Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: MartyG on April 19, 2013, 03:39:26 PM

Title: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: MartyG on April 19, 2013, 03:39:26 PM
So with all the vent photos posted and sent so far, I started a master set on the WKC Flickr group that attempts to keep things in order. I'm less certain on the pre-date code vents, so help me out. My apologies if one you posted somewhere is not shown, just point me to it. If you have one that is not pictured, please take a decent shot and send it to me via PM or email at mgierke at mac dot com. I'll be working on the poster this weekend. It will not include them all, but it will be a colorful mix of old and new - just like the WKC!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32306142@N07/sets/72157633285304532/

Here's what you'll see so far...

Pre-date-code vents:

BAR-B-Q KETTLE - CHICAGO, ILL (is this the oldest one?)
BAR-B-Q KETTLE - WOOD DALE ILL (a couple)
BAR-B-Q KETTLE - ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ILL (no patent number - a few)
BAR-B-Q KETTLE - ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ILL (with patent number - several)
WEBER - ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ILL (outlined logo with patent number - a couple)
SMOKEY JOE - (painted - no text - a few)
RANCH - (painted - no text)

Date-coded vents:

A
B
E
F
H
J
K
M
O

AD
AU

DA
DD
DE
DH
DI
DR
DT
DU
DZ

EE
EI
EO
ER
EZ
 
 
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: Ken Mc on April 19, 2013, 03:43:06 PM
that is very cool Marty !!!
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: Craig on April 19, 2013, 04:12:35 PM
Nicely done. I saw a few of mine in there. Thanks for doing this.
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: reillyranch on April 19, 2013, 06:46:27 PM
Never seen anything like it.  You and WKC are the first to put something like that together.  Well done.
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: jacoblee on April 19, 2013, 06:47:29 PM
Got an ad platinum will photo tomorrow for you also have ad and au wsm 22 which is a little different lid.

Attached is the flash bured ad

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/20/5yjy3e6y.jpg)

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: MartyG on April 19, 2013, 07:00:53 PM
Great - keep em coming! Don't worry about duplicating something  on the list, having choices is a good thing, and sometimes confirms color variations in particular years. By the way, I'll continue to edit the first post in this thread to keep current with what I have.
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: MartyG on April 20, 2013, 06:11:05 AM
Here's what can happen with a bunch of cool vent photos and a little spare time. I'd like to tweak a few things. but you can download the full res image on Flickr and take the file to a Wallgreens or wherever they print posters and get one made. It's sized at 18 x 24, which is a common size for inexpensive frames. I'll let you know when an update is available, and I'll even bring a few prints to the meetup in Chicago.

Look down this thread for a new link to the poster.
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: Craig on April 20, 2013, 06:21:58 AM
That poster turned out nice!  8)
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: Big B on April 20, 2013, 06:22:37 AM
That is sweet....Marty...I love the vent poster......better print one for the garage.......awesome

Brent

Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: glrasmussen on April 20, 2013, 06:47:31 AM
Thanks Marty! Looks great!
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: jacoblee on April 20, 2013, 06:57:59 AM
Brown 18.5 (http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/20/nyhypuby.jpg)
Black platinum two side tables
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/20/sazyzuza.jpg)
Crate and barrel 1 table platinum
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/20/zuta3u8u.jpg)

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: Ted B on April 20, 2013, 08:00:12 AM
I want one of those posters!  How do we get one?  That is awesome.
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: MartyG on April 20, 2013, 09:39:54 AM
I can have posters made, and ship them. Best guess is it would cost around $25 shipped. How many of you would want me to do it? I would need a minimum order of 20 or so to make it cost-effective.
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: landgraftj on April 20, 2013, 09:46:54 AM
I'd like a poster Marty, those are sweet!
Title: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: jperry1907 on April 20, 2013, 09:50:47 AM
I'd buy one
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: MartyG on April 20, 2013, 05:56:58 PM
Made some slight changes - fixed a few odd things and posted the newest version. This one has a groovy red glow in honor of all the redhead lovers among us. I'll take down the old one so it's not confusing. This is the one I'll print, and let you know when they are ready to ship if you want to buy one.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32306142@N07/8666241255/in/photostream

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8263/8666241255_2c0eaf256b.jpg)
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: zavod44 on April 20, 2013, 08:33:28 PM
Marty you up for a handle trade?
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: Duke on April 20, 2013, 08:35:36 PM
That's a really nice poster Marty! For whatever reason I missed the call for them. Please accept my apology.
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: MartyG on April 21, 2013, 03:20:52 AM
Thanks all! Trades are welcome Brian! Like I said - I'll have some with me in June, but they should be ready to ship next weekend.
Title: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: Craig on April 21, 2013, 08:42:25 AM
That looks awesome! A poster like that would be neat to have.
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: Golly on April 21, 2013, 10:42:33 PM
Gadial Ganing wants one on its walls
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: MartyG on April 22, 2013, 03:58:44 AM
The first print had some issues, and I had to ditch the red glow (looked better on screen that it did in print) and resorted to a white "frame". I'll be printing this one today and we'll see how it goes. As always, you can download the full resolution file from Flickr and have your own print made, but I'll have some available if you want me to ship you one. Stay tuned for final costs and shipping info.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8121/8669138769_871e008784.jpg)

High res file here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32306142@N07/8669138769/sizes/o/in/photostream/
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: zavod44 on April 22, 2013, 08:37:49 PM
Fantastic Marty, how big are you going to print them?
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: zavod44 on April 22, 2013, 08:46:37 PM
Marty...what if you just turn each one clockwise 90 degrees, then I could use it for wallpaper on my computer desktop?
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: MartyG on April 23, 2013, 02:28:27 AM
Good idea Brian. I'll do a wallpaper file next. The posters are 18 X 24.
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: zavod44 on April 23, 2013, 05:22:59 PM
I'm in need of one one...I did print a 11x17 on our hi res printer.  It was taking so long I left, I'll have to get it tomorrow....
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: NeoTrout on April 24, 2013, 08:54:17 AM
Looks good. What program did you do the layout in?  8)
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: ramsfan on April 24, 2013, 02:16:53 PM
That is very cool. Nice Job! AAA+
Title: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: jperry1907 on April 24, 2013, 04:46:00 PM
I was just looking at the poster, which I love by the way, and was thinking that it might be cool to add the date or date range of each vent in small letters in the corner of each vent pic. Then you could keep it saved on your phone and use it as a reference when you're out rescuing. Just a thought.
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: MartyG on April 24, 2013, 05:33:00 PM
Great minds think alike Jperry, but I have something in the works that may be even better.  ;)

I'm using Photoshop Neo. Not a gifted user, but I get by - always learning.

Brian, how did your print turn out? Wallpaper on the way this weekend.
Title: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: jperry1907 on April 24, 2013, 05:36:36 PM
Great minds think alike Jperry, but I have something in the works that may be even better.  ;)

I'm using Photoshop Neo. Not a gifted user, but I get by - always learning.

Brian, how did your print turn out? Wallpaper in the way this weekend.
Nice! I'll just stay tuned!
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: zavod44 on April 24, 2013, 06:29:03 PM
Printout.....fucking stunning!  I made two, one 11 x 17 one 13 x 19....Amazing.  I cropped the whole border off and did full bleed....even the people at work thought it was cool....
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: glrasmussen on April 24, 2013, 06:57:07 PM
Printout.....fucking stunning!  I made two, one 11 x 17 one 13 x 19....Amazing.  I cropped the whole border off and did full bleed....even the people at work thought it was cool....

LOL Brian! You did an awesome job Marty. I printed on the Zerox at work 8x11, but it is wax toner. Turned out, but not photo quality. I am in the printing industry and there is some new high tech sh!t out there. I am turning in a favor to have a poster made. Hopefully the high-res will go beyond the 18 x 24. It will be done on some new equipment that makes posters for displays. I will update once I can get them the file. They already asked if was going to be outdoors, to print in waterproof paper and fade resist ink...
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: MartyG on April 24, 2013, 07:10:56 PM
You can go bigger than 18x24, but the limiter is the resolution of some of the photos. I used what I had, but had to convert a bunch from 75dpi off the club pages. OK, but I will have my camera with me in June to take some better shots of Jeff's collection, and whatever people bring. I'll keep collecting and will not rest until this is perfect. I'm on a mission!
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: glrasmussen on April 24, 2013, 08:14:19 PM
You can go bigger than 18x24, but the limiter is the resolution of some of the photos. I used what I had, but had to convert a bunch from 75dpi off the club pages. OK, but I will have my camera with me in June to take some better shots of Jeff's collection, and whatever people bring. I'll keep collecting and will not rest until this is perfect. I'm on a mission!

I will let you know how it turns out. As larger, looses resolution... This is high end equipment, so I'm hoping they can adjust if needed. Still, I appreciate the the effort and time put into this. Also, nice touch with the WKC logo in the lower right hand corner.

Greg
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: NeoTrout on April 25, 2013, 08:05:33 AM
I enlarged the file to 30" x 40" and ran a swatch on premium photo paper. There was no significant loss of quality. The exception is the "Wood Dale" vent, at the top row, which got just a little fuzzy. Overall a pretty good print. Once again, GREAT JOB! When enlarged some minor aesthetic issues become more prominent, which you may, or may not, care to address. PM me if you want my input. PLEASE do not take my opinion as criticism. I am a graphic artist by profession and tend to look at things way too close sometimes. All is good.  8)
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: MartyG on April 25, 2013, 09:52:25 AM
Good to know. I am aware of most of the issues you probably saw at 30x40, but this was a quick effort while I wait for better photos. I had to fudge a thing or two to get what I had done. They don't show up too bad at 18X24, but an extreme enlargement will bring them to the surface. I'll send you a PM in any case. Good news is we found ourselves another member of the WKC creative team!
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: MartyG on April 27, 2013, 07:08:40 PM
Thanks to the expert council of our fellow WKC historians, I have come up with something that will aid your rescue operations, impress your friends and convince your spouse that you have truly gone off the deep end. These are all the variations of vents I am aware of so far, in sequential order from oldest to newest. Two versions of the same thing: a pretty one you can use as wallpaper, and a technical one you can keep in the truck for those "accidental" rescues. Armed with this knowledge, you will never get taken by a CL seller trying to convince you his "dad's gill" was made in the 50s, when in fact the vent clearly states that it was "DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED IN PALATINE, IL U.S.A." Keep in mind this is the best information we have to date, so everything is subject to change. It's up to YOU to help us get it right!

The hi-res files can be downloaded on Flickr. The link is below each photo. Enjoy!

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8124/8686861287_42ef43b87a.jpg)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32306142@N07/8686861287/in/photostream

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8688050382_9d12acf061.jpg)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32306142@N07/8688050382/in/photostream/
Title: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: Craig on April 27, 2013, 07:19:56 PM
Outstanding work Marty!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: MartyG on April 28, 2013, 02:54:00 AM
Followed up on a revision to the poster, and this one should be the last for a while. Took care of some little things, and swapped out one of the vents that was sort of duplicated. Same size, (18X24 overall) but this one should be able to be printed out bigger if you have the technology. I will be printing a small number for sale, and can ship them via USPS and/or bring /em to the meetup in June. Send me an email (mgierke at mac dot com) or a PM if you want one shipped and we'll work it out.

Marty

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8254/8687588732_f61eba8e3a.jpg)

Hi-res file here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32306142@N07/8687588732/sizes/o/in/photostream/
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: NeoTrout on April 29, 2013, 10:01:18 AM
Looks great, MartyG. I sent a reply to your PM but cant figure out if it went through. Let me know. Thanks.
Title: Re: Vent Codes - A Photographic History
Post by: NeoTrout on April 29, 2013, 10:02:17 AM
 ::) Sorry don't know how to delete.