[photo-3d] RBT 101 - Part III

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <drt-3d@xxxxxxx>]

RBT 101 - Part III

Who is this projector for?

For the filthy rich lazy bums like myself, who enjoy 
projecting their stereo slides but do not enjoy the 
associated hassle of the actual projection process.  
For those who like to sit close to the screen and still 
control the projector.  For those who enjoy top-notch 
projection quality with the least possible hassle.

Example:  Every year I show the kids in my Greek class, 
stereo slides from Greece.  I might do it once or twice 
and then I give up.  First problem, where did I put the
slides?  Second problem, going through the hassle of 
projecting, fiddling with the controls, sweating over
the projector, while the kids are jumping around.  That 
thought is enough to stop me.

Now:  All the slides are in trays.  One tray for each 
presentation... 1) A walk around Athens #1, 2) A walk 
around Athens #2, 3) Acropolis and Ancient monuments, 
4) Greek islands, 5) Christmas in Greek, 6) Easter in 
Greece.  Every show in one tray.

The trays hold a very convenient number of 50 slides, 
perfect for one short showing.  I set the projector 
and then sit down comfortably in a chair, and just 
hit the advance in the remote.  No adjusting, no 
sweating.  If I am relaxed and not distracted, the 
kids will be more relaxed too.  It will be easier for 
me to control the class if I do not have to control 
the projector.

Before the RBT I have been using two projectors.  The 
TDC 116 and the Brackett Dissolver.  Both projectors 
are recommended, however I was not fully satisfied 
with any of the two.

The TDC 116 is a fine machine and a bargain for the 
money.  It will show wide slides.  The slide positioning 
is very accurate.  My 116 (actually this projector 
belongs to our stereo club now) for some reason is very 
bright, considerably brighter than other 116s I have 
used or serviced.  Not sure why. I am using 750W bulbs 
but there is only a small increase compared to the 
standard 500W bulbs.  It is also reasonably sharp and 
relatively simple to set up and use.

The problems:  It is loud (I cannot hear other people 
when they talk across the room or others cannot hear 
me when I talk).  It gets hot (the 1500W of power will 
heat the room and fry the projectionist fairly quickly!)  
It needs attention and supervision and care to pick up 
the slides, feed them properly, put them back.  It is
easy to get distracted and miss what is being discussed
or start dropping the slides from the other end.  It is
difficult to comment on slides while you are changing 
them at the same time, your hands burning and the loud 
fan overpowering your voice.

The Brackett Dissolver is also a fine machine, the only 
stereo dissolve projector in one unit.  It uses modern 
(Kodak) optics, bright and cool halogen bulbs and 
projects sharp images.

The problems:  It takes a lot of practice to use it 
well.  Because you are feeding slides in two slots, 
it is harder to use than an ordinary (not dissolve) 
projector.  The controls for focusing and other 
adjustments are not as easy to reach or use (compared 
to the TDC) but again this might be a matter of practice 
or model number.  The slide feeding system is not as 
robust as the TDC and my machine will not show full 
frame slides.  I have an older Brackett projector and 
perhaps some of these points have been improved in 
later models.

In general, using the Dissolver is more stressful for 
me than using the TDC.  I have seen Jon Golden and Bob 
Brackett play this baby like a violin and have seen 
others (I will not mention names :)) damage our eyesight 
with their inability to use this machine, so your mileage 
might vary.  Still, if you want stereo dissolve (and 
there are good reasons and subjects that you might want 
this), the Brackett Dissolver is the way to go.  But if 
you don't care for dissolve but are more concerned about 
your well-being and personal convenience, then the RBT 
is for you.

I think the RBT is the stereo projector I have been 
dreaming of.  A good solid machine that projects sharp 
full frame stereo pairs, which is a joy to use, sitting 
comfortably in your chair, while shipping bear and 
flipping stereo slides back and forth.  Try using the 
Brackett Dissolver after you've had a couple of beers! :)

God Bless RBT!  :)

George Themelis

PS. I cannot understand why the RBT projector is so heavy!  
It feels heavier than a TDC or a Brackett.  The good thing 
is that you cannot push it off the table (like the Realist
red button) or accidentally put it in the box for the Good 
Will :) :)




 

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