8mm Forum: Upgrading Transformer on Projector!

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Posted by Shane C. Collins (Member # 5641) on January 27, 2019, 01:57 PM:

Has anyone successfully upgraded their projectors to a higher transformer? I am interested in the possibility of installing a different transformer in my Sankyo 2000H. One that would allow me to use a 150 watt bulb instead of the 100 watt as installed from the factory. I would assume it's possible if said transformer will fit into the Sankyo. Any ideas? I believe the factory transformer in my machine is rated for 12 volts? A 150 watt machine is 21 volts if I'm not mistaken.

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on January 27, 2019, 03:25 PM:

It would be hard to find a drop-in transformer that would do the job: there's just so many variables that would need to be right: the new voltage and current would need to be there, and then of course all the existing other voltages and currents would need to be right too. The bonus at the end would be the size, shape and mounting would also need to line up. I hate to say impossible, because life is surprising sometimes, but...

I've seen a couple of ways around it.

One friend of mine added in a second external transformer to run a brighter bulb in a Eumig 800 series. He used the original lamp winding on the transformer and added a second smaller transformer in series (phased correctly) to add in the extra voltage to operate an EFR bulb (15V, 150W) in place of an EFP (12V, 100W). It's a little extra current through the transformer, but it didn't seem to blow anything up.

Another friend runs a brighter bulb in an Elmo ST-800 with an entirely separate lamp transformer (wired through the switch, of course!).

My angle on this is I run both Elmo ST-1200 (150W) and Elmo ST-800 (100W) and yes the difference is noticable (Especially side by side), but not astounding.

(It may not be worth too much destruction to pull it off.)

Posted by Leon Norris (Member # 3151) on January 27, 2019, 03:28 PM:

Shane, If its more light you need! Check the transformer. Look for H , stands for high. Take the lamp wire and solder to the terminal. Most transformers had that. If you don't have a hi lo switch. Most are factory set on low! Let me know! Leon.

Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on January 27, 2019, 03:57 PM:

Higher-end Sankyos like the Stereo 800 do have a high low setting for the lamp. However the Sankyo 2000H is a lower-end silent machine with only a single 12 volt setting.

Posted by Shane C. Collins (Member # 5641) on January 27, 2019, 04:45 PM:

Thanks everyone for your input! When I compare the Sankyo to my Elmo there is a definite difference in brightness. The Elmo's 150 watt light output just seems to make the details, within the film that much better. I don't fill the screen as many do, and I can still see the difference. I even tried swapping the same lens, a Bolex "hifi" prime.
Now I do have another question for you guys! Is it possible Sankyo made a transformer that fit into machines using 150 watts, that might fit into the Sankyo 2000H?

Posted by Kev Morrison (Member # 6338) on January 27, 2019, 05:53 PM:

Shane, from my rookie Super 8 perspective, I would think that, if there isn't a higher wattage Sankyo 2000H-compatible transformer that you can swap in that would support a 150 watt bulb, there's two other ways to achieve your goal of increased light:

1) What Steve has already suggested - splice in a more powerful transformer that would support a 150 watt bulb. The downside is that it'll restrict the portability of your projector if you need to move it around.

2) What about another type of light bulb that will give you more lumens per watt? I know that there's different type of projector bulbs, but the first that came to mind was a LED. Might be worth the conversion, and I know that there's folks out here that have the expertise to advise on the conversion process.

Just my thoughts!

Posted by Mark Todd (Member # 96) on January 27, 2019, 06:10 PM:

I`m still hoping someone comes up with a direct swap LED one that is brighter for A1/231 and 232`s, well even 259`s would be good too.

Best Mark.

Posted by Shane C. Collins (Member # 5641) on January 27, 2019, 06:58 PM:

Kev, I am using a EFP HLX halogen bulb. This lamp is suppose to increase light output by about 10%. It is a bit brighter but still nothing like a 150 watt bulb. I may look into an external transformer, but before I do that, I'll see if I can find one that will fit the Sankyo. From online research I've done, many of the transformers used in 8mm projectors are about the same size. All seem to be held in with 4 bolts.

Posted by Brian Fretwell (Member # 4302) on January 29, 2019, 02:40 AM:

Be careful, if running for long periods you could also need extra cooling to keep the gate temperature down. Many early conversions to more powerful lamps had this.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on January 29, 2019, 03:54 AM:

Shane
Try an Osram Xenophot EFP lamp. This will give the best that an EFP lamp will give.
https://www.stagedepot.co.uk/lighting/lamps/halogen-theatre-lamps/osram-xenophot-hlx-a1231-efp-100w-12v-lamp?gclid=Cj0KCQiAkMDiBRDNARIsACKP1FGdoUAm1Do3Hvv-KIAoJPr5Mdgaxq3LCFXRoi9t7 tj7bcDulKQHbZMaArgREALw_wcB

Posted by Shane C. Collins (Member # 5641) on January 29, 2019, 09:31 AM:

Hi Maurice, that is the bulb I'm currently using in the Sankyo. While it did make a difference it's just as bright and vivid like the 150 watt in the Elmo. I'm going to hold off on a transformer upgrade. I'll continue to use the Elmo for regular projection. The Sankyo will serve more as the projector I'll use when first screening a film. Thanks for everyone's input. I thought it could be possible but the more I dig into it the more complicated it becomes.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on January 29, 2019, 01:55 PM:

Shane
You are very wise not to consider a change for a brighter lamp. By the way, the EFR lamp of 150 watts has a voltage of 15.

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