This is topic Center Platter - "Wobbles" in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Barry Floyd (Member # 385) on 06-19-2000, 08:54 AM:
I've got a Christie AW2 with those "fiberglass" platter decks. The upper & lower decks run smooth, both the center deck "wobbles". What would cause this??
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-19-2000, 10:46 AM:
Wobbles in what way?
Posted by Barry Floyd (Member # 385) on 06-19-2000, 11:48 AM:
As the platter deck is spinning, it rises and lowers (like a shaft is bent)from side to side.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-19-2000, 12:27 PM:
These platter do warp easily. Replacement is the real only cure. Someone may have leaned on it at some time or set something heavy on it.
You can also check to see if the axel bolted to the arm is tight too, but the warping thing has always been an issue with these platters.
Mark
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-19-2000, 08:17 PM:
Does anyone have NOS parts for AW-2s? Those haven't been made for over 20 years or more.------------------
Better Projection Pays!
Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 06-19-2000, 09:29 PM:
That's the one with Formica decks, with a take-up control arm with a roller that sticks up next to each deck? Has a screendoor spring on the take-up control arm?
Posted by Dave Bird (Member # 490) on 06-19-2000, 09:32 PM:
Speaking of putting weight on platters. I was among ten cars last night at a local drive-in so we toured the booth. I wondered why the platter they'd bought last year wasn't hooked up yet. Oh, he says, we hooked it up and it wouldn't turn and then caused an electrical fire. No sh**, all last year, it collected more and more old sound amps, cleaners, speakers etc. Then again, they also added a huge, brightly lit
Coke machine facing the screen. ARRRG
Posted by Barry Floyd (Member # 385) on 06-20-2000, 07:59 AM:
I can clarify more specifically. The platter is a Christie Autowind "Xenolite" - Model CFH 52-3, S/N # 195.Yes it is the one with the Hydraulic "door closers" with the rollers at the edge of each platter. I've contacted Christie trying to locate a manual, but I'm still waiting for a return call.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-20-2000, 08:58 AM:
Geez, We are a Christie dealer and we are also waiting for a return call. I know the feeling.
Mark
Posted by Scott D. Neff (Member # 185) on 06-20-2000, 01:32 PM:
My AW3 - that's right AW3 - a few disks wobble on it --- what's with that?------------------
Scott D. Neff
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www.cinema-west.com
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-20-2000, 06:44 PM:
Unless you have a platter that's a variation I don't know of, that manual is right here for download.
Posted by Barry Floyd (Member # 385) on 06-21-2000, 08:13 AM:
I finally talked to an engineer @ Christie yesterday afternoon.
My platter is officialy considered "antique". Although they still work, I was informed it's almost 30 years old. He said it was one of the "original" Autowind models, and was NOT designed to last this long.He said the manual is available from Christie, but I need to order it through my authorized Christie dealer.
Next question.... who wants to be my "authorized Christie dealer"??
Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 06-21-2000, 08:50 AM:
When the platter deck wobbles, I find that most of the time it's because someone dropped a print on it. Or, one person tried to put a print on and couldn't 'control' it, and leaned heavily on the deck.I can tell because it's usually it's the center deck.
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 06-21-2000, 09:08 AM:
You will probably find that you are SOL at getting christie parts even the screendoor closure was not a off the shelf item
Try removing the deck and check the bearings for slop the sleeve the are mounted in and the shaft they ride on for groovesIf they are all OK flip the platter deck upside down on the floor and measure the angle of the bore and the trueness of the surface.
In the long run you would be wise to get either a new or a newer platter and turn this one into 3 patio table tops 
Posted by Trevor Bailey (Member # 75) on 06-21-2000, 11:41 AM:
Scott, AW3 (and AW3R) decks usually wobble because the center of the deck (that slides onto the axle) has become separated from the rest of the deck.
I have repaired several AW3's with this problem. There is a reinforcement kit available that can remedy this situation. It's easy to install and costs a lot less than a new deck (email me for info).
You should look at how bad the wobble is. If the deck can ride up over the drive wheel, then it's probably time to do something about it.
Now, one caveat to this: There was a reinforcement kit that was used years ago that replaced the whole center part of the deck. This kit is not compatible with the newer type I have seen. However, with this older type, you may be able to "re-glue" it to the deck.
Regards,
Trevor
Posted by Barry Floyd (Member # 385) on 06-22-2000, 08:00 AM:
I have spoken with a dealer in Louisville, Kentucky and he almost laughed when I told him what I had. He was very reluctant to even order the manual for me, but he did finally agree to do so. Sure it's almost 30 years old, I know they quit making parts for it 25 years ago,... but at this time... it's all I have. The odd thing is... it still works.
A NEW AW-3 is approx. $4,000.00 - and for a guy with a collection of equipment in his basement with no theater yet to put it in, I'm not ready to shell out $4,000.00 to show "trailers" on the back of the garage door.
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-22-2000, 04:50 PM:
Heh, heh, that sounds like Louis!Barry: there's tons of better (newer) used platters out there; ones that you CAN get parts for. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might be able to come up with one for just a few hundred dollars.
Sounds like you're out enough $$$ as it is. Look around a little before you put any more money into something that's only going to (ultimately) experience a catastrophic failure.
------------------
Better Projection Pays!