Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: "strong" platters not so strong...

This is topic "strong" platters not so strong... 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=006561

Posted by Greg Davis (Member # 2687) on 09-13-2004, 12:44 AM:

One of our projectors has a top platter that wobbles when there is around 5 minutes of film left, and more than once has tossed some of the print off of the platter completely. Every time we check it out it seems sound, nothing loose or missing, and I am just curious what could be done. Is it off center? Curved? Just old?

Oh yeah and I'm new to this site it seems pretty darn cool.

Posted by Chris Hipp (Member # 1788) on 09-13-2004, 01:03 AM:

FACT: Ninjas are not able to kill a sleeping person, so they kick them first and then kill them.

It usually helps to post more specific information on your equipment. Phase control, microswitch, how old they are and so forth.

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 09-13-2004, 01:13 AM:

First thing I would do is check out why your projector is equipped with a platter deck.

Then I would check your platter system to see if the top platter is missing a bearing (or if the bearing is really shot), if it's wobbling enough to throw a print. There are two bearing per platter deck.

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 09-13-2004, 05:22 AM:

Funny, there is only one theater that I know of in Vista, and that has Christie platters, not Strong. But maybe there is one which managed to hide from me so far..

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 09-13-2004, 06:06 AM:

Maybe Greg doesn't live at the theatre. [Smile]

Posted by Samuel Hynds (Member # 2610) on 09-13-2004, 09:34 AM:

You may also want to check the drive pulley's bearing. Then check the 'o-rings' for flat spots. [Eek!]

Posted by Dustin Mitchell (Member # 372) on 09-13-2004, 05:22 PM:

Or the deck could be warped/dented because someone in the past was careless.

Check all those other things first but if the deck is warped then you are looking at $500 for a new deck.

You may also want to order a Platter Safety Ring.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 09-13-2004, 06:41 PM:

You can try all the above solutions or just simply tighten up the loose axel nut inside the end of arm. Seen this problem at least a hundred times and I carry a special wrench in the truck for this job...can't remember exactly if its 15/16 or 1 inch though. A crescent wrench(also known in this part of the country as a girlie wrench) will not work so don't try it.... get the right size wrench for the job.

Mark @ CLACO

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 09-13-2004, 06:56 PM:

Forgot about that nut at 3am. Never seen one myself loose enough to throw a print (although I've seen far less Strong platters than Mark and some others here), but it'll certainly make the deck wobble.

You have to remove the 10-32 screw (and light assembly) from the end of the arm to get at it.

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 09-13-2004, 07:10 PM:

quote: Daryl C. W. O'Shea
Maybe Greg doesn't live at the theatre.

Hmm...good point.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 09-13-2004, 09:13 PM:

I had so many of those nuts come loose that i can't tell you.... many came loose several times and required locktite to keep them in place.... I bet that Steve k can remember some of those.... The Geneva theatre was one place that it happened to at least several times then had the locktite treatment. Then those loose nut problems just stopped happenning and I have not seen one in at least several years. Apparently they either changed the threads or the hardware manufacturer. I'd be willing to bet thats his problem though.

Mark

Posted by Greg Davis (Member # 2687) on 09-14-2004, 12:27 AM:

I just got back from work, its a model 35. Didn't get a chance to try out everything, but sweet tips thanks. Hey Mike, its Greg from Galaxy! The guy who carried 2 power supplies down a flight of stairs... Nice seeing you here. Perhaps you would be the one to ask than! I'll bring it up next time you come by, if the Head projectionist and I dont finish it before than with these tips.

Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 09-14-2004, 12:50 AM:

Greg:

I sent you an email with an attachment on Strong Platter deck wobble checks/fixes yesterday. Did you receive it?

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 09-14-2004, 09:04 AM:

Ken,

Why not post it here for all Film-Techers to see [Cool]

?

Mark

Posted by Greg Davis (Member # 2687) on 09-15-2004, 12:09 AM:

yeah I got it, thanks man. Very helpful. [Smile]