Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Automation systems

This is topic Automation systems in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Jonathan Seaman (Member # 6150) on 03-11-2011, 08:28 PM:

Hi everyone,

I hope I have posted this in the correct place. If I haven't please feel free to move to the correct forum.

I am currently attempting to make an automation system. I have looked through the manuals in the warehouse on this site and have looked at the automation boards at the cinema where I work and I have the basic concept in mind but I am unable to work out the finer details of how it works.

I was wondering if anyone has made an automation system before or has any idea on how to make one. This is for my home theatre system which comprises of a 35mm film projector.

Cheers in advance for your help.

Posted by James Wallor (Member # 6154) on 03-12-2011, 01:16 AM:

What equipment do you have?
What exactly do you want your automation to do?

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 03-12-2011, 01:17 AM:

Honestly, 35mm film automation systems are coming out of service so fast don't even bother. Just put an ad up on the "equipment wanted" forum and you can get something for very little money (probably less than you could possibly build something for).

Posted by Jonathan Seaman (Member # 6150) on 03-12-2011, 04:54 AM:

Thanks James,

At the cinema I work at we have two cinemation models and one made by our sound and projection engineer.

My own automation would need to be able to stop the projector, the lamp, switch to non-sync sound, bring up the house lights and the screen lights. I would want the house lights to come up at the start of the credits and then everything else happens at the end of the credits.

And thanks Brad. Yeah I did guess as much considering the heavy onset and change over to digital formats but I fancy having a go at building my own as a project for my home cinema set up and I am not even considering to make these units to sell. I have been looking round at several components stores here in the UK and I am sure that I could get everything I need at a reasonable price. If it turns out that it is not a viable option to build my own then I will of course post an ad in the equipment thread.