AGO Temperature Readings / Temperature Sensor Troubleshooting

If your AGO seems to be showing lower temperature readings than expected, there are a few likely explanations to work through first. This article covers the most common causes, how to verify your sensor, and what to do if the issue persists. If the sensor itself turns out to be faulty, the AGO may need to be serviced or replaced.

Temperature Drop When Pouring Chemistry

When you pour the first chemical into a cold tank, the temperature often drops noticeably. This is normal and expected. The tank itself absorbs heat from the chemistry, causing the reading to fall below what you measured in the bottle.

To confirm whether the sensor is actually off, measure the liquid inside the tank with your own thermometer and compare it to the AGO reading. You can test this safely with warm water and no film.

The type of container you use to pour chemistry also matters. Wide graduates have a larger surface area and increase cooling. Using a pitcher or container with a smaller opening can reduce this temperature drop before the chemistry enters the tank.

How to Heat Your Chemistry

If you are not using a dedicated heating system, warm your chemicals slightly above the target temperature before pouring. During development, temperature typically drops by 2-4 °C (4-8 °F) depending on tank size and room conditions.

With the AGO Film Processor, you do not need to hit the exact target temperature precisely. Heat your chemistry close to the recommended temperature and the AGO will automatically adjust the process times to compensate, ensuring proper development regardless of minor temperature variation.

Certification of AGO Temperature Sensors

Three AGO Film Processor temperature sensors were independently tested by the accredited calibration laboratory AS Metroset (Estonia) on October 1, 2024. The tests confirmed that AGO sensors are accurate and reliable.

Full test documentation is available to download:

• Test number 1 documentation
• Test number 2 documentation
• Test number 3 documentation

If after checking the above your AGO is still showing incorrect temperature readings, contact support@vintagevisual.eu. Depending on the assessment, the unit may need to be serviced or replaced.