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Topic: crazy brain

Kara J. McVay
Film Handler

Posts: 95
From: Delaware, OH
Registered: May 2002

posted 09-15-2002 01:00 PM

One of my brains for my Potts platter is going nuts. No matter which platter it is in, it runs real fast and wraps only 2-3 times then slows down, wraps 2-3 times. It will do this the whole show. Not had a problem so far, but it is causing me to worry. I spend the whole night looking in to make sure it is still running. There just seems to be no middle ground with this brain.

Any thoughts???

Thanks for the help in advance.

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Daryl C. W. O'Shea
Film God

Posts: 3977
From: Midland Ontario Canada (where Panavision & IMAX lenses come from)
Registered: Jun 2002

posted 09-15-2002 04:51 PM

Asssuming this is a phase control unit and not a microswitch, did you try turning down the trim pot that controls the LED power?

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Joe Redifer
You need a beating today

Posts: 12859
From: Denver, Colorado
Registered: May 99

posted 09-15-2002 09:49 PM

I have two Strong microswitch brains that will begin to wrap about two times before it realizes it needs to spin. Then it overspins and then repeats. The payout arm does not stick. So microswitches can have this problem as well.

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Daryl C. W. O'Shea
Film God

Posts: 3977
From: Midland Ontario Canada (where Panavision & IMAX lenses come from)
Registered: Jun 2002

posted 09-15-2002 09:52 PM

I meant that it would be hard to adjust a non-existent LED on a microswitch control plate.

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Sean McKinnon
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1712
From: Peabody Massachusetts
Registered: Sep 2000

posted 09-15-2002 10:21 PM

Try replacing the microswitch if it uses one.

------------------
--Sean McKinnon
Manager
Loews Cineplex Entertainment
Freshpond Mall 10
Cambridge, Mass
<A HREF="http://www.enjoytheshow.com" TARGET=_blank>www.enjoytheshow.com</A>

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Paul G. Thompson
The Weenie Man

Posts: 4718
From: Mount Vernon WA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 09-15-2002 10:29 PM

Kara, what type of pay-out control do you actually have? It would aid us in helping you figure out what to do.

There are also a couple of vintages of Potts Platters. What is the Model Number of yours?

If you have the LED style pay-out head, what does the platter do with the elevator pinned in the threading hole after you turn the switch to Payout? If the pay-out control is completely "off", the platter should not spin. If it does spin, then there might be a problem with the phase control or platter timing. Then move the pay-out control over its range, and the speed changes should be gradual.

If you have micro-switch pay-out heads (sounds like you do by the symtoms) join the crowd! The switch is probably just too darn stiff to react properly. Unfortunately, there is no adjustment that can be made on them, other than check to see if that little spring between the paddle and switch case is there. If it is present, remove it. That will help. Also, double-check to make sure there is no binding in the pay-out arm.

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