Well, managers/operators, they would probably work just fine if you unplug them from the platter mast/motors before you move the damned table. They sheared two of them off slicker than snot on a brass doorknob in my location. The plugs are rendered useless.

The following are suggestions:

1. When new plugs are installed, make a little retro-fit with a Jones Connector quick release. The pigtail only has to be a couple of inches long. This will minimumize damage to the twist lock plugs on the Strong MUT's and any other MUT that has such a configuration.

2. If the MUT does not have a retractable cord, use a couple of Tie-Wraps to strap the cord to the table's leg. When the operators decide the move the table when they are done at their feeble attempt to assemble a print, the tie wraps will prevent the cord from yanking the grommet out of the hole, and ripping the crap out of the MUT's wiring.

Seen it happen, and it is very frustrating.

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The problem with the older Potts and CFS machines is they plug into the motor. Some operators have enough sense to orientate the cord in such a manner that it will not come in contact with the film or other moving parts. Sometimes they tie it around a roller bracket, or anything else that is handy.

Upon completion of the build-up, they forget to untie it, and start shoving the MUT across the booth. That little "jerk" they feel is the plug being snapped out of the wall socket or the pigtail in the variac. Usually it smashes the wall socket, and the plug's grounding pin detaches itself from the plug.

Their ears are not tuned to the ratchet noise in the retractor, either. When it reaches the end, they discover for some reason it is harder to shove the table. So they shove it harder. They yank the wire out of the cord retractor, and if they are lucky, they have not dragged the platter behind them and/or bend the roller bracket.

You just can't win.......

I have been watching with interest the postings about makeup and teardown of shows. The common thread to all of them is 'trouble'. The real trouble is that the persons performing the work are pressed to do it faster and faster but not more carefully or more precisely.

You can develop good habits by repeating tasks in the same correct way each time they are performed. When under pressure, only the most critical tasks receive attention. Example: attach head to tail with 4 sprocket holes on each adjoined frame, soundtrack to soundtrack. A little thing like moving the MUT doesn't get much attention and it is probably not done the same way each time.

Haste makes careless waste and necessitates expensive repairs.

The old pipe organ manufacturer had this sign on his wall.."If you have time to do it over, you had time to do it right!"

Thanks for the idea.

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Barry Floyd
Floyd Entertainment Group
Lebanon, Tennessee

How many pins are in yours, and what is the pin configuration? A picture would help. I have not seen an AW-1 in years, so I don't remember what they have.

These were the 3-pin connectors, exactly the same as CFS used.

Barry, I think yours are 6 pin, but I am not sure. Maybe 4. If the prices were truthful, you can expect to shell out about 8 bucks or so each.

Steve