Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: A remnant in our Century Lamphouse base?

This is topic A remnant in our Century Lamphouse base? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Tom Egbert (Member # 5491) on 01-11-2010, 10:10 PM:

We are newcomers in the industry, so forgive me for my ignorance. We have some equipment salvaged from somewhere that we purchased through the Cinema Preservation Group in N.C.. The Century lamphouse base has a round porthole in the side with a swinging hole cover over it. Looking through the center of the hole to the opposite inside surface of the lamphouse base is what looks like a transformer. There are two leads going to it (one black the other white), but none coming from it. The leads came in from the bottom of the base through a conduit connector and were cut off from the outside along with the flexible conduit that they were running in. The transformer looks as though there used to be something attached to it, but is no longer there. Can I assume that this is the remnant of an old a/c to d/c power supply that is no longer used? We have an IREM N3-X75DM that we will be using for power.

Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 01-11-2010, 10:59 PM:

Tom, first off, welcome to F-T, you'll find a lot of very helpful people and quite a few characters here as well.....

The transformer you're seeing is most likely a leftover for the framing lights, the output would be either 6 or 12 volts AC at one amp or less.

LV framing lights are on most brands other than Century, which used 120vac framing lights on most models.

And yes, depending on the mounting bracket (or "knuckle") attached to the base you can mount other than Century projectors to a Century base. [Smile]

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-12-2010, 02:20 AM:

Hi again Tom! True, welcome to F-T! I'm from Idaho Falls and know that area well (my father was born and raised in Driggs in his younger days..) along with the Playhouse there on Main St.

Victor has some great eateries in this little mountain town in Teton County.

We're all here to help you out! .. and good luck! - Monte

Posted by Jonathan Worthing (Member # 803) on 01-12-2010, 03:40 AM:

Tony

Just to disagree I think the that the unit is more likely to be an old redundant exciter lamp supply.

Posted by Tom Egbert (Member # 5491) on 01-12-2010, 10:54 AM:

Thank you very much guys. You are very generous with your time and willingness to help. This is a great resource. Essential.

We will ignore this transformer as it has no use that we can see. Half of the unit is missing anyway.

Tom

Posted by Richard May (Member # 2627) on 01-12-2010, 11:29 AM:

Most likely for framing light.

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 01-12-2010, 11:31 AM:

What kind of Century needs a transformer for its framing bulbs? Every one that I have seen uses 120v bulbs and has a cord with an Edison connector that attaches to the front of the projector head. It usually connects to an outlet on the projector base.

Posted by Robert Throop (Member # 61) on 01-12-2010, 11:38 AM:

Some of the newer Centurys do use 12v framing lamps. I think though that anything old enough to use the C base would be 120v and the transformer is for something else.
Bob

Posted by Rick Raskin (Member # 1561) on 01-12-2010, 12:35 PM:

Pictures are always a bonus in this type of discussion. BTW: welcome to FT.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 01-12-2010, 03:37 PM:

Scott; there is value to 12 volt bulbs. #1 easier UL certification and #2 short, stocky filament with longer life due to not being vibrated as much Louis