Viewer Power Supply/Battery Eliminator

[egoldste@xxxxxxxxxx (Eric Goldstein)]

At 8:11 AM 12/29/95, Dr. George A. Themelis wrote:
>so heavy.  There might be a way to attach the PS-1 so that you don't have
>to press the button.  The PS-2 has an ON-OFF switch for this purpose.


Just a quick note in praise of another Themelis product, the PS-1 power
supply for two cell viewers. I got one for Christmas, and it's a product
that everyone who does their own slide mounting should consider.

The PS-1 is a two piece unit designed to provide regulated, uniform voltage
to 3 volt viewers. The first piece is a plug mounted transformer which is
rated at .8 amps, more than sufficient for driving halogen lamps at rated
power or higher. The second piece is a compact control box with regulating
circuit, continuously variable voltage control/on-off switch, power
indicator, and "normal" voltage reference mark. This small black box is
either viewer or table mountable. The power connection to the viewer is
made securely and quickly via alligator clips, and a strain-reliefed
twisted pair exists the rear slot of the red button or similar viewer with
a neat, "factory" appearance. The unit is well-made and professionally
packaged and documented.

It is arguable that using the PS-1 in conjunction with, say, a red button,
provides a much better AC viewing package than a Kodaslide II or green
button, at less cost. The PS-1 is regulated and provides rock-steady,
consistant light output at all lamp brightness levels, without changes in
lamp position (which I find disconserting). There are changes in lamp color
temperature with dimming, but they seem to be only really bothersome at the
extremes of dim and bright. The viewer becomes wonderfully light and easy
to handle with the batteries out of it, and the combination of lighter
weight plus consistent illumination speeds the mounting process along
considerably. Also, the PS-1 can be attached so that the viewer lamp
remains on without the need to hold the button... which leaves both handle
free for slide handling/chip adjustment.

For those who want truly "calibrated" lamp output, I understand the PS-2
model features stepped attenuation, and has other refinements.

The PS-1 is a well thought out, well constructed product which is
functionally designed by a working photographer, and is a joy to use. At
$30 bucks, I don't think George is planning on retiring anytime soon from
the profits on the sale of this item.  :-)

Without getting too deeply into the Tao of 3-D here, I am greatful to the
George Themelis' of the world, who contribute their talents and time to
help keep making our old stereo stuff working better and better, while
seeking minimal payment in return.

Thankfully, they aren't money-grubbing monomaniacal profiteers... like the
rest of us :-).


Eric G.
egoldste@xxxxxx



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