The Film Daily (1931)

24 DAILV i ' Sunday, June 14, 1931 C THEATER Upkeep of Sound System Discussed in Practical Way If l'y R. II MeCul WtittrH edition of Fox's "Tin ■J.") It is imperative that the Movietone light Kate be cleaned before threading the projector for Movietone presentation. All projector eb should be permanently grounded. Never allow any outside source light to come in contact with the photo-electric cell compartment during the time the film attachment is in operation, other than that source light supply which come from the reproducing lamp. A hum will be perceptible it the sprocket perforations project over in light source the sound aperture. Idler rollers directly above the sound aperture should he inspected quite frequently that they are moving freely. It they are allowed to become cut, the film will move sideways, thus causing the sprocket perforations, or the dividing line between the picture and the sprocket perforations, to project over in the light source. This will naturally cause a hum. Keep sprockets and idlers clean at all times. Always before starting the sound projector, adjust all meters to their respective operating values. From the Western Electric photoelectric cell positive terminal to the grid leak clip on the amplifier there , very small stranded wire. The constant vibration of the projector causes the amplifier to swing. This swinging causes the strands to break in the soldered connections, but leaving only enough contact to make connection, and as the amplifier swings a crackling noise will be pertible. It is necessary to inspect these connections very closely. Crackling noise is often caused by the oneamp midget fuse in the photo-electric cell "B" battery box being defective. Know Your Equipment It is 3 well recognized fact that the successful operation of any machine depends upon the ability and knowledge of the operator. Usually. the manufacturer has no responsibility for, or control over, the selection of the operator, and therefore cannot be responsible for the ability of that operator. On the other hand, the ability of the operator is directly dependent upon his knowledge of the machine, and it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to make available such information concerning his product as is necessary for its intelligent operation. — From "Handbook For Projectionists," published by RCA. Photo-electric cell "B" battery connection.-, should always be .soldered. B" batteries should never be te-ted for voltage and amperage after they have been standing idle for some time, for when standing idle, they recuperate to .some extent, and during the first few moments ot their use they will produce a higher voltage than they will after being in use for several minutes. When 45volt B-batteries drop down to 37 volts, they become noisy, liven new dry B-batteries may sometimes be noisy. Dry "B" batteries should be tested for noise with a head-phone set connected in series with a onemicrofed condenser. Place the tips of (the leads on the battery terminals and listen for noise. Be sure that connections between battery ter minals and head-phones are perfectly tight, as any slight movement in connections will cause a noise in the phones, and will give an incorrect test. It is extremely important that storage batteries are not overcharged. Calculate the battery charging rate Add the number of amperes drawn by all the tubes in the amplifiers with filaments or plates drawing current. Multiply the amperes by the number of hours of use and then add one-quarter to this amount (to make up for battery efficiency). The result is divided by the number of amperes given by the charger. The division shows how many hours the charger should be operated for the number of hours the amplifiers are in use. Noisv reproduction can many times be traced to loose battery connections. It is imperative that battery straps be removed and clean both the strap and the lug, apply a little vaseline and replace, and be positively sure that the connection is tight." National Distributes New Tube Duovac precision radio tube, No. 864, a new product of the Duovac Radio Tube Co. of Brooklyn, has been brought out to replace the Xo. 239. This tube is designed to make possible more volume with less noise background. The new tube will be distributed through the National Theater Supply Co. Remote Control for W. E. Chicago — A remote volume control for use with Western Electric equipment has been developed and will shortly be ready for installation, according to an announcement made by L. 1). Strong, bead of the Essannay Electric Co. here. Pointers and Suggestions A DRAPERY scheme usually creates an inviting, soft and colorful atmosphere. Architectural lines ot doorways and arches as a rule are distinctively hard, and draperies are the mediums by which these lines are softened to give a pleasing appearance. If the drapery is in harmony with the main color in the surroundings and in proportion to the richness of the architecture, there need be little worry about its being too rich or elaborate. Acoustical treatment will also be found quite closely allied with color effect and harmony. * * * Regardless of climate, deodorizing the theater is an important feature of patrons' comfort. It is an adjunct to proper ventilation. Summer months doubly emphasize the importance of deordization, and every exhibitor should see to it that this important factor of his theater's welfare is taken care of properly. Spraying of perfume throughout the auditorium is a simple and effective mi (ins of keeping the air sweetsmelling at low cost. There are a number of fine preparations on the market for the purpose. * * * Dilapidated and poorly kept seats are a black eye for any house. They prevent patrons from enjoying the show, and make people look down upon the house, as inefficiently and carelessly managed. Another important factor is that seats not in good condition offer a constant menace to patrons' clothes, carrying with it the danger of potential law suits. Regular inspection of the chairs will do much to eliminate grief and retain more patronage. See to it that all seats are securely fastened, that parts are in good repair, alwavs remembering that COMFORT o"f your patrons always is a determining factor in the success of your theater. ^^^^^^^, By M. P. ADJUSTABLE SEAT PHONE FOR HARD-OF-HEARING A new seat phone for the hard-ofhearing, marketed under the trade name of "Fortiphone," has been put out by Fortiphone Corp. of New York. The device is being offered by the company in two types, the Simplex, for those slightly stricken with deafness, and the Universal, which is said to be equipped with a sound regulator that may be adjusted to various degrees of power. It can be used with or without the patented Sonomax amplifier, used in cases of extreme deafness, the company claims. Ultraphone Installations Wausau, Wis. — Sound equipment manufactured by the Ultraphone Sound System of Minneapolis has been installed in the 1,500-seat Grand theater, recently constructed here by Frank Welter, at a cost of $500,000. Other installations of this equipment made by the company include a new theater in Beulah, N. D., not yet named; New Camden, North Minneapolis; State at Springfield, Minn., and the Diamond, Duluth. JUST AROUND THE CORNER from every American theatre NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY Branches in all Principal Cities MUSIC and LEADER STANDS IN a variety of standard designs, with spacious and adjustable music rests, evenly illuminated without glare or light leaks; stable and sturdy ; artistically finished ; furnished completely wired with an extension cord. We also manufacture a complete line of stage lighting specialties. KLIEOL BROS Universal Electric Stace Lighting Co.,i« 321 West 5Qth Street NewYork.N.Y.