Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: CP500 automation problem

This is topic CP500 automation problem 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=009252

Posted by Justin Hamaker (Member # 2165) on 04-27-2008, 04:23 PM:

I have one CP500 which will randomly stay on mute at the show start rather than switching to the auto digital target. It's the kind of problem that will happen 2-3 times in one day and then might not happen for a week. When it happens, all I have to do is press the auto digital soft key.

The auditorium has a Xetron XCN lamphouse with the Maxi-12XPC automation unit. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

For what it's worth, I have had this happen on other houses with a CP500, but it is so random and infrequent that I don't think I could consider it a problem.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 04-27-2008, 04:31 PM:

What firmware are you running? If it is 1.50-1.61 there is no telling what oddities you will have. 1.65 is the current most stable firmware and 1.31 is also known to be very stable.

Steve

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 04-27-2008, 06:58 PM:

Why is your automation muting the processor in the first place? Wouldn't it be easier to just switch directly from non-sync to digital at the start of the show?

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 04-27-2008, 08:31 PM:

Brad: that is TOO simple!! I go even further: I add two cheap relays across the changeover coil; switches between "10" and "61", Works fine is most platter theatres. Louis

Posted by Justin Hamaker (Member # 2165) on 05-27-2008, 04:26 PM:

The firmware version is 1.52.

How do I go about eliminating the Mute at show start?

Are there things external to the CP500 that could be causing the processor to not switch out of non-sync? I have one that does this frequently enough to be an irritating, if random problem. Then I have another that will do it about 1-2 times a year. Our sister theatre has one that's started doing this from time to time.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 05-27-2008, 04:38 PM:

Before looking elsewhere...upgrade the firmware to 1.65 (or 1.65EX if you have an SA10). See if that doesn't cure your ills. It will definately prevent other ills (like dumping your entire memory and leaving you with no sound unil you bring the levels up on the preamps AND the outputs).

Your service engineer should be able to do this in no time. The firmware might be available here on Film-Tech too. If you do end up doing it yourself...be sure to be using load500 version 2. Also you should know, if the the update is interrupted for any reason, your CP500 will be dead.

Steve