P3D Re: TDC 116 vs. 716?

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>What (if any) are the difference(s) between models 116 and 716 of the 
>TDC Stereo Vivid projectors?  Anyone have opinions on either or both
>of these?

First, they are both "Y1.96K compliant" :-)  The 116 came first, 716 
follows.  Both projectors are very similar but have a few important
differences.

- Both use the same lenses, either 4" or 5".  Lens holder and 
  adjustments are the same.  Same polarizer filter arrangement.
  Condenser lenses are positioned slightly different.  I have had 716
  projectors with "milky" heat filters.

- Both will take either 500W or 750W bulbs but 500W are recommended for
  the 116 and 750W for the 716.  The 716 has ceramic lamp holders while
  the 116 has bakelite lamp holders.  Some people (Derek Gee is one)
  have reported melting of the 116 holders when using 750W bulbs.  I have
  been using 750W bulbs in my 116 without any problem.

- The slide carriers are different.  Most 116s (except for a few that
  were made later in time) have a slide carrier with 40 mm wide apertures
  that will show even full-frame slides.  This carrier has two channels.
  There is no curtain built-in this carrier.  This is in the projector
  (some people call it "barn door")  The 716 carrier has a built-in
  curtain, but the apertures are only 1" wide (so they will block the
  7p image).  I can modify the 716 carrier for 7p projection.

- The fans are different but put about the same amount of air.  The 116
  fan frequently shows "slow start".  Have never seen this in a 716.

- The 716 has a built-in cord, while in the 116 the cord is loose and
  it is frequently lost.

- Both have two switches but in the 716 one is a 3-way switch that allows
  you to run the fan independent of the bulbs.  In the 116 you cannot
  do that.

Opinion:  Both will do the job equally well. I love my 116 which I use at
          home and at our club.

George Themelis

PS.  I will be working on a book on the TDC projectors and introduction
     to stereo projection.  I plan to have it read for the NSA convention
     next summer!  The book will show many tricks, like how to modify the
     116 to have the fan run without the bulbs on, etc.


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