8mm Forum: GS-1200 problem, is there an option?

This is topic GS-1200 problem, is there an option? in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Vidar Olavesen (Member # 3354) on May 01, 2013, 07:50 AM:

If I need 1200' and stereo, is there any projector that would be a stable and no hassle one? My GS-1200 Xenon is having a shaky picture, sideways jerking and today it even stopped running at a normal speed. I had an optical movie in and switched from Magnetic to Optical and all went slow ... I removed the film and tried again ... Ran for about a minute, then slowed again.

If I set to 18 fps, it runs at the same speed as when it's set to 24.

Getting tired of it already :-/ Need a stable projector

Any hints? And it needs to be 220V

Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on May 01, 2013, 01:08 PM:

The Sankyo Stero 800 is a great option...however I believe it can only handle reels up 800ft.

Posted by Vidar Olavesen (Member # 3354) on May 01, 2013, 01:14 PM:

Have lots of 1200' and would like 1200 capacity. Thanks for the tip though

Posted by Christian Bjorgen (Member # 1780) on May 01, 2013, 02:26 PM:

Isn't there a ST-1200 Stereo model? I seem to remember that the ST-1200 HD had stereo output when using an external amp/speakers.

Posted by Mark Norton (Member # 165) on May 01, 2013, 02:27 PM:

The Fumeo 9119 ARC 300 Xenon.
Really it is a cut down 16mm machine. Solid, massive spool capacity ( 2800 ft or more ?), fantastic no scratch manual load film path. Geared down vernier focusing. The best scope lense attatchment there is.
Mono, unrefined heavy duty tank of a machine. Very noisy if you are sat near it, lamp gives off more heat than a 2 bar electric heater.

Beauelieu 708el very nice refined machine, brighter picture then a GS1200, 2400ft spools, geared down vernier focusing, backward gate, stereo. Quiet, no light leakage. Decent rewind.
Parts a fortune, (eg head pressers and top and bottom guides, which wear, are near £400 to replace) Not as well built as a GS1200 seems fragile by comparison.

GS1200, for me the best if maintained. My halogen one has had nearly daily use for 10 plus years, it's still my most used machine and is constant use. Bill Parson has done an excellent job of replaced main motor bushes, relays, sound head holder block and pressers over the years at very reasonable prices and it still is like a new machine.

Posted by Vidar Olavesen (Member # 3354) on May 01, 2013, 02:34 PM:

Christian, yes, the HD has Twin Track ... I am still waiting for mine ... I think I want to sell the GS-1200 after sending it to Mr. Parson for another repair ...

What is the price range on the Fumeo and the Beauelieu? Are they possible to find anywhere?

Posted by Christian Bjorgen (Member # 1780) on May 01, 2013, 02:43 PM:

Did you already have the GS for repair once? If so, isn't there some guarantee?

Posted by Vidar Olavesen (Member # 3354) on May 01, 2013, 02:51 PM:

Yes, have warranty, but costs 80 pounds to send and the 80 to get it back. After so much trouble in so little time, I think it's not for me, as I can't do any repairs myself sadly.

So I might try to sell it by sending it back to Parsons for repair again, then he can send it to the new buyer. Save some on shipping ... Unless someone has a good solution?

Asked a few here in Norway if anyone can do some repairs ... Waiting on a reply

Posted by Christian Bjorgen (Member # 1780) on May 01, 2013, 03:18 PM:

Well, not the be "that guy", but isn't that Parsons problem, seeing as he, at least by normal standards, didn't do a good enough job the first time?

In my opinion, that warranty should cover the shipping costs aswell...

Posted by Vidar Olavesen (Member # 3354) on May 01, 2013, 03:21 PM:

If only it was so well ... I bet it doesn't, but haven't heard back from Ian at Perry's yet ... Just told him, but he might be off today

Posted by Alan Rik (Member # 73) on May 01, 2013, 04:01 PM:

I have had some projectors in the shops a few times. A few different GS1200's.

If the problem is the same and wasn't fixed I can see it being under warranty but we have to remember the GS1200 is OLD! [Smile]

One day, like old cars, I would imagine you would be fixing things here and there trying to find the problem. I once had my GS1200 in repair for 4 months. Many things were tried but in the end I had to take it somewhere else and it was fixed. Circuit board had a few broken solder joints so it was a GS1200 Mono. Man that was an expensive one and it was a Xenon too. However my standard GS is doing great!
Shipping is expensive for that heavy machine that's for sure.

Posted by Bill Parsons (Member # 244) on May 02, 2013, 11:46 AM:

I find the remarks (and attitude) from Christian Bjorgen very unfair particularly as he does not know the facts; most of the work on this projector was on the Xenon section including a new lamp. After this a 1200’ test reel made up of different stock and titles was run twice, then Ian ran several more films before it was shipped, as Alan Rik said these machines are now getting old and you cannot predict what may happen in the future, as we all know GS projectors are subject to many problems, you could spend a lot of time and money replacing many things that may fail in the future only for something else to fail 24hours later, this is the nature of fixing old machines, but on the whole I think I do pretty well!

Bill

Posted by Christian Bjorgen (Member # 1780) on May 02, 2013, 11:59 AM:

Bill, I apologize if I offended you, that was not the intent! I spoke from a general perspective which I hope you understand. If I sent something to the shop and it still didn't work, it would be logical to ask in regards to whoever did the job, wouldn't it?

Like you stated, it was clearly tested properly and everything, looks like this is simply a case of really bad luck on Vidars behalf [Frown]

And yes, with old electronics, you can never really be sure... I recently spent several hours restoring an old turntable, only to find out I had to replace the ENTIRE motor/platter system!

Posted by Vidar Olavesen (Member # 3354) on May 02, 2013, 12:17 PM:

I did manage to get it running again. I took off the back cover and the belt felt a bit oily. I just ran it through my fingers and it was a bit loose. I put it in place again and lo and behold, the 24fps worked again. It must have fallen off or something. Bill, was the belts replaced? I do believe I asked Ian to change the belts to be sure. It's now running again, so it's a bit happier Vidar writing now :-)

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on May 02, 2013, 12:36 PM:

I can only speak as I find, and Bill is the most competent repairer
I have ever come across.He maintains my Fumeo to a very high
standard, and has a great reputation with other machines among
other members.I would be lost without him.

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on May 02, 2013, 01:09 PM:

I have had my GS1200 working perfectly at the house, then drive it across town for a show, only to have it act up. These machines get upset at a dog barking! [Big Grin]

Posted by Alan Rik (Member # 73) on May 02, 2013, 06:31 PM:

One time at band camp.... [Smile]

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