Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Need help troubleshooting a Simplex 2000 Aperture Changer

This is topic Need help troubleshooting a Simplex 2000 Aperture Changer in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Christopher Meredith (Member # 3767) on 08-13-2007, 12:09 PM:

I have 10 machines and each has a Simplex 2000 aperture/lens changing system dating from the eary 90's. I disconnected the lens rotation motors because they were all very flaky but have retained the aperture changers. 8 of them are working fine but the other two refuse to switch to scope.

These units have a Bodine motor mounted behind the trap assembly and the motor is connected via 3-wire connection. (The manual is in the manuals section under TU2000E). When the automation is set to flat, the motor switches fine and puts a contant pressure on the plate, so if you manually push it in, it pops back out. When you switch to scope, it's supposed to do the opposite, but instead, on these two machines, the motor goes limp instead and the plate can be moved freely by hand.

I have ruled out the wiring of the motor to the molex plug by removing the entire trap assembly and putting it in another working projector and connecting the plug. In this scenario, it behaves normally.

There is a control board for this unit in the projector console and there is a schematic in the manual, but it is a bit beyond my experience. I'm basically looking for a relay that may be blown or stuck, maybe a fuse somewhere. I'm fairly certain the actualy wiring is correct.

Does anyone have experience with these units who might suggest a troubleshooting method? Thanks!

Posted by Matt Zeiner (Member # 1914) on 08-14-2007, 09:54 PM:

replace the shutter cage wiring for aperture and framing lamp and replace the controller. Probably just an open rectifier from a short in the by now brittle and flakey wiring. then replace the wiring in the rest of them cause they are all bad. I promise.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 08-15-2007, 07:29 AM:

I 'd say that Matt is correct on this. The wire Strong used SHOULD have been teflon covered to withstand the heat and exposure to UV and IR light. Teflon wire is not that expensive in that gauge. The wire situation with their lamphouses is even worse and IMHO very dangerous [Eek!]

!

Mark

Posted by Christopher Meredith (Member # 3767) on 08-15-2007, 07:37 PM:

Matt and Mark,

Thanks, I had suspected something like this.