Small Format Film Forum

There have been many threads on this subject in several of the Forums, but I wonder if there is a proven, reliable and simple way of achieving this - without having to purchase a GS with xenon or otherwise.

Don't really have the time at the moment to carry out a full investigation into this, so I thought I would try to short-circuit all the hype, and cut straight to the chase through this Forum - possibly Kev might have some ideas!?!?

Any thoughts gratefully received,

Cheers,

David,
Many years ago a friend and myself bought two 24v 250w transformers from the Widescreen Centre to improve the light output of our ST1200HD's. (Remember the days when Tony Shapps catered for the cine masses?).

By using small relays fitted inside the HD's we retained the 15v 150w as well when the higher wattage wasn't needed. In its 'stand-alone' mode the m/c was set at 15v; plugging in and switching on the transformer opened the 15v circuit and closed the 24v one. It still works after 25 + years. We never had problems with the extra heat generated by the 200/250w lamps.
Of course we have to check which lamp is installed before use!

Hi Mal,

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a straightforward way to go.

Was the light improvement well worthwhile, or was it marginal?.........Be honest, now.

Cheers,

Dave,
Not sure about actual lumens but the light on the screen appeared whiter, especially with B&W films. With the 1.1 lens it was on par with a standard GS. There were no problems projecting onto an 8ft screen - with good blackout in place.
Mal

David, I agree with Mal. If you can get the ESC in the machine with an external transformer then thats the way to go.
Others have managed to re manufacture the shutter so that its a 2 blade job but it very difficult to do and I can see that the 150W lamp with a 2 blade shutter is probably as good as a GS1200 with 3 blades.

I'm currently using a GS800 with a 2 blade shutter and the 150W lamp with great results. I have a transformer from an ST1200 in my GS800 and the light output with a 1.0 lens is far superior to the standard ST1200HD.

Kevin,
Is that much of a job to do on the GS800,I've got a spares machine ST1200 HD and would love more light from the 800,It's pretty good with the 2 blade in and 1.0 lens but why they didn't use the 150w lamp in them i don't know,Mark.

Mark, I'm just currently do some tests to check the ST's transformer is man enough for the motor and amp. If all seems ok I'll let you know how to go about it.

Thanks Kevin,
Be interesting if it works out o.k,Mark.