The reader and the unit have been switched out and it still does the same thing. Whenever you turn any of the other projectors on, the reader green light will come on, the timecode light on the unit will come on, and the drive lights will flash slowly independent of each other. Whenever you turn this particular projector on, the green light does not come on, the CD-ROM and SYSTEM lights on the unit come on, and the drive lights flash at the same time.

Any ideas?
 

To answer the above Question, does the film have a bounce as it goes into the Reader?
The timecode on the print could be bad.

Whenever you turn this particular projector on, the green light does not come on, the CD-ROM and SYSTEM lights on the unit come on, and the drive lights flash at the same time.

Check the cable going to the timecode reader. make sure it hasn't pulled loose. Also check it at the dts unit for same thing.

Does the timecode led on the dts pannel light at anytime during the boot process? You could have a burned out led on the timecode reader if the timecode led on the dts unit works. If not then either ther is no signal getting to the reader or the reader is bad. Make sure that the reader is putting out the red light for time code reading. This should always be on. If not then there is a problem with the reader or the timecode board inside the unit.

If the timecode light blinks a lot, it is most likely a tension problem. And, since you say the timecode light does not illuminate on one projector - I 'll bet that projector's chassis is not earth grounded. The grounding is easy to fix. On our timecode cable (one from the factory) under the shrink sleeving is a chassis ground connection that you can use to earth ground the projector chassis. Carefully cut back the sleeving on the cable to expose the wire and tie it to an unpainted part of the projector chassis. Many times, simply connecting it to a screw on the reader cable connector does the trick. Most times during installation, the friction of mounting the bracket will scratch through any paint or coating to bare metal.

After connecting the wire, use an ohm meter to verify zero ohms from the projector chassis to an AC earth prong. It's best if all your sound racks are earth grounded too. Not only does it keep noise from ground loops under control, it will also protect you from getting a shock.

To check tension, do the famous finger trick. While film is running, use your finger to add drag to the film path. Check as the film enters the reader and then as it exits. If putting drag in front of the reader makes the timecode light illuminate steadily, then reposition the auxiliary roller on the reader to swing as close to the big center roller as possible. This usually does the trick.

If the light steadies when your finger is after the reader, then check the projector gear sprockets and motor belt - be sure it is not slipping or damaged.

You should also check the voltage to the reader's red LED. It will mean taking off the reader's back cover and checking with a volt meter. The voltage should be adjusted to 4V DC. There is a procedure to do this on our techcenter, in the latest (Jan2002) Dealer "TECH TALK" notice. Go to www.dtsonline.com/cinema click on 'techcenter' and login. If its your first time, you'll need to register to get an instant password. Once in the site, you can read, download, or print the manuals, wiring diagrams, technical notices, etc. Its free to all DTS cinema customers. And we will not share the info you send us and we won't SPAM you.

Please try the above and feel free to send me an email to discuss it further.

Karen at DTS
khultgren@dtsonline.com