I have made huge progress on my filmscreen masking controller. The PIC code, complete with independent controls/sensors for the top and bottom masking is done. The system has been working accurately for a few days now, but I still need to be 100% sure it’s perfect, so a little more testing is required before I finalize on the PC design. The current board design allows for 4 presets, 1.78:1, 1.85:1 (which is very close to 1.78:1) and 2.35.1. My screen masking goes up to 2.60, but I have yet to find a movie that sports that aspect.

Next steps are getting final boards made which will enable control via ethernet, RF as well as adding curtain control so the masking control can happen before the curtains open (or vice-versa) or controlled independently. If you are interested in my masking controller feel free to contact me.

Here are a few more photos of the prototype board for your viewing pleasure:

This is the prototype controller board.

This is the prototype sensor (top)