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Aaron

Is that Xelar frame line or frame edge line leader?

I saw in your profile you are working in College Station. Is that the Hollywood Cinemark down there? If so, then you definitely are using the FM-35s.

My recommendation would be to switch to Neumade "Fiesta" opaque black leader. This leader is emulsion-less, meaning you can drag it around the parking lot and not lay a scratch on it! I worked for Cinemark years and years ago and getting it was never a problem through their supplier. It never set off those failsafes and is the best leader on the market.

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Well, let me think here. No. Not so far that I have found. However, if there is anyone out there who has had good luck with the newer "gearless" P35GP Christie projectors please do tell. (They should've named it the P35GPOS.) Warning: that person will be guaranteed of being bombarded by those unlucky operators who must deal with these on a daily basis.

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They have a little problem: If the 'lenses' get dirty, they won't pick up the light reflected off the film and will sporadicly drop out. You have to keep them clean -- very clean. Just brushing them out every night is okay for 'maintainence' but every once in a while you've gotta' give 'em a bath! (The instructions that come with them tell you how to do this.)

1) Use a philips screwdriver to take off the front, black roller. (Operator's-side view. -- Front = toward the screen.) Undo the screw and the roller will slide off. (Don't lose the washer.) Clean this roller well. I use 90% Iso. Alcohol & a Q-tip. Dry it well.

2) Look at the sensor unit. (Flat, black plate assembly.) There are two screws underneath. Remove them and the sensor will pull right off. (Did I mention, TURN OFF THE POWER? You already did that, I bet! )
Again, clean this part well. Pay attention to the 8 little square 'windows'. Those are the sensor's 'sending and receiving ports'. Dry well and reassemble in reverse order.

3) Don't use blue lens cleaner. (Rosco brand, etc.) It leaves a slight bluish residue that, over time will build up and make the failsafe WORSE.

4) The instructions mention putting clear splicing tape on the sensors to keep the dirt out. It works for a while then it gets worse than before because the tape starts to collect more dirt.

5) If you STILL have a problem, contact Component Eng. for a replacement / upgrade sensor unit. They seem to have made a batch where the LED's go out of spec. or get dim or something like that. We got them at Tinseltown in Erie, PA and we haven't had any trouble in almost a year. We saved one of the old ones for spares. If a failsafe drops out again, we can pop in the new, clean one and give the old one a bath and put it away for later use. It sure beats trying to clean one while the place is full of people!!!

Just my $0.02 worth...

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1. The upgraded unbits have a red dot on the little triangular piece that houses the LEDs ( NOTE I have seen a few 'red dot' units that were NOT with the upgraded electronics)

2. ALL the upgraded units have new electronics- there should be a little IC chip on the sensor's circuit board. This unit has been extensively tested to detect film under some of the nastiest conditions and will detect B/W and IB Tech stocks without a hitch! And if they are still doing it if you return the unit to CE you will get a rebate back!!

If anybody wants the instructions for the failsafe, I have a copy. I also have a list of notes and observations about them included. The only problem is that I have limited access to computers and internet.

(I use the equipment / connections at the local college where I work. -- I get to use them once or twice a week & I have no scanner, etc.)

If anyone wants them, E-mail me and I will tell you where to send a S.A.S.E.