Question on Eumig Mark 8 audio out and DIN sockets

[Martin Davey]

At the end of last year I purchased a Mark S (standard 8) machine. After spending a little time servicing it I’m pleased with it. Earlier this year I purchased the Mark S (super 8) machine, a very close cousin to the std 8 machine with semi auto/ channel loading and tube amp. However I find the sound on both of these quite quiet (using a 6ohm speaker) and have the volume right up to get a normal volume, and if a track is recorded too low then its a bit difficult to hear.

I usually use a separate amp for audio anyway but I’m unable to get anything out of these, using the line outs, except hum using the 5 pin DIN sockets. I’m not strictly sure which Din plug to use as I have no manual for either but both are tried. You may say that my lead is faulty but the lead is perfectly fine with the two 710s I also own. I was wondering if the valve amps are ‘tired’ as it were, or if others have found their line outs, using the 2 Marks S’s work fine.
I use the two mark S’s for silent projection anyway so it's no great loss.

One other option is that the wiring for the DIN plug is different (although I did say I get hum). I understand that the DIN plug standards were never fixed and did vary between audio manufacturers, let alone projector manufacturers.

I have two DIN leads. One, called ‘A’ is purchased off Ebay as a straight forward audio lead, to a 3.5mm socket. The second one, called ‘B’ is a audio/ video combination lead which ends with four RCA male plugs, two for audio (red/ white), one for video(yellow) and the other unknown (black).

You would expect the ‘A’ the audio one, would be correct but no. It does not work with the 2 mark S’s, nor the 2 x 710s and neither with the Chinon 7800h I also own. However it does work with two B&H TQ 111 (specialists).

Din plug ‘B’ does work with the two 710s, the Chinon 7800h and surprisingly, the B&H TQ 111 (specialists) again, but not by using the audio connectors! Instead it is the RCA plug, coloured yellow (for video) which provides audio from these 5 projectors!

So to conclude its difficult to know if the 2 Mark S’s require yet another configuration of DIN plug, or the outputs just don’t work.

[Joseph Banfield]

As far as I remember none of the Eumig vacuum tube series had line out from the DIN jack. Those were all input configurations for (microphone, tape or phonograph). That tube amp should be quite happy with any load from 4-16 ohms. If the sound is quiet, do a search here on the forum for a thread I posted on that subject several years ago on how and where to clean those vintage Eumig vacuum tube models. It's almost unheard of that there would be a defective tube or component on this amp because very high quality parts were used on this amp. It is almost always oxidized or high resistance contacts on the switches with this amp because of its age (and there are several switches and power contacts that need attention with this design and the amp must also be pulled from the projector to clean it properly).

[Shane C. Collins]

Martin, welcome to the early Eumig family! All of these first generation semi-auto loading Eumig's are superb machines! I own the Eumig Mark S Super 8 projector as well. But, my favorite, and go to machine is the Eumig Mark S 709. This is the first, and best dual gauge projector Eumig made period! It uses the same semi-auto loading design as the original Mark S and Mark S Super. The 709 is also the big brother to the 701 the Super 8 version. I have yet to find a projector that beats these early designs. I've beaten this horse here before but why not share the love, LOL. I'm sure you've discovered the far superior twist to focus lens design, the very gentle film loading, the ability to switch modes for silent, and sound films. I mainly use my 709 for my currently shot Super 8 home movies. It's reassuring to know the mechanism pulls the heads, and capstan away from the film path for silent films. And when I'm in the mood the 709 works great for a few commercially bought Super 8 or Standard 8 films!

Be sure to clean those rubber discs from time to time. My method has been to clean them first with a Q tip dipped in alcohol. Then I follow up with some automotive belt dressing for better grip, and reconditioning of the rubber. I have yet to have this method of cleaning fail. Anyways I hope you get many years of enjoyment from your early Eumig's.....

[Martin Davey]

Thanks Joseph and Shane.
That explains the line out situation, thanks.
Both of those Mark S's were running slow and had no sound at the time, so I did remove the sound boards to deal with the mechanical internal transport. At the same time I cleaned any contacts, of which there seemed to be quite a few that bridge between the sound board and the projector itself. The sound from both is good in that its clean, smooth and clear. However the amplification is on the low side. In terms of maintenance on the board itself, apart from the contacts mentioned previously I did not clean anything else because I have no understanding of valve components. For instance, am I supposed to remove the valves themselves and clean their contacts, much like bulbs? I really don't know how to handle such components!

[Joseph Banfield]

Yes, you should pull all three tubes and clean their pins. You should also spray some contact cleaner into the recording switch as that part usually has oxidized contacts and can create all sorts of issues with the sound. Also remove the front lamp cover and unplug the sound and erase head plugs and clean those pins too.

On the original Mark S (standard 8mm) you can also remove the entire sound head as it just snaps into place on that model without removing a single screw and give it a good clean too and then snap it back into place when done.