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Posted by Eric Womack (Member # 4458) on 06-26-2008, 03:41 PM:
I have a Simplex XL projector that has a focus knob that is almost impossible to turn to focus. Any ideas on what the adjustment is that need to be made? Is this a work part issue?
Posted by Richard May (Member # 2627) on 06-26-2008, 04:27 PM:
Had many like that. Could be a couple things. There is an allen key on top of the barrel inside the projector. It tightens the top of the barrel around a rail which it slides on. Make sure it's not overtightend. Also make sure it's nnot all gummed up. The whole mechanism may also be gummed up. I have had that too. On front of the projector, take out the 4 allens that hold the focus knob assembly in place. Pull out the whole assembly and clean it.
Posted by Eric Womack (Member # 4458) on 06-26-2008, 04:44 PM:
Thanks Richard,
I'll give that a shot.
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-26-2008, 04:54 PM:
Take it apart NOW, while you can still turn the shaft. Clean and lightly lubricate the assembly. There is the threaded focus knob shaft, and the larger shaft around it that gets crudded up over time.
Remove the rear focus knob shaft cover (has two Allen screws holding the round plate on). Then unscrew the plate (Note, this is left-hand threaded and actually screws INTO the rear of the focus knob shaft). Remove the four screws from the small focus shaft casting on the front of the projector (just behind the focus knob). Then, unscrew the shaft and you can pull the lens holder out at that point. I also remove the trap/gate latch assembly out, too, which makes room to get the lens holder out. (I hope I got this all right from memory...) ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Otherwise, you will just about have to cut the thing out of there to replace it.
Really. Do it now.
Posted by Eric Womack (Member # 4458) on 06-26-2008, 06:20 PM:
Thanks Tim,
I have it scheduled to be done on tomorrow.
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 06-26-2008, 09:51 PM:
just a small dumb wonder - would the tension adjustment knob below the lens barrel holder be too tight on the focus knob thread?
Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 06-26-2008, 10:28 PM:
Nah! Never that simple...usually the top part is way too tight! Louis
Posted by Eric Womack (Member # 4458) on 06-27-2008, 05:20 PM:
Tim was correct. these projectors where installed in 1941. They where a little seized up. Took the whole thing apart and cleaned and oiled the thing and reassembled. turns like new.
In case you are wondering the projectors are still in the original booth ans theater they where installed in.
Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 06-27-2008, 05:51 PM:
Maybe the soundheads in 1941.....XL heads are post World War II
Posted by System Notices (Member # 2357) on 08-30-2010, 05:43 PM:
It has been 793 days since the last post.
Posted by Mike Frese (Member # 4361) on 08-30-2010, 05:43 PM:
I am having the opposite problem. The focus knob moves too easily. This projector has not been used for a while. My concern is that lens may come out of focus b/c the knob moves very easily. Is this a valid concern?
Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 08-30-2010, 05:46 PM:
Try tightening the silver knob that lives underneath the lens inside the projector. Be sure not to over-tighten.