Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Sticky feed-out arm on platter brain

This is topic Sticky feed-out arm on platter brain in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Dan Chilton (Member # 2288) on 12-08-2008, 07:01 PM:

Hey guys, I have a (new to me) used Speco platter (old red) that works great, EXCEPT the movable take-up arm on the bottom tray tends to stick. When we first bought the platters, we upgraded both units from static to removable brains. On the problematic platter, when the brain sits on the top two trays, it works flawlessly. The take-up arm moves back and forth without the least bit of friction; the bottom tray, however, is a different story. Even without film in it, when you move the arm to the left (to activate the motor), it will fall back about an inch, but then get stuck.

I've loosened the bolts at the base of the tray so I could tilt it more towards one side, hoping it would give the arm more of a gravity pull, and that seemed to help a little, but it's not as smooth as the top two. I also sprays WD-40 into the sleeve that the brain sits in (I don't know the technical term for that hole), thinking it might be encountering friction there, but that didn't do much.

Could it be that I need to realign the little magnets on the brain itself? If so, how do I go about doing that. Sorry to act like such a noob, but platters are completely new to me -- we've been running reel-to-reel for the last three years.

Thanks guys!

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 12-08-2008, 07:42 PM:

It sounds like you're talking about the feedout plate and not the takeup arm. Underneath the affected deck, remove the cover plate over the speed control card/magnet assembly and check to see if there is anything mechanically interfering with the movement of the arm. Sometimes, the wires connecting the speed control card will block the arm assembly. If not, check the condition of the shaft bearings. Also verify that the deck is reasonably level.

Generally speaking, I've found it's NOT a good idea to shoot lubricant into feedout arms, instead make sure they are clean and dry.

Posted by Dan Chilton (Member # 2288) on 12-08-2008, 09:00 PM:

Thanks for the advice, Tim. I'll check it out as soon as the show stops. The WD-40 was a tip from my projection tech! [Embarrassed]

Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 12-08-2008, 11:04 PM:

WD40 fixes everything! [Wink]

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 12-08-2008, 11:12 PM:

I'd use FG instead... [Big Grin]

Posted by Tristan Lane (Member # 1169) on 12-09-2008, 11:20 AM:

I use WD-40 to clean port windows and lenses too. It works so well that it seems the focus never needs to be adjusted....it's always foggy.

Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 12-09-2008, 04:20 PM:

I had this same issue on a Speco years ago. I cannot recall specifically what the cause was, but remember the magnet was hitting something...I think it was a wire. It's easily fixed though.

Posted by Eric Robinson (Member # 2966) on 12-11-2008, 12:50 AM:

Years ago I used to call the people at Speco for help. They were very helpful and help me pinpoint and fix the problems I encountered.

Here's their contact info:
Contact Us Systems & Products Engineering Co. 709 North 6th Street Kansas City, KS 66101 1-800-633-5913 Toll Free (913) 321-3978 (913) 321-7439 FAX