Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Remote Start/Stop

This is topic Remote Start/Stop 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=008154

Posted by Cody Robertson (Member # 3752) on 07-20-2006, 03:33 AM:

I am attempting to hook up a remote that can be used in the auditorium to start and more importantly stop a projector while tech screening a print. I have made a wired remote with some parts from radioshack. Has anyone done this? What suggestions do you have for a wireless remote?

Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 07-20-2006, 04:05 AM:

If you're going to have a remote start, ensure that anybody who may be in the projection room is aware that the machine may start without warning. A notice on the machine, or on the wall next to it, to this effect may be in order.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 07-20-2006, 05:15 AM:

You can always do it with X10 modules. They have a momentary or latching relay model. They also make a wireless remote control. Get the idea?

For that matter, anyone wanting cheap start timers can buy their alarm clock or computer software and use one of the momentary relay model plugins wired in parallel with the start button. The cool thing about those is that it is accurate to the second.

Posted by Bernard Tonks (Member # 809) on 07-20-2006, 06:38 AM:

Being an automation freak, I did consider putting in auditorium remote controls. On rehearsing prints I preferred to start the projector manual, but a remote Stop button on hand would have been useful. I always used to keep the projection room doors locked on these occasions.

Some 40 years a projectionist at the Odeon, Haymarket in London devised an auditorium remote control system based on a telephone dial system. Whilst it was successful and reliable, the cinema company stopped it being used as it was not standard equipment.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 07-20-2006, 07:21 AM:

At some of the screening rooms in Kodak, we have remote control of projector start, dowser, and focus. The projectors have interlock switches on both the operating and gear side of the projectors, so there is no chance the projector could be started remotely while someone's fingers are in the mechanism. As with all moving equipment, all dangerous "pinch points" have safety guards.

Posted by Phil Blake (Member # 2012) on 07-21-2006, 12:38 AM:

We have the Panalert add on for the Panalogic automation, this enables us to control the start stop , volume and other features remotely via a cordless telephone. I works a treat , I run 3 screens remotely while serving in the cardy bar, ushering or cleaning.
I am not sure if the panalert can be interfaced with your existing system but it may be worth researching.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 07-21-2006, 02:55 AM:

quote: John Pytlak
At some of the screening rooms in Kodak, we have remote control of projector start, dowser, and focus.

Several Cinemeccanica V-18 installs I serviced in Oklahoma for Carmike (ex-Video Independent Theatres) had this, too.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 07-21-2006, 03:40 PM:

Garage door opener works great and cheap, too. Louis

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 07-21-2006, 03:42 PM:

quote: Louis Bornwasser
Garage door opener works great and cheap, too. Louis

For wireless, I've also used television remote control circuitry. Model R/C control systems could be adapted too.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 07-21-2006, 05:24 PM:

At the AFI/Silver, we had the Crestron system incorporate an audio warning prior to a film projector being started remotely (by either wireless or lectern remotes). Since these theatres can be expected to be used for lectures, the thought was that the lecturer would be able to control the projectors...start/stop/focus them.

In order for the projectors to start, the person must press and hold the start button for about 7-seconds which will initiate the announcement to the projectionist to stand clear (the portal Crestron touch panel next to the machine that will actually be starting has the voice)...then and only then will the projector start. If you release the start button early, the timer resets and you have to hold the button for 7 or so more seconds.

Focus and framing are remotely controlled (wireless as well as wired too) but do not initiate any warning since no physical harm is there.

We have toyed with a deactivate switch that the projectionist could use to disable the remote start when they are threading...possibly via a pressure sensitive matte by the projection station.

Personally, I HATE remote starts...I find them just too dangerous but we get the requests none the less.

Posted by Paer Hoegberg (Member # 3133) on 07-22-2006, 04:24 AM:

We have remote start, focus and framing (and remote fader). Not wireless, but a button panel on the back wall of the auditorium (next to the door).

This way you can start the show while letting people in, and adjust picure/sound without entering the boot.

No warning in the boot (everyone knows about the remote start, and never had any issues).

The start actually triggers the automation.

Posted by Bernard Tonks (Member # 809) on 07-22-2006, 04:51 AM:

Long ago in 1960 I was involved in an experiment with auditorium remote control projection by Philips (now Kinoton) and Associated British Cinemas.

Click (on page 2).