International projectionist (Jan 1963-June 1965)

Frank Riffle Heads New Division; Will Distribute Cinemeccanica Lamp announces that it is the distributor for the XeTRON lamphouses, manufactured by Cinemeccanica of Milan. Italy. "These lamphouses will he available in two basic sizes. The XeTRON CX unit will use a 150 watt Xenon bulh and is destined for the 16mm and 8mm projection. The larger The lamphouse closed XeTRON lamphouses are designed for 900, 1600 or 2500 watt Xenon bulbs, and can be used with screen sizes up to 40 feet wide. Specially designed, patented front surface "cold" reflectors are standard equipment. The coating is "super hard" and withstands repeated cleaning without losing its characteristics. "XeTRON is also happy to announce that they have been selected by the Christie Electric Co. of Los Angeles, as the exclusive distributor for their power supplies for those fields in which the XeTRON Division is primarilv concerned." The XeTRONPOWER units use Silicon rectifiers. They have the proper volt-ampere characteristics, current ripple and the Vc RMS or less, current regulation as specified for proper Xenon operation. These features provide XeTRON equipment users with maximum protection as far as trouble-free, low cost operation is concerned. Mr. Lachman said the same type of customer service by field techni I.VTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST cians ?upplied by Lorraine Carbons, will be available from the XeTRON l)i\ ision. For those not familial with the \enon short arc and it> characteristics, the following information ma\ be helpful. The Xenon bulb consists of a quartz envelope containing two tungsten electrodes in an atmosphere ol Xenon gas. Some of the important characteristics are outlined: I. Average color temperature is 6,000 degrees Kelvin, which is considered best for motion picture projection. 2. Color remains unchanged even when input power is varied o\cr a wide range. ^. Maximum arc stability I. Constant light output overrated average life when hull) is operated according to specifications. The bulbs must he operated from direel current with the proper polarity. The power supplies an designed especially for the Xenon operation and must meet several requirement. sucb as: (a) Proper no load voltage, (b) Satisfactory voltage regulation to reduce arc voltage to proper operating level after arc i established, id how current ripple to prevent damage to Xenon bulb and give a flicker-free picture, id I Provide a fine type of current control in order to adjust the bulb current to the needed value. The current design of the power supply is of utmost importance to a successful Xenon operation, such as Christie's, otherwise it can reduce bull) life considerably and create several hazards to a normal operation. Due to electrode spacing and pressure of Xenon gas inside the bulb, a certain procedure should be followed to start the arc. When the start button is depressed a high voltage of high frequency of 40.000 volts is developed and applied across the bulb electrodes for a fraction of a second. This ionizes the gas in the bulb and reduces the resistance of the gap. If the power supply, no load voltage, is sufficient, current will flow between the electrodes and establish an arc. Due to the regulation characteristics of the power supply, the arc voltage will immediately June 1963 Operating details of the Cinemeccanica lamp are shown here, with the lamp in place in front of the reflector, and the entire lamphouse. drop to the proper operating level. While the ignition voltage is very high, it is of such a nature that it is not considered hazardous when normal precautions are employed. It is similar to the spark from an automobile ignition system or the flyback voltage in a television receiver. In normal operation, full protection is provided to avoid unpleasant reaction. For the first time a real "push button" operation is available for a high intensity type light. About two seconds after the arc is established it settles down to a high degree of stability and needs no further attention. It appears that the "Xenon Age" is approaching and we feel sure that many people will be amazed with the results being obtained and with the potential that exists in this field. iP