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Author Topic: need help finding info about Hi-tech automations Adam Witzel Film Handler Posts: 8 From: Lindsay, Ca, USA Registered: Feb 2004 posted 04-15-2005 03:26 AM                        my theater runs christie M-35 projectors with a hi-tech automation. i cant seem to find any information about these automations anywhere. i have 1 manual thats about 3 pages long, but doesnt list any info on parts, or part numbers. my problem is that i need a new switch for the "switch lense" feature, its burned out. the only backup switch i have wont work, or at least i dont think it will. this automation has 2 different types of switches, ones that stay up or down after you flip them, like motor run for example, and ones that go back into the center position after you push them up or down, like the switch lense switch. i need one that goes back to the center position to replace my burned out one, any info on where i can find manuals or information about the part number would be most appreciated. thank you -adam by the way, the manaul says Hi-Tech HTA-1020 Deluxe automation system  |  IP: Logged Tim Reed Better Projection Pays Posts: 5246 From: Northampton, PA Registered: Sep 1999 posted 04-15-2005 10:19 AM                       Those were sort of shadetree mechanic units, as I recall. Some guy in Florida built them in his garage or something, using Rat Shack parts? Pretty flimsy. Good luck, I never saw a manual for one. But they were pretty easy to figure out. Nothing fancy.  |  IP: Logged Ken Layton Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1452 From: Olympia, Wash. USA Registered: Sep 1999 posted 04-15-2005 10:23 AM                     Hi-Tech is manufactured by: Mega Systems Technologies 110 Riberia St. (P.O. Box 4186) St. Augustine, Florida 32084 (32085) Phone: 1-888-829-5702 or (904) 829-5702 Fax: 904-829-5707 URL: www.megasystem.com Email: info@870.com Yours is mainly an HTA-10 unit with a 2000 watt dimmer built in (HTA1020).  |  IP: Logged Tim Reed Better Projection Pays Posts: 5246 From: Northampton, PA Registered: Sep 1999 posted 04-15-2005 10:34 AM                       Did Mega always have those? I could swear I recall an individual made them from home.  |  IP: Logged Ken Layton Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1452 From: Olympia, Wash. USA Registered: Sep 1999 posted 04-15-2005 10:41 AM                     I guess they have. I've got some of their sales literature that states the following companies use Hi-Tech automations (as of April 2003): Hollywood Theaters - over 80 screens Carmike Theaters - over 300 screens AMC Theaters - over 50 screens George Lucas Super Live Adventure - Tokyo, Japan Several other worldwide attractions are also listed in the literature. Hi-Tech (Mega Systems) was very helpful and gave me copies of the manuals (and schematics!) to the HTA-14 and HTA-11D automation units.  |  IP: Logged Tim Reed Better Projection Pays Posts: 5246 From: Northampton, PA Registered: Sep 1999 posted 04-15-2005 10:47 AM                       Humm... maybe I'm mistaken about the home made thing - but they sure looked like it. And Carmike did have a lot of them. I would've opted for heavier-duty components. A lot of failures. They were constant trouble because they were so flimsy.  |  IP: Logged Ken Layton Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1452 From: Olympia, Wash. USA Registered: Sep 1999 posted 04-15-2005 10:53 AM                     I think www.rsem.com has pictures of these units posted on their site if you want to see what they look like. Look under Cinema Equipment -> Theatre Automation Systems. I believe the Hi-Tech units use the same switches as late model Kelmar automations.  |  IP: Logged Adam Witzel Film Handler Posts: 8 From: Lindsay, Ca, USA Registered: Feb 2004 posted 04-15-2005 07:02 PM                        thanks for the replies guys, i tried the 1-800 number and its seems to be out of order, says the number cannot be completed as dialed, tried it 3 times. anyways, im going to try the other one when i get to work, as i dont feel like calling florida from home. also would you guys happen to know the exact term for the type of switch that im looking for, so i dont have to tell them 'ya know the switches that go back to the center, not the ones that stay up or down!' and make myself look stupid. thanks.  |  IP: Logged Aaron Sisemore Flaming Ribs beat Reeses Peanut Butter Cups any day! Posts: 3061 From: Rockwall TX USA Registered: Sep 1999 posted 04-15-2005 08:49 PM                     Here is the front panel of a Hi-Tech HTA-11: Hope this helps. -Aaron  |  IP: Logged Mark Gulbrandsen Resident Trollmaster Posts: 16657 From: Music City Registered: Jun 99 posted 04-15-2005 10:22 PM                     Otherwise known as No-Tech, or Low-Tech in our area. Since Megasystems is now out of buisness its hard to say where one will find the info but it is out there. Mark  |  IP: Logged Richard Hamilton Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1341 From: Evansville, Indiana Registered: Jan 2000 posted 04-16-2005 01:09 AM                     Adam, Call 904-829-5702. This is Megasystems number(Yes, Megasystems is still around). The Hi-Tech automations are still being supported. Rick  |  IP: Logged Ken Layton Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1452 From: Olympia, Wash. USA Registered: Sep 1999 posted 04-16-2005 01:18 AM                     It appears that Megasystems was bought out by Strong last year and some of the contact information has changed: Sales office: Megasystems, 8 Marshview Drive, St. augustine, Florida 32080 Phone: (904) 829-5702, fax: 904-461-3546, URL is still the same as above posting. Corporate office: Megasystems/Strong International, 4350 McKinley St., Omaha, Neb. 68112, Phone: (402) 453-4444 The switch you are refering to is called a momentary center off.  |  IP: Logged Richard Hamilton Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1341 From: Evansville, Indiana Registered: Jan 2000 posted 04-16-2005 08:26 AM                     Megasystems is now a part of Strong. I don't have the number for Hi-Tech with me, but if you call the Megasystems number they will give you the contact info. Don't call the Strong number because they don't have the Hi-Tech number. Hi-Tech is not associated with Strong. They are still operating out of Florida. Rick  |  IP: Logged Adam Witzel Film Handler Posts: 8 From: Lindsay, Ca, USA Registered: Feb 2004 posted 04-16-2005 10:36 PM                        thanks for all the help guys, i really appreciate it -Adam  |  IP: Logged Tim Reed Better Projection Pays Posts: 5246 From: Northampton, PA Registered: Sep 1999 posted 04-16-2005 11:52 PM                       quote: Tim Reed I could swear I recall an individual made them from home. UPDATE! Okay, I have it on good authority that the Hi-Tech's did indeed start out in a Florida garage. It was then sold to an employee who started Mega. Glad to find the memory's not entirely gone.  |  IP: Logged

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