Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Say goodbye to tail wraps, thrown prints and poo (aka: SAFETY RINGS)

This is topic Say goodbye to tail wraps, thrown prints and poo (aka: SAFETY RINGS) in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-09-2003, 08:34 AM:

A few of you have seen or worked with some of the prototypes. It is now complete with all the bugs worked out and all dealers have been notified.

CLICK HERE

Tonight I put one of the production units on a Strong platter (pictured) and beat the inside of it with my fist as hard as I could, with a force no print would ever have crashing into it. The entire platter itself moved about a foot across the floor. The safety ring stayed put. I think it's safe to say there is about a 99.9999999999% chance that when using this, it is impossible to toss a print! [Cool]

These will begin shipping next week.

[ 02-03-2004, 07:23 PM: Message edited by: Brad Miller ]

Posted by Mike Olpin (Member # 1115) on 12-09-2003, 09:48 AM:

Brad is a genius. How come no one thought of something like this before?

BUT...
How quickly does it go on the platter? It looks like it might take a minute or two.

quote:
I think it's safe to say there is about a 99.9999999999% chance that when using this, it is impossible to toss a print!

Okay, so 33.33333333333... is = 1/3 of 100
BUT...
33.33333333333... x 3 = 99.99999999999...
1/3 x 3 = 1

So therefore,
99.99999999999... = 100.

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-09-2003, 10:02 AM:

Yes, the design looks simple. But it's not as simple as you might be led to believe, though it is astoundingy simple to use. It has had a lot of testing. Now the majority of people never have to worry about thrown prints again, ever. Don't even bother tucking or securing the tail.

I won't mention the in-house name this thing had during its production. [Smile]

Posted by Dustin Mitchell (Member # 372) on 12-09-2003, 10:18 AM:

How long does it take to put it on the platter?

Posted by Gracia L. Babbidge (Member # 582) on 12-09-2003, 10:27 AM:

Yay! [Smile]

It's about time that something like this was made.

Once upon a time when I worked for a cinema part of a large chain, a fellow projectionist and myself discussed how there was a definite need for such a gizmo. We never quite figured out what would be the best way to go about constructing them though.

Posted by Mike Olpin (Member # 1115) on 12-09-2003, 10:40 AM:

We need a green one.

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-09-2003, 10:52 AM:

Dustin - There is an initial assembly of the product that will take between 5 and 10 minutes. After it is assembled, it is just a matter of lifting it onto the platter deck each show. So maybe 5 seconds per show. 10 seconds if you are slow. [Smile]

Posted by Kevin Wale (Member # 1851) on 12-09-2003, 11:32 AM:

Are they priced as such where you would put one on all the decks in house or is it intended to move it every time?

I've never "thrown" a print so I'm not really understanding exactly what this thing is for. However, I don't know why I've not thrown a print before. Is it because I'm always checking the pucks to make sure they are snug? Or, have I just been extremely lucky? LOL.

It looks completely logical and certainly like a great idea. I just haven't had the experience I guess to understand exactly what it does maybe.

Am I just a hopeless newbie?

Posted by Jason Burroughs (Member # 68) on 12-09-2003, 11:41 AM:

About time you start to market those things Brad.

They're INCREDIBLY easy to use, I'd say they take no more time to use than properly tucking a tail or taping down those suction cups, maybe even LESS time. [thumbsup]

When I first started using them, it was a little awkward, but that only lasted about half a shift, now tucking the occasional tail sucks!

Only need 1 per platter tree (2 for 5 deck trees) as only the payout platter needs to have one.

Posted by Randy Loy (Member # 112) on 12-09-2003, 12:08 PM:

Brilliant!!! [thumbsup]

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 12-09-2003, 12:16 PM:

Very nice design. [thumbsup]

A very professional implementation of the "retaining ring" mentioned in my 1999 article about "platter fling":

http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/newsletters/pytlak/sept99P.shtml#p

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 12-09-2003, 12:51 PM:

How often have people had thrown prints? I've worked with platters (mostly AW3s) for the last three and a half years or so (started two years prior with changeovers) on a part time basis and I've never seen a thrown print. I think I've heard of it happening once.

Having said that, the platter ring sounds like a great idea for high-profile shows and those occasional extra-long, extra-staticky films (LOTR, etc.), as well as interlock shows and any other occasion where Things Must Not Go Wrong.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 12-09-2003, 12:59 PM:

A really bad case of "static cling" or poor platter timing can cause some platters to accelerate erratically, throwing the print off center, making the speed variations even more wild. Some platter surfaces become quite "slick" and slippery with use, so the print slides easily. A well designed retaining ring is good insurance even if "platter fling" has been a rare occurance.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-09-2003, 02:28 PM:

We have been using an early prototype version of the safety rings at a couple of complexes down here for about a year now. (It took well over a year to get all of the bugs worked out of the design, and you wouldn't believe how difficult and precise how such a seemingly simple design had to be to function properly!) Joe is going to post a video showing how the rings are mounted/dismounted. He is in a tight booth and was new to the rings when he shot it, but even with the initial awkwardness of it, you can flip one between decks in easily under 5 seconds. I'd say average time for a projectionist who has used them for a week or two is 2-3 seconds.

I'm going to seriously mistime an AW3 and shoot a quick video showing how they protect the film over the next few days.

Kevin, they are only for the payout platter. The takeup platter's film pack is supported by the center ring, so there is really no issue with that. Also it would be hard to wind the film onto the takeup platter with one of these things in the way. [Wink]

Posted by Steven Privett (Member # 718) on 12-09-2003, 02:56 PM:

quote:
Also it would be hard to wind the film onto the takeup platter with one of these things in the way.

Unless it had rollers and bearings and turned with the film being taken up on the platter. I think you're missing out on an idea that could triple your profit. Better keep working on it Brad. [Wink]

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 12-09-2003, 02:57 PM:

I've never thrown a print, either, but I've seen a platter throw one. Any warped or badly-timed, or ORC platter will occasionally flip out and the last two reels hang off the brain.

Good invention, but it appears that there's space between the print and the ring, so when you were shaking the platter, did the film flop around inside the blue ring, but stay on the platter? I'm also not seeing how it secures the tail. More pictures and/or an explanation of this thing is needed.

=TMP=

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-09-2003, 03:04 PM:

Thomas,

It's a "one size fits all" prints design. So long as the print isn't allowed to go flying off of the edge, it doesn't much matter how much space there is. Sure if you're running a REALLY short film, the edge of it wouldn't go hitting the wall of the safety ring because the brain would catch the smaller inner dimaeter of the roll, but in the situation of a really short print it still keeps the tail secure. Besides, almost all platter accidents happen in the last hour of the film, where this ring does it's job quite well.

By "secure" I think you are taking the word too literally. It doesn't have to be tucked or pressed up against the film roll with a poo. When speaking of "securing the tail", this means to find some means to keep it from flopping over the edge of the deck. If the tail falls over the edge, it will get caught up underneath the platter at the axle. At that point every turn will wrap the tail tighter and tighter until after a few minutes it pulls taught and will make the entire print go flying onto the floor. The safety ring guarantees neither can happen.

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-09-2003, 03:12 PM:

Check out how easy it is to move the ring from one deck to another:

Clicky Clicky Quicktime 600KB.

After you've done it a few times it gets even easier than this. And yes, space was VERY tight.

Posted by Jim Leko (Member # 1287) on 12-09-2003, 04:34 PM:

Looks great. Although in the year in a half I have been working in the booth, the only thrown print I have seen was LOTR:TTT, during the employee screening, because the print was still on the buildup platter. The buildup platter is normally on the bottom, but it's moved to the middel of the tree when building up (duh). Normally, our 2 top platters (at every projector) have grip tape on them to help prevent brain wraps, and thrown prints. It's an old GCC thing I think. AMC is letting us keep it I guess (my boss says so anyway). Very effective. We have only had 1 brain wrap in the last year and a half off these platters. We have had about 3 off of the non-grip tape platters, and the only time we play movies off them, is if we have 2 prints per projector. 98% of our shows play off the grip tape.

Interesting product though. I will speak with my boss about getting those for our non-grip tape platters.

Posted by Kevin Wale (Member # 1851) on 12-09-2003, 04:36 PM:

That's great. It does seem better than the poo thingy because those do fly off from time to time.

Now if a way can be found for SPECO platters too all would be albe to enjoy it. (I still have a soft spot for LP270s lol)

Posted by Kelly Skaggs (Member # 1780) on 12-09-2003, 05:57 PM:

For Showcase in Cincinnati our in house booth tech came up with a similar ring we used. It worked great. We had it in use at all the Cincinnati Showcases for over 3 years, and never lost a print due to being thrown or tail wrapped. I kept telling the guy that came up with it he needed to patent and sell it to other theaters. [beer]

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 12-09-2003, 07:06 PM:

The late Larry Flesch (60-year Montana exhibitor) designed something similar to this about 10 years ago, and I kept telling him he should take the idea to a manufacturer, but he died without doing it. So now Brad is going to get rich instead. I'm going to equip 100% of my booths with this thing! (Well, OK, that's only one, but someday I hope to expand....) [Big Grin]

Posted by Lee Davies (Member # 536) on 12-09-2003, 07:09 PM:

This is a fantastic idea, and I hope it sells really well. Has there been a distribution deal done for the UK yet, and which dealers are/will be selling them?

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 12-09-2003, 07:34 PM:

Authorized Dealers of Film-Tech products.

In the UK: Jack Roe (CS) Limited

Posted by Darren Crimmins (Member # 1116) on 12-09-2003, 08:45 PM:

If you have witnessed a print throw even once at your specific theater, than your booth needs one, no matter how long you have been there. For the price, there should be no reason why you should not get one for each platter system, even if just for peace of mind.

I have been working with the prototypes for almost a year now, and the couple or extra seconds it takes to move from platter to platter, like Jason said earlier in the thread, is easier than the "old fashioned" securing of the tail. It is so easy, that no matter what homemade solution a theater has been using in the past, nothing can guarantee a non-print throw more than having durable plastic flanges on the edges of the platter physically making it incapable of film falling off the sides.

Having print throws diminished 100% is better than 99.99%, because there is still a chance. The link with the picture above says it all.

Posted by Max Eldright (Member # 2076) on 12-09-2003, 11:13 PM:

Simply amazing...

I've never tossed a print, but have come close on a few occasions. Never have had a tail wrap, except from those terrible suction cups (throw them away, and tuck the sound in).

I've actually wondered if such a thing existed, and have even made a poor attempt at fasioning one myself. I swear almost every time I come up with some fairly decent idea, I find someone already marketing it...

Oh well. Nice job! Looks like a winner. My only concern would be how quickly it can be moved from one platter to another, but if it just slips on like a lid that shouldn't be an issue.

Posted by Mark DeLettera (Member # 125) on 12-10-2003, 07:10 AM:

quote:
the only thrown print I have seen was LOTR:TTT, during the employee screening,

Ahhhh..... Now there is Brad to the rescue! [Big Grin]

His new 'user-name' should now be:
"Brad Miller: Lord of the Platter Rings"!!!
[beer]

Just bustn' on ya Brad, I couldn't resist.... GREAT Design! [Cool]

Good Luck with it.

Posted by Dick Vaughan (Member # 540) on 12-10-2003, 08:57 AM:

Just need the "Go Large " version for the 150 minute IMAX platters [Eek!]

Looks great. Keep up the good work Brad [thumbsup]

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 12-10-2003, 12:11 PM:

Aah, so this just keeps the print from falling off the edge...

But don't you think that a platter which would be likely to throw a print would also "unravel" the end of the print as it's whipping around with an untucked, untaped, unsecured tail? Images of a foreign print that comes on cores in those metal cans comes to mind. It's all still there and it didn't fall apart, but it's all unraveled and loose in the can.

What i'm saying is, with or without this ring, if you don't secure the tail from unwrapping the end of the credits as it plays, you'll still have a good chance of a brainwrap at the end of the show. Even using 8 or 9 suction cups on a 3.5-hour Bollywood print, we'd still have the tail end and a few layers looser than the rest of the print near the end.

Those people commenting that they've never thrown a print but are going to buy the ring remind me of a scene in "Family Guy":
"Hello. I'm selling Volcano Insurance."
"Go on."
"A volcano can strike at any time!"
"But we've never had volcanos in Rhode Island!"
"So don't you think we're overdue for one?"
"Touche salesman!" [Smile]

=TMP=

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-10-2003, 02:23 PM:

It really doesn't matter even if that did happen Thomas. Since the brain pulls the film from the center of the roll, the film does not have to be wound tightly.

Have you worked with AW3 platters? If so have you ever worked with one that was not properly calibrated? Imagine this, a Christie platter with the LO pot as low as it will go and the HI pot as high as it will go without making the platter spin when at 0% of the payout arm. That's the worst possible timing scenario you can create...and yes I've done it with the safety rings and intentionally pushed the film way off of center during movies. Sure it pays out rough intentionally screwing up those things, but the film always made it through. I'll shoot and post a video of this sometime in the next week.

Posted by Rachel Gilardi (Member # 1016) on 12-10-2003, 03:21 PM:

Do you have them in pink??? [Big Grin]

No really, about time Brad! [beer]

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 12-10-2003, 03:55 PM:

A really good idea! Are these molded plastic?

I don't think they'll work in Salt Lake City or Jackson Hole, WY. due to the high altitude. Brad, can they be modified for proper operation at High Altitudes [Wink]

?
Mark @ CLACO

Posted by John Westlund (Member # 913) on 12-10-2003, 06:11 PM:

They should come in green to match my christie platter [Wink]

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-10-2003, 07:12 PM:

Yes, they are lightweight, yet made from thick and VERY strong plastic.

Mark, Joe did our high altitude testing and we modified the design so it now works at those pesky altitudes.

If someone wants a specific color, anything can be done "for a price". Otherwise it's dark blue. [Razz]

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 12-10-2003, 09:44 PM:

These really ought to have a catchier name. I suggest:

PlatterGuard

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 12-10-2003, 09:49 PM:

Mike... that is a cool name....

Ummmm..."PlatterGuard", not "Mike".... [Big Grin]

>>> Phil

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-10-2003, 10:51 PM:

What? Why is it guarding against platters? Honestly though, we thought of that a long time ago and, well, it didn't stick.

What did stick? How about the Film-Tech Rim Job?

Posted by Josh Jones (Member # 447) on 12-10-2003, 11:48 PM:

I worked a shift with brad in Dallas over halloween and had a chance to play with these critters. I was impressed, neat design. As the video shows, it only takes a few second to swap them.

Josh

Posted by Bryan Fournier (Member # 264) on 12-11-2003, 12:06 AM:

When I worked for National Amusements a few years ago one of the union projectionists came up with a similar design. Your ring seems quite refined and battle tested. It also appears to be much easier to move from deck to deck. Great job!

Posted by Bruce McGee (Member # 131) on 12-11-2003, 07:07 AM:

Way to go, Brad!!! [beer]

Now I know why I havent heard from you much in the last year or so.

How about WrapGuard?

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 12-11-2003, 07:25 AM:

"FlingGuard" ?

Posted by Ian Price (Member # 14) on 12-11-2003, 11:55 AM:

The name needs a bit more dash...

Platter-Guard
Fling-Guard
Tail-Guard
Ass-Guard

Posted by Kevin Wale (Member # 1851) on 12-11-2003, 12:33 PM:

I like Fling Guard the best.

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 12-11-2003, 12:57 PM:

I think I'm jealous.

You guys with non rim powered platters SUCK!! [Razz]

Any idea if a Speco design is in the works?

Posted by Jean-Michel Grin (Member # 1360) on 12-11-2003, 02:17 PM:

Great design !

I need two units for my damned Strong DMC platters, specialized to trow a print down

Posted by Christian Appelt (Member # 1067) on 12-11-2003, 02:48 PM:

This thread reminds me of a scene in THE HUDSUCKER PROXY when the marketing guys try to find a name for the hula-hoop gizmo! I hope Brad tested his device like they did in that movie! [Smile]

Posted by Scott D. Neff (Member # 185) on 12-11-2003, 02:51 PM:

Why am I reminded of The Hudsucker Proxy with this thing? You know... for kids.

I am pleased to see Brad has finally debuted his invention. I had the wonderful honor of informing Brad that I had seen these done before elsewhere, but in a much more custom made design, made locally for each specific type of platter each theatre used. He was not pleased with me. His ring though is much sturdier than others I've seen and MUCH easier to mount on the platter.

As far as names go... I think again we should look to the Hudsucker Proxy... and call it...

THE WACKY CIRCUMFERENCE!

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-11-2003, 03:13 PM:

Did I make a mistake by calling them "Film-Tech Media Pads"? Should they be called "MediaGuard"?

Richard, there is no really good way to produce one of these for a SPECO platter since the motor drives the deck along the outer edge. It would require drilling holes into the platter and making a really large version of a center ring to fit on the outer edge. The goal of this was to make it to be able to fit virtually any platter and for there to not need to be any modifications to the equipment to be able to use it. This way when a theater closes with them, the safety rings can be taken to another location, even if they have a different model of platter.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 12-11-2003, 03:30 PM:

Is the SPECO deck ferrous? Could magnets or "Sticky-Poo" or "Bevan-Poo" [Wink]

adhesive be used to hold a ring in place?

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 12-11-2003, 03:37 PM:

John--yes, magnets would work, though a flexible ring probably wouldn't be as strong as Brad's version (which is completely rigid).

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 12-11-2003, 03:48 PM:

My suggestion is a robust and solid ring like Brad's, but using built-in magnets to hold it in place. Only caution would be to avoid using it in a theatre where mag stripe prints are ever shown.

Posted by Scott D. Neff (Member # 185) on 12-11-2003, 04:10 PM:

The platters at the Gateway 12 in Tucson have exactly what Brad described. It's basically a HUGE center ring placed on the outside of the film. Each deck is drilled so that the ring can fit. I think they use Neumade platters there. There really is no reason they couldn't use the PlatterGuard or whatever it is. I have some pictures I'll find and post if anybody is interested.

Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 12-11-2003, 08:08 PM:

This way when a theater closes with them, the safety rings can be taken to another location,

They're all out of work...children are going hungry...expensive equipment is idle...investors have lost a bundle...but thank God those rings have found a new home!

hehehe...sorry couldn't resist. [Wink]

Brilliant idea actually.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-11-2003, 08:17 PM:

You didn't quote the entire sentence.

"This way when a theater closes with them, the safety rings can be taken to another location, even if they have a different model of platter."

The part you omitted is the key point here. If the theater is very old and has equipment that isn't worth moving to another location, certain things in the booth like splicers, film cleaners and safety rings can find a new home, even if the make/model of the equipment in the new theater is different.

Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 12-11-2003, 08:41 PM:

Yes, but that wouldn't be as funny. I rather like the idea...sort of like Monty Python's tomatoes that eject before collision. "Where are the rings?" "They all split for AMC!" "Uh oh! [Big Grin]

Posted by Max Biela (Member # 1919) on 12-13-2003, 03:55 PM:

What about "FilmGuard"? [Wink]

Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 12-15-2003, 01:35 PM:

Film Guard. Same great taste but now available in a solid as well as original liquid.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 12-30-2003, 02:20 AM:

OK, since the demise of John Eickhof Inc. I've been buying stuff from Claco, home of our esteemed film-techer, Mark Gulbrandsen. This post is for him, (for reasons that will become clear, I'm using this method to contact him). The rest of you can skip to the next regularly scheduled post.

Mark, are you guys at Claco going to stock this item? I sent Dennis an email, got no response....tried to get your email address from the film-tech site but you've got it blocked... tried to send you an email directly through film-tech but I get the message, "The administrator or the user has blocked access to this e-mail address."

So hopefully you'll get the message this way. (BTW we have a Christie AW3 platter.)

Posted by Paul Konen (Member # 41) on 01-11-2004, 02:38 PM:

Since having a couple for a few weeks. I want to thank Brad for this cool product.

I have it on LOTR:ROTK and suddenly on Sat (1/10/04) a platter went goofy and the timing went away. Needless to say, the ring did it's job, keep the print on the platter and the show played to the end. This platter had been running this print for at least a day and then it happened. Just goes to show ya.

Again, thanks Brad.

Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 01-11-2004, 03:40 PM:

Maybe Brad should give them away and then charge on a per-saved-show basis. (Personally I may start charging for unnecessary apostrophies. LOL)

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-11-2004, 08:26 PM:

Mike,
If Dennis does not reply to your e-mail I would suggest sending an e-mail again to him with a return receit so you know for sure he got it. Not sure why my e-mail is blocked.... Never had an e-mail at CLACO as I have no time to answer e-mail when I'm at work anyway.....we are that busy! I will try to see why my regular e-mail is blocked here although I have received quite a few private Film Tech messages in the last few months. There's no reason for my regular e-mail address to be blocked here.

I guess we'll certainly stock them if the demand is there. We stock and sell quite a bit of Film-Guard because there is a demand for it and I also sell the product in my travels....I may be able to do the same with the new product as well. I will have Dennis call you on Monday!!

Mark @ CLACO
P.S. For what ever reason my e-mail through this site was shut off but it should be ok now.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 01-12-2004, 12:52 PM:

Mark - he called this morning as promised. Thanks for clearing it up. [Smile]

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-12-2004, 08:20 PM:

No problem MIke...Glad to help out. I also unlocked my e-mail address through Film-Tech in case you need it.
Mark @ CLACO

Posted by Joseph Pandolfi (Member # 223) on 01-13-2004, 04:09 PM:

Bryan F. (on page 3) used to work with me in the same theatre in Milford. With the "old type" Christie platter system with the fixed head we still move prints on heavy duty boards called "donuts". After moving, the next show we would use the these aluminum rings that are spring loaded clamps that would clamp on the edge of the platter. Due to the slick surface of these "donuts" the prints would tend to slide easily. In the last year we saved about 5 prints from being thrown off the "donut" -- Great hearing from you Bryan!! [Smile]

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 01-21-2004, 10:59 AM:

Received first platter ring today...
... now making appointment with teen-age children, who siphoned off assembly talents from parents shortly after birth!

[Big Grin]

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 01-27-2004, 09:35 PM:

I got mine today and took great pleasure in throwing all of my "poos" into the trash. (Well, OK, I just put them on a shelf...for now.)

It's a bit of a challenge moving the ring from platter to platter in our teensy little booth - Brad, maybe a "folding" model would be a good idea? [Wink]

Sure is nice knowing I will never have to worry about a thrown print.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 01-28-2004, 12:26 AM:

You will quickly find the trick in a cramped area is to pull the ring off in a downward angle such that by the time the edge has completely cleared the edge of the deck, the ring is vertical.

Posted by Andrew Duggan (Member # 1302) on 02-02-2004, 02:41 PM:

Hey, guys. It's been quite a while, but I decided to take a little vacation from the whole industry when my last theater closed [Wink]

Anyway, Brad kudos on the as-of-yet-unnamed platter ring. I tried to design something similar a few years ago with lightweight metal and small clamps, but it was a small hell to move each time, and it wasn't really effective enough to warrant the hassle a lot of times. Although on the plus side, I did lose a fingernail while making it....Go me.

It will be another few months until I'm able to get back into a booth to give these a run for myself, but it's one more thing to look forward to!

-Andrew, of the 9 fingernails.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 02-02-2004, 04:19 PM:

It does have a name: "safety ring"

(It's just that people keep calling it "platter ring".)

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 02-03-2004, 07:21 PM:

That's what you get for using a teaser title for your thread!

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 02-03-2004, 07:23 PM:

Better?

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 02-03-2004, 07:43 PM:

Sorry, the damage is done. [Razz]

I'm sure it'll help make clear the product's name though.

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 02-03-2004, 09:29 PM:

They should have been called "Saf-T Rings". Or "EZ Saf-T Hi Tek".

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 02-03-2004, 10:17 PM:

I thought you wanted to call them "X-treme rings"?

Posted by Ken McFall (Member # 845) on 02-11-2004, 03:59 PM:

I'm delighted to say I've been asked by Jack Roe UK to test of one of these rings. I should be receiving it in the next couple of days. I'll possibly be one of, if not the first, in the UK to use one so I'm looking forward to give my review on it.... I just hope we'll still be running LOTR in time to give it a test with a long film.

I hope to be in a position to give a personal recommendation to my employers to buy some....

I've always had a good relationship with Jack Roe, be hard not to, so its nice to be given this opportunity to get my hands on something new and support a badly needed product to help us all to Do Film Right!

[ 02-12-2004, 04:20 PM: Message edited by: Ken McFall ]

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 02-11-2004, 06:57 PM:

Your hunch is correct, you will be the first person in the UK to use one.

Posted by Ken McFall (Member # 845) on 02-12-2004, 04:19 PM:

I'm sitting waiting at the letterbox.......

Posted by Ken McFall (Member # 845) on 02-13-2004, 03:14 PM:

Ok got to work this morning and there was a parcel waiting for me! Bit like Christmas, I didn't pay for it and it was addressed to me [Big Grin]

Quite dissapointing to find nothing spectacular in the box. Eight sections for the ring itself, eight additional spacers for slightly larger platters and a bag of 32 each of nuts, bolts and washers! And one sheet of instructions... which if you need to read then you should seal the box and return it!

Oh and it's blue..... no! not sad just blue!

Once assembled, about 20 min, that was it! It wasn't all singing and dancing it was just there, ready to do its job. I have to say that suddenly the plate on the AW3 looked Sooooo much bigger than it did before.

The whole thing went together perfectly and ....... nothing else to say really.

I lifted it up and moved it to another platter. Quite light and it did flex a little but nothing to be concerned about. After all each joint has four nuts & bolts and locating ears so it's not going to lose it's shape and fall apart. I placed it over LOTR and was ready to go!

When I get the chance I will upset the platter a bit and see how it copes, but to be honest there really is nothing to see. It's there, it's working and it's easy to use. Idiot proof in it's simplicity..... just as well really.

Now the nitty gritty.

Sandi at Jack Roe told me that it will cost about £72.50.... however this included shipping for a single item. If more were to be ordered then the price would be lower. So £70+ to protect a show seems to me a very reasonable insurence policy for something that needs no maintenance to use every day every show.

So one lost show where you give refunds and or re-admits would pay for one ring in each of my screens with change left over!

An excellent product, well priced and requiring no training or maintenance... a steal at £70+ or lower if enough of you show interest.

It's a definate buy one [thumbsup]

Tel:-01989 567474 and ask for Sandie.... tell her Ken said Hi.

Posted by R. Andrew Diercks (Member # 1725) on 05-08-2004, 09:45 AM:

Brad, are there any plans to make these for a 48" deck. My Christie platters have had problems throwing but your invention won't fit them. Our company has 18 units that could use them too. [Wink]

Posted by Brad Allen (Member # 470) on 05-08-2004, 12:58 PM:

Ken, did you ever get the chance to "upset the platter"?

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 05-08-2004, 01:32 PM:

There are no plans for a 48" deck model as of this time.