Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Sloppy Potts Platter Takeup

This is topic Sloppy Potts Platter Takeup in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Cory Renkenberger (Member # 5054) on 12-18-2008, 01:03 PM:

I have been on hiatus from our theatre equipment for several months, and the owner recently asked me to investigate a platter take-up problem. Both platters that are controlled by the same Variable Autotransformer have been winding the film VERY loosely when they are on the Take-Up mode. I have replaced drive belts, checked platter speed, and I am wondering if the problem lies in the Variable Autotransformer itself? I have never encountered this problem with this platter, and we have been using it since 1984. Other than that it runs well. Any suggestions on how to increase the "takeup torque" on this unit?

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 12-18-2008, 01:08 PM:

(bad answer...)

Posted by Mitchell Dvoskin (Member # 751) on 12-18-2008, 01:10 PM:

Eh? The weight of the yoyo keeps the film tight. It is not really adjustable. However, I have seen the yoyo stick and not float freely, do to misaligned rods or dirty slide rollers. When this happens, it does not gradually drop down with the film, causing the takeup to run slower than it should.

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-18-2008, 01:36 PM:

"Yo yo", LOL.

Anyway, check the roller spindles on the take-up path of the variac. It is likely that one of them is bent.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 12-18-2008, 01:48 PM:

Yea, I call it either the "W" or the "Trombone" ... but heard the term "Yo-yo" many times....

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 12-18-2008, 02:29 PM:

Can I assume this is a Strong/Potts platter?

BTW: WE service/supply Syracuse/Warsaw/Goshen, IN. Louis

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 12-18-2008, 02:51 PM:

Takeup TROLLEY. [Razz]

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-18-2008, 03:47 PM:

I think "Piece of shit" is the most accurate.

Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 12-19-2008, 05:25 PM:

quote: Joe Redifer
I think "Piece of shit" is the most accurate.

For once I agree with Joe. [Smile]