This is topic Installation of projectors on tracks? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.


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Posted by William Hooper (Member # 71) on 01-27-2004, 12:22 AM:
 
I'm looking at returning a booth to service in a PAC which hasn't run the projectors for decades, and has them out of position. I believe they may use the booth occasionally for other equipment (projectors, etc.) In the desire to be as flexible & chummy as possible for the other functions, I was wondering if there might be some way to get the Philips projectors off to the side out of position when not in use for summer film festivals, one-offs, etc.

It's a venue that only allows real tech folk in the booth, so I'm really not worried about who the aliens in the booth may be (unlike some places). Floor-mounted tracks came to mind, & I don't know how possible or practical that may be. Does anyone have any recollection, experience, or ideas about moveable projectors in a booth?
 

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Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 01-27-2004, 12:34 AM:
 
The Stag Screening Room at Skywalker Ranch has a pair of Simplexes and a DLP on tracks... Just roll 'em to one side or the other and voila! lots of space!

If you have the room to do the tracks, it should work fine.

-Aaron
 

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Posted by Dave Callaghan (Member # 1544) on 01-27-2004, 02:14 AM:
 
Many years ago I worked the very occasional shift at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Of all things, the 35mm projectors were Philips ( I think ) that were movable, and they were mounted on tracks secured to the floor. The booth was a 2 projector arrangement with a changeover.

Just an aside, but I still remember that the event was a screening of shorts for a jury with some obviously quick turnaround times. I still recall, in my haste to get a changeover ready, seeing stars, and I don’t mean the kind on screen, when I stood up at the wrong place and collided with the pedestal under the lamphouse.

I don't recall how the alignment problem was solved, but an obvious consideration with movable projectors is "locking" the machines in place so the left / right - aperture / masking alignment is set correctly and maintains that alignment over the years.

Mind you, I've been in 2 machine booths with "fixed" projectors that couldn't keep the alignment right. Then again, one case involved a head office screening room for the executives. The President of the exhibition company seemed to prefer the misalignment to fixing the problem.

It's little wonder that the state of exhibition in the megaplex is the way it is today when even - or should I say particularly? - the boss doesn't see a mistake when it's right in front of him.
 

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Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 01-27-2004, 02:57 AM:
 
Contact Sam at BACP ( Bay Area Cinema Products ). He has a track system for screening rooms and performing arts centers.
 

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Posted by Edward Jurich (Member # 1787) on 01-27-2004, 08:12 AM:
 
Seems to me any track system would have to be surface mount, assuming the booth has a cement floor. It may not be very booth friendly if people keep tripping over the track.
 

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Posted by Dave Macaulay (Member # 813) on 01-27-2004, 09:24 AM:
 
Quite a few Imax projectors are on tracks. They use one flat track (1/4 or 3.8 CRS strip about 2" wide) and one guide track, the same steel strip with a 3/8 or 1/2 round steel rod welded or screwed to it. The wheels have a V-groove and ride on the rod. These tracks are not too intrusive, the flat one cut into carpet is about level and the rod isn't much of a trip hazard. They also used a full v-track a few times which is much more of a hazard.
 

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Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 01-27-2004, 01:39 PM:
 
There are some photos of IMAX installations that use the track system in the Film-Tech "Pictures" section (e.g., Cinemark IMAX Theatre in Tulsa OK with an SR projector installation).
 

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Posted by Edward Jurich (Member # 1787) on 01-27-2004, 04:23 PM:
 
Hey Bill, is there a void (empty space) under the booth? Rig it up like an organ console, have the projectors rise out of the floor on lifts
 

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Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 01-27-2004, 04:29 PM:
 
I have also seen the machines mounted on a turntable to allow them to be swung out of the way
 

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Posted by Sam D. Chavez (Member # 1841) on 01-27-2004, 05:03 PM:
 
BACP represents Dan Eiseman who has made projector carts and tracking systems for such use as you describe. There are pictures of a number of installations in LA and the SF bay area for your inspection.

These tracks are very shallow to provide minimal intrusion and hazard. A custom steel wheel cart rides on the guide track.

We have also made Urethane wheel carts for specific applications. These are not yet shown on the site.
 

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Posted by William Hooper (Member # 71) on 01-28-2004, 12:24 AM:
 
Thanks, guys! I'll be seeing them again Friday & will let them know it's an option. The position is used mostly for when a 3rd follow spot is brought in for shows that require it.

As far as the intrusion of the tracks causing walking obstruction, I suppose industrial mats of the same height placed on either sides of the tracks could be used to level the walking surface.

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Hey Bill, is there a void (empty space) under the booth? Rig it up like an organ console, have the projectors rise out of the floor on lifts

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