PDA

View Full Version : Following on from my 'Power of the MDD Forum' post...


Ryu
04-07-2008, 05:31 PM
The new Lights have arrived.

For those that don't recall...

We now have 8 LED 64 Acme Par Cans, 1 Colour Mood controller and 2 ImpossibLEDs. Oh and 2 T Bars to rack em on. :D :D :D :D

So, What are your suggestions on how to wire em?

My thoughts were 4 Pars and one Imposs on each T. 1 or 2 of the pars facing either backwards or sideways...We've also got one 5mtr DMX lead (along with 8 standard ones) to link the two Ts to the controller...

Also...and I know this has been covered a bit in the Fronts thread a few days ago, but how about this...Get not just 1, but numerous PVC/Vinyl fronts printed, So we can mix and match fronts to gigs (as you can imagine, possibilities are endless, I'm thinking a standard one, a Wedding-Ish one and a Snazzy one for younger crowds)

Your advice and thoughts are appreciated :) :beer1:
Excalibur
04-07-2008, 08:16 PM
I like the different posters idea for the front. As to lighting stand, I wouldn't be happy with two T bars. Even a Maplins Goalpost stand would be better in my opinion.
Ryu
04-07-2008, 09:15 PM
I like the different posters idea for the front. As to lighting stand, I wouldn't be happy with two T bars. Even a Maplins Goalpost stand would be better in my opinion.

Why? Is it an aesthetic (gonna use spell checker on that one) choice? or is there some practical reason?
It is effectively a Goalpost split in two...giving me a bit more adaptability...
Excalibur
04-07-2008, 09:19 PM
Why? Is it an aesthetic (gonna use spell checker on that one) choice? or is there some practical reason?
It is effectively a Goalpost split in two...giving me a bit more adaptability...

Stability and width. I only use T bars when I absolutely must.
Ryu
04-07-2008, 09:25 PM
Hmmm, well, we've got the T's for the time being (wouldn't it be nice if money was no object!! :( ), I'll look into Goalposts...this point, much like my anti-starcloth stance, was with a view to looking a little different from the norm, I'll bear what you've said in mind though, and if problems arise, we'll price up a Goalpost...thanks! :)
Excalibur
04-07-2008, 09:40 PM
Hmmm, well, we've got the T's for the time being (wouldn't it be nice if money was no object!! :( ), I'll look into Goalposts...this point, much like my anti-starcloth stance, was with a view to looking a little different from the norm, I'll bear what you've said in mind though, and if problems arise, we'll price up a Goalpost...thanks! :)

My words are not gospel, it's just that I regard T bars as less stable and capable of holding less fixtures. Yes they can be useful, but only rarely in my opinion.

£60, Goalpost, Two T bars.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=17792&criteria=stand&doy=4m7

£30 One T bar.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=28050&C=Maplin&U=SearchTop&T=stand&doy=4m7
I rest my case. :D :D
Ryu
05-07-2008, 01:48 PM
Just got back from collection....the Impossibleds really are quite awesome!! Just getting to grips with the CA-8 (Yeah I knoiw...three buttons, shouldn't take long) however...Stand by = Blackout...cool..Function and Mode...Function goes through the different patterns...mode cycles through...what? Is that how you get it to Sound?
OllieJames
05-07-2008, 02:01 PM
Yeah agreed, a goalpost will be much more effective!
Ryu
05-07-2008, 02:23 PM
should clarify, we already HAD the TBars, so it wasn't like we spent potential goalpost money on TBars, just using what we've already got...they are pretty sturdy, the poles are about 2 1/2" diameter, black powder coated jobbies...
Excalibur
05-07-2008, 03:10 PM
should clarify, we already HAD the TBars, so it wasn't like we spent potential goalpost money on TBars, just using what we've already got...they are pretty sturdy, the poles are about 2 1/2" diameter, black powder coated jobbies...

We sort of assumed that, but the point is that unless you carefully balance the weight side to side, they can be unstable. Their big bonus is being able to swing them round whichever way you want.
Ryu
13-07-2008, 04:28 PM
Here's the first road test of the nearly nearly complete new set up...

Things still to complete...
Front - Designs being worked on at the mo, Stand yet to be delivered
Wiring - To be tidied
Impossibleds - Going on a Goalpost over the front
Backup HD to use other than my home PC
Licensing
PAT (Although, all our cables are bought this year...is there some rule about PAT testing only needed on cables over 18 months? My guess is probably not, a certificate would be handy for our listing here in any case!)

Also, last night was our first gig covered by DJ Guard PLI insurance!

I've added a before and after for those who hadn't read or seen my other posts...
Before
http://www.picturebay.net/img/guests/Before.jpg
After - Thats my old man at the helm :D
http://www.picturebay.net/img/guests/After.jpg
Solitaire Events Ltd
13-07-2008, 04:36 PM
For a horrible moment, I thought the first picture was after....then I scrolled down!!

Looks much better.

I think you have too many pars on stands though. They are blinding to look at too, so I would put some of them facing the ceiling and use the others as uplighters or downlighters.

As you have enough ambiant light, I would also get rid of the spotbank thing on the floor - that must detract from the subtle colours of the pars surely?

I can't really see the cables, but tidying goes without saying.

I like it - a lot. I just think you need to think about putting the pars in different positions though.
Penfold42
13-07-2008, 04:43 PM
For a horrible moment, I thought the first picture was after....then I scrolled down!


I thought that....:p :D .....must be the beer...well that's my story...:D

Looks loads better.....i personally don't like the spots on the bottom....i would replace that with maybe a uv.....

but as said loads better....keep it up old chap! :)
Ryu
13-07-2008, 05:26 PM
Cheers for the feedback.

I agree about the Par positioning and the box at the bottom.

The par positioning is not a problem, and we'll be up/back lighting in the future. We have all 8 pars on one controller which can chase/spectrum/hold and strobe. We can also keep the intensity low which is how we've got by til now, maybe there is an opportunity to offer a dual service...harlequin disco and tanning salon all in one! :D

The lightbox at the bottom will go eventually, its been a long hard process of persuading my dad to look at the Disco in a new way, with the box at the bottom being non flashing, last night was the first night in 35 years that my dad had done a gig WITHOUT a flashing lightbox, He's one of those awkward types who's first response to something new or different is negative, but when they actually try it, they like it. Getting involved in this disco has taught me as much about Disco's as it has about effective communication skills and negotiation!! :D
Penfold42
13-07-2008, 05:41 PM
The lightbox at the bottom will go eventually, its been a long hard process of persuading my dad to look at the Disco in a new way, with the box at the bottom being non flashing, last night was the first night in 35 years that my dad had done a gig WITHOUT a flashing lightbox, He's one of those awkward types who's first response to something new or different is negative, but when they actually try it, they like it. Getting involved in this disco has taught me as much about Disco's as it has about effective communication skills and negotiation!! :D

I think with an attitude like that...you will go far....:)
OllieJames
13-07-2008, 05:46 PM
Hey Ryu,

The new rig looks really smart :) I agree with the comments about the parcans, and using them for uplighting will really add some class to your set-up. Good luck in the future!