Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: DIY Status Box diode question

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Posted by Cody Martin (Member # 2523) on 06-29-2007, 12:11 AM:

Hello guys,

I've recently been building a 9 screen status box for our booth of Big Sky projectors. So far the project has went pretty well, but I've came upon one snag. I need to hook up a buzzer to all 9 of the panic lines of the automation. I would just gang them up, but I realize that that would cause all of the panic lines to light up for the entire box. Am I right to think, I need to put a diode on each panic line before the buzzer so that the voltage can only travel one way? Lastly, how do I go about trying to find out what kind of diode I need?

Thank you very much,
Cody

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-29-2007, 06:50 AM:

quote: Cody Martin
I need to put a diode on each panic line before the buzzer so that the voltage can only travel one way? Lastly, how do I go about trying to find out what kind of diode I need?

Yea, If its a DC buzzer. If its an AC buzzer then you'd be best off using relays. Would need to know the specs on the buzzer to advise on the diode. If you were using a Mallory Sonalert which is the least current draw route to go then a simple 1N4003 on each line would suffuce.
BTW: There is no Big Sky projector they are a company that distributes projectors... you either have Ernemanns or Kinotons.

Mark

Posted by Cody Martin (Member # 2523) on 06-29-2007, 09:41 AM:

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your reply. I'm using a 10mA 4-28vdc buzzer. Purchased at Radio Shack under their name, but it looks and has the same specs as one of the Mallory ones.

Thanks for the correction on Big Sky. I meant to put this is on a big sky console with their automation.

Thanks again for your help, I'm excited about finishing this up.
Cody

Posted by Ken McFall (Member # 845) on 06-30-2007, 04:44 PM:

Hi Cody,

I recently did exactly the same thing for a four screen thast I look after, six panels.

You have already been advised as to the correct way to conect the alarm buzzer so no need to add further.

The cost of buying a ready made system was prohibitive so I deceided to design and make my own 6 way status panels. Each screen had four wires going to the automation, dc+ and one each for Ready,(Laced up), Running and alarm. All panells were parralled off each other and feed from a central psu.

The only thing I did add was a single BEEP of the alarm when a show ended. This gave and audio warning to warn of an end of show.

The cinema is delighted with the results especially as there had been a shut down issue since istallation that was causing them real problems. The only way they knew of a shutdown was when a patron complained.... hardly ideal! (Happy to say all issues have now beenfully resolved)

I'm happy to say that since I have installed the status panels and done an Interlock upgrade the cinema is very happy indeed.
Doing such a job yourself gives a real sense of satisfaction anfd brings real benefit to the cinema.

Think about adding a warning alert for an end of show if you can. Front of house really appreciate the warning without having to look at time sheets all the time.

Hope all goes well for you.

Regards.