Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Kodak Pageant exciter light

This is topic Kodak Pageant exciter light in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=010696

Posted by Barry Fritz (Member # 5940) on 11-11-2010, 02:17 PM:

I have an AV-12M6. This model plays both magnetic and optical sound films. Problem is the exciter light does not work. I have replaced it with and new one and it still doesn't. The amp light button lights up. With my little power wand that beeps and lights, I get nothing from the blue wire that runs to the light. Does anyone know what the problem may be? Thanks in advance, Barry

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 11-11-2010, 09:59 PM:

Hey Barry: Go to www.16mmfilmtalk.com. The guys there will be able to help you.

Posted by Kenneth Wuepper (Member # 1174) on 11-11-2010, 10:40 PM:

Hello Barry,

It has been a while since I worked on one of those projectors. Some were powered by DC but most of the 16mm exciter lamps were powered by a high frequency oscillator. Perhaps the oscillator in your amplifier is not working.

The transistor amplifiers used the DC exciter while the vacuum tube systems were powered by the oscillator.

Hope this helps.

KEN

Posted by Barry Fritz (Member # 5940) on 11-11-2010, 11:03 PM:

Thanks guys. I registered at the 16mm site and will post there when I get approved. I see no mention of an oscillator in the wiring diagram in the repair book I have for it. It just shows what it calls exciter lamp power supply that has one wire to the lamp, one to the amp and the red power line. The amp does have a circuit board... I don't think there are vacuum tubes.

Posted by Jeff Taylor (Member # 443) on 11-12-2010, 09:29 AM:

Many people swear by Pageants, but they do have some knocks such as difficult disassembly and access to the amp (especially the later model machines with the solid state amp in the bottom of the case) along with a much more difficult parts situation than the more common Eiki and Elmo portables. When you're on 16mm filmtalk chat up Rich Patchett or Rich Burgess--both do repair work on 16mm machines and Patchett especially is very forthcoming with advice and suggestions. Ken Layton is also very helpful and knowledgable. Good luck.