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Author Topic: motor switch issues
Michael Uebler
Film Handler

Posts: 15
From: Evans Mills, NY
Registered: Apr 2012


 - posted 08-22-2012 02:37 PM      Profile for Michael Uebler   Email Michael Uebler   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
so for two shows now i've had the motor switch give out on me. For example the show will be running and the switch will still be in the on possition, but the projector will start to slow down until i turn it off then on again real quick it'll work like normal again. My first instinct is to just replace the switch but i figured i'd get a few more opinions on the issue before i go ahead and do anything. Any suggestions?

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Randy Stankey
Film God

Posts: 6539
From: Erie, Pennsylvania
Registered: Jun 99


 - posted 08-22-2012 04:44 PM      Profile for Randy Stankey   Email Randy Stankey   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Double check the wiring to the switch and to the motor first. Frayed wires or loose connections can cause problems like this.

Next, check the motor relay. Bad contacts or coils can cause intermittent problems.

I think the switch would be the last to go. Relays, wires and the connections between them would be more likely to have problems, in my opinion.

In many cases, it's easier to pop a relay out of its socket and replace it than to replace a switch anyway.

Check the easy things first.

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Michael Uebler
Film Handler

Posts: 15
From: Evans Mills, NY
Registered: Apr 2012


 - posted 08-22-2012 04:57 PM      Profile for Michael Uebler   Email Michael Uebler   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
thank you randy i'll do exactly those things before i jump the gun and order new parts or something i'll take a look soon and post back

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Jim Cassedy
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1661
From: San Francisco, CA
Registered: Dec 2006


 - posted 08-22-2012 05:06 PM      Profile for Jim Cassedy   Email Jim Cassedy   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
A little more info would be helpful in diagnosing the problem.
Does the switch control the motor directly, or through a relay?
I agree with Randy that loose connections are one good thing to
check first.

If this is an older set-up, which has one of those old double or single pole 'snap' type switches mounted directly on the motor or projector pedistal, than it's good to check all the
screw connections on it, and then the switch itself.

I've seen these older switches, some of which are 30-49 years old just plain wear out or become 'jiggy' from years of use.
In fact, I had one fail earlier this summer, giving the same symptoms you describe.

If this is a newer installation where the switch controls the motor through a relay, you might want to try cleaning the relay contacts, and if it's a plug-in type relay, clean the relay. socket & plug contacts too.

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Michael Uebler
Film Handler

Posts: 15
From: Evans Mills, NY
Registered: Apr 2012


 - posted 09-01-2012 09:12 AM      Profile for Michael Uebler   Email Michael Uebler   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
so ya after reading everyones advice before i even go to cleaning the equipment i realized that on my simplex super base theres the exact same switch on the other side that was once used to manually change over sound so i cleaned things up (turns out there was no relay) and changed out the switches, no problems since. Thanks again everyone

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