P3D SAM Hacking

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

After the "official" SAM review, here comes some unofficial
hacking experiences for those who already own a SAM... None of 
this is approved by the manufacturer so proceed at your own risk.

Some people might find the 4 foot long cord a bit too short.  It is 
simple to open the unit, install a switch (if yours don't have one,
some earlier units did not have a switch) or install a longer cord.  
There is no soldering.  The wires are attached via screws in a connector.  
To get a longer cord, just buy an extension cord for $2 and cut off the
one plug.  (Or just use the extension cord as an extension cord! :-))

The tilted configuration is nice if you mount RBT mounts but the
chips might slide down in smooth mounts like the Spicer mounts.
While taking the unit apart, I discovered that you can rotate the
top and bottom parts 180 degrees and put them together so that there
is no tilt! (each one is tilted and the unit comes so that the 
tilts add up, by rotating you cancel the tilt... I believe the unit 
was designed with this option in mind).  Another option is to just
stick something under the table to bring it level!

You might wish for different mounting holders, especially ones with
nothing in it, or just a straight bar.  It is very easy to replace
the cover.  Alan Lewis posted the following some time back:

>The kind of acrylic that is used in lightboxes is the equivalent of
>#2447 acrylic.  It has a much better efficiency for light boxes. I use
>it in either .10" or .125" thicknesses.  This material you can have
>right up against the slide and not see any grain.

SAM uses a 100 x 175 mm, .125" thick piece.  You can make your own
tops.  With a plain top and the lenses out of the way, this device 
doubles as a compact light table to cut your slides.  

The top piece sometimes does not fit very well... you can either bolt 
it in the table or use small round "friction" feet to make it sit
securely.

For Spicer mounts only, I was able to fit the Spicer alignment gauge
over the light table so I can use both the light table and the lenses.
Works like a charm!  The Spicer unit allows me to position the chips
quickly and the SAM lenses and light box allow me to check and set the
window.

With a few changes I ended up with a very flexible universal mounting
tool!  Our club (Cleveland) will conduct a stereo slide mounting
seminar sometime in April.  Please contact me for details.  Also,
I have asked to help with the mounting workshop that Jon Golden is 
giving in NSA '99 in Green Bay.  Here is your chance to enjoy the 
stereo mounting "Dream Team" and learn their tricks first hand!!!

George Themelis
mailto:DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx



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