8mm Forum: Upgrading Transformer on Projector!

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Topic: Upgrading Transformer on Projector!

Shane C. Collins
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 107
From: Williamsport, PA, USA
Registered: Oct 2016

posted 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.

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Projectors: Bolex 18-5L Super, Bolex 18-5 regular 8mm, Elmo FP8-C

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Steve Klare
Film Guy

Posts: 7016
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 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.)

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All I ask is a wide screen and a projector to light her by...

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Leon Norris
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 958
From: Elkins Park, PA, USA
Registered: Jun 2012

posted 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.

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Janice Glesser
Film Goddess

Posts: 3468
From: Sunnyvale, CA USA
Registered: Sep 2011

posted 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.

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Janice

"I'm having a very good day!"
Richard Dreyfuss - Let It Ride (1989).

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Shane C. Collins
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 107
From: Williamsport, PA, USA
Registered: Oct 2016

posted 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?

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Projectors: Bolex 18-5L Super, Bolex 18-5 regular 8mm, Elmo FP8-C

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Kev Morrison
Film Handler

Posts: 76
From: Land of the Mouse, USA
Registered: Feb 2018

posted 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!

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Mark Todd
Film God

Posts: 3846
From: UK
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 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.

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Shane C. Collins
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 107
From: Williamsport, PA, USA
Registered: Oct 2016

posted 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.

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Projectors: Bolex 18-5L Super, Bolex 18-5 regular 8mm, Elmo FP8-C

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Brian Fretwell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1785
From: London, UK
Registered: Jun 2014

posted 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.

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Maurice Leakey
Film God

Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007

posted 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

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Maurice

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Shane C. Collins
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 107
From: Williamsport, PA, USA
Registered: Oct 2016

posted 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.

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Projectors: Bolex 18-5L Super, Bolex 18-5 regular 8mm, Elmo FP8-C

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Maurice Leakey
Film God

Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007

posted 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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Maurice

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