Durst CLS 450, CLS 500 and CLS 501: built-in timer?

[marck mcgill]

Gentlemen, I have read in previous posts that the three colour heads

above works quite the same, and I understood that basically there is

no need to choose one instead of the other except for the "neutral

density" filter (not of great use) and of course price.

 

However, I am used to a Durst AC707 Autocolor which has a built-in

timer facility. It is not essential and perhaps external timers may

be more accurate, but sure it's convenient.

 

None of the above have a built-in timer? So all of the three heads

are supposed to be operated with an external timing unit?

 

Any other head for the Laborator 1200, of which I may not know the

existence, with built-in timer?

 

Thanks a lot - M.

[michael_briggs2]

No, none of these heads have a built-in timer.

 

I think the modular approach of a separate timer is better, especially in this era of manufacturers leaving the market. First, you can buy a timer with whatever features you wish, e.g., an f-stop timer. Second, if the timer should break in the distant future, the head is uneffected, and you have only to fix the timer or buy a new timer.

 

These heads are normally sold with an associated power supply. One difference is that the power supply for the CLS 450 stays powered even when it is not powering the lamp -- there is a cord with a special connector on one end for connecting the power supply to the timer, which controls a switch inside the power supply. With the CLS 501, you power the power supply (and thus the head) from the timer.

[marck mcgill]

Michael, thanks for taking time to answer. I actually already have an external timing unit, the built-in unit in the AC707 was just handier.

 

The saparate power/control wiring in the older CLS 450 may actually be an advantage, as I don't know how much power my timing unit can handle.

 

Agree on the modular advice.