Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Christie Platter wont build up

This is topic Christie Platter wont build up in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by John Westlund (Member # 913) on 03-25-2003, 09:56 PM:

Tonight I was going to build a print during the show. The top platter was not in use so I went to start building up and the platter wouldnt spin. The make-up table will work in take down but when I switch to buildup nothing happens. The platter feels like it doesnt have much tension on it even when I switch to make up. Its almost like it wont switch out of take down. I wasnt able to try the other decks because there is a show running on them.

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 03-25-2003, 10:00 PM:

Did you press the white button on the side of the tree?

Have you tried to use another make up table? (If you have one.)

Posted by John Westlund (Member # 913) on 03-25-2003, 10:05 PM:

Yea, the button IS pushed in [Wink]

. Only have 1 make up table though.

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 03-25-2003, 10:08 PM:

Re-seat the plug from the MUT to the tree.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 03-25-2003, 10:55 PM:

I am assuming this is a single screen with one platter and one MUT, right? That always makes troubleshooting more difficult.

You need to figure out if it will load to the other decks before we continue troubleshooting. Do check the following before you report back.

Makeup button is pressed in on the tree and MUT switches are "makeup" and "on".

Jiggle the cord into the platter tree with the speed turned about half. These don't make the best connections in the world as they get used and worn.

And of course, try all 3 decks. If none of these "easy" checks works, then you probably need to change out the speed control. This is very easy, just write down the way it is wired up now (they are color coded) and put a new one in.

Posted by Sam Hunter (Member # 1119) on 03-25-2003, 11:07 PM:

Just for my information a platter and a MUT (Make Up Table?) interface together? I further surmize that this is how you load/unload a platter during makeup/teardown operations.I assume if I was to buy a platter (see other post) I would need to buy a MUT as well.

Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 03-25-2003, 11:29 PM:

Yes, typically the MUT plugs into the platter and when making up a film you operate that deck from the MUT's Variac.

Platters are available for sale sans MUT. With a booth serving multiple screens it's common not to purchase a MUT for every platter since the MUTs are portable and there are only so many makeup or breakdown operations or the staff to perform them going on at one time.

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 03-25-2003, 11:32 PM:

I chatted with John...we found the problem. Loose wire in the plug.

Posted by Sam Hunter (Member # 1119) on 03-25-2003, 11:34 PM:

Not to take away from the topics subject but what type of connection is involved? Molex or what? Molex plugs loose spring tension after a while and you have to go in and squeeze the females back together.
Back to the subject.

Posted by John Westlund (Member # 913) on 03-25-2003, 11:40 PM:

Thanks for helpin me find that problem Paul. Its just a loose wire in the plug coming from the table.

Sam
Its not a molex connector, but something else (jones plug perhaps). In any event it looks like this.

- - -
- - -

Posted by Sam Hunter (Member # 1119) on 03-25-2003, 11:50 PM:

Yep, that looks like a Jones plug.
Glad you got it going John.
Later.

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 03-26-2003, 12:29 AM:

Steve, your new signature inspired me.