This is topic Megasystems 15/70mm intermittent projector in forum Large Format 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=14;t=000092

---

Posted by Paul Trimboli (Member # 1509) on 11-07-2004, 04:30 AM:
 
I was just looking at the pictures page and on the 2001 Show East pictures there is a picture of a 15/70 projector that has dual intermittents, how??!! I was lead to belive that 15/70 at the speed it moves would not stand up to being run through a machine with sprokets ( I know IMAX has input and output ones, but I mean for the actual movement side)? And how does it work having a gate, or does it run on a cushion of air in the gate like a rolling loop? Anyone got any more information on one?
 

---

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-07-2004, 10:40 AM:
 
Megashredder you mean... I heard that they only got it up to 12 fps. A totally rediclous idea in and of itself... the amount of moving mass is incredible at 24fps........
Gord also knows something about this attempt....
Mark
 

---

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 11-08-2004, 10:57 AM:
 
Mark, Only 12 fps? Surely you are joking!!

Actually that machine was a prototype that actually never ran film at speed. We set it up to jog the film at the show. When we ran it at speed with no film for any length of time, the sprockets either disintegrated, or the intermittents locked up. A lot of time and money went into this project that never should have been! I bet it sits collecting dust now, I don't know because I am no longer there. It was hard to keep a straight face at the trade shows and talk about this machine.

Rick
 

---

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 11-08-2004, 11:01 AM:
 
Originally cinemecanica tried a vic 8 on its side with similar results
 

---

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 11-08-2004, 04:24 PM:
 
The V8 was used for a World's Fair and used a single intermittent.
 

---

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 11-08-2004, 04:50 PM:
 
I believed it was called the shred-a-mecanica
 

---

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-09-2004, 08:22 PM:
 

quote: Richard Hamilton

---

Actually that machine was a prototype that actually never ran film at speed

---

quote: Mark Gulbrandsen

---

Well then I guess the Megasystems person that I talked to in the booth mis-Informed me didn't he.... Its no wonder they went the route they did.

---

quote: Richard Hamilton

---

Also what route did we go? Megasystems projectors are still here, just not the prototype15/70.

---

It was at Showest for sure, a man with black hair is abaout all I can tell you and it was before the show actually started. As for the route Mega went... Basically saved by big brother so they did not suffer any further big losses....
The basic idea of the dual movements is great but the execution of the equipment really sucks.....

Mark
 

---

Posted by Paul Trimboli (Member # 1509) on 11-10-2004, 07:17 AM:
 
So a system with dual intermittents would work? But what effect would it have on the film?? Why not use a stepper motor movment? When you say the sprockets disintegrated, you do not mean the perfs right, the actually sprockets!!!!??? How fast are they turning?
 

---

Posted by Neil Robinson (Member # 2459) on 11-11-2004, 08:51 PM:
 
I work in a theatre in the UK that has a Megasystems 8/70 projector, thankfully it is only used occasionly it is the biggest pile of junk that I have ever worked with, are there many of these projectors in use in the USA and what is the situation obtaining spare parts as I understand Megasystems went out of buisness.
 

---

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-11-2004, 09:21 PM:
 
Strong has always built the Mega stuff and parts should be available through your Strong Dealer.... and you WILL need some of them on occasion. The dual intermittent concept is good but as built the projector has poor light efficiency and is pretty temperamental at times. Timming of the dual movements is SUPER critical! Fortunately there are not very many of these systems in the world..... Had some other company built these projection systems they would probably be more reliable and built much better. The Ballantyne Intermittents used in them do not have case hardened parts(star/Cam) as do most modern intermittents. This is unfortunately the way the original Ballantyne was designed......

From my experience the Iwerks linear loop is a ton better although it also has its own little tempraments you have to be able to deal with/put up with. Phil Hill of this site is the one that really worked to get the LL to the stage its at today. The LL is the most light efficient 8/70 projector out there because of its equivelent high speed pull down.

Mark
 

---

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 11-12-2004, 08:52 AM:
 
I have sold and installed both the Mega and the Linear loop systems and serviced the Kinoton 8-70....they have their unique quirks. When Mega was in operation, they received the projector from Strong and then spent hours and days on each machine doing QC upgrades and checks. Most of my problems with the system was lamphouse optimization, communications from the projector control box and operator error...nothing major in a special venue situation. The Linear loop was rock steady due to the fixed registration pins in the gate ; after dealing with correct air pressure based on film stock and operating enviroment the only weak link was the control box, which was designed to be swapped out if it "hiccuped" in the timing of the components. Kinoton 8-70 is a great machine; the unit is very logical in layout in finding service problems. Most hassles on this machine has been operator error ( to the point of having a sprocket shaft and bearings destroyed by poor threading ) and good power input.
 

---

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 11-12-2004, 09:47 AM:
 
I always like the original odessey/super70 ballantyne 8 perf 70machines
 

---

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 11-12-2004, 09:58 AM:
 
Those just keep on clunkin', don't they Gord?!
 

---

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 11-12-2004, 01:00 PM:
 
Linear Loop is really neat technology, but the noise level is on the high side. Inventor L. Ron Schmidt was a "Pioneer".

http://www.businesswire.com/webbox/bw.011000/200100215.htm

quote:

---

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. L. Ron Schmidt and Iwerks' patented Linear Loop(R) Film Projector technology have joined Iwerks founder Don Iwerks as recipients of an award bestowed by the Academy.
Schmidt, inventor of Iwerks Entertainment's patented Linear Loop Film Projector technology, was recently announced as the recipient of an Academy Award(R) for Scientific and Technical achievement for the Linear Loop's superior concept, design and engineering. Iwerks acquired the patent for the Linear Loop technology as part of its acquisition of Pioneer Technology Corporation in 1997, founded by Schmidt and Iwerks' Senior Vice President of Operations Don Stults, in 1976.
Schmidt will receive his award from the Scientific and Technical Academy Award Committee in a special ceremony Saturday, March 4, 2000, at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Iwerks founder Don Iwerks was awarded the Gordon E. Sawyer Award in 1998 by the Academy Board of Governors in recognition of his exceptional long-term accomplishments toward the advancement of the science and technology in the entertainment industry.
"Ron has developed a truly superior product and we wish to congratulate him on this tremendous achievement. The Linear Loop projection system is a key element of many Iwerks projects, including our successful Iwerks Extreme Screen(TM) Theatres being installed currently in locations throughout the world," said Charles Goldwater, Iwerks' president and chief executive officer.
"This Academy Award, and the award bestowed on our founder Don Iwerks in 1998, are testament to the continuing superior nature of Iwerks technology, and we look forward to continuing Iwerks' advances in technology as we create new and compelling entertainment experiences for our clients."
The award-winning Iwerks Linear Loop technology is in operation throughout the world in both new and existing Iwerks locations, including Large Format theatres and attractions in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Iwerks' motion picture film projectors, equipped with Linear Loop technology, provide superior print handling, image steadiness, screen illumination and enhanced viewer experience by means of an ingenious, yet extremely simple, air-driven mechanical transport system.
"In the spirit of our Academy Award-winning founder, Iwerks Entertainment began with the vision of providing superior technology to the entertainment community," said Stults. "Iwerks' investment in Linear Loop technology and Mr. Schmidt have been rewarded over the years through the tremendous presentation capabilities it delivers for our clients and their customers, and now that technology has been recognized by an equally significant community, the Academy. We are proud to be associated with Ron and his award-winning development."

---

quote:

---

Leland Ronald Schmidt, or Ronnie as his mother always called him, was the born in Los Angeles on June 15, 1931 during the Great Depression. He was the first and only son of Alice Marie and Bruno Leland Schmidt. He loved the ocean and especially fishing.
Ron went to work in a machine shop for Leroy Richardson when he was 17. The things he learned there formed the basis of his future career, but then the Korean War intervened. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1950 and was one of only 13 men out of 5 companies selected to go to machinist school in Illinois. He spent four years as a machinist on tour throughout the Pacific. He visited many exotic ports including Japan, Hawaii, Korea and Vietnam. He greatly enjoyed his travels and had a special affection for Japan and it’s culture. He experienced some momentous events as well. He was just a few miles from the test site, Eniwetok atoll, where the first H-bomb was dropped in 1952. He also participated in the evacuation of Hai Phong long before the U.S. became embroiled in the Vietnam War.

Upon his return to the states, Ron resumed his career as a machinist. Ron rapidly worked his way up to machine shop supervisor and then tried his hand at drafting. He quickly picked up on designing and became an engineer. Though he always wished he had gone to college, he did exceptionally well learning on his own. He became a top-notch engineer and was promoted to Chief Engineer at Richardson Camera Company.

One evening on a business flight home in 1975, he struck up a conversation with another passenger. By the end of the flight, he’d been hired to design a projector and was shocked to realize that he was now in business for himself. He set up shop in Burbank where he remained for over 20 years doing business as L. Ron Schmidt & Associates.

His knowledge of camera and projector design made him a leader in his field. One of his cameras even flew on the space station "Sky Lab." His cameras and projectors were used in dozens of movies and entertainment venues including Star Wars, the Black Hole, Back to the Future Ride, Hearst Castle, Luxor, Speed, Titanic, and Godzilla.

His creative genius reached its peak when he designed the revolutionary Linear Loop Projector that earned him a Technical Achievement Academy Award. He was awarded this high honor on March 4th, 2000 and it was the proudest moment of his life. "It is a machine that is about as simple as anyone could build anything. Its one of those kind of things that you would say to yourself, why didn't I think of that. ... that is genius". Don Iwerks, CEO Iwerks Entertainment.

His days of flying his home built ultralight aircraft being over, the last five years were split between work and growing roses. Ron opened a new shop in Simi Valley in September 1999 and planned to enjoy semi-retirement. He was going to take it easy and spend time tinkering with dozens of ideas he had for new inventions such as a self-retracting fishing reel that he originally conceived in 1960.

Ron Schmidt passed away on August 24th, 2000. Donations can be made in Ron’s name to the "Cure for Lymphoma Foundation", 215 Lexington Ave., New York, NY.

---

quote: Mark Gulbrandsen

---

Where's that Phil guy that could elaborate a bit more on this... it was his baby after all......

---

While I could tell you horrific stories about Pioneer, Ron, and the political problems at Iwerks in dealing with trying to improve and "engineer" the fine "idea" of the Linear Loop projector... I'll hold my tongue in the interest of professionalism and with respect to those that have passed on.

My "contribution" to the Linear Loop projector was not only improving the original concept but trying to document it and make it manufactureable. ...Getting rid of all the mechanical bits and pieces and crappy sleeve couplings and set screws and crappy bearings and ...etc!

When Iwerks originally bought Pioneer, it was a "garage-shop" operation without any documentation or standards. Everything was poorly hand made/machined and not interchangeable. While the concept was great, the 1st group of several projectors were junk and failed miserably in the field.

I improved the original design as well as built dual-head 35mm and 870 3D machines as well as a 35mm SOF theatreatrical machine.

There are many advantages to the Linear Loop projector besides the light increase. It was a natural for simulator rides and repeat shows as the film could be stored R2R and rewind through the projector without the need for an expensive "loop cabinet" system. It was also capable of cueing multiple film titles at a moment's notice and thus gave the venue several options as what show was going to be presented.

Mark is correct in that the Linear Loop system has a very fast "pulldown" and thus can afford a 33% increased shutter efficiency over conventional projectors.

He is also correct that control box was a POS! I could NOT get any $$$ to re-design it and make it intuitive and reliable. (DAMN politics!)

Nuff said....

BTW: It wasn't "my baby"... I was just the guy with the whip that made the specs and decisions, oh and deadlines...

>>> Phil
 

---

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 11-14-2004, 12:00 AM:
 
phil said "I was just the guy with the whip" I bet you enjoyed that
 

---

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 11-15-2004, 09:26 AM:
 
AFAIK, one of the original Pioneer 8/70 Linear Loop systems is still projecting on the dome daily at Rochester's Strasenberg Planetarium:

http://www.rmsc.org/planetarium/planetframeset.htm

quote:

---

Giant Screen Film:
BEARS

Giant Screen Film:
Pulse:
a STOMP Odyssey

---

 

---

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-15-2004, 11:07 AM:
 
John,
If they ever want to replace it with a more modern LL unit let me know. I know where there is an Iwerks version(Enclosed) that has very little use on it.....

Mark
 

---

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 11-15-2004, 03:12 PM:
 
Mark, when Iwerks bought Pioneer, we honored prior LLP's that were already sold. That particular POS original projector that John speaks about was a big PITA and has already been "upgraded" and/or replaced with the "improved" version, as well as a few other venues.

One of the biggest complaints of the original projectors was that many moving parts would fall off the projector as it ran. This was not good. We fixed that early on!

That was as of 2002. I'm sure they have made other improvements since I left Iwerks. It is a cool system.

>>> Phil
 

---

Posted by Don Sneed (Member # 955) on 11-20-2004, 11:10 PM:
 
The question that always stayed on my mind is the Megasystem use (2) Ballantyne intermittents, Ballantyne couldn't keep (1) intermittent running in the Pro-35, how do they keep two running without locking up....it's one of those thing that make you go Hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!
 

---

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-22-2004, 11:52 PM:
 
Don,
I rarely see a locked up Ballantyne movement and there are LOTS of Ballantynes out in this area. What I do see these days are alot of bent or broken star wheel tips due to the advent of polyester film pileups. The new webbed star is stronger but they also bend and can break if the pile up is bad enough... and the result is more serious damage to other parts of the projector including gears and such. Many movements with bent or broken old style stars keep on goin although they look and sound like hell, it just depends on how big of a chunk of the tip of the star breaks off.

The Megga uses the Disney star wheel with long solid shaft so there is no coupling to fail, but the movements HAVE TO be timed exactly!! Also were you aware that the stars and cams in a Ballantyne are not hardened steel like Century and Simplex are.... The Brenkert star and cam were also not hardened.

Mark
 

---