Movie Age (1927)

AUGUST 27, 1 927. PAGE 21 Projector Mechanism Most Important Factor Says Joe Hornstein “Motion picture projector mechanism is the biggest factor in the motion pic¬ ture industry today,” states Joe Horn¬ stein, vice president of the National Theatre Supply Co. Mr. Hornstein fur¬ ther says that if the mechanism is con¬ structed of sturdy material it will take care of a picture being projected steadily on the screen of the average theatre for six months. Mr. Hornstein mentioned the follow¬ ing items of care as being absolutely necessary if a projector is to be kept in a healthy condition: Cleaning of the sprocket teeth with a tooth brush, or similar brush; frequent elimination of dirt from tension shoes; placing of a cover over the projector when it is not in use; and a thorough cleaning of the projector once every thirty days after which the operator should be careful to replace fresh oil in all oil holes, as well as the oil bath of the intermittent movement. Selection and Care of Carbons Important It is very essential for a projectionist to choose a type of carbon which is neither too soft nor too hard. Carbons of the latter extreme will not form proper craters and those carbons which are not hard enough will form a crater so easily that it will require the attent¬ ion of the operator continuously. Following are the correct sizes of carbon for the amperage which may be drawn at the arc lamp: For a direct current of 35 amperes there should be a carbon % cored in the top and Y2 solid in the bottom; for a direct current of from 35 to 60 am¬ peres, a carbon % cored in the top and % solid in the bottom is correct; and for a current of 60 to 80 amperes, a carbon % cored in the top and % solid in the bottom should be used. Because their resistance always de¬ creases with an increase in temperature, all carbons should be kept in a dry, cool place. It is always desirable to burn craters on a number of sets of carbons for use throughout the day’s performance. When it is not practical to prepare a lot of carbons in advance, the desired result may be obtained by burning a new trim for a while in one projection machine while the other is in use. This is a common practice where conditions per¬ mit. Sentry Fire Control Prevents Booth Fires The Sentry Fire Control is said to be the first device ever placed on the market which will absolutely prevent fires which might start in the projection room of a moving picture theatre from any cause whatsoever including break in the film, worn perforators, the jam¬ ming of film in the projector, and loss of takeup in magazine. If this invention will really prevent fires in the booth it is indeed a boon to the film industry. Sudden blazes in projection rooms have been the cause of much loss to theatre owners, and not only that but they are a constant menace to the lives of motion picture operators. The Sentry Fire Control is said to be of very simple construction and is being marketed in such a way as to place it within reach of every exhibitor, large or small. Method For Exhibitors To Make Own Slides The following method is a practical means whereby exhibitors may make their own slides: A piece of glass cut to the proper size is first thoroughly cleaned, after which an opaque covering is attained by the application of a coat of coach painter’s black. When the paint is dry, letters may be scratched on the surface with a sharp pointed instrument. Bon Ami may be used with the same result. Daily Cleaning of Lenses and Condensers Essential To secure a clearer projection of pic¬ tures on the screen it is advisable for the operator to clean the projection lenses and condensers every day with a soft rag. Also, the entire projection lens should be taken apart once a month and any lens showing discolor should be re¬ jected at that time. Another very im¬ portant item in the care of the lenses and condensers is to see that no oil gets on them. New Music Machine For Smaller Theatres What comprises a sort of double victrola effect, the structure of which has two turn-tables for records which run simultaneously and operate elec¬ trically, with a swift switching arrange¬ ment allowing an instantaneous shift from one musical number to another, is being offered by the Bush and Lane Piano Co., as a valuable device for operators of small houses. The operator has merely to choose in advance the musical numbers needed. Then, as the story of the picture un¬ folds, interpretive music issues in tone and quality suggestive of a voluminous orchestra. The fact is that the records are actually reproducing music and effects from the best symphony orch¬ estras of the world. Thus appropriate numbers are available for mob scenes, love themes, comedy, travelog, atmos¬ pheric prologues and the rest of the infinite variety of effects that are re¬ produced by music. The Bush and Lane Co., have offices at Seattle and Port¬ land, Ore. Organ Can Be Finished In Any Color Specified The Nelson-Wiggen Selector-Duplex organ is now being finished in any specified color to harmonize with the theatre interior, according to G. A. Doering, president of the Southern Pipe Organ Co., who recently closed a dis¬ tribution deal with the makers in Chi¬ cago. “Of course,” said Doering, “ex¬ hibitors understand that this is a special feature and when one desires a certain finish he must specify it in order that the factory may finish the order in scheduled time.” Cause of Projector Noise Two causes of noise in the projector are the fact that the intermittent move¬ ment has been removed to put on a new sprocket and has not been replaced in the framing cam according to*the way it was ground in at the factory, and worn gears resulting in what is known as back¬ lash when they are in motion. Read this page every week It will give you the important new develop¬ ments in the equipment field and help you select the right equipment for your theatre.