Part I - Build a F-STOP Darkroom Timer

[@sebkanters]

An interesting build Gavin, very useful! I've designed one somewhat similar like yours a while ago and it makes printing so much easier. Kudos for documenting your build and making it available to others!

[@GavinLyonsCreates]

Thanks Sebastian, I'm working on the second part, which uses a relay and ESP 12 board, so basically with 5 wires and soldering a few pins and uploading the code - you've got the timer. Just need some help on the 3D print for the case to fit both boards.

[@sebkanters]

@@GavinLyonsCreates sounds promising and simple! 3D printing is way out of my skillset, so I can't be of any help there. But I'm sure there must be someone nearby you who can help you out. Did you also consider adding an extra relay to switch off the safelight during exposure? That makes dodging and burning so much easier in my setup. Looking forward to your next video.

[@GavinLyonsCreates]

@@sebkanters Yes but that would make extra soldering and require additional power supply. The board I'll be using in part II is the ESP 12 1R MV which has the power supply, relay and controller all on one board. But of course I'll mention in part III 🙂

[@sebkanters]

@@GavinLyonsCreates that makes sense!

[@100davies]

Hi mate, built one of your darkroom timers not got the case yet but im going to make my own custom one, I want the switches to be slightly illuminated, thing ive noticed is when I hold the run switch it does one run then keeps repeating , so im going to change things so it only runs once for each press, ie doesn't start another run if you hold it

[@GavinLyonsCreates]

@@100davies That's cool you've built the timer. If you want to make code changes you can submit them in the GIT repo. Thanks Gavin

[@oocaj]

Hi Gavin, Very interesting project. I have a question regarding the test strips, you are kind of "building up" the times by adding the next exposure time with the previous one. is there also an option so you can expose every next step with the actual time? I hope you can follow what I mean. In the Fadu timer you have these options and the way I find my correct exposure is by exposing every time the same part of the print by moving the the paper under a window.

[@GavinLyonsCreates]

Hi, Thank you for your question. It wouldn't be difficult to add that as an option 'Strip Test Window' feature. Basically just add the base time to each step? .

[@oocaj]

@@GavinLyonsCreates Yes that is what I mean, so first expose is let’s say 1 seconds, next exposure is 1.4 seconds and so on.

[@mityakassian]

Amazing idea and work! Unfortunately the link on Etsy doesn't work. Is there any chance to find this kit to buy online? Thank you

[@GavinLyonsCreates]

Hi Mitya, Sorry for delay, I've updated the link to the store, however currently I don't have any enclosures made up at the moment. As I wish to make an improved to the code and add some new features. Gavin

[@mityakassian]

Thank you for your answer. Can’t wait when you finish the new version and put it up for sale. I’m definitely going to buy it. Good luck!

[@martin-f5482]

Hi Gavin, such a great thing you've done! I use fadu timer since a while and was always looking for such a hardware stuff. I'll check it out and come back with comments later on. A question I have now is about strips, fadu timer app gives me a second between the next steps to move the cardboard, I couldn't see it in your video how you have done this.

[@GavinLyonsCreates]

Hi Martin, Thanks for your kind comments. There's of course a beep and a second between each exposure, to allow you to move the card. In the next video currently working using a board which has both the relay and controller on it. So a tiny bit of soldering and you've got a darkroom timer. Of course a 3D printed case is the next step...