Help with a Clareblend 8101

Hair Removal Methods Do-It-Yourself Electrolysis
#1

Hi,
A while ago I bought an old analog electrolysis machine, a Clareblend 8101, but I haven’t had time to try it out for a while. But before I start I have a few questions I’d like to get some help with:
The machine runs on 120V 60 Hz AC. I didn’t think about this when I bought it. I have a converter for 120 V but I guess it will still be 50 Hz. Does this matter?
Would it be possible to find a manual for such an old model? I probably could get by without one because it is a quite simple model.
How do I know which type of needle I should order? Will all needles fit in the probe?
The device seems to be missing a hand held ground piece, but i guess I could use any type of cord connected to a suitable metal piece. This really doesn’t need to be anything facny, right?

/Pim

#2

I think I worked on that unit with Clareblend, so I can probably assist. Question: does the unit have 2 meters? One for DC and one for HF? If so, that is the unit I helped design.

  1. I assume you are using a step-up transformer and going to 220V. The Thermolysis output (in Megahertz) will not change with conversion.

  2. Yes, you can still get a manual. Go on-line to Clareblend.com and send an email to “Jan.” She is very helpful and friendly. They are a dynamic company and have designed some awesome things.

  3. Clareblend made both size needle cords, for the thicker and thinner needle shank. PLEASE get a new needle cord and “ground” wire. About 99% of the problems with “old” machines are only in the accessory wires! You must order this from Clareblend and not just put any needle cord on the machine.

All units are “tuned” to a certain size cord (length and shielding). The Clare uses a shielded cord and if, for example, you put on an unshielded cord you would get almost no HF at the needle (it would be lost along the cord’s length).

  1. Be sure to use a wet hand electrode! (Salt water is the way to go.) Even though this unit is analog, it is microprocessor controlled so the DC has “constant current,” i.e., the voltage will go up as the resistance goes up. Even though you are seeing the same mA, the voltage will be more with a dry hand-piece and you will feel this as more pain. Yes, the body seems to sense higher voltage.

Good Luck,
Jog Heter Micke!

#3

Hej Micke!
Thank you for the quick and helpful reply. Yes, the unit have two meters, one for DC and one for HF.

  1. No, I am using a step-down transformer. The electrolysis unit requires american voltage (120 V 60 Hz) but my outlet supplies 220 V 50 Hz so I plan to use a step-down transformer giving 120 V 50 Hz. I assume the AC current is rectified in the electolysis device anyway so the frequency shouldn’t matter, right?
  2. Great! I will email them.
  3. Ok, I will take your advice and order some new cords.
  4. I can assure you I understand the importance of a wet electrode. I have personally experienced the difference.

Tack igen för hjälpen!
/Pim

#4

Wow, I’m stupid. Yes, of course, a step-down! Rumpen i Vaerre!
(That’s a secret code, by the way, from some friends in “Taby.” Silly really. And, yes, Norwegian.)

Yes, DC is fully rectified … a pretty smoothe DC too. I’m pretty sure that even the HF current is rectified before it puts out the HF — but, I have forgotten a lot about electricity! (I have “mad cow.”) This machine will never break down. Solid and reliable.

Oh, one point: I drew the meters for Marge Smith (Clareblend) and they are, actually NOT correct! The manual says body technic starts at 70Vp-p, but you can, and should work at, say, 55Vp-p if you do the body technic (very fast only about 2 seconds of HF). That’s enought HF! Okay, I goofed!

And, You are welcome!
(Can you send me some “Blossa” next Christmas? That song is STUCK in my head. You know the one!)

#5

I can’t say I understood the secret Norwegian code, but then again Norwegian has never made much sense to me.
Yes, I really like the simple and robust design. One dial for DC, one for HF, a foot switch for each and a probe. Really easy to understand and forces me to understand everything I’m doing.
Good thing to know about the meter error. Thanks!

If I remember it I will definitely send you a bottle of glögg for Christmas, and if I was a bit more musical, a personal rendition of your favorite Yuletide jingle. :slight_smile:

#6

B-L-O-S-S-A … glöggen heter Blossa!

Okay, glad I could help, contact me any time!
Mike (aka Micke)