This is topic What's The Secret to quiet down a Simplex XL? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Joe Schmidt (Member # 822) on 04-26-2001, 09:03 PM:
This refers to a noisy intermittent and the Very Loud Chattering Noise it makes while the film is running, yet, on some you can hardly hear any noise at all. Allegedly this has always been a closely guarded secret, or, if not that, a trick not too many people know.Thanks!
I'll check back in a few days, really gotta run now.
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 04-26-2001, 09:07 PM:
Lousy dried out film stock with imperfect perfs.I don't think anything is wrong with your machine.
Film guard time.... 
Posted by Pat Moore (Member # 380) on 04-26-2001, 09:16 PM:
If this is an older XL, might be that it's time to rotate or change the intermittent sprocket. Also check into the sprocket tension shoes. After that take a look at the alignment of the intermittent sprocket and the film trap. Straight Trap or curved?The "secret" isn't too complicated if the above is all correct and in good shape. After that it's low film tension -- Simplex doesn't like or need a lot of film pressure through the trap.
Pat
Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 04-26-2001, 10:01 PM:
Why would this be a secret? If I knew of this elite technique, I'd want to share it with everyone I knew to impress them with my Simplex mastery. I might even be able to score a few babes with knowledge like that! But honestly, if there was such a secret technique, the only reason anyone would keep it to themselves would probably be to protect their jobs for fear that if anyone knew how lousy they really were that they'd be fired 
Posted by Richard Tucker (Member # 812) on 04-26-2001, 10:30 PM:
Pat has you on the right track, as he has done with me many a time. If it is a straight (studio) gate, also check the filmgate pressure pads and shoes. They can be worn into waves if it is a fairly old machine. Also check how tightly the gate is closing. There is an allen screw that adjusts how close the gate closes to the trap. If this is off, either too tight or too loose, it will cause film noise regardless of the tension setting on the pads. (Too tight usually causes the noise, too loose causes picture jumping.) I usually test for this by opening the gate ever so slightly while a loop is running to see if it affects the noise.
Sometimes, however, it really is a matter of film lubrication.
Posted by John Eickhof (Member # 323) on 04-26-2001, 11:59 PM:
Many times a loud 'tick' is caused by the out board bearing on the star shaft being dry, apply a drop or two of oil to the shaft where the indicator collar is located at the out board bearing. (while machine is at rest)
Allow oil to wick into bearing area then wipe excess. (I recommend this be done monthly on all grind run XLs)Other considerations are too much tension on film in the curved gate that can be adjusted by the fine adjust screw located on the trap casting, Or like others have said, worn pads, & shoes, etc. If there is a lot of noise without film it's probably the out board bearing or the intermittent needs an overhaul! ------------------
John Eickhof President, Chief Slave
Northwest Theatre Equipment Co., Inc.
P.O.Box 258
Wendell, ID. 83355-0258
208-536-5489
email: jeickhof@nteequip.com
Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 04-27-2001, 07:59 AM:
Proper print lubrication greatly helps prints run more quietly.
Kodak Recommendations for Print Lubrication Also, use the lowest level of gate tension that still produces a sharp and steady image on the screen.
Another thing to check for are "hooked" or damaged sprocket teeth, which can make alot of noise as they catch on (and damage) the film perforations. Use a high powered magnifying glass or pocket microscope to look at the teeth:
Radio Shack 30X Illuminated Pocket Microscope
Edmund Scientific Pocket Magnifier
(An old 16mm or Super-8 projection lens also makes a good magnifying lens to look at sprocket teeth).
Looking for damaged or hooked sprocket teeth should be part of any routine projector maintenance schedule. For example, look at page 12 of the on-line service manual for a Century projector:
http://www.strong-cinema.com/CTYMSCTU.PDF
Page 10 of the manual discusses proper gate tension.
------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7419
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Cell: 716-781-4036 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
Web site: http://www.kodak.com/go/motion
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 04-27-2001, 05:44 PM:
Joe,
The best thing to do is get rid of that noisly ole Simplex 
and install a nice modern new Christie P35GP! That's 
's favorite machine of all time 
. That'll guarantee you that on every run the projector noise will be there and you won't be misled 
into thinking that there is some sort of intermittent problem with the X-L.....er....ah.....just a thought.
Perhaps 
can do some calculations on the noise factor of the Simplex vs. the P35 
so you can see what I mean...now back to my 
. Hey, Where's :bob mar's: face?
Mark @ GTS
Posted by Jonathan M. Crist (Member # 413) on 04-28-2001, 12:10 AM:
How's your oil level in the projector head? Is your oil pump working properly so that oil is constantly being fed onto the intermitant? Simplex X-L's intermitants are notorious for being cranky if not getting the proper amount of oil.
Posted by Rick Long (Member # 213) on 04-28-2001, 02:03 AM:
Actually Joe's right. You wouldn't beleive how many chicks I've got with the line, "Hey baby, wanna come up to my pad and listen to my Simplex?"