Projecting VM with a TDC 116 (part 2)

[P3D Gabriel Jacob <jacob@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Well continuing from the last rather long post, where we left off was
trying to solve the problem with the VM carrier having to be taken in
and out for each reel projected. After giving it some thought and 
stumbling on the rather obvious solution (other than changing the tabs
as mentioned in last post), I took the easy way out, albeit more expensive
route. I realized that the VM Super Show projector and others would have
to use the kind of mechanism I was trying to make. That is, inserting
the reels into it and being upside down for projection.

So I went and got my kids Super-Show VM projector (the current production
blue model that looks like a flashlight or torchlight for our English
friends) and lo and behold yes it did advance the reels as imagined. That
is each view is upside down. So got out my hacksaw and lopped off the
front portion (lens and focusing) and back portion that holds the lamp
and battery. This was easier to do than with the VM viewer since the VM
projector casing that houses the advance reel mechanism doesn't have any
major protrusions that have to be sanded off later. Next what had to be
done was to measure where to cutout (used a dremel) another aperture since
it had only one aperture, being originally a 2D projector. Finally it was
ready again!

I put in the second VM carrier in the TDC, the same way as described in the
last post but right side up. This way the carrier would be left inside
the TDC and reels only had to be taken in and out. Turned on the projector
and again 3D was finally projecteddd.

The results were very good and for people that don't have a VM stereomatic
and want to project VM reels it's a good compromise. Don't know how well
this would work with the other TDC variants. For those who already own a
Stereomatic and TDC don't sell off your Stereomatic just yet. There were
some factors I had hoped would be better, but after trying it out and
realizing why it wouldn't be as effective, is still very good nevertheless.
Will address these issues in a subsequent post.

Gabriel,
going to enjoy his new 4p,5p,7p,8p and now VM capable TDC 116 projector!
   


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