Film Processor

8 Roll  Auto Replenishing

110 Sewell Ave. Trenton, NJ 08610 USA Tel 609 396 1456 Fax 609 396 9395

Email serve@phototherm.com

The SSK-8R automatic processor accurately tempers each solution, one at a time. This design breakthrough allows B/W processing at 75 ^oF and then immediately afterwards slide processing 100 ^oF. Tempered water is not needed. Long warm-ups are not required.

All the solution bottles for processing color slides, color negatives and Black and White negatives are constantly connected. The operator just selects the process. The unit pumps the proper chemical from any of the 18 reservoir containers, quickly heats the small volume needed to the correct temperature and starts processing. As it processes one solution it prepares the next solution. At the end of the process cycle it automatically flushes itself clean, preparing itself for the next process.

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The SSK-8R protects the film from possible operator errors. It has an interactive computerized display that prompts and informs the operator what it is doing. Possible operator errors are also minimized because, chemical lines do not have to be switched nor must volumes of solutions be measured.

Place the unit on a flat level surface. Lift up the side and cut away and discard the two visible nylon straps from the bottom of the unit. These straps hold the pumps secure for shipping and must be removed for the pumps to work.

Prepare the solution bottles. a) Loosen NUT. b) Push in notched end of the ¼ OD black tubing through fitting to bottom of bottle. Leave about 2 inches (5 cm) exposed. c) Hand tighten nut. d) Rinse out bottle. You can use the collapsible bottles for developers; they will extend chemical life because there is no air interface.

Use the marker pen to label each bottle and lid with the chemical it contains. Cut a piece of clear flexible tubing long enough to run from the bottle to the back of the machine. RUN THE TUBING STRAIGHT DOWN from the back of the machine. After about a foot, the tubing can run in any direction Allow about 2 feet (60 cm.) extra for slack. Label both ends of the tubing with the chemical name. Slip one end over the proper tube and the other end over the exposed black tubing of the solution bottle. The 5 gal. Water bottle connects to the WATER (#5) tube.

The 5 gal. water bottle, which has a float valve near its lid, holds the water that will be used for processing and internal cleaning (FLUSHING) of the unit. You can manually fill the bottle. Use regular tap water, not de-ionized or distilled water. You can connect the bottle to a cold water pipe for automatic filling with the "ice maker" kit. TURN OFF THE WATER AT THE SOURCE WHEN THE MACHINE IS NOT IN USE.

The DUMP bottle comes with a level sensor that should be plugged into the DUMP SENSOR jack on the back of the unit. IT WILL SENSE IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH ROOM FOR A 2 or 4 ROLL RUN ONLY. The bottle must be emptied if you are doing a 6 or 8 roll run. If a plumbed-in drain is available, use it.

Push the flexible tubing over the stainless tubes of these outlets (not more than 3/4").

Run the DUMP and the FLUSH tubing separately into the 3" gray fitting on the DUMP bottle. Do not put a third tubing into the same fitting. Do NOT run tubing inside DUMP bottle. (Fig. 2). Allow at least 12" drop between unit and DUMP bottle.

Open the DOOR by lifting up from the bottom and pulling out. Place the magnetic stirrer (white pill) in the exposed heat tank. Carefully push the stirrer with a pencil until it is magnetically caught near the back right corner of the tank. Turn SIDEKICK on and check if the stirrer is turning.

Put in six Alkaline "C" Cells in the battery holder. This will allow the unit to continue after a power failure and protect it against power surges. Plug the power cord into a 120 Volt AC 15 Amp. (regular domestic) outlet.

The batteries will protect SSK-8R from short power losses. You can also connect SSK-8R to a TRIPP Model Pro 1400. A 1400 Watt Uninteruptable Power Supply, which would allow the unit to finish the process in case of a long power failure.

Turn off SSK for at least 10 seconds. Hold down the START switch as you turn SSK on. Release the START switch. SSK will show the programming instruction. (See PROGRAM MODE for a fuller explanation). SSK will then display "USER CODE" " # (any number)". Change the number by pressing – ( MINUS) telling SSK you want to make a change. Then pressing PLUS(+) to increase the number. When "7" is displayed, press START. SSK will record the information. After it is finished "RECORDING", you can use PLUS to look through all your options or just turn SSK off.

Make sure SSK is level by inserting the bottom half of the large DRUM in the SSK. Pour water into the DRUM until it is about ½" from the top. Measure the distance from the water to the top of the DRUM at the front and the back of the DRUM. Level the SSK with shims until the distances are equal. Run DRAIN to empty the DRUM. See SPECIAL FUNCTIONS.

See PROGRAM MODE to select the set processes. Run the DUMP TUBING TEST to verify correct tubing installation. See TEST MODE.

Selections as shipped from the factory. See PROGRAMMING to change selections (values).

* 75^oF (23.9^oC) ** 85^oF (29.3^oC)

In a dark box, load the film on the reel (see REEL LOADING). Slide the reel on the spindle with the film guide pointing in the direction shown. If there is room on the spindle, use the SPACER (goes on last) to conserve chemistry. Place the spindle inside the FILM DRUM. Cover the spindle with the lid (one side is shaped to go over the spindle). Slide the clips towards the ends of the FILM DRUM to close it. You are now light tight.

Push the FILM DRUM to the left in the TROUGH till the SNOUT seats itself inside the COUPLING. The two stainless pins of the spindle should go on opposite sides of the STAPLE on the rotate motor.

Look to make sure you have enough solution in the chemical bottles. Empty the DUMP bottle. Turn the unit ON. Use PLUS to select the type of film you are processing. Push START to begin the process.

The unit will ask you how many rolls (35 mm) are being processed. Use "PLUS to select : "2" for 1 or 2 rolls of 35mm or 1 roll of 120/220. Use SPACER.

"4" for 3 or 4 rolls of 35mm, 2 rolls of 120/220 or a 4x5 sheet film holder.

"6" for 5 or 6 rolls of 35mm, 3 rolls of 120/220 or 2 4x5 holders (8 sheets). Use SPACER

"8" for 7 or 8 rolls of 35mm, 4 or 5 rolls of 120/220.

The SSK uses 2 oz. (60ml) of solution per run, plus 3 ½ oz. (105 ml) per roll.

If you want to change the developing times see PUSH PROCESSING.

Up to 4 rolls of 35 mm film can be dried in the included UTILITY DRYER on reels. The film can also be dried any other way. The base of 120 film is too thin for drying on a reel, and must be dried by other means.

Place the UTILITY DRYER vertically in the TROUGH so that the cut away portion of the DRYER covers the air vent in the side of the TROUGH. Shake out each reel 4 times over a sink with a vigorous snap of the wrist to remove excess solution. Put the reels on the dryer spindle (closed end on the bottom) and put the spindle in the UTILITY DRYER

Push START to begin drying. SSK will FLUSH itself as it is drying the film. The unit MUST BE ALLOWED TO FLUSH itself after every processing run. The required drying time will vary with the amount of film and the relative humidity of the room. If the film is not fully dry when the dryer stops (15 min.), dry again. Rinse all reels, spindle and drum with COLD water. Room air dry - hot air may distort the parts. RINSE, DO NOT IMMERSE THE DRUM.

If you get drying marks, try the following: a) use distilled water for the last step. b) dilute the wetting agent or stabilizer. c) use softened water. d) rinse externally in distilled water. e) squeegee and hang up to dry. Film with drying marks can be re-rinsed and dried again.

An accesory hang-up dryer is available from PhotoTherm (Part# AF-DR8).

The plastic ratcheting reels can be adjusted to hold different sizes of film. Simply hold the reel in both hands, making sure that the outer spiral groove (near the ball bearings) is on top and facing you.

Twist the right half of the reel clockwise until you hear a click. The two halves can then be pulled apart. There are 3 "keyed" positions on the reel hub. The narrowest position is for 35mm or 126, the second for 127, and the widest for 120/220.

Insert the leading end of the film, emulsion down, into the outer spiral groove of the reel and an inch past the ball bearings. With both hands on the reel twist the right half and the left half in opposite directions. You may have to assist the film feeding by placing the thumb, of your forward moving hand, on the outside of the film.

Any Paterson ^TM reels will work. They are available at most photo stores. Contact Photo-Therm if you prefer to use different style reels.

35 MM FILM Cut off the film leader. Clip the corners of the leading end to make feeding easier. 35 mm film can be started past the ball bearing in the light, but must be fed into the reel in the dark. Twist one side of the reel back and forth to feed the film into the reel. When you reach the end of the film use scissors to cut it away from the film cassette. Do not tear the film. An uneven tear may cause the film to come off the reel.

Just turn the power switch ON for normal operation. Hold down the START switch as you turn the power switch ON to be able to PROGRAM process values. Hold the PLUS switch when turning on to see the roll count and run DUMP tubing test and valve test.

Hold MINUS when turning the unit on to put SSK-8R in DIAGNOSTIC mode.

Selected with PLUS when machine is turned ON.

All solution tubing should be removed and the water tubing moved manually from position to position, as the unit draws water through each tube to clean itself.

The temperature can be adjusted with a small screwdriver through a hole on the left side of the unit. Clockwise to decrease temperature. All units are calibrated at the factory and should not need adjustment in the field.

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PROGRAM MODE will allow you to change the set processing values. Select by holding START as you turn SSK on.

SSK will first show you programming instructions.

Use MINUS when you want to change settings. Minus will also lower the time when changing times.

Use PLUS to advance the selections and increase the settings.

START records the changes.

Turn the power switch off to exit programming.

Change # to 7 for the unit to operate. Push MINUS to make a change. Push PLUS until 7 is displayed and then push START to record the change. This is only done once when you first get Super Sidekick. After recording either turn off the unit for at least 10 seconds to exit or push PLUS to look at the next parameter.

Changes the percent of replenishment. Push MINUS to change. One number at a time will start blinking. Use PLUS to increase the number. Push MINUS to move to the next number. When all the numbers are correct, push START to record.

The next few screens let you change the set developer times. (Changing the developer time for one processing run only (Pushing), is done during normal processing as the process is selected.)… push MINUS to make a change, use PLUS and MINUS to select the time and then push START to record.

If you want to use the included utility dryer right after processing, set to "YES". If you will dry the films externally (recommended), set to "NO".

Select the slide process you want to use: whether 4 or 7 step, with or without prewet. You can also choose not to show slides as a selection to the operator.

Select the color negative process you want to use: C-41 or bleach & fix combined, with or without prewet. You can also choose not to show color negatives as a selection.

You can change the time of any step in any process. You can remove any step by making the time less then 2 minutes. In Black & White any changes after developer affect all the Black & White processes. Push MINUS to make changes, push PLUS to select the process, then push MINUS to change the times in that process. PLUS selects the solution, MINUS will let you make changes and then PLUS and MINUS change the time. START records the selection. Exit by turning Super Sidekick off.

Select the solutions you want to save to the BLEACH SAVE and FIX SAVE tubes. Push MINUS to make a change, push PLUS to select the process, then push MINUS to change the solutions you want to save in that process. PLUS changes the choice (Yes or No) and START records the change. Exit by turning Super Sidekick off.

You can change the rotational speed of the spindle. Push MINUS to make a change. PLUS will advance the selections and then START will record the changes.

Will change all parameters to their original settings when Super Sidekick was shipped from the factory. Just press START.

TEST MODE Select by holding PLUS as you turn SSK ON. It will first display roll and run counts and then show the number of pump pulses used to cover each of the level sensors.

DUMP TUBING installation is tested by pumping up water into the large film drum and letting it drain out. The cycle is repeated 3 times. Connect the DUMP and FLUSH tubing to your drain or bottle. Fill the water bottle with water and connect it to tube #5. Insert the large DRUM into SSK, keep the top off so you can observe the action. The DRUM should fully empty every time it drains. If it does not, turn the unit off and recheck your DUMP tubing. You can empty the HEAT TANK and DRUM by running DRAIN in NORMAL MODE.

The VALVE TEST is selected by pushing PLUS. Insert the PLUG into the coupling. When you push any switch, a valve will open and the FILL pump will turn on as long as you hold the switch. It will pump any solution in the HEAT TANK out of the DUMP/SAVE tubes. You can use the CALIBRATE function in NORMAL mode to pump some water into the HEAT TANK.

The SAVE switch will indicate ON (red showing) on the display if it is on during the VALVE TEST.

This mode individually checks all of the machine function, sensors and actuators. SSK may have to be opened to reach some of the sensors. See SERVICE.

Will display any level sensor that senses solution. SSK has the following Level sensors: Low, 2-roll, 4-roll, 6-roll, 8 roll, drain level (located inside the coupling) and the rotary selector valve (SSK-8R only). The SAVE switch can also be tested as a level sensor.

You can test the sensors by connecting a clip lead between the solder lug on the side of the HEAT TANK (central grounding [earth]) and the sensor.

If none of the level sensors is made, you can push MINUS to go to the VALVE test, PLUS to go to the PUMP test and START to go to OTHER tests.

Pushing the switches will open the valves. (The valve test in TEST MODE allows you to check flow through the valve by also turning on the FILL pump). Hold MINUS and push PLUS to go back to LEVEL TESTER. Pumps are tested the same way. AUXILIARY is reserved for future needs.

DR&ROT (push MINUS) will turn on the dryer and the spindle ROTATE motor. TEMP (push PLUS) will show the HEX readings of the DRUM and HEAT TANK sensors, show the voltage (120/230) and then take a few readings in HEX of the actual voltage.

GAT (push START) will exercise the ROTARY SELECTOR valve to both ends of travel, then stop at tube #9. This is the middle of travel and is the position the valve must be in when its internal tubing is mounted.

Keep the stainless contact plates on the DRUM clean. Never touch with fingers. Clean daily with alcohol and buff with Scotch Brite. Bend in the contactor springs on the body periodically.

Use silicone grease to lubricate the "O" ring on the SNOUT of the processing DRUM as needed.

Clean the reels as needed by soaking in a 50% solution of household bleach for 5 minutes. Rinse well with hot water.

The process will then continue, but check to see why the solution did not drain.

Test a new batch of chemistry on your own film or run a test strip.

Air Preheat Varies to 37.8 Go to SLD DEV below

WATER prewet    Time   Temp     5  Checks drum temp

SLD DEV eloper  6:30   37.8     2  Very precise

WATER wash (3x) 2:00   37.8     5

SLD REV ersal   3:00   37.8     18

SLD C olor DEV  4:00   37.8     17 Very precise

SLD CONDitioner 3:00   37.8     16 pre-bleach

SLD BLEACH      8:00   37.8      6

COLOR FIX       4:00   37.8     13 SAVED FIX if switch ON

WATER wash (3x) 2:00   37.8     5 also used by C41 FIX

SLD STABilizer  2:00   23.9     9

WATER prewet    Time    Temp     5 Checks room temp

SLD DEV eloper  6:30    37.8     2 Very precise

WATER wash (2X) 2:00    23.9     5 Acts as cool stop

WATER wash      2:00    37.8     5

SLD C olor DEV  4:00    37.8     17 Very precise

WATER wash (2X) 2:00    23.9     5

WATER wash      2:00    37.8     5

SLD BLIX        10:00   37.8     6 SAVED FIX when switch is ON

WATER wash (3x) 2:00    37.8     5

SLD STAB ilizer 2:00    23.9     9

WATER preheat   Time    Temp    5 Checks drum temp

C41 DEV eloper  3:15    37.8    3 Very precise

C41 BLEACH      6:00    35.5 8

WATER wash      2:00    35.5 5

COLOR FIX       6:00    35.5    13 SAVED FIX if switch ON

WATER wash (2X) 2:00    35.5    5 also used by E6 FIX

C41 STABilizer  2:00    23.9    10

WATER prehwet   Time    Temp    5 Checks room temp

C41 DEV eloper  3:15    37.8    3 Very precise

C41 BLIX        3:00    35.5    8 SAVED FIX when switch is ON

WATER wash      2:00    35.5     5

C41 STAB ilizer 2:00    23.9    10

B&W DEV eloper  4:40    23.9    4 end of BW process is same

B&W DEV eloper  5:30    23.9    4 end of BW process is same

B&W DEV eloper  5:45    29.3    4 end of BW process is same

END OF BLACK & WHITE Common to all BW processes.

WATER wash      2:00    23.9     5 also acts as stop

B&W FIX         7:00    23.9     14 SAVED FIX is switch ON

WATER wash      2:00    23.9     5

B&W P erma WASH 2:00    23.9    15 hypo clear or water

WATER wash      2:00    23.9     5

BW RINSE        2:00    23.9     11

BLACK AND WHITE

Use: 1. Kodak T-Max^im developer (B/W DEV) 2. Rapid B/W FIX 3. Hypo clearing agent (B/W P WASH) such as Heico Perma-Wash^tm 4. B/W RINSE Photo-Flo (Kodak) or Rexton’s Hyperwet^tm. Mix T-Max developer 1 part concentrate to 5 parts water. It works better in a Sidekick than Kodak’s recommendation of 1:4.

COLOR NEGATIVES C-41

Use working strength solutions of any C-41 chemistry. Overflow solutions work well. If you use replenishers remember to add starter to the developer to get a working strength solution.

RA C-41 chemistry works well with the standard bleach and fix times. If you would like to shorten the bleach and fix times see PROGRAM MODE.

SLIDES 7 STEP E-6

Blue shift can be corrected by adding sodium hydroxide (see chem. manufacturers instructions) to the color developer or by diluting the reversal step. When reversal is too dilute, the slides will have a green cast.

Bleach should be aerated (have air pumped through it). Use a fish tank type air pump and run the tubing to the bottom of the bleach bottle. Do not use an airstone. Run for at least 2 hours a day. Check reversal for scum growth - discard, clean bottle, re-mix. Check color developer for separation - re-stir with mixing rod.

SLIDES 4 STEP E-6

Unicolor, Photo-Technology, Tetanol or Beseler chemistry will work. (Some manufacturers call their chemistry 3 step - they don’t include a wetting/stabilizing step. Use C-41 stabilizer or a wetting agent (Hyper-wet or Photo-Flo) for this step.

MOTION PICTURE FILM (black layer on base). Process ECN-2. Process like normal C-41 film. Since SIDEKICK can use fresh solutions for each step, the black residue does not gum up the unit. Turn SAVE switch OFF. After the last step, rinse under warm water and gently rub the remaining residue from the film base. Do not touch the emulsion. Hang film to dry. Wash reels with a soft brush in dish detergent.

Mix color chemistries in water that is at least 85 ^oF (29 ^oC). Stir well. Wait one hour before using.

If you want to change the developer time for one run, hold MINUS as you push START. The display will show the developer time. Change to desired time using the PLUS and MINUS. When the proper time is displayed push START to begin. The next time you process the unit will return to the normal time.

4 X 5 INSTRUCTIONS (optional)

Practice loading the 4x5 HOLDER with the lights on. The HOLDER will process 4 sheets at a time.

The 2 stainless clips are on the TOP of HOLDER. Rotate both clips toward the center core.

Insert the sheets with the emulsion towards the center. 4x5 sheet film has notches in one corner. Hold the sheet facing you with the longer side vertical. When the notches are at the top right corner, the emulsion is facing you.

Load the 2 inside sheets first. Load from the TOP of the HOLDER. Squeeze the film so that it can fit inside the ring of the HOLDER. Push the sheet into the groove. Use your other hand to help guide the sheets.

After all the sheets have been loaded, rotate the stainless clips toward the outside ring to hold in the sheets.

The spindle should then be inserted from the bottom of the HOLDER. Place the spindle with the HOLDER(S) in the Processing DRUM and process normally. Select DRUM SIZE = 4 for 1 HOLDER in the 4-roll DRUM and DRUM SIZE = 6 for 2 HOLDERS in the 8-roll DRUM.

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After processing:

1. Remove the HOLDER(S) from the spindle.

2. Rotate the stainless clips toward the center core of the HOLDER

3. Push the sheet up slightly from the bottom.

4. Pull the sheet from the TOP. Use your other hand to help guide the sheet.

5. Use your own method to dry the sheets.

6. Rinse the HOLDER(S), spindle and DRUM. AIR DRY. DO NOT USE HOT AIR.

Initially set up your unit to run without automatic replenishment. When you are familiar with the operation and satisfied with the results, start using the replenishment option.

Super Sidekick model SSK-8R can replenish any 2 chemicals, usually bleach and fix for a great reduction in chemical costs. You get the highest quality results, because the developers are fresh.

Replenishment is turned on when 3 conditions are met:

Monitor your process results. If the film does not clear (milky) increase the fix replenishment rate. You can usually re-fix the film manually to correct the problem.

If the film looks flat, muddy or the black areas have a red tinge, increase the bleach replenishment rate and/or make sure the bleach is aerated. You can usually re-bleach the film to correct the problem.

Use a telephone near Sidekick when calling in for service.

SELECTOR VALVE REPLACEMENT

Open the unit (see OPENING). Cover the PC Board with paper towels and a plastic sheet to protect it from getting wet. The SELECTOR VALVE (SV) is now exposed. The tubing from the SV is held against the side of the case by a clamp. Open the clamp. With a paper towel in hand; remove the SV tubing from the pump fitting.

Remove the ribbon connector of the SV from the PC board. Carefully lift the connector straight up. Do not bend the pins. The SV is held with 4 screws. Unscrew and remove SV.

Carefully turn the SV so that it lines up on tube #9. Install the new SV. Fasten with the 4 screws. Clamp the tubing to the case. The black mark on the tubing should line up with the bottom of the clamp block. Push the end of the tubing onto the pump.

Remove the protective socket from the connector of the new SV and place it on the old SV connector. Replace the electrical connector in the socket marked SELECTOR VALVE on the PC board. The mark on the connector should be on the lower left corner.

PRINTED CIRCUIT (PC) BOARD REPLACEMENT

Open the unit (see OPENING). Locate the circuit board. Carefully note how each connector is mounted before you pull it from the board. Pull away squarely from the board, be careful not to bend the pins. Do not just yank the ribbon cables. Rotate the 2 clamps holding the PC board and remove it.

Push the new PC against the stop on the right side of the track and then twist the clamps. Carefully replace all the connectors. Use the wiring diagram (p.16) as a guide for positioning. Close the unit and run CALIBRATE (see SPECIAL FUNCTIONS).

TEMPERATURE SENSOR REPLACEMENT

Open the unit (see OPENING). Locate the heating tank. The temperature sensor screws into the side of the heating tank. There are 2 wires connecting the sensor. One goes to a solder lug, and the other is soldered to a black wire. Cut away both wires (the wires are interchangeable).

Wrap the new sensor with 4 wraps of Teflon tape and screw into the heat tank. Solder the 2 wires where you cut the old wires. Close the unit and run CALIBRATE (see SPECIAL FUNCTIONS) to match the sensor to the PC board.

SOLUTION LEVEL SETTING

Open the unit (see OPENING). Locate the 5 level sensors on the heat tank. The sensor closest to the left corner is low level (4 oz -120 ml) followed by: 9 oz, 15 oz, 22 oz and 29 oz. Pour the proper amount of water (start with 4 oz then add 5 oz etc.) into the heat tank. Hold the sensor where it passes over the tank wall with one hand and bend the end of the sensor with the other hand so that the sensor just touches the water. Empty the heat tank by closing the unit and running DRAIN (see SPECIAL FUNCTIONS).

Prepare the unit by running CLEAN LINES (see SPECIAL FUNCTIONS). Open the unit (see OPENING) and wipe up any loose solutions. Tie down the 2 pumps (through the holes in the base) with strong twine. Remove the magnetic stirrer (white pill) from inside the heat chamber. Close the unit. Remove and keep stir bar, plug and power cord.

Place the unit in a plastic bag. Use as much packing (balled newspapers, bubble wrap etc. <please do not use small Styrofoam chunks>) as possible to cushion the unit from the walls of the box.