Beaulieu 4008M3 & Erlson Contact Switch

[PhiPsi]

Hello,
just by having read in the forum for some while, I got lots of valuable advice.
I own a Beualieu 4008M3. In order to shoot sync sound I finally got hold of an Erlson contact switch. I have got two questions concering this device:
1. Are there different types of it? When winding mine into the camera as far as possible, it blocks the motor. I have to wind it back for a few turns, but then it is loose. Is there some kind of distance disc?
2. How are the pins on the other end of the cord coded? And which (how many per frame) signals does the thing put out?
Thanks
Philipp

[bolextech]

There might have been one for the 4008 series and a different one for the 5008 series.
The mounting collars are slightly different.

As for the signal, there is none as far as I know. The Erlson is just a mechanical switch closed by a cam once for each frame.

Chances are the unit was wired for the Super8Sound Recorder.

Wiring is available in the S8SR user's manual available online.

Cheers,
Jean-Louis

[PhiPsi]

Thanks Jean-Louis!
I found the wiring on the site you mentioned.
One more question: Do you know, whether there is something like an adapter to make the 5008 switch fit a 4008?
Philipp

[bolextech]

You might be able to modify the one you have.

Can you post a picture of your Erlson device?

Cheers,
Jean-Louis

[bolextech]

A Beaulieu price list from 1977 lists 3 separate Erlson switches for the 5008, 4008 and R16 with each one having different parts numbers. Also the rewinding knobs (which fit the same shaft) have different numbers for the 4008 and the 5008.

I have a 4008 rewind knob in front of me and the tab that fits in the slotted shaft is only 2mm long.
I know it needs to be much longer for the 5008. So maybe you have a 5008 Erlson.

Cheers,
Jean-Louis

[PhiPsi]

Here are some images:

P1010194.jpg

P1010195.jpg

P1010196.jpg

P1010197.jpg

P1010198.jpg

One more thing I have noticed: The Super8 Sound Recorder has a 5 pin socket, wheras my Erlson switch has a 6 pin plug. So, I am still not sure about the wiring...

[bolextech]

Based on the pictures, it really looks more like the one for the 5008 than the 4008.

If it does look like it screw in a bit then at least it is the same thread. You might be able to adapt it by using a spacer washer between the camera and the Erlson. You'll have to experiment until you get no binding and a solid connection. Maybe also trimming the square tab down slightly to about 2mm. Just remove a little but at a time with a file and keep trying it.

As for the wiring, your plug is likely using only two of those pins for the switch closures. It must have been wired for some other tape recorder system. You can adapt it pretty easily.

What device are you planning to use to record sound?

Cheers,
Jean-Louis

[PhiPsi]

Hello Jean-Louis,
thanks for your help! I will try to get some kind of spacer, maybe one with a thread, that can be left on the Erlson. Also, I will measure the depth of the slot, to make sure, whether the Erlson needs shortening with a file...
As far as the recording device is concerned, I am planning to get a Marantz MD-661 which I slightly prefer to a Tascam DR-100. The main drawback of the Marantz seems to be, that it does not have built in limiters, however, my overall (but very subjective) impression of it is slightly better than of the Tascam. Do you have any recommendations? What about a Zoom H4n? I am not sure about that one, I read lots of ambivalent reviews.
Another topic I have to think about is my projector. I have a Bauer T610, but that needs costly modifying (by Pedro). I might sell it and get a Braun Visacustic 1000/2000 and a Steuergerät instead. I am grateful for your and of course everbody else's opinion.
Competent advice within such a short time really is great. Thanks to the forum...
Philipp

[bolextech]

The Erlson is meant to be used in a pulse-sync system.

Sorry, but I have no idea how you could use it with the recorders you mentioned.

I am only familiar with the Super8Sound fullcoat system.

Cheers,
Jean-Louis

[PhiPsi]

Hello Jean-Louis,
Yes, I know, that the Erlson is meant to be used in a pulse system. The pulses are recorded on a separate track und then are used to guard the projector speed. Not much difference to the fullcoat system...
One more technical question to the Erlson: Is it important, that the device is attached in a certain position relatively to the camera? There is a notch on the rim around the thread, where the Erlson is wound in...
Philipp

[aj]

The 4008 and 5008 have different thread sizes on their drive axises

The alignment notch is there with a purpose. It ensures that the contact is made in the right position in comparison to the frame exposure moment.

There is also an original Beaulieu device to facilitate single frame exposure which also ensures the shutter doesn't stay open as in standard operation. This thing also has a flash contact.

I have seen a 4008 with an internal mod where a pick-up contact on the internal-use axis disk was used to operate a flash contact. Saves lot of trouble but requires some parts and skills to install.

[PhiPsi]

My Erlson fits into my 4008. According to aj's post, it cannot be a 5008 then.
It somehow does not work properly with my 4008 - I also tried it with a 4008ZM4 and hat the same problem.
So, which kind of device did I get my hands on?