Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Advice on equipment for a 2 screen

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Topic: Advice on equipment for a 2 screen

Will Kutler
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1506
From: Tucson, AZ, USA
Registered: Feb 2001

posted 06-05-2002 07:44 PM

I have heard many complaints about the Christie AW5. But from my experience, I think that these complaints are unfounded.

I just did some major service work on one, and I must say thanks to Bevan W. for being so helpful w/ advice !

FYI, the AW5 uses the same wiring schematic as the AW3.

Should you have trouble w/the origonal Make-Up/Break-Down Switch Assembly, the new replacement is different! HOWEVER, INSTALLATION IS A VERY SIMPLE AND COMMON SENSE PROCEDURE! A numbskull at the theater I serviced attempted to install one. Needless to say, a GIAGANTIC HEADACHE was the end result ! If ya don't know what you are doin, then leave the equipment ALONE!!

Since you are looking for a used platter, do make sure that it is not too well "abused" !...and that it is equipped with the current features such as removable Pay-Out Heads D: D:!..otherwise you may spend a fortune for the upgrade conversions !

One used and abused AW3 that I was called on to fix was in such wonderful condition ! Let me see; two decks were BADLY scored and required grinding down; the top of the tree (switch pannel) required re-spotwelding w/new hinge and other sheetmetal work; Nutserts for the Take-Up Carriage were busted and jury-rigged; MUT plug and wiring was busted; bad wiring on MUT; problems with the Pay-Out Heads, and I forgot what else!

I have seen older Neumade platters in service, and they seemed to be ok. I am inpartial to roller bearing equipped rollers, though Brad and Joe have their own opinions regarding this !

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Gordon McLeod
Film God

Posts: 9532
From: Toronto Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 99

posted 06-05-2002 10:15 PM

I tend to avoid 5 deck platters since I feel it is putting two screens at risk if the beast dies

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Scott Norwood
Film God

Posts: 8146
From: Boston, MA. USA (1774.21 miles northeast of Dallas)
Registered: Jun 99

posted 06-05-2002 10:43 PM

Are removable platter "brains" really necessary for a twin, though? Sure, it's nice to have them, but it's really not a big deal unless the theatre often moves prints on short notice. (With fixed brains, one must either take up the last show on a "cookie sheet" or clamp the print to move it; with removable brains, one can remove the brain and slide a "cookie sheet" disk under the print and then safely pick the whole thing up without clamps.)

Having said that, older AW3s can be converted to use removable brains. This was done recently at a place where I fill in occasionally and seemed to work well. Personally I thought it was kind of unnecessary, but I won't complain about anything that makes life easier....

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