Kodak X-Omat M43-A Service Manual
Publication No. 981095
September 1995
Supersedes 981095
October 1994
THEORY GUIDE for the
Kodak X-Omat M43 and M43A PROCESSORS
and the
Kodak X-Omat Clinic 1 PROCESSOR
HEALTH SCIENCES DIVISION
© Eastman Kodak Company
H130_0009DA
PLEASE NOTE The information contained herein is based on the experience and knowledge relating to the
subject matter gained by Eastman Kodak Company prior to publication.
No patent license is granted by this information.
Eastman Kodak Company reserves the right to change this information without notice, and
makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to this information. Kodak shall not be
liable for any loss or damage, including consequential or special damages, resulting from any
use of this information, even if loss or damage is caused by Kodak’s negligence or other fault.
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Model Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Optional Accessories and KITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Basic Principles of Film Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The PROCESSOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
DEVELOPER SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
FIXER SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
WASH SECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
DRYER SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Temperature Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Regulating the Temperature of the Developer Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Regulating the Temperature of the Fixer Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Regulating the Temperature of the DRYER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
AC and DC INTERLOCK SWITCHES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER CB1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
100 CIRCUIT BOARD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
System Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Sequence of Events after the Completion of the Initialization Routine . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Standby Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Continuous Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
MAIN DRIVE SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Detecting Film. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Replenishment of the Developer and Fixer Processing Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Replenishment of the Wash Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Wash Water Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Replenishment Check Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
ALARM Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
2 September 1995 – 981095
Introduction
Section 1: Introduction
Product Description
The Kodak X-Omat M43, M43A, and Clinic 1 PROCESSORS are compact, table-top PROCESSORS used for
processing medical x-ray films. The Kodak X-Omat M43 and M43A PROCESSORS are designed to perform
primarily in the professional, hospital satellite market. The Kodak X-Omat Clinic 1 PROCESSOR is designed to
perform primarily in the professional, non-hospital market. The PROCESSOR uses ROLLER transport technology
to reliably process sheet film in sizes ranging from 10 x 10 cm to 43 x 137 cm (4 x 4 to 17 x 54 in.).
The PROCESSOR is simple and easy to use. It requires minimal operator intervention. Operator controls consist
solely of an ON/OFF POWER SWITCH and a DRYER TEMPERATURE CONTROL KNOB. The PROCESSOR
also has a DISPLAY PANEL that allows the operator to monitor the status of the PROCESSOR. Located on the
DISPLAY PANEL are 3 STATUS INDICATORS that provide additional operator information about the operating
status of the PROCESSOR.
READY The READY INDICATOR illuminates when the PROCESSOR is ready to
accept film.
WAIT The WAIT INDICATOR illuminates or blinks when the PROCESSOR is not at
its optimum operating condition. The WAIT INDICATOR illuminates and does
not blink when you feed film.
SERVICE The SERVICE INDICATOR illuminates or blinks when the PROCESSOR has a
more serious error. In this condition, the PROCESSOR may not accept film
depending on how serious the error is.
Figure 1 Identifying the STATUS INDICATORS
Ready
Wait
Service
Dryer
Temperature
+
-
ON
-1-
-0-
OFF
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981095 – September 1995 3
THEORY GUIDE
Product Features
The processing cycle of the Kodak X-Omat M43, M43A, and Clinic 1 PROCESSORS is short and efficient. The
“drop time” for a 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17 in.) sheet of film from “leading edge in” to the “trailing edge out” is just over
2 minutes (127 seconds) assuming that the film is fed 43 cm (17 in.) wide.
Features found on the PROCESSOR include:
• Replenishment Check Mode - which allows you to easily check and reconfigure the volumes of replenishment
solutions
• DEVELOPER TEMPERATURE DISPLAY (M43 and M43A Models) - which displays the temperature of the
developer solution
• Water Recirculation System - which reduces the amount of water consumed
• Automatic Exit from Standby Mode - which eliminates the need for the operator to press a RUN BUTTON before
the PROCESSOR will process films
• Flooded Replenishment Mode - which maintains the stability of the chemical solutions by automatically
replenishing the processing solutions for low film usage applications.
In addition to the benefits provided by the features listed above, the M43, M43A, and Clinic 1 PROCESSORS
provide further benefits to the installer. The M43, M43A, and Clinic 1 PROCESSORS are simple and easy to install.
If the installation site meets all the requirements outlined in the Site Specifications, Publication Number 981087, no
additional exhaust venting is required.
Model Information
Use the table below to determine which PROCESSOR model is right for your operating conditions.
Table 2 Selecting the Correct Model
Film
Model Voltage Amperage Frequency
M43A Nominal 115 volt 20 amp 50/60 Hz Medium
Clinic 1 Nominal 115 volt 20 amp 60 Hz Low
M43 Nominal 230 volt 10 amp 50/60 Hz Medium
Volume
4 September 1995 – 981095
Optional Accessories and KITS
Introduction
MOUNTING STAND:
LIGHTTIGHT FEED TRAY: Order CAT No. 188 0355 for the optional LIGHTTIGHT FEED TRAY KIT.
TRANSFORMER KITS:
SEISMIC ANCHOR
BRACKET KIT:
VENT DUCT ADAPTER KIT:
Kodak AUXILIARY
VENTILATION FAN KIT
115 V AC:
Kodak X-Omat Clinic 1
Installation KIT:
Kodak X-Omat M43
PROCESSOR
Through-the-Wall KIT:
Order CAT No. 808 1176 for the Kodak M35, M43, Clinic 1 MOUNTING
STAND. The STAND offers the following benefits:
• provides a sturdy work surface for the PROCESSOR
• occupies a minimum of space
• positions the PROCESSOR at a convenient height for feeding films
• offers the convenience of a slide-out SHELF in the BASE for storing
replenishment SUPPLY TANKS
• simplifies through-the-wall PROCESSOR installations
The LIGHTTIGHT FEED TRAY allows you to turn on the darkroom lights
immediately upon feeding the last sheet of film.
Order CAT No. 167 4340 for the 115 V AC TRANSFORMER KIT, or CAT
No. 171 0292 for the 230 V AC TRANSFORMER KIT. The KIT is available
for sites that do not meet the voltage specifications as outlined in the Site
Specifications, Publication Number 981087. Use of this KIT brings the voltage
within the acceptable operating range.
• Clinic 1 and M43A voltage range is 115
• M43 voltage range is 230
Order Part No. 261413 for the SEISMIC ANCHOR BRACKET KIT. The KIT
is available for areas with high likelihood of seismic activity. The KIT allows
you to attach the MOUNTING STAND securely to the floor. You can also use
the KIT to anchor the PROCESSOR to a table top. Always install the KIT
according to local codes.
Order CAT No. 143 4943 for the VENT DUCT ADAPTER KIT. The KIT is
available for sites that do not meet the specifications outlined in the Site
Specifications, Publication Number 981087, and therefore require auxiliary
venting. The ADAPTER attaches to the PROCESSOR and provides a FLANGE
for connecting a 7.62 cm (3.0 in.) DUCT. The KIT facilitates the routing of an
EXHAUST DUCT to an external ventilation source to remove fumes from the
darkroom. If no exhaust is available, you can use this KIT with the Kodak
AUXILIARY VENTILATION FAN KIT.
Order Part No. 264503 for this KIT. The KIT is available for sites that do not
meet the specifications for room air changes as outlined in the Site
Specifications, Publication Number 981087. The KIT is available for 115 V AC
installations only.
Order CAT No. 863 2754 for all of the components necessary to properly install
a Clinic 1 PROCESSOR. The parts contained in this KIT are included with the
PROCESSOR when you purchase either the M43 or the M43A model.
Order CAT No. 871 3109 for the Through-the-Wall KIT. This KIT includes the
components and instructions necessary to install the PROCESSOR properly
through the darkroom wall. This KIT assumes the use of the Kodak M35, M43,
and ClinIc 1 MOUNTING STAND.
+22 V AC
+11.5 V AC
981095 – September 1995 5
THEORY GUIDE
Section 2: Basic Principles of Film Processing
The Process
Film processing can be divided into 4 basic parts:
Developing In the developing stage of the process, developer solution converts the invisible
latent image on the film to a visible image.
Fixing In the fixing stage of the process, fixer solution stops the continued development
of the visible image by removing the unexposed silver halide crystals from the
film.
Washing In the washing stage of the process, wash water rinses both the developer and
fixer solutions from the film, which prepares the film for drying. Proper
washing of the film ensures a permanent image on the film.
Drying In the drying stage of the process, the film is dried so that the image can
withstand handling.
The PROCESSOR
TheKodak X-Omat M43, M43A, and Clinic 1 PROCESSORS are designed to contain 4 sections that correspond with
the 4 stages of the film processing:
1. DEVELOPER SECTION
2. FIXER SECTION
3. WASH SECTION
4. DRYER SECTION
6 September 1995 – 981095
Figure 1 Identifying the Sections of the PROCESSOR
FILM EXIT
DRYER SECTION
Basic Principles of Film Processing
ENTRANCE ROLLERS
WASH
SECTION
FIXER TANK/RACK
FIXER
SECTION
DEVELOPER TANK/
DEVELOPER
SECTION
EXIT ROLLERS
RACK
FILM ENTRANCE
H130_0166DCA
H130_0166DA
Film Entrance
The operator begins to process a sheet of film by placing the film onto the FEED TRAY and feeding the film along
the left edge of the FEED TRAY. A set of 3 FILM SENSORS detects the film on the FEED TRAY and brings the
PROCESSOR out of Standby Mode, which then allows the ENTRANCE ROLLERS to transport the film into the
DEVELOPER SECTION of the PROCESSOR.
For optimum replenishment of the processing solutions, feed films along the left edge of the FEED TRAY. See the
section “Detecting Film” on Page 35 for more information.
981095 – September 1995 7
THEORY GUIDE
DEVELOPER SECTION
Components
The DEVELOPER SECTION contains the following components:
• DEVELOPER RACK, which consists of:
– Series of GEARS and ROLLERS
– RACK COVER
– GUIDE SHOES
– MANIFOLD BOX
• DEVELOPER TANK, which consists of:
– 850 watt HEATER
– THERMISTOR
– HEAT EXCHANGER
• DEVELOPER RECIRCULATION PUMP
• DEVELOPER REPLENISHMENT PUMP
Process
The developing process consists of a few simple steps.
[1] The film enters the DEVELOPER RACK through the ENTRANCE ROLLERS.
[2] The DEVELOPER RACK immerses the film in the TANK full of developer solution for 17 seconds. The total
development time is approximately 28 seconds.
[3] The DEVELOPER RECIRCULATION PUMP continually recirculates the developer solution from the TANK
into the RACK. The pumping actions causes the gentle agitation of the developer solution surrounding the film
in the DEVELOPER RACK.
[4] The film exits the DEVELOPER RACK and enters into the FIXER SECTION.
[5] The amount of developer replenishment solution that the replenishment system delivers is based on the area of
the film fed.
8 September 1995 – 981095
Figure 2 Solution Flow in the DEVELOPER TANK
WASH
FIXER
REPLENISHMENT
into
PROCESSOR
Basic Principles of Film Processing
DEVELOPER
V
E
D
FIX
REPLENISHMENT PUMP
RECIRCULATION PUMP
DRAIN
VALVE
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H130_0123EA
981095 – September 1995 9
THEORY GUIDE
FIXER SECTION
Components
The FIXER SECTION contains the following components:
• FIXER RACK, which consists of:
– Series of GEARS and ROLLERS
– GUIDE SHOES
• FIXER TANK, which consists of:
– HEAT EXCHANGER - (M43 and M43A Models Only)
• FIXER RECIRCULATION PUMP
• FIXER REPLENISHMENT PUMP
Process
The fixing process consists of a few simple steps.
[1] The film enters the FIXER RACK from the DEVELOPER SECTION through a set of ENTRANCE
ROLLERS.
[2] The FIXER RACK immerses the film in the TANK full of fixer solution for 17 seconds.
[3] The FIXER RECIRCULATION PUMP continually recirculates the fixer solution from the TANK into the
RACK. The pumping action causes the gentle agitation of the fixer solution surrounding the film in the FIXER
RACK.
[4] The film exits the FIXER RACK and enters the WASH SECTION.
[5] The amount of fixer replenishment solution that the replenishment system delivers is based on the area of film
fed.
10 September 1995 – 981095
Figure 3 Solution Flow in the FIXER TANK
Basic Principles of Film Processing
WASH
FIXER
DEVELOPER
EV
D
FIX
DRAIN
VALVE
RECIRCULATION
PUMP
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H130_0124EA
981095 – September 1995 11
THEORY GUIDE
WASH SECTION
Components
The WASH SECTION contains the following components:
• WASH RACK, which consists of:
– set of ENTRANCE ROLLERS
– UPPER WASH TUBE
– LOWER WASH TUBE
– set of EXIT SQUEEGEE ROLLERS
– series of GEARS and ROLLERS
– MANIFOLD
• WATER SOLENOID
• WASH TANK
• WASH PUMP
• DIVERTER VALVE (M43 and M43A Models Only)
Process
The washing process consists of a few simple steps.
[1] The film enters the WASH RACK from the FIXER SECTION through a set of ENTRANCE ROLLERS.
[2] The WASH RECIRCULATION PUMP pumps wash water from the TANK, through the DIVERTER VALVE
(M43 and M43A Only), through the MANIFOLD, and into the LOWER and UPPER WASH TUBES.
[3] The WASH TUBES create a fluid suspension layer through which the film passes. This technique allows for
superior rinsing of the film without needing to immerse the film into the TANK.
[4] The EXIT SQUEEGEE ROLLERS eliminate any excess water from the film before the film enters the DRYER
RACK.
[5] The film exits the WASH RACK and enters setpointthe DRYER SECTION.
The wash stage is critical to the entire process because:
• Washing the film eliminates all residual chemicals and therefore:
– prevents artifacts on the film
– prevents the deterioration of the image over time
12 September 1995 – 981095
Figure 4 Wash Water Flow in the M43 and M43A PROCESSORS
Basic Principles of Film Processing
WASH
FIXER
HEAT
EXCHANGER
FIXER
DEVELOPER
DEVELOPER
HEAT
EXCHANGER
Path for
Developer
Cooling
Mode
WASH
PUMP
INPUT
WATER
SOLENOID
DRAIN
Path for
Normal
Mode
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H130_0121EA
981095 – September 1995 13
THEORY GUIDE
Figure 5 Wash Water Flow in the Clinic 1 PROCESSOR
WASH
FIXER
DEVELOPER
DRAIN
14 September 1995 – 981095
H130_0122EA
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