Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Help Identify this Platter

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Posted by Barry Floyd (Member # 385) on 06-20-2005, 12:31 PM:

I can't figure this platter out. By the color and the fan-blade like supports under the decks, it looks like a STRONG, but the "T-shaped" column support legs threw me off. My existing STRONG AP3 has "V-shaped" legs on the bottom. Also, where are the drive motors on this thing? By the looks of it they've been stripped off, or maybe their just not visible from this angle.

Looking at buying this at a local Auction this week, and wanted to know what it was.

Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 06-20-2005, 12:58 PM:

Look like either an early Potts, BALCO, or XeTron. (all basically the same platter save for some cosmetic differences, and the placement of the motors on the XeTron version).

The MUT does look like the XeTron one though (reels go on the side, like a Christie MUT)

EDIT: After closer examination, I am pretty sure it is the XeTron platter: The motors are very similar to the ones used in the current NeuTronic platter, but are mounted in between the tree and the disc (you can see them if you look closely at the pic) The majority of the other parts used on these are the same as the early Potts/Balco platters.

-Aaron

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 06-20-2005, 01:03 PM:

TECO..........

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-20-2005, 01:34 PM:

If its a TECO or Neurotic, then pass on it. Junk!

Mark

Posted by Gregory N. Jones (Member # 805) on 06-20-2005, 02:30 PM:

Hey Barry,

Nope, not an XNR or Neutronic (or as Mark says Neurotic platter). It looks very similiar to our early XNR platters but they had "V" shaped legs, trolley assembly was on the bottom rear of mast and the control assemblies were mounted directly under the platter disc's on the side of the support arms.

I believe it is a very early Pott's platter.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-20-2005, 03:31 PM:

Greg,

If you blow the photo up it looks like neither an early XNR nor an early Potts.... Potts(and pans)didn't have that style MUT either... this ones way too fancy. Look at that funky take up speed control lever at the bottom right side ofthe column...... Motors are also mounted on the column in Neumade fashion......

Looks ome made to me....... Those seats on the floor are the better deal at that location though......

Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 06-20-2005, 05:41 PM:

I almost want to say Xetron also.

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 06-20-2005, 07:58 PM:

That's the same platter/mut shown in the Pines Theatre Photo Tour and identified as a TECO.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 06-20-2005, 09:42 PM:

Adam is correct. It is a TECO....certainly not the worst platter made...most parts available at Grainger. Certain of our customers have this platter and have had good results. Probably not as good as your Potts/Strong.

Louis/Hadden

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 06-20-2005, 09:46 PM:

Grumble! Grumble! Grumble! [Mad]

Posted by Adam Fraser (Member # 1074) on 06-20-2005, 09:57 PM:

Yep, thats a TECO, it has worked well for us for about 25 years with no major problems so I guess they aren't so bad. Very simple design, all the boards look to be bench made and not on an assembly line.

Posted by Barry Floyd (Member # 385) on 06-21-2005, 06:08 PM:

You guys were right. Went and looked at the auction items today. TECO platter, Ballantyne Pro 35 projector & a Christie Console - all to be sold as one lot.

The water-logged ceiling tiles above the platter had collapsed onto the top deck and none of the rollers turned very freely at all. I think I'm gonna pass on this one.

So I guess I'm still looking for a 3 deck platter - Strong AP3 or equivalent.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 06-23-2005, 03:43 PM:

I have had very little trouble from the Tecco Platters there are about 30 of them up here that I know of
The painted platter decks did have some static issues though
Also I saw someone erase a 4track mag print on one with the little magnet that is on the payout arm

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 06-24-2005, 03:42 PM:

quote: Gordon McLeod
The painted platter decks did have some static issues though

For platters with non-conductive surfaces that don't provide a good path to ground to drain static buildup on the print, treat the platter surface and any plastic rollers with a topical conductive antistat like "Static Guard", "Endust for Electronics", "Staticide", etc. These compounds usually contain quaternary ammonium salts, which are conductive in normal ranges of relative humidity.

Conductive "platter mats" are also available, which can also help film laps not stick.

The platter frame generally has a good ground connection through normal electrical grounding, but an additional ground connection to the frame can sometimes help.

Although Kodak VISION Color Print Film has a transparent conductive layer on the back side to help control static, it does need a path to ground to be most effective.