Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: SDDS DFP-R2000 reader making strange noise

This is topic SDDS DFP-R2000 reader making strange noise in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=005402

Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 10-01-2003, 03:02 PM:

We have a DFP-R2000 that makes a strange high-pitched buzzing noise as the film plays. Sounds like it is coming from the large sprocket, or one of the rollers near it. I can not figure out what it is. Suggestions?

Posted by Rick Long (Member # 213) on 10-01-2003, 04:01 PM:

Have you checked the sprocket teeth for "hooking" (undercutting)? Use a magnifying glass or a flat lens reversed to check them. I beleive these sprockets can be reversed if this is the case.

Posted by Chris Hipp (Member # 1788) on 10-01-2003, 04:59 PM:

Hooking is a very common problem with these sprockets. Reversing the sprocket will work for a while, but eventually it will start to mess up again.

Is the SDDS dropping out also?

I usually file down the hooks with a fine grade metal file. Eventually the sprocket will need to be replaced.

Also make sure that the teeth are not touching the sides of the perforations. Sometimes people just throw the sprockets back on and align the film with the outside flange, but if you look at the inboard side you will see that the film is scraping agains the side of the perforations. I think that is what causes the hooking, but I could be wrong about that.

However, you say it is a high pitched noise, seems to me that it would be a bearing going out. Check the bearings on all the rollers. The easiest way grab the roller and stop it, if the sound goes away then that is the bad bearing.

Hope it helps.

Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 10-01-2003, 05:16 PM:

It doesn't sound like it is the roller itself, it sounds like the film rubbing against something very rapidly, thus the high pitch. I just got home. I will check the above mentioned items tomorrow.

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 10-01-2003, 05:54 PM:

Is this a "squeaking" noise? Don't all SDDS readers (or at least all the 2000-series ones) make that noise?

Posted by Chris Hipp (Member # 1788) on 10-01-2003, 06:24 PM:

The sprockets are usually pretty noisy, but it's not high pitch. As I mentioned before, the only high pitch noise I have ever heard is when a bearing is going out.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 10-01-2003, 07:18 PM:

Thread the film one sprocket LESS tension than the red lines indicate and report if the noise goes away. (Note your SDDS may not play back properly when threaded that way if the reader was not specifically aligned for it, but it will greatly help in troubleshooting your problem.)

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-01-2003, 09:31 PM:

Ken, We have an upgraded version of that sprocket for the DFPR-2000 reader. Its alumnium, exactly like the original, made by the same people. The difference is that its hard coated black. Life will be at least double and probably triple of the original. These hardcoated sprockets make little to no noise at all!! We sell them for about half of what Sony wants for them.
Mark @ CLACO

CLACO Equipment And Service
1212 South State St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84110
801-355-1250 M to F - 9 AM to 5 PM

Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 10-01-2003, 09:59 PM:

Mark, thanks! If that turns out to be the problem, I'll mention it to our owner. In order to convince him to buy them, I need to know this: is this noise just an anoyance, or is it causing film damage?

Anyway, I don't think it matters much. I believe we are going to be dropping Sony altogether and going all Dolby.

Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 10-02-2003, 10:02 PM:

quote:
Thread the film one sprocket LESS tension than the red lines indicate and report if the noise goes away.

How do I do this?

I examined the sprocket, and there doesn't appear to be any undercutting. (I did not have a magnifying glass at my disposal, but I took a good close look with my flashlight.)

[quote]Also make sure that the teeth are not touching the sides of the perforations. Sometimes people just throw the sprockets back on and align the film with the outside flange, but if you look at the inboard side you will see that the film is scraping agains the side of the perforations. I think that is what causes the hooking, but I could be wrong about that.[quote]

This may be the problem. How can you tell, and how is it fixed?

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 10-02-2003, 10:08 PM:

Thread the reader as normal, then open up the top pad roller and feed the sounddrum one more perforation of film. The two tension arms won't be "bouncing" anymore, but the film won't be slack either.

I wouldn't recommend moving that sprocket or any of the lateral guide rollers. The slightest movement can kill the unit's ability to track. You need a scope for that.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-02-2003, 10:10 PM:

Excessive hooking of the teeth may cause excessive dust to accumulate and or excessive jitter in the data.
Mark

Posted by System Notices (Member # 2357) on 08-17-2009, 04:53 PM:

It has been 2145 days since the last post.

Posted by Jeremy Weigel (Member # 4208) on 08-17-2009, 04:53 PM:

Does anyone know if this sprocket from LaVezzi is the replacement for the SDDS DFP-R2000?

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 08-17-2009, 05:32 PM:

Yes, it is the correct one. Best to get it black anodized however as its a bare alumnium sprocket. Its life span without anodize will then be measured in just weeks of use!!! Just a simple black anodize should see a years life span out of it, possibly more depending on how many shows a day and so on. I reccomend to get at lewast two of them and have them anodized at the same time. Most plating/anodize houses charge a minimum and then you'd just be paying the minimum charge. Tell them to plug the three holes... The main bore both sides and the threaded hole.

Mark

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 08-17-2009, 10:31 PM:

We just have LaVezzi supply them as a "hardcoat"...never had a problem.

Posted by Jeremy Weigel (Member # 4208) on 08-20-2009, 04:35 PM:

Hey Steve,

Do you have any of these in stock? If so, PM with a price. LaVezzi can do the hardcoat finish, but for only 2 sprockets it will run me close to $500 each and these readers aren't even worth that much. And for what its worth I have already reversed the sprockets last year or so.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 08-20-2009, 09:21 PM:

I'll check when I'm next in the office.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 08-21-2009, 05:46 PM:

We are out of stock on them (not too much demand anymore).

Steve

Posted by Jeremy Weigel (Member # 4208) on 08-21-2009, 09:51 PM:

Darn. Carol at LaVizzi asked if I wanted her to check if it could be made out of any other metal since I told her I was advised that the bare aluminum was too soft and would get grooves cut in it from the film. Since I'm no expert on sprockets do you guys have any suggestions on a metal type(s) to get a quote on?

Posted by John Hawkinson (Member # 1135) on 08-22-2009, 02:54 AM:

Perhaps LaVezzi can tell you the last company to place a big order and you could see if they've got any left.

--jhawk

Posted by Jeremy Weigel (Member # 4208) on 08-22-2009, 06:49 PM:

That's a good idea too.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 08-22-2009, 07:22 PM:

Claco may have a few Sony sprockets left on the shelf but I'm not 100% sure.

To get custom sprockets made is extremely expensive for just a few. The first six might cost you 500.00 each then at a dozen the cost per unit may go down to half of that and so on for the more you have produced. If you have hundreds made it actually gets to be pretty reasonable.

Mark

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 08-22-2009, 07:37 PM:

Our last order for them was on the order of 10-12...the price was pretty good, in my opinion (not much more than typical sprockets).

But to get a 1 or 2 piece can indeed be pricey.

Steve

Posted by Jeremy Weigel (Member # 4208) on 08-22-2009, 11:24 PM:

I'll give Claco a call on Monday.