my profile | my password | search | faq & rules | forum home

» Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE   » Operations   » Film Handlers' Forum   » Strong platter variac speed too high, any tips or quick fixes?

Author Topic: Strong platter variac speed too high, any tips or quick fixes? Bryan M. Montgomery Film Handler Posts: 47 From: Chillicothe, Ohio Registered: Jul 2007 posted 08-07-2007 12:27 AM                        After a 2 year absence from my 16 plex, I've returned to find several of the platter systems take-up speed set too high. Its damaging leader, rollers and scaring the shit out of the less-experienced "operators," They are resorting to throwing masses of leader onto the floor to feed the platters when they lose control over them, which is completely unacceptable. ....kids. Anyway, anybody got a quick fix or a trick to correct this? I can do it the old fashioned way, I'm just hoping for a quick solution or trick that I'm unaware of.  |  IP: Logged Troy Hilsman Powell Film Handler Posts: 30 From: Jacksonville,FL Registered: May 2007 posted 08-07-2007 01:22 AM                     You did'nt mention what model platters they were.  |  IP: Logged Monte L Fullmer Film God Posts: 8367 From: Nampa, Idaho, USA Registered: Nov 2004 posted 08-07-2007 02:27 AM                     ("setting the speed up too high" - sounds like CHRISTIES ..) sounds like they're not lacing the brains too well, or, the lock pin is in the other hole (if it's an A3 platter that has two stop holes on the post) .. for if one knows how to adjust the variac in the base, they almost know what they're doing ..  |  IP: Logged Mark Gulbrandsen Resident Trollmaster Posts: 16657 From: Music City Registered: Jun 99 posted 08-07-2007 10:18 AM                     Remove side cover from variac housing. Loosen the allen screw in the center of the variac shaft and re-position the variac while loose to the proper spot for the correct speed then tighten it back down. Replace the side cover... You're finished. Take half hour coffee break... go on to next platter.... Mark  |  IP: Logged Louis Bornwasser Film God Posts: 4441 From: prospect ky usa Registered: Mar 2005 posted 08-07-2007 12:28 PM                        Mark is right. I set them so that the takeup just barely creeps when in takeup mode and the pin is in the top hole. Louis  |  IP: Logged Monte L Fullmer Film God Posts: 8367 From: Nampa, Idaho, USA Registered: Nov 2004 posted 08-07-2007 01:17 PM                     Now, I've come across "ALPHA" platters that doesn't have the allen set screw thingey, but the slotted collar variety. What is the trick with this one? ..and the same with old BALCO platters - the ones with the cable drawn "W" assembly and single lock hole. thx-Monte  |  IP: Logged Wyatt Copeland Film Handler Posts: 74 From: Gettysburg, PA, USA Registered: Aug 2007 posted 08-07-2007 01:43 PM                     quote: Bryan M. Montgomery They are resorting to throwing masses of leader onto the floor to feed the platters Hahaha. That's what my manager does(or at least a variation of it.) on a regular basis even though our platters don't have that problem!  |  IP: Logged Steve Guttag We forgot the crackers Gromit!!! Posts: 12814 From: Annapolis, MD Registered: Dec 1999 posted 08-07-2007 04:24 PM                     Tell Danny I said Hi.  |  IP: Logged Wyatt Copeland Film Handler Posts: 74 From: Gettysburg, PA, USA Registered: Aug 2007 posted 08-08-2007 02:36 PM                     Haha okay will do  |  IP: Logged Dave Macaulay Film God Posts: 2321 From: Toronto, Canada Registered: Apr 2001 posted 08-08-2007 03:16 PM                     I think they all have some adjustability at the powerstat shaft. If not, you can undo 2 smallish set screws at the hub of the brush wheel and turn it to accomplish the adjustment. There's very little room to get a tool or fingers in there but I think it can be done. Make sure the supply is unplugged!  |  IP: Logged Bryan M. Montgomery Film Handler Posts: 47 From: Chillicothe, Ohio Registered: Jul 2007 posted 08-08-2007 11:09 PM                        Sorry boys, I did forget to mention what kind they were, didnt I? Duh! It was late.... You guys figured it out anyway, they are Strong platters, AP-3s I believe. Thanks for the tips, I've got to tame these beasts and do some serious re-training before these fruitcakes really do some damage.  |  IP: Logged

All times are Central (GMT -6:00)

Printer-friendly view of this topic

Hop To: Select a Forum: Category: Operations -------------------- Digital Cinema Forum Film Handlers' Forum Large Format Forum Ground Level Feature Info, Trailer Attachments & REAL Credit Offsets Category: Community -------------------- Film-Yak Film Handlers' Movie Reviews The Afterlife Bob Maar's Joke-A-Thon Category: Classified -------------------- Equipment and Supplies Wanted/For Sale Help Wanted/Seeking Employment Category: System -------------------- Software Beta Testing Forum

The Film-Tech Forums are designed for various members related to the cinema industry to express their opinions, viewpoints and testimonials on various products, services and events based upon speculation, personal knowledge and factual information through use, therefore all views represented here allow no liability upon the publishers of this web site and the owners of said views assume no liability for any ill will resulting from these postings. The posts made here are for educational as well as entertainment purposes and as such anyone viewing this portion of the website must accept these views as statements of the author of that opinion and agrees to release the authors from any and all liability.