, 1 - Inlet Plumbing Kit (containing

1 - Novaclip, 2 - Drain Taps and pipes, 1.5 metre inlet hose and connector),

1 - Black Print Retrieval Blade, 1 - Black Outlet Plumbing Hose

INSTALLATION

1) Place the unit on a strong bench or in a sink, both of which should be

structurally sound to support the weight of the washer when full (see below),

and should also be flat and level. Approximate weight when full:-

16 x 12 (40 x 30 cm) = 25kg

20 x 16 (50 x 40 cm) = 40kg

2) Remove the plastic packaging from the washer. Ensure that each

separator is correctly inserted into the grooved channels.

3) Push the two short yellow drain hoses with taps onto each of the

smaller diameter grey inlet connectors situated on the front of the unit as

far as they will go. Push the 1.5 metre yellow inlet hose onto the central tap

fully and ease the tap connector end onto your water supply tap carefully

ensuring thatit is correctly fitted and tightened.

4) The black water outlet hose should be pushed fully onto the righthand

larger diameter grey tube and direct the tube to the nearest drain/sink.

NOTE:- It is possible to stand the unit in a sink or on a draining board, in

which case no outlet pipe would be required.

IN OPERATION

5) Fill the left-hand slot with HYPO Clearing agent/Wash-aid mixed to

the manufacturers’ recommended strength. Approximate amounts of wash-aid

required to fill the washers are listed below:

16x12 (40x30cm) =4.7L, 20x16 (50x40cm) =7.5L

6) Ensure that the central inlet tap is turned to open and then turn on

your water supply and wait for the unit to fill up. When the water reaches the

top of the weir, reduce the pressure to a trickle using your water mains tap.

By using the water guage window on the front, you should aim to get the water

level visible as near to the central marker as possible. This is the washer’s

most effective flow rate.

7) The visible water turbulence at this point indicates that there are no

stationary elements in the flow pattern. Further fine-tuning of the mains

supply is possible using the inline flow guage tap. Monitor the water level on

the flow guage during use and use this as a guide for future water flow

settings.

8) You will note that the separators have a smooth side and a textured side.

The prints will be washed most effectively when their emulsion faces the most

textured side of the separator.

9) Lower the fixed print into the first available wash compartment, raising

and lowering it for a few seconds to remove surface fixer and any air bubbles.

10) Leave the print in this compartment for 5 minutes, then transfer it to

the HYPO Clearing slot for the recommended time.

NOTE:- As each slot is independently supplied with water, freshly fixed prints can be put into

the washer without fear of contaminating the first print(s) that is already being washed. It is

recomended after placing freshly fixed prints in the wash slot, that the top centimeter of the

divider is rinsed with water by runing your finger along the edge or temporeraly increasing the

flow rate such that water flows to a level to clear the fixer from the divider.

11) When the Hypo Clearing time has expired, remove the print and return it

the first available water washing slot for the required time (see table overleaf)

12) Washing of smaller prints is possible by suspending prints on the

Nova Clip (supplied) or if left to float freely, can be recovered by inserting

the black print retrieval blade (supplied) between the back of the print and

the separator, twist the blade and then lift the print, blade and separator all

together.

Recommended Minimum Wash Times (without use of HYPO clear/washaid)

Water 20°C or less Water 21°C or higher

All Fibre Based Papers 60 mins 45 mins

All Resin Coated Papers 6 mins 3 mins

Reversal/IlfoChrome Papers 6 mins 3 mins

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The WASHMASTER-ECO incorporates a rapid water expulsion facility. This

means that the user can turn off the mains water supply and leave the print

to soak for several minutes before raising the dagger blade to let all the

water come out of the outlet. This method is preferred by some professional

users in order to reduce wash times and expel ‘fixer contaminated’ water

more quickly.

The Hypo Clearing section can be converted into a sixth washing slot or rapid

pre-wash by simply purchasing a plumbing conversion kit - ask your stockist

for further details on this item.