Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Cinemeccanica platter mod

This is topic Cinemeccanica platter mod in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Ron Curran (Member # 3631) on 03-14-2010, 12:02 AM:

We got tired of dismantling the cover and reaching inaccessible pots to adjust the speed of our platter. So we wired new pots with shafts and knobs.
I know that manufacturers design equipment to keep fiddlers at bay but we must also protect our projectionists from the 220 Volts that lurk under that cover.

Posted by Ian Parfrey (Member # 5122) on 03-14-2010, 01:00 AM:

Ron.

I'm interested to know why you have to constantly adjust the speeds.

Is it due to power fluctuations or wear on the mechanisms?

Posted by Phil Blake (Member # 2012) on 03-14-2010, 09:52 AM:

Ian I have found our Cinemeccanica platters to be very sensitive to heat. few weeks ago now we had a 49C day and all my payout modules were creeping. adjusted them back , next day was cooler and they all were lagging.

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 03-14-2010, 02:09 PM:

Exactly. They're EXTREMELY sensitive to temperature. A variation of 2°C could be fatal for your print. The platter will start spinning slowly when in stop position and if you do not realize in time you'll have a nice brain wrap to handle with.

I don't have any suggestion. Luckily in my projection booth the temperature was constant for the most of the time.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 03-14-2010, 02:40 PM:

Whatever is temp. sensitive should have a small heater (light bulb) next to it to permit one constant temperature. If light sensitive, a large resistor will do. Louis

Posted by Ron Curran (Member # 3631) on 03-14-2010, 09:12 PM:

These platters operate under Murphy's Law.
When access to control was difficult they needed regular adjustment.
Now we can adjust easily they are fairly stable.
I have attached a paper flap over the controls saying "Adjust only if absolutely necessary. Remember, only 1 or 2 mm is required" just in case the temptation is too great for one of our projectionists.