International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1939)

Technical Data On New RCA Sound Systems SIX new sound reproducing systems, which incorporate more than a score of technical advances, have been announced by RCA Photophone. Tone quality that imparts "studio presence" to the reproduction, greater convenience of operation and streamlined functional design are some of the improvements ascribed to these equipments, which are the culmination of more than a decade of research and development. The new equipments have been designed to fit the sound reproducing requirements of every size and type of theatre, ranging from super-theatres down to the smallest neighborhood houses. To Photophone's famed rotary stabilizer has been added a shock-proof drive mechanism; together they insure perfectly constant film speed past the reproducing photo-electric cell, thus eliminating any possibility of distortion from this source. A double exciter lamp unit provides an emergency spare lamp for instantaneous changeover in case of failure. The optical focuser on the new equipments are securely locked into place after adjustment. Gear failures are virtually eliminated by an integral gear box assembly built into the new soundheads which keeps gears running in an oil bath. • Quality, Utility, Durability All housings for the soundhead, amplifier racks and volume control box have been completely restyled, evidencing a new functional streamlining which not only improves the appearance of the equipments tremendously but also assures the utmost utility of every component. The new sound systems have been engineered, designed and built to set new standards of quality as well as of operation and convenience. Standby facilities have been provided to relieve the fear of possible breakdown. Both the styling and improved operating convenience should be especially welcomed by projectionists. Double appeal is exerted by these new systems: to the ear and eye through outstanding performance and appearance; and the kind that is built into the apparatus to give dependable, trouble-free service over its full life. Photophone hails the shockproof drive for the constant-speed sprocket shaft as its most important laboratory development since the introduction of the rotary stabilizer. The new drive makes it impossible for gear backlash to be transmitted to the constant-speed sprocket, thus insuring absolute constancy of film speed. The drive mechanism is mounted in the new type of integral gear box in such a way that it can be removed easily as a unit for servicing or replacement. The sound bracket assembly, including the optical system and the drum shaft, can also be removed in one piece. An improvement which will be favored by projectionists is the double exciter lamp. If one light fails, it is only necessary to turn the socket around, and the spare bulb goes into operation immediately, while the burned-out one can be renewed as the show continues. • Other Important Advances RCA points to the new self-locking focal adjustment mechanism as a long step toward improved operation. A light shield in front of the optical system avoids 96-cycle hum resulting from modulation of the sprocket holes in the film. A new type of pre-focused exciter lamp bulb has been utilized, doing away with the necessity for adjusting the lamp laterally. The new soundhead has a smartly styled housing over the electric driving motor, giving the equipment a clean-cut appearance never before achieved. This cover, like all the others on each piece of equipment, is easily removed for inspection or servicing. On the right side of the soundhead is a glass window which permits a view of the interior. It is illuminated at the edges, eliminating The new Photophone amplifier rack is trim and compact and provides easy access for checking or repairs glare and permitting a clearer view of the interior. The photo-electric cell transformer has been entirely shielded in a cast iron chamber in the soundhead, insuring virtual absence of noise from static in the soundhead, another improvement new to this equipment. A completely new system of mounting the picturehead in the soundhead has also been devised. A separate removable plate is provided atop the soundhead to which the picturehead is fastened. It is then only necessary to remount the removable plate on the soundhead, securing it with four screws on the outside. This contrasts with the older method of running long unhandy bolts from the picturehead into the soundhead. The removable plate also serves as an oil collection plate, gathering oil drips from the picturehead and feeding them into a tube which empties into a removable container. The mounting plate is also designed to provide easy adjustment of the picturehead in relation to the soundhead for the proper meshing of the former's drive gears. The price range of these new RCA systems is: for theatres of up to 800 seats, Model 138, $1375; up to 1200 seats, Model 139, $1650; up to 1800 seats, Model 140, $2250; up to 2600 seats, Model 141, $2850; up to 3800 seats, Model 142, $3375; and for houses up to 7000 seats, Model 143, $3800. HARRY BROOKS' SHRINE HONOR Harry M. Brooks, well-known in national I. A. circles, has been elected Illustrious Potentate of Oriental Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., of Troy, N. Y. Brooks is now serving his 29th term as President of Local 285, Troy, is a former member of Local 29, a past-president of the N. Y. State Assoc, of Projectionists and present Sec.-Treas., in addition to serving on the 10th District legislative committee. He trouped for 12 years as a stage carpenter. BOSTON LOCAL 182 ELECTION This isn't a news item, but we print it every year simply for the record. Thad Barrows and Jimmy Burke have been reelected president and business representative, respectively for their 21st consecutive terms. Other officers of Local are Bernard McGaffigan, vice-president; Al Moulton, financial secretary; Joe Rosen, treasurer; and to the executive board: Louis Pirovano, Joseph Nuzzelo, John Diehl, and James O'Brien. U. S. CONTROLS DUFAYCOLOR Dufaycolor, Inc., which on Jan 1 passed from English hands to exclusive operation and management by a private financial gioup in the U. S. will henceforth conduct business under the name of Dufaycolor Co., Inc., with offices at 30 Rockefeller Center. 20 INTERNATIONAL, PROJECTIONIST