Author Topic: Exposure Unit Recommendations  (Read 544 times)

Offline mk162

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Exposure Unit Recommendations
« on: January 15, 2026, 01:41:31 PM »
So we currently run an Amergraph 755, with a 7500w metal halide unit.  The power supply is dying and the company is long gone.  I contacted the company that replaced them HID Ventures about getting a replacement PS. In case they don't have them or they aren't made, I need a few recommendations for a new unit.

I know Pierre tested some of the LED units and found a hot spot across the field.  I'd prefer to stick with single point, and I have enough power run to that location to run a large bulb like that.

We run a wax Douthitt CTS unit, so no film.

Thanks!


Offline Homer

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Re: Exposure Unit Recommendations
« Reply #1 on: January 16, 2026, 08:30:29 AM »
-outside looking in- are you doing Pierre type prints?.... We have a DTS along with Starlight, no glass, no film.. wouldn't change a thing. It's been over 10 years and our times haven't changed at all. I'm not smart enough to sort through the info of single point vs LED, I just know I like to eliminate variables so I have less demons to fight.
...keep doing what you're doing, you'll only get what you've got...

Offline mk162

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Re: Exposure Unit Recommendations
« Reply #2 on: January 16, 2026, 08:48:08 AM »
We aren't, but we do a fair amount of sim process.

I checked with Douthitt and they sell a single point LED with a timer that would be cheaper to slap into our unit than trying to fix it or way better than replacing the entire unit.

We'll probably go that route, it also frees up some space in the electrical panel for other upgrades.

Offline Homer

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Re: Exposure Unit Recommendations
« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2026, 10:03:18 AM »
We aren't, but we do a fair amount of sim process.

I checked with Douthitt and they sell a single point LED with a timer that would be cheaper to slap into our unit than trying to fix it or way better than replacing the entire unit.

We'll probably go that route, it also frees up some space in the electrical panel for other upgrades.

well that answers that question! Good move, if we were in the market for anything, Douthitt would be the way....
...keep doing what you're doing, you'll only get what you've got...

Offline bimmridder

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Re: Exposure Unit Recommendations
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2026, 07:23:12 AM »
And the support from Douthitt is top notch as well. Remember how M&R used to be. That's how Douthitt has always been.
Barth Gimble

Printing  (not well) for 35 years. Strong in licensed sports apparel. Plastisol printer. Located in Cedar Rapids, IA

Offline mk162

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Re: Exposure Unit Recommendations
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2026, 09:04:28 AM »
Yeah, Mark was emailing back and forth with me over the weekend...on his birthday.  Everything is set, unit should ship out and arrive Thursday.

The plan is to keep the existing Amergraph cabinet, just remove the guts and put the new bulb in the bottom and a timer on the outside. The current unit does 2 screens at a time, and hopefully the distance is there for this one as well.  If not, we'll just switch to one screen at a time and set the bulb at the appropriate distance.

It's not the cheapest route, but probably the best one for us.

Offline R8R

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Re: Exposure Unit Recommendations
« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2026, 12:59:26 PM »

Offline mk162

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Re: Exposure Unit Recommendations
« Reply #7 on: January 27, 2026, 09:59:34 AM »
Got the new light in. It's bigger than i thought. Not as bright as I thought either, but it's a blacklight colored light, not bright white like the metal halide. Still hurts to look at. ;)

We are testing it now and it'll be an adjustment.  but this should be a good solution for us.

Offline tonypep

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Re: Exposure Unit Recommendations
« Reply #8 on: Yesterday at 05:40:21 PM »
Laser to screen is probably best however, we bought one two ys ago and it is awesome with no consumables. Downside, totally overkill for a two auto shop. ROI might never happen. On top of that it was part of a quarter of a million investment, auto coat, auto reclaim (they cant afford the chemicals). All three retail stores closed. They are in trouble. But at least they got the young kids running the shop. Upside is the larger contract owners are in contact and ready to move as soon as I land somewhere. Shows you where the loyalty and trust lie sorry for the rant. They are a great family, they just put family first rather than kids finding jobs of their own. Sorry for the rant but Douthett is my vote, I do not recommend
used units. Usually blanket, bulbuls and glass  will cost you, thinking four or more autos, depending on volume might make better sense for an LSR