This is topic Grip Tape On Platters ? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Glenn Conatser (Member # 970) on 02-03-2002, 01:00 PM:
We are using a grip tape like you would find on the bottom of a bathtub to prevent prints from being thrown. This has eliminated this problem all together. Several other theatres in our chain are using this and are reporting the same great results.We do this on the top two platters and leave the bottom one for make up.
Does anyone have any comments on the pros and cons of doing this. It has saved us from alot of thrown prints and grief. The film doesent seem to drag as much and flows through the brain much better.
Thanks
Posted by Jim Ziegler (Member # 86) on 02-03-2002, 01:53 PM:
Have you noticed any film damage as a result?
Posted by Ian Price (Member # 14) on 02-03-2002, 02:04 PM:
If the platter is properly timed and level, then I see no need for "grip tape." I have been a projectionist for 17 years and have never used "grip tape." In my new plex with Speco LP-270 platters, we have had the most problems with tail wraps. Now we use a loop of film around the outside of the film to prevent fly-away tails and we haven't had a problem since.
Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 02-03-2002, 03:18 PM:
Has anyone seen those platter "doughnuts" that have a rough surface on one side? You put them under the print, and they (look like) they help prevent two layers of "static-sticky" flim going into the payout head.Anyone ever tried them? Do they work?
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 02-03-2002, 03:22 PM:
I agree with Ian, there is something else wrong with your platters. We need the specifics here. What kind of platters are these? It is entirely possible that there is a known fix for your units, but you did not tell us what you are working with.
Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 02-03-2002, 03:39 PM:
Glenn I take it that you work for AMC? I recently saw this at an AMC 24 plex. I checked their platter timing just by bumping the payout arm on the unused deck and it was obviously timed way too fast. Huge bump in speed, not smooth at all. But the guy in the booth basically said that's how it's supposed to be timed (20 RPM at 70%). Perhaps it is easier to pay for more hardware then to pay for techs who know how to time and service a platter.
Posted by Glenn Conatser (Member # 970) on 02-04-2002, 01:51 AM:
We are using the Christie AW3. Its not really a problem im having its tha lack of problems thats nice. No damage to the film and cant see how. We never make up onto the top two platters. Just the bottom which has no tape. Ive seen this done in several places over the years. Static was the main reason they were put on. Granted are platters are probably out of wack. I used to use trailer cores taped together and put them in the brain to keep the platter from speeding up so fast and jerking the film around and tail loose. Sorta like using a Bevan Poo in the brain. I never used this at any prior location i worked at, it was something that had been done prior to me arriving. Ive currently been at this location 3 weeks but with the company for 5 years. Its something ive seen popping up more often. Probably due to poorly timed platters. Are head technician is flying in to give me some training and help with getting the auditoriums back in line.
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 02-04-2002, 02:22 AM:
I think that most of the CFS, Strong, Potts, and Xetron recommend one revolution every 3 seconds with the switch in the pay-out mode, with no load and the dancer pinned. I don't know about the rest of them.The only problem I have had with a platter maybe wanting to throw a print was when I was running "Shindler's List". The Strong, Potts, and CFS Platters using micro-switches had alot of under-shoot and over-shoot due to inertia during pay-out. Of course, I mounted the entire print on a 54 inch platter, so the tail was only about 1 inch away from the platter edge.
Being concerned with the over and under-shoot, I used a whole bunch of preview cores taped with inside-out masking tape, and plunked them on the platter, just in case the platter had other plans about what it wanted to do with my print......
Normally, if your platters are throwing prints or thinking of throwing prints, it would be in the best interests to have them tuned up a little.
Platters might look like sloppy engineering, but actually, they are not....and they can stand up to a lot of abuse and still run. Like any other good machinery, nothing will beat proper care, cleanliness, and maintenance.
Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 02-04-2002, 02:32 AM:
Glenn: Have your platters timed to Brad's specs (it is all here, click on TIPS and then 'Christie Platter Tweeking' for the details. I changed all the AW3s we have to this spec and have NEVER thrown another print, even the 3 hour ones!-Aaron
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 02-04-2002, 02:39 AM:
Glenn, if you can operate a multimeter, YOU can time those platters properly. Just don't use the Christie manual! The instructions in there are a recipe for flying prints.Also in the "tips" section (Platter tweeking page) you will see explained how to "groove" the platter decks. Couple this with the timing outlined there and you will never have another thrown print. 
Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 02-04-2002, 10:58 AM:
The "Non Skid Platter Disk", a product made by Projection Technology Inc., uses non-slip floor tread material to keep the print from sliding and help separate sticking laps. This unique invention by projectionists Stuart Boritz, Edmund Nardone, and Andrew Fetherman is available on the web:
http://www.projectiontechnology.com AFAIK, the inventors applied for a patent.
Certainly factors such as platter timing, platter surface condition, proper restraint of the outside of prints, etc. should be addressed first.
------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7525A
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