Author Topic: Flash time counting - how do you time your flash?  (Read 1950 times)

Offline tonypep

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Re: Flash time counting - how do you time your flash?
« Reply #15 on: August 08, 2025, 07:29:46 PM »
That would seem to work well and less money than a swing away I'm sure. Quartz I and assuming.


Offline spencer_L&KC

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Re: Flash time counting - how do you time your flash?
« Reply #16 on: August 12, 2025, 10:03:59 AM »
Anatol makes a stand alone flash called the Comet, which you can set a timer and it flashes whenever a pallet is under it for whatever time you set

That would be a quartz flash then, yeah?

Im not sure how much confidence I have in Anatol anymore. I ordered a jacket hold down from them once and when it arrived it would not open all the way, as the top "lid" part was hitting the pallet arm, stopping it from opening all the way. I couldn't believe how poorly designed it was. So they made a new one with some adjustments and that one also did not work properly. Finally they shrugged their shoulders and said "we dont know why its not working". So I cancelled my order. If they cant even design a jacket hold down to work on their presses, it gives me pause about ordering something as expensive as a quartz flash. I love my Thunder though, even if the powder coating failed in a couple of areas. Dont even get me started on that. Moving forward, I will be purchasing M&R presses only.

BBC makes a motorized swing away accessory for their Black Flashes. It is operated with a foot switch and has a timer to swing away after set time. Maybe Ill look into that. I do want a quartz flash, but a new gas conveyor is the next upgrade, as I am moving into a new studio that is currently under construction. Its a brand new construction and I made sure to have gas hooked up.
« Last Edit: August 12, 2025, 10:06:38 AM by spencer_L&KC »

Offline tonypep

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Re: Flash time counting - how do you time your flash?
« Reply #17 on: August 12, 2025, 10:47:32 AM »
Looks like IR radiant. The flash-amatic would work best (fastest) if the panel was always on however downside is power sucker and heat generator. Never used but ask questions first!

Offline 3Deep

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Re: Flash time counting - how do you time your flash?
« Reply #18 on: August 12, 2025, 04:00:05 PM »
Anatol makes a stand alone flash called the Comet, which you can set a timer and it flashes whenever a pallet is under it for whatever time you set

That would be a quartz flash then, yeah?

Im not sure how much confidence I have in Anatol anymore. I ordered a jacket hold down from them once and when it arrived it would not open all the way, as the top "lid" part was hitting the pallet arm, stopping it from opening all the way. I couldn't believe how poorly designed it was. So they made a new one with some adjustments and that one also did not work properly. Finally they shrugged their shoulders and said "we dont know why its not working". So I cancelled my order. If they cant even design a jacket hold down to work on their presses, it gives me pause about ordering something as expensive as a quartz flash. I love my Thunder though, even if the powder coating failed in a couple of areas. Dont even get me started on that. Moving forward, I will be purchasing M&R presses only.

BBC makes a motorized swing away accessory for their Black Flashes. It is operated with a foot switch and has a timer to swing away after set time. Maybe Ill look into that. I do want a quartz flash, but a new gas conveyor is the next upgrade, as I am moving into a new studio that is currently under construction. Its a brand new construction and I made sure to have gas hooked up.

Hate to say this but you're going to very disappointed many day's in equipment as all companies have some bad product's here and there, M&R has a great service department for a reason as do a few other's, but I hope you find what you're looking for that will help streamline your production.
Life is like Kool-Aid, gotta add sugar/hardwork to make it sweet!!

Offline spencer_L&KC

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Re: Flash time counting - how do you time your flash?
« Reply #19 on: August 14, 2025, 06:57:38 PM »
Anatol makes a stand alone flash called the Comet, which you can set a timer and it flashes whenever a pallet is under it for whatever time you set

That would be a quartz flash then, yeah?

Im not sure how much confidence I have in Anatol anymore. I ordered a jacket hold down from them once and when it arrived it would not open all the way, as the top "lid" part was hitting the pallet arm, stopping it from opening all the way. I couldn't believe how poorly designed it was. So they made a new one with some adjustments and that one also did not work properly. Finally they shrugged their shoulders and said "we dont know why its not working". So I cancelled my order. If they cant even design a jacket hold down to work on their presses, it gives me pause about ordering something as expensive as a quartz flash. I love my Thunder though, even if the powder coating failed in a couple of areas. Dont even get me started on that. Moving forward, I will be purchasing M&R presses only.

BBC makes a motorized swing away accessory for their Black Flashes. It is operated with a foot switch and has a timer to swing away after set time. Maybe Ill look into that. I do want a quartz flash, but a new gas conveyor is the next upgrade, as I am moving into a new studio that is currently under construction. Its a brand new construction and I made sure to have gas hooked up.

Hate to say this but you're going to very disappointed many day's in equipment as all companies have some bad product's here and there, M&R has a great service department for a reason as do a few other's, but I hope you find what you're looking for that will help streamline your production.

I understand that, but a jacket hold down isnt astrophysics ya know? How can they possibly not be able to get that right? It really soured me on Anatol. That and their sales guy calls me what feels like every other day.

Offline californiadreamin

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Re: Flash time counting - how do you time your flash?
« Reply #20 on: August 15, 2025, 07:59:59 AM »
I agree with 3 Deep/ Daryl!
Also understand your frustration with things not being what you expect.
In the current industry melt down, the horse that you are cussing, might
Just save your azz in the future. From  someone who knows all the brand
From the inside to the out, Anatol is a brand I would consider. If you prefer
M&R, I would look at the M&R Global brand, that is built by a company called
DCC. Made in India, marketed by M&R as of now in the USA. I returned from India 2 weeks ago to give them (DCC) my honest opinion of their equipment As with Anatol
I like the fact that they are privately owned. Not a fan of companies in this industry.
I travel and operate with an open mind. My only stipulation, was that I have full acess
To the machines from the beginning to the end. I want to see anf feel the construction.
I was blown away!  I dont have a dog in the fight, but if I did it would be with them.
As far as  over cureing ink on flashes, it is called Intercoat adhesion failure. Call your ink co that you use and they will guide you. It is real.it is good, that you have a lot of smart
People on this board that are willing to help and guide you! Dont sweat the small stuff.
Good luck
Winston
904.3430848

Offline spencer_L&KC

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Re: Flash time counting - how do you time your flash?
« Reply #21 on: August 17, 2025, 07:09:52 PM »
I agree with 3 Deep/ Daryl!
Also understand your frustration with things not being what you expect.
In the current industry melt down, the horse that you are cussing, might
Just save your azz in the future. From  someone who knows all the brand
From the inside to the out, Anatol is a brand I would consider. If you prefer
M&R, I would look at the M&R Global brand, that is built by a company called
DCC. Made in India, marketed by M&R as of now in the USA. I returned from India 2 weeks ago to give them (DCC) my honest opinion of their equipment As with Anatol
I like the fact that they are privately owned. Not a fan of companies in this industry.
I travel and operate with an open mind. My only stipulation, was that I have full acess
To the machines from the beginning to the end. I want to see anf feel the construction.
I was blown away!  I dont have a dog in the fight, but if I did it would be with them.
As far as  over cureing ink on flashes, it is called Intercoat adhesion failure. Call your ink co that you use and they will guide you. It is real.it is good, that you have a lot of smart
People on this board that are willing to help and guide you! Dont sweat the small stuff.
Good luck
Winston
904.3430848

Thank you for the reply! I actually love my Anatol Thunder manual press, well except for the powder coating flaking off without any abrasion against it. Also some of the micros knobs turn like butter and others are stiff. Been that way since it was delivered. Ive got friends who are printers and their Anatol manuals also have the smooth and stiff micros knobs. Guess thats just how it is. That jacket hold down though, seems like it should be pretty easy.


When you say you were blown away, and if you had a dog in the fight, it would be with them, youre referring to Anatol?

Offline californiadreamin

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Re: Flash time counting - how do you time your flash?
« Reply #22 on: August 18, 2025, 08:54:45 AM »
It was in reference to the M&R Global brand manufactured by DCC group in Mumbai, India since you talked about a new equipment decision in the future and you preferred
M&R. I had seen the M&R Global machines a couple of years ago, but did not know much about them. About 9 months ago, I was asked as a favor, if I could install a Copperhead
Charge infrared dryer that had been purchased at last years Print United Show in Las Vegas from one of M&R’s largest dealer, but had been waiting quite a good while for an install. The customer was getting nervous, because it was taking awhile. I said of course I will help you, but why dont your guys install it. The priority was not on the M&R Global
Brand for whatever reason. So I said yes, although a big red flag entered my mind. What was I walking into? He said I would have access to engineers in India should the need arise. The machine had been operating 100% at show. I made plans with their customer
To do the install. I asked for the Manual to see if there was any info/schematics on the machine overnight for next day install. Manual was the best I have seen anywhere! Got the machine in place and put together. Through the process of the build I noticed the quality of the design, thought, construction. Upon install, turned machine on, and no go.
Called contact at M&R and told I needed to talk with someone at M&R to troubleshoot.
Was told no one there was available that new about this machine. Need to talk to India.
2:00 pm my time, 2:00am next day in India. Tech returned a call in 10 min. Some wires
Had been reversed on decomission from show. Go figure! Tech was very polite. I normally wait around for watching machine ti operate and function correctly. Talking with my other partner on install , i asked what is your opinion of dryer. She has sharper eyes than I do.
She was blown away with detail and quality of machine also. It was installed right next to  an M&R Fusion dryer. Identical class, similar specs. I was calked contact at M&R and told him all is good.Was asked what I thought about the Global Charge dryer. My response was, no offense, but the should be building your equipment. A nervous laugh, not expecting my response. Quality is top notch. I asked what else they built and was told all kinds that some sold here, but most not. I told him I would like to see all if possible and was asked If  I would like to come to see the factory and give an honest opinion. They paid flights, rooms, and the best part! The food. Wow 24-30 hours 12 time zones each way. 3 1/2 days non stop with 3 engineres  at my side at all times. I was blown away with the quality of the build, and the pricepoint of machines. They will be at Print United
In Orlando. I would suggest a stop at booth and see for yourself
Nuff said!
Winston

Offline tonypep

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Re: Flash time counting - how do you time your flash?
« Reply #23 on: August 18, 2025, 09:53:35 AM »
Off topic but the Copperhead is basically a blue ROQ

Offline spencer_L&KC

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Re: Flash time counting - how do you time your flash?
« Reply #24 on: August 18, 2025, 10:23:16 AM »
It was in reference to the M&R Global brand manufactured by DCC group in Mumbai, India since you talked about a new equipment decision in the future and you preferred
M&R. I had seen the M&R Global machines a couple of years ago, but did not know much about them. About 9 months ago, I was asked as a favor, if I could install a Copperhead
Charge infrared dryer that had been purchased at last years Print United Show in Las Vegas from one of M&R’s largest dealer, but had been waiting quite a good while for an install. The customer was getting nervous, because it was taking awhile. I said of course I will help you, but why dont your guys install it. The priority was not on the M&R Global
Brand for whatever reason. So I said yes, although a big red flag entered my mind. What was I walking into? He said I would have access to engineers in India should the need arise. The machine had been operating 100% at show. I made plans with their customer
To do the install. I asked for the Manual to see if there was any info/schematics on the machine overnight for next day install. Manual was the best I have seen anywhere! Got the machine in place and put together. Through the process of the build I noticed the quality of the design, thought, construction. Upon install, turned machine on, and no go.
Called contact at M&R and told I needed to talk with someone at M&R to troubleshoot.
Was told no one there was available that new about this machine. Need to talk to India.
2:00 pm my time, 2:00am next day in India. Tech returned a call in 10 min. Some wires
Had been reversed on decomission from show. Go figure! Tech was very polite. I normally wait around for watching machine ti operate and function correctly. Talking with my other partner on install , i asked what is your opinion of dryer. She has sharper eyes than I do.
She was blown away with detail and quality of machine also. It was installed right next to  an M&R Fusion dryer. Identical class, similar specs. I was calked contact at M&R and told him all is good.Was asked what I thought about the Global Charge dryer. My response was, no offense, but the should be building your equipment. A nervous laugh, not expecting my response. Quality is top notch. I asked what else they built and was told all kinds that some sold here, but most not. I told him I would like to see all if possible and was asked If  I would like to come to see the factory and give an honest opinion. They paid flights, rooms, and the best part! The food. Wow 24-30 hours 12 time zones each way. 3 1/2 days non stop with 3 engineres  at my side at all times. I was blown away with the quality of the build, and the pricepoint of machines. They will be at Print United
In Orlando. I would suggest a stop at booth and see for yourself
Nuff said!
Winston

Thanks for all the info! Yeah just from talking with other printers who have used tons of different machine brands/types, most tend to say that M&R should be the highest quality option. I suppose that would explain their top pricing too! lol

So say I do migrate to M&R, how do I ensure the machines I buy are built in the better factory in India? From the sounds of it, its just specific items made there, and others are made in the US?

About the food in India, you are a lucky man! Indian cuisine is by far my favorite. Lamb Vindaloo is my go-to dish accompanied by some of those Samosas! That stuff is soooooo good. The complexity in those flavors is unmatched by anything else I have ever had. That flavor depth is unreal. Now I need to go to India!

Off topic but the Copperhead is basically a blue ROQ

Interesting. Thanks for the info.