Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: PION Projector Opinons?

This is topic PION Projector Opinons? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Paul Trimboli (Member # 1509) on 04-19-2005, 06:27 AM:

I have been offered a PION projector model S35 with 2 lens manual turret. What are these machines like? Are they still made? Are parts avaliable? Does anyone have a picture of this model? By the description it sound a little like a Cinemecannica or Prevost? It has a 3phase motor, can that be wired to run off a single phase?

Posted by Gilbert Travin (Member # 2138) on 04-19-2005, 07:43 AM:

Hello !

I disadvise to you to wire the motor to run with a single phase through a capacitor because the electrical system is unbalanced.
The motor will heat excessively, its torque is not the good one and finaly the motor will burn [thumbsdown]

(I knew such a situation formerly with an extractor of gas for arc lamp : the motor burned at the end of one day !)
For the Pion projector, sorry I have no information [Confused]

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 04-19-2005, 09:15 AM:

Pion was the oldest manufacturer in Italy until they went out of business in the early 1990's. some parts are available through Veronese in Italy.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 04-19-2005, 09:30 AM:

With the correct values and a relay on a timer most 3 phase motors will be happy on single phase
It is important that when the value is choosen that one measures that the current draw in the motor is the same on each leg. The starting requirements are different than the run value so that is why a timing relay is best
better yet is to use a invertor

Posted by Alejandro Lopez (Member # 2854) on 04-19-2005, 09:58 AM:

Hi: You must use a frecuency regulator that electronically converts mains to three phase. And you can also set different projection speeds, such as 18 f.p.s., 30 f.p.s., etc. and determine time for progressive start up or start down ramps.
Pio Pion projectors are no longer made, but some italian manufacturers provide spare parts for them as also red readers for cyan tracks. I was told they are fine machines. You can get more information on an italian forum about "proiezionisti" where one of the members use Pio Pion as the nickname.

Alejandro.

Posted by Alejandro Lopez (Member # 2854) on 04-19-2005, 03:23 PM:

Here are more pics.

Alejandro.

Posted by Alejandro Lopez (Member # 2854) on 04-20-2005, 10:20 AM:

Here are a few more pics of the Pio Pion S 35 projector and some portables too.

The pictures of the machine above are from a theater in Iceland.

A portable version of the Pio Pion

Lamphouse with a 1K incandescent bulb

This portable is in a really little theater, in Iceland too.

6000 feet reel arms

Alejandro.

Posted by Alejandro Lopez (Member # 2854) on 04-21-2005, 03:11 AM:

Pio Pion´s logo. As you can see on it they were stablished at Milano, like Cinemeccanica, Prevost and, I think, Fumeo.

Here´s another different model.

This is an old Pio Pion projector set for mobile cinema on rural villages in Italy.

Alejandro.

Posted by Paul Trimboli (Member # 1509) on 04-21-2005, 06:21 AM:

Thanks for all the great information everyone. I have made my mind up to go ahead with getting this machines, so long as the shipping does not work out to much.

Thanks very much Alejandro for all those great pictures. The portables look like a normal S35 size head on a small stand and with a small lamp house. Is that correct? If so then I am very happy to get this machine. [thumbsup]

Gordon can you explain a little more about wiring the 3 phase to run on single phase?