The cue detector/failsafe is the Component Engineering FM-35.

Here is the symptom: Machine runs for 8-10sec and shuts off.

This feels very much like a false alarm from the failsafe side. I say it's like a false alarm because the FM-35/CA-21 are designed to shut down the projector if it detects a loss of film presence. In this case, the film is actually right where it should be: firmly seated on the large, white roller.

Something else... At the moment of failure, all three of the proximity lights (inboard, centre & outboard) will 'flash' as though a frameline cue had passed, even though no foil tape is present.

Early in my examination of these systems I noticed four of these systems with the cable going into the FM-35 unplugged. (The projectionists explained that those units "were not working.")

The first thing I decided to try was a total disassembly of these four units, followed by a thorough cleaning (washing the parts in warm water and Simple Green). I air dried the parts by placing them on towels and using a hair dryer on a medium setting, turning over the parts frequently. One of them started working properly after that but the other three setups remained unchanged; the exact same problem was still there.

Next step: I will swap one of the problematic FM-35s with one that is known to be working. In doing so, I intend to rule out the actual detector as part of the problem. I suspect this is an issue of bad wiring. I left these machines programmed a certain way and then returned to find nonsensical programming. One of the console mounted units (at another location) was acting up and we found a wire jumper in a silly place.

Here's where I need help: If this were a wiring problem...where is the problem most likely to be found? What should I check first?

~Manny.

"Your help in this matter won't go unrewarded." -- Jesus Christ Superstar

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On first blush it sounds to me like your power supply is dropping below a safe level ( for the FM-35 ) at the moment of failure. This accounts for the cues all firing at once. Perhaps this is at a time when many things are happening inside the automation. Relays, timers, etc. So, you can prove this with a meter or scope on the power rail. If your meter has a min/max recorder then so much the better. If this proves to be the case you have at least two options. One is to power the FM-35 with an external power source with sufficient voltage. The other would be to modify your power supplying scheme a little to include an isolation diode and a cap. I am happy to send you a little sketch of this if you need it.

If this is not the cure then please call me at 206 284 9171. or Email to dolson@componentengineering.com and we will work this out.

I will investigate the bobble delay. Someone has definitely monkeyed around with these -- there's other evidence of that .

~Manny (It's Miller Time!)

I am about to return to that theatre to tackle this problem and I have three questions for Brad (his post) or anyone who knows the answers:

1. How would I extend the CA-21 bobble delay beyond the preset 8 seconds?
2. Is this a user modification? I don't see it in the manual.
3. Why don't you use the "Motion" detector?

~Manny (Open Sundays and Holidays).

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Alex - Please re-read my original post. I already gave them a full "bath" in warm water and Simple Green. That only solved the problem on one unit.

~Manny (the only one you need.)