8mm Forum: Help! Another ELMO ST-800 Problem

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Posted by Dan Pinto (Member # 630) on October 06, 2007, 10:15 AM:

I recently purchased an Elmo St-800.

I'm in need of assistance!

The projector runs too slow at 24fps (and of course even slower at 18fps).

I changed both belts

I greased it up a little.

What else can this be?

Your help is needed. My 800 foot reels are needed too! [Smile]

I'm running some films through it now (guessing maybe it needs some work).

Thanks,

Danny

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on October 07, 2007, 08:35 AM:

Elmo machines that have been sitting for a long time often have problems with oxides building up on switches, and working the switches repeatedly breaks the oxide film on the contacts. Try flipping the speed switch back and forth about ten times and see if this helps. I can't guarantee this will change a thing (probably won't), but it has the benefit of costing nothing to try.

According to the manual, the ST-800 has a DC motor, which means to me there's some sort of speed control circuit. I'm betting that's where the problem is. (try the switch anyway...)

I'd also try setting the machine running and allowing it to run without film for maybe a half hour (no light needed). Maybe something has stiffened up from years of being idle and just needs to be worked a little while to free up.

800 Foot Gepes are available at B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/20537-REG/Gepe_455320_8mm_800_reel_.html

..but you can't pick 'em up at the store. It's a drop-ship from Gepe's distributor.

Good Luck, Dan!

Posted by Dan Pinto (Member # 630) on October 07, 2007, 04:52 PM:

Well, thanks so much for the advice. I tried all of your tips but no dice...

In the words of the the late great Elvis... Return To Sender!

Thanks,

Danny

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on October 07, 2007, 05:05 PM:

Yes I would also look at the speed control circuitry. I dont have a manual for that model so cany go into detail. You should find a circuit board with probably just 2 adjustaable pots on it. One will be 24 and the other 18 fps. You could try adjusting them to see if they are working.
Failing that I would say you have a faulty component in the speed control circuit.

Kev.

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on October 07, 2007, 08:07 PM:

Kevin,

Is there any way to get the schematics for this machine?

Mine's running beautifully, and has been for years, but in the event of trouble I don't want to be flying blind trying to fix the thing.

Thanks!

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on October 08, 2007, 03:45 AM:

I have never seen a Service manual for the GS800 and have just tried Oldtimer Cameras but they only list the instruction manual.

Keep your eyes peeled on eBay.

Kev.

Posted by Dan Pinto (Member # 630) on October 09, 2007, 09:40 PM:

Hi again,

Thanks so much for the useful info, but rather than "Fiddle About" I just sent it back for a full refund. I did see the 2 pots there though...

Thanks again,

Dan'l

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