Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Platter payout disk jambing

This is topic Platter payout disk jambing in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Rick Deleau (Member # 4212) on 01-20-2009, 09:52 PM:

payout platter nightmare:

I've had this happen to me a couple times, the payout micro switch on my platter fails to disengage (i think) which results in the film to wind tightly in reverse around the disk. which eventually causes the film to seize up and stop paying out, this shuts down the system. (no motion fail safe) Leaving me with a holy shit mess.

Ps. I added a little spring between the micro swithch housing and the brass arm to help the micro switch pop back to the off position, but even this seems not to be enough.

any help

Posted by Jeremy Weigel (Member # 4208) on 01-20-2009, 10:52 PM:

What make and model of platters do you have?

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 01-20-2009, 11:41 PM:

Sounds like Potts or Strong, Damn American made stuff.....Throw it away, I'll sell you a good Chinese made platter. Better yet, I think you could trade it with a theater in Texas.

Seriously though, are the control plates removable? Have you replaced the microswitch? More info please [Wink]

Rick

Posted by Andrew Bangs (Member # 4938) on 01-21-2009, 12:09 AM:

I think that theatre would Gladly Trade!!! [Big Grin]

Sounds like the same strong problem I was having and I found some switches online for 5.91 If you want the link send me a message and let me know.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-21-2009, 01:03 AM:

quote: Rick Deleau
film to wind tightly in reverse around the disk

Replace the microswitch on the Brain..(if it's a Strong/Potts unit).

the contacts inside the switch have arced themselves closed and keeping the brain on all the time.

If you got a Grainger in your area, go buy some 6X284 microswitches that'll get you back on track.

Strongs aint that all bad - take care of them and they'll take care of you.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-21-2009, 09:11 AM:

Monte,

You're using the wrong microswitch!!! The one you're using tales twice the amount of force to actrivate as it should be....

Mark

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-21-2009, 01:26 PM:

If you take the little tension spring out-forgot to insert that in my above post about using these switches from Grainger.

Sorry Mark - gotta think economy mode in where I work at..

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-21-2009, 07:42 PM:

quote: Monte L Fullmer
gotta think economy mode in where I work at..

Actually the correct switch is a couple of dollars less from the appropriate electric supply.

Mark

Posted by Rick Deleau (Member # 4212) on 01-22-2009, 01:13 PM:

Hi

thanks to all, very much appreciated.

what is the right micro switch?

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-22-2009, 02:33 PM:

ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES!!!!!!!!! This is the proper switch for use with Estar base filum.

Microswitch P/N BZ-2RW8435-A2, And ya don't have to remove any spring cause there aint none.....

Mark

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 01-22-2009, 02:39 PM:

quote: Mark Gulbrandsen
Actually the correct switch is a couple of dollars less

False economy at work; "dropping dimes to pick up pennies."

Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 01-22-2009, 05:20 PM:

I'm confused. Are you saying Mark is using the wrong switch and that cheaper ain't better, or are you agreeing with him?

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-22-2009, 05:33 PM:

Actually the switch we sell IS the correct switch according to Microswitch whom manufactures the switch. If Tim is sure it's the wrong switch I suggest he call the staff at Microswitch and explain to them which switch IS the right switch. There ARE similar numbered switches, some cost more and some less but they all have the WRONG sized open gap in them and they will fail prematurely. Aside from having the correct amount spring load the gap size is the most important aspect in these switches.

At any rate the normal pricing on them is about 8 bucks in single quantity. We purchase them in hundred quantity so we get em cheaper! Pretty elementary really!

Mark

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 01-22-2009, 05:57 PM:

quote: Ken Lackner
Are you saying Mark is using the wrong switch

Sorry, I meant to say so many theatre owners try to find circuitous routes to save a couple of bucks, and end up paying way more in wrong parts, or screwing up their equipment more.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-22-2009, 06:38 PM:

Exactly Tim! Thats why usually getting parts from a dealer that buys quantity can actually be a better deal... and you get the right part.

Mark