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Author Topic: Variable speed films Ralph Martin Film Handler Posts: 30 From: Vacaville, Ca./ USA Registered: Jul 2008 posted 08-19-2009 10:59 AM                     Hello all, I want to be able to have the kids accompany some of the earlier silent films that run at different speeds. I figure our next step is to alter the speed of the projector for slower silent films (Century SA-TA). A gentleman contacted me yesterday referred by Milestone Pictures. He said he will help me convert the theater’s projector to be able to handle variable speeds using a special variable transformer. It can be used without any hardwired installation so the projector can return to normal when our silent picture performance is over. He said that there may need to be a three-blade conversion for the shutter to prevent the flicker effect depending on how slow the movie is to be run. He’s from Chicago and has a very cool secret agent’s name :-) He seems very knowledgeable and he’s willing to help us gratis. Does all of this sound right?  |  IP: Logged Martin McCaffery Film God Posts: 2481 From: Montgomery, AL Registered: Jun 99 posted 08-19-2009 11:07 AM                        You won't find anyone better.  |  IP: Logged Gordon McLeod Film God Posts: 9532 From: Toronto Ontario Canada Registered: Jun 99 posted 08-19-2009 02:26 PM                     It would not be a variable transformer but a motor driver controller It would also entail that the motor on the projector be 3 phase The other option is a servo DC motor conttol  |  IP: Logged Ralph Martin Film Handler Posts: 30 From: Vacaville, Ca./ USA Registered: Jul 2008 posted 08-19-2009 04:43 PM                     Yes, Gordon, I was corrected by him that it isn't, in fact, a transformer but a much different device that works for controlling the speed properly. So I misquoted him :-( I wish I was more knowledgeable about these matters. Thank you, Martin, for your input. I’m hearing from many that he’s top-notch.  |  IP: Logged Gordon McLeod Film God Posts: 9532 From: Toronto Ontario Canada Registered: Jun 99 posted 08-19-2009 05:00 PM                     Since the speed of a AC motor can only varied by varieing the frequency which is howmost motor drive units work  |  IP: Logged

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