Beseler 45 MCRX w/ Dichro Head

Valerie was kind enough to give me a Beseler 45 MCRX chassis with a 45S Dichro head. I’m in the process of setting it up, but I have a few questions.

First, what does the resistor box do? I’m figuring it’s some kind of electricity flow control device, but since it only has a two prong plug outlet on it, the Dichro head won’t plug into it. Is it even a necessary component on a diffusion head?

Second, the Dichro head has two plugs on it. One long gray cord on the left which presumably goes to the timer. The short black cord on the right goes to a “convenience outlet” but again the outlet on the motor control box is a two prong and the plug is a three prong.

I’m assuming that I have two different era pieces that can be used independently. However if there is a way to connect everything and improve its performance I’d like to do that.

Anyone have any input?

The Resitrol is to be used only with a condenser head...don't pay attention to it. It is probably best not to use these outlets at all. It was used to decrease line voltage to the tungsten lamp thereby reducing light for the exposure. Never had a dichroic head so I can't help you with specifics but it just may be a simple AC outlet with one cord and another to the timer.

Yeah- ignore the Resistrol. It doesn't apply to your dichro head. IIRC the one cord goes to the wall power, and runs the fan, etc. The other one goes to the timer/controller for regulating exposure. I forget which is which, but it's easy enough to find out- plug one into your timer and the other into the wall. If you've got them backwards, it'll be obvious. Go to the Beseler website- you can download instructions for that head IIRC. Or give them a call and they'll send you a set.

Ah! Fan! That makes sense, and also explains why it would be plugged into the motor control box. Except I’ll have to plug it directly into the wall instead.

thanks!