Reel and Slide (Mar-Dec 1918)

REEL and SLIDE 13 PROJECTION Any questions pertaining to the projection of films and slides on the screen will be answered by this department. Address "Projection," Reel and Slide, Herald Bldg., Chicago. If an answer by mail is desired, enclose stamped envelope. A STEADILY increasing number of educational institutions and churches are adopting various types of standard projectors, such as are commonly used in moving picture theaters. These are distinctive from the portables and fill a somewhat different need. The standard cannot be easily moved around as is the case with the portable; but in many institutions there is no necessity for this. Much has been said concerning the danger from fire. Most of these statements are exaggerated and do not apply to the most modern types which are made practically fireproof. Film properly handled is not dangerous, while film handled carelessly is apt to be. Makers of portables, which have achieved a reputation for their machines have given every protection possible to the exhibitor. A number of letters have reached this department asking what is necessary for the proper showing of films with standard projectors. It is best to secure a fireproof booth for the handling of the standard projector. These are usually constructed of 24-guage galvanized iron and provided with doors that open outwards. The holes for lookout in the walls of the booth are provided with gravity drop doors held by string, which permits them to drop automatically in case of intense heat. Outside ventilation should be supplied and a ventilator at the top is desirable. A rubber mat should be placed on the floor. Scraps of film should not be permitted to lie there. « « » Will my film right itself when the film leaves the sprocket. I have a standard projector in. my church? Answer: Ko, you will injure your film if you depend upon the film to adjust itself. Stop your machine at once, then make the adjustment. * * * Is it essential to disconnect my current when I stop the machine? B. H. Answer: Yes; throw off the current immediately whenever the machine is stopped for any reason whatsoever. * * » What will it cost our school to install a standard, machine? Hess. Answer: The cost will vary according to conditions. What kind of current have you available? What voltage? What amperage? What kind of resistance? All of these matters enter into the cost. (Fill in the blank below and mail to this department.) * « » What length reels do the portables take? J. N. Answer: Most modern portables take 1,000 feet. There is a rewind on some makes which enables you to rewind your film by motor or hand, in the film chamber. * • « Can I get my electric light from an automobile? RAINEY. Answer: The best way to work the automobile generator is to use the storage battery lamp, a descriptive circular of which may be obtained from the Mcintosh Stereopticon Company, 30 East Randolph street, Chicago. This lamp operating in connection with the starting and lighting battery of the average automobile consumes 17 amperes of current, a very considerable drain on the battery if long continued, but a battery will stand without injury for two hours at l?ast. SEND IN THIS BLANK AND FULL PARTICULARS WILL BE MAILED TO YOU Do you contemplate using motion pictures? For what purpose ? What kind of an institution ? Do you prefer a portable or standard (stationary) projector? What current do you use ? What voltage? What amperage? What kind of resistance? Usually the arrangement is such that a generator driven by the motor of the car charges the battery all the time that the motor is running. The only discharge is for starting the motor, which uses for the moment or two before the motor fires and begins running as much as 300 amperes. This, of course, could not continue long, but the fact of its being possible to draw so much current from it even for only a short time, indicates that a drain of 17 amperes would not injure it in any way. The battery is usually fully charged, particularly after the car has been driven for a while, and there is no difficulty in getting all the current needed to operate this 6-volt, 108-watt lamp. After showing pictures for a couple of hours, the automobile motor is usually started up and the battery recharged. If it seems advisable, the motor can, be kept running during the exhibition. The lamp is always connected direct to the battery. It is well to be sure that heavy enough wire is used to carry the current. If it is connected up to one of the extension lights of the battery as, for example, the tail light, the wire would burn out when subjected to heavy current required by the 108-watt lamp. This lamp is not the equal in illumination of the regular 400-watt gas filled Mazda lamp or even the 250-watt gas filled Mazda, but it is superior to the acetylene, and where a county superintendent or a rural community club can avail itself of an automobile equipped with an electric starter, it is recommended as the best possible illuminant. Something New, Important and Practical. What are the uses of motion pictures? How can I employ them in my work? What will it cost? All these questions — and many more — fully covered in this new book by Ernest A. Dench. Cloth, 12mo. Price, postpaid, $2.00. THE STANDARD PUBLISHING CO., Desk 21, CINCINNATI, O. # TO schools, colleges, churches, social centers, et cetera, I am furnishing the finest of motion pictures, selected for their purposes from the thousands of productions of the entire film industry : : : : Complete, personal service gratis : : : : Specializing in patriotic and war pictures, taken in Europe. Short on^-reel stories such as Oliver Twn'st and Rip Van Winkle. Motion picture equipment of all kinds. Practical, suitcase size projectors. It will save you money to write for further information — NOW. Specify the sort of films in which you are interested. Arthur E. Curtis (a.b.) (Former High School Instructor) 16 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago