In order to create a kinetic lightshow, a moving effect has to be inserted into the projector. Pioneering effects came
in the form of an operator manually squirting coloured oil into glass slides and tensioning them to make the liquid move.
Needless to say, this was rather messy, and if using a Tutor mk1, an extremely uncomfortable process, due to the heat generated.
The next step was to motorise something in order to create movement, as coloured oil was the preferred substance of psychedelia,
sandwiching different coloured oils between separate sheets of glass prevented them from actually mixing, but allowed them
to move at different rates to merge into some rather interesting non-repetetive patterns.
Liquid wheels need to rotate slowly in order to achieve the desired effect, 1/2 rpm is optimum.
A Rank Aldis Tutor 2
With Pluto wheel & rotator
In order to produce a clearly focussed image, the effect has to be securely fitted into the
projector, with an electrical connection to power the rotating motor. To the left, is the ingenious Pluto attachment, fitted
to the lens carrier of a Tutor 2. The ingenuity lies in the fact that rotators can be changed without plugging and unplugging,
thus eliminating the risk of wire fracture at the point of entry to the motor.
To the top right of the attachment fixed to the projector, can be seen, a brass spring strip,
this is the "live" terminal, which is isolated, via nylon bushes, from the main framework, which is the "return" terminal.
To the right, can be seen, the motor plate, to which the wheel is fixed via the centre boss
grub screw. One terminal can be seen fixed to the plate, wheras the other one is fixed to a screw head, which lines up with
the brass strip when the plate is inserted. The motor wiring is retained to the plate, does not move and the risk of fracture
is eliminated. Faster changing is also possible, as no plugs have to be disengaged and re-located.
A close up of the actual "live" contact point. A fuse is also fitted in case of breakdown
of insulation by any means, therefore protecting the projector's transformer.
Below, an Opti. liquid wheel, the most common of wheel types. Usually rotated at a
speed of 1/2 rpm. This has been allowed to rest in order for the different layers to be clearly seen. Clicking
on picture will enlarge.
As liquid wheels became relaitvely common, manufacturers were constantly seeking to produce
something different.
The Graphic wheel was a source of constant development, from patterns to humour, from humour
to horror.
To my mind, Pluto wheels were the best, they were the ones with striking colours and the ability
to further the effect.
They also combined liquid effects with graphics.
To the right, a Pluto Vulcan wheel.
Below, another Pluto, this time it's Zodiac.
Interesting effects can be created by the use of multiple projectors with differing wheels.
Yes, they're all Pluto, look at the colours, Work out for yourself how it was done, but it was all in real time!!
S.P. Decor is the name of this one below.
Anyone who played pinball machines in the '70s would recognise some of these characters. Not surprisingly, this is called
Pinball.
A fabulous example of a picture liquid. Can Can. Watch it moving below.
Orion used to make some interesting designs too. Take a careful look at this masterpiece. Torture!
Click you tube link below to view.
Use pause to study detail.
Above, Orion Fantasia.
Often, on ebay, someone is offering for sale, a "rare" Naked Ladies or Flesh wheel. They're not
really so rare, perhaps the rare one is Pluto, T.R. (Transparency rather than printed) Skin Wheel in my opinion,
that was the best!
Thanks to Mark Bryan for correction on that one!
Pictured here are three offerings, I haven't allowed these to be clearly viewed, as Fashosts, my
hosting supplier, stipulates no "adult" content on the website.
So, just a fleeting glance.
Orion's version of the "Nudies" wheel.
Entitled, as Opti's, "Flesh"
Optikinetics nudes wheel.
Also titled "Flesh"
Pluto's version of the nude theme.
TR "Skin" wheel.
I thought there were only these three shown above, but it seems there is another in existence. Timmyd6969
recently sold one one ebay,
He kindly sent me a picture to add to the website, clearly labelled Project, but there's no title shown.
A great example, with fantastic colours.
Does anyone know of, or have any other nude wheels?
Manufacturer's name clearly shown.
But no title on centre label.
VARIATION ON THE THEME
Star Electronics came up with a novel idea, combining the effect of a wheel with that of a cassette.
I've recently acquired one. Take a look!
LFL (Light Fantastic Ltd.) were better known for the manufacture of cassettes, but they also made some excellent
wheels, unfortunately, relatively few survive, due to ageing acetates peeling. However, here's one called "Seeress"
Shown with the addition of colourflash wheel and a slow prism rotator.
