Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Strong platter variac speed too high, any tips or quick fixes?

This is topic Strong platter variac speed too high, any tips or quick fixes? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Bryan M. Montgomery (Member # 4412) on 08-07-2007, 12:27 AM:

After a 2 year absence from my 16 plex, I've returned to find several of the platter systems take-up speed set too high. Its damaging leader, rollers and scaring the shit out of the less-experienced "operators," They are resorting to throwing masses of leader onto the floor to feed the platters when they lose control over them, which is completely unacceptable. ....kids.

Anyway, anybody got a quick fix or a trick to correct this? I can do it the old fashioned way, I'm just hoping for a quick solution or trick that I'm unaware of.

Posted by Troy Hilsman Powell (Member # 4326) on 08-07-2007, 01:22 AM:

You did'nt mention what model platters they were.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 08-07-2007, 02:27 AM:

("setting the speed up too high" - sounds like CHRISTIES ..)

sounds like they're not lacing the brains too well, or, the lock pin is in the other hole (if it's an A3 platter that has two stop holes on the post) .. for if one knows how to adjust the variac in the base, they almost know what they're doing ..

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 08-07-2007, 10:18 AM:

Remove side cover from variac housing. Loosen the allen screw in the center of the variac shaft and re-position the variac while loose to the proper spot for the correct speed then tighten it back down. Replace the side cover... You're finished. Take half hour coffee break... go on to next platter....

Mark

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 08-07-2007, 12:28 PM:

Mark is right. I set them so that the takeup just barely creeps when in takeup mode and the pin is in the top hole. Louis

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 08-07-2007, 01:17 PM:

Now, I've come across "ALPHA" platters that doesn't have the allen set screw thingey, but the slotted collar variety. What is the trick with this one?

..and the same with old BALCO platters - the ones with the cable drawn "W" assembly and single lock hole.

thx-Monte

Posted by Wyatt Copeland (Member # 4433) on 08-07-2007, 01:43 PM:

quote: Bryan M. Montgomery
They are resorting to throwing masses of leader onto the floor to feed the platters

Hahaha. That's what my manager does(or at least a variation of it.) on a regular basis even though our platters don't have that problem!

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 08-07-2007, 04:24 PM:

Tell Danny I said Hi.

Posted by Wyatt Copeland (Member # 4433) on 08-08-2007, 02:36 PM:

Haha okay will do [Smile]

Posted by Dave Macaulay (Member # 813) on 08-08-2007, 03:16 PM:

I think they all have some adjustability at the powerstat shaft. If not, you can undo 2 smallish set screws at the hub of the brush wheel and turn it to accomplish the adjustment. There's very little room to get a tool or fingers in there but I think it can be done. Make sure the supply is unplugged!

Posted by Bryan M. Montgomery (Member # 4412) on 08-08-2007, 11:09 PM:

Sorry boys, I did forget to mention what kind they were, didnt I? Duh! It was late.... You guys figured it out anyway, they are Strong platters, AP-3s I believe.
Thanks for the tips, [thumbsup]

I've got to tame these beasts and do some serious re-training before these fruitcakes really do some damage.