Mirror scanner advice [Archive] - Mobile Disco Directory Forum

rob1963

10-03-2009, 10:04 AM

Hi folks.

I'm thinking of replacing my scanners as they're old, large & heavy.

The new ones need to be the mirror type (not barrel) with 250w lamps.

They don't need to be DMX, as I just let them run on sound to light, and my budget would be no more than about £100 for each one.

What would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

:)

Solitaire Events Ltd

10-03-2009, 10:16 AM

What have you got currently Rob?

Have a look at these (http://www.djkit.co.uk/product.php?id=1827) Lots of people use them and they are very good for the money. They link together master and slave, and you can get a really nice show if you invert them. The DJ Kit deal also gives you a CA-8 which means you can slow them down (only slightly), blackout and scroll through the colours. They are only 5Kg each too, so nice and light.

Edit - just noticed they aren't available until May in that shop...:-(

SC Events

10-03-2009, 10:30 AM

I have a 4 set of the 100W ones, which I think are superb.

They are plenty bright enough for any room I have DJ'd in, so the 250W's must burn your eyes out! :D

EDIT: I bought mine from ebdj.co.uk about 2 months ago they were £350 with Flight Case.

http://www.ebdj.co.uk/shop/product_list.php?start=10&cat_id=285

They have gone up dramatically though now.

That's a cracking price you have found them for Chris. - £302!

rob1963

10-03-2009, 10:58 AM

What have you got currently Rob?

Darren,

Here's a pic of what I currently use.

They were made by an Italian company called Program Systems, and are probably about 15 years old! :eek: :eek: :eek:

5184

Steve the DJ

10-03-2009, 11:06 AM

What would you recommend?

I have a 4 set of the 100W ones, which I think are superb.

+1

I have 2 of the 100W ones also that I consider great value for money, so the 250W versions that Darren has linked to are well worth investing in. I notice that Terralec (http://www.terralec.co.uk/jb_dmx/dynamo_with_250_watt_elc_lamp/25570_p.html) have them in stock at just shy of £107 each.

If you buy two then I would recommend picking up one of these as well:

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1531/prd9a25a5f1204440249d22.jpg

Again from Terralec (http://www.terralec.co.uk/specific_product_cases/flightcase_for_2_x_dynamo/24675_p.html) and they fit as snug as a bug in a rug.

ppentertainments

10-03-2009, 11:08 AM

*picks self up off floor*
Rob, I do not know if you are aware, but to purchase new lighting will require you to spend money :p :p :p

Sorry to be a bit more helpful, look at this pack complete with CA-8 controller :
http://www.ultimatewarehouse.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=36_75_77&products_id=503&osCsid=f2878a30ae35b3052db3b16c1f8dc4f3

Tom

10-03-2009, 12:36 PM

Maby have a look at the x-scans by american dj. They use a near white led chip and give off strong, vibrant colours.

Small unit, lightweight, separate colour and gobo wheels, master slave them for sound to light, you can use a ca-8 with them and at a later date you if you wanted too you could run a full dmx show.

Vectis

10-03-2009, 12:44 PM

Rob

Got to agree with the Dynamo comments.

Exactly right for what you're looking for. Don't dismiss the 100W versions - they're probably brighter than those old 250's you have just now...

Solitaire Events Ltd

10-03-2009, 12:55 PM

Maby have a look at the x-scans by american dj. They use a near white led chip and give off strong, vibrant colours.

And are almost twice what Rob wants to spend!

Are you sure the CA-8 works with them Tom? I thought ADJ had their own version?

Steve the DJ

10-03-2009, 12:59 PM

I notice that Terralec (http://www.terralec.co.uk/jb_dmx/dynamo_with_250_watt_elc_lamp/25570_p.html) have them in stock at just shy of £107 each.

Just found 2 on eBay that Zelma S & L are selling for £99 each delivered.

>>>Dynamo Scans<<< (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ACME-DYNAMO-SCANNER-250-W-LAMP-STUNNING_W0QQitemZ290299036576QQcmdZViewItemQQptZU K_ConElec_LightingLEDsStrobes_RL?hash=item29029903 6576&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1690|66%3A4|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18)

Are you sure the CA-8 works with them Tom? I thought ADJ had their own version?

They do, called the UC3 but I believe it is essentially the same as a CA8.

rob1963

10-03-2009, 01:00 PM

Thanks for the advice so far, folks.

The links are making for interesting reading.

I'm amazed how light these scanners are these days.

They only seem to weigh about 4kg.

Mine are more than double that! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Please keep the suggestions coming.

Solitaire Events Ltd

10-03-2009, 01:14 PM

Just found 2 on eBay that Zelma S & L are selling for £99 each delivered.

>>>Dynamo Scans<<< (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ACME-DYNAMO-SCANNER-250-W-LAMP-STUNNING_W0QQitemZ290299036576QQcmdZViewItemQQptZU K_ConElec_LightingLEDsStrobes_RL?hash=item29029903 6576&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1690|66%3A4|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18)

They do, called the UC3 but I believe it is essentially the same as a CA8.

You believe or you know? I have found there to be different functionality hence the question.

rob1963

10-03-2009, 01:20 PM

The Acme Dynamo seems to be a popular choice.

I see they also do an LED version. Is it any good?

Steve the DJ

10-03-2009, 01:28 PM

You believe or you know? I have found there to be different functionality hence the question.

I believe because that is what a retailer told me when I asked if the CA8 I got with the Dynamo Scanners would operate my American DJ REVO III's.

I may have been given duff information to ease a sale. :(

Tom

10-03-2009, 01:39 PM

You believe or you know? I have found there to be different functionality hence the question.

I use the ca-8 on my xmoves if running a small rig and they work exactly the same as the uc3.

Also Clive at crs1 said the same thing when I went to collect them.

Solitaire Events Ltd

10-03-2009, 02:19 PM

I use the ca-8 on my xmoves if running a small rig and they work exactly the same as the uc3.

Also Clive at crs1 said the same thing when I went to collect them.

Funny, cos that's who I asked and he said the UC3 didn't work the same as the CA-8.

Tom

10-03-2009, 02:41 PM

Funny, cos that's who I asked and he said the UC3 didn't work the same as the CA-8.

I think you have a spelling mistake in you post? :sofa: lol

Strange.

Works on my lights anyway. :)

Jay

10-03-2009, 02:41 PM

I see they also do an LED version. Is it any good?

I think the LED version doesn't have gobos, and is just flashing dots moving around instead. not 100% sure though.

rob1963

10-03-2009, 02:55 PM

I think the LED version doesn't have gobos, and is just flashing dots moving around instead. not 100% sure though.

Thanks Jay.

If that's the case, I'll give it a wide berth!

djsteve10

10-03-2009, 05:46 PM

Darren,

Here's a pic of what I currently use.

They were made by an Italian company called Program Systems, and are probably about 15 years old! :eek: :eek: :eek:

5184

Id say Acme Dynamo too, I might have a couple in a flightcase you can have for £190 but they are the 100w version though.

By the way Rob your current scanners are in very good condition for 15 years old I must say.

Jay

10-03-2009, 08:22 PM

I have 4 of the 250watt ones and think they are great, with 2 inverted they can produce great shows with a CA-8. I'd imagine theyre even better witha DMX controller but I just ues the CA-8 and find thats all I need.

wensleydale

10-03-2009, 09:07 PM

dynamos all the way rob - get 4 for £300 and then you have back ups for larger gigs or if anything goes wrong- you wont be dissapointed.
although you say about dmx it is good to be able to xlr them together as this improves the light show no end- 4 heads with the inners and outers doing different things is also much better than all the same.

i recently got some xmoves and first impressions are that the dynamos (even 100 watt ones) are more versatile than the moving heads.

ppentertainments

10-03-2009, 09:09 PM

dynamos all the way rob - get 4 for £300 and then you have back ups for larger gigs or if anything goes wrong- you wont be dissapointed.

Or even better, use 2 and hire the other 2 out for £75.
Bet you never thought of that ;)

wensleydale

10-03-2009, 09:11 PM

Or even better, use 2 and hire the other 2 out for £75.
Bet you never thought of that ;)

rob could charge and extra £75 for his "super show":) :)

rob1963

10-03-2009, 11:28 PM

By the way Rob your current scanners are in very good condition for 15 years old I must say.

Thanks Steve.

It's because I look after them & keep them in their original cardboard boxes in lots of foam!

dynamos all the way rob - get 4 for £300 and then you have back ups for larger gigs or if anything goes wrong- you wont be dissapointed.

Cheers Rich.

Or even better, use 2 and hire the other 2 out for £75.
Bet you never thought of that ;)

:rofl:

rob could charge and extra £75 for his "super show":) :)

Hey...EVERY client gets my super show! ;)

Thanks for all the advice folks, which is really appreciated.

It's clear from your responses that Dynamos are the way to go, but probably the 100w versions.

Thanks again!

:beer1:

Charlie Brown

11-03-2009, 05:59 PM

No Rob....you may as well spend that extra cash and buy the 250 wat versions I say:)

Tom

11-03-2009, 06:46 PM

No Rob....you may as well spend that extra cash and buy the 250 wat versions I say:)

Why, the 100 watts are very bright lights as it is. I have had no problem when using mine at gigs. Even the large corporate and school gigs in large halls for example.

Charlie Brown

11-03-2009, 08:51 PM

SC Events

11-03-2009, 08:55 PM

But as myself and many others have said, the 100W are perfectly good.

Venue's sizes aren't going to change in size from now to 20 years time. :D

Do you own any 100W Dynamo's

Scott.

P.S. I'm not having a go Charlie, if that it how it seems to read! :D

wensleydale

11-03-2009, 09:32 PM

Tom

11-03-2009, 09:35 PM

But as myself and many others have said, the 100W are perfectly good.

Venue's sizes aren't going to change in size from now to 20 years time. :D

I agree. I have 4 of these, like most people im sure, and they are very good for the price.

Only trying to save Rob some money. :)

flatliners

11-03-2009, 09:40 PM

Charlie Brown

11-03-2009, 09:43 PM

Alright alright :) I'm just saying what I would do thats all. Maybe thats why I don't have much money...in life I always think bigger is better. I get a train to London yet I will buy myself first class tickets. Any need? No. Much Difference? No. I have a free bus card, but I will get a taxi to town instead of the bus. :/ It's just how I am :( It's just my method of thinking, and I think a lesson has been learnt on my behalf.:)

rob1963

11-03-2009, 11:11 PM

Because Rob is buying new, he wants them to last, he doesn't spend a lot on lights as it is, so why not buy something that bit better. It saves him upgrading in years to come. It's just my method of thinking. :)

To be honest Charlie, they don't have to last that long, only until I retire...so 5 years should do it.

think yourself lucky my scanners are 10.9 kg each i have 6

:eek: :eek: :eek:

Mine are about 10kg, but I only have 2.

Sounds like you need some Dynamos too! :D :D :D

Excalibur

12-03-2009, 11:00 AM

Sounds like you need some Dynamos too! :D :D :D

Looks like I need new glasses! :eek: I'm convinced I've just read a thread where Rob "Scrooge " James was considering buying not one but TWO things he didn't really need! :eek: :eek: :eek: :confused: :confused:

ppentertainments

12-03-2009, 11:18 AM

Excalibur

12-03-2009, 11:36 AM

Looks like I need new glasses! :eek: I'm convinced I've just read a thread where Rob "Scrooge " James was considering buying not one but TWO things he didn't really need! :eek: :eek: :eek: :confused: :confused:

Must be a midlife crisis :D :D

No I've got it! :eek: :D

He's made too much money this year, and true financial genius that he is, he's trying to cut his tax bill. As Sherlock Holmes said " When you have eliminated the impossible, whaever is left, however implausible, must be the answer" :D :D :D

rob1963

12-03-2009, 01:30 PM

Looks like I need new glasses! :eek: I'm convinced I've just read a thread where Rob "Scrooge " James was considering buying not one but TWO things he didn't really need! :eek: :eek: :eek: :confused: :confused:

I know...and I blame this forum entirely!

Must be a midlife crisis :D :D

:eek: :eek: :eek:

No I've got it! :eek: :D

He's made too much money this year

Ahhh...if only.

Starlight

12-03-2009, 06:00 PM

Hiya folks,

Darren, on the 250W Dyamo's, how smooth are their pan and tilts? Are they 8 and 16 bit X/Y movements?

Thanks mate,

Neil.

andyw

12-03-2009, 06:28 PM

Because Rob is buying new, he wants them to last, he doesn't spend a lot on lights as it is, so why not buy something that bit better. It saves him upgrading in years to come. It's just my method of thinking. :)

has anyone seen the 250 and the 100 w versions side by side and done a comparison. how much brighter are the 250's are the patterns as good,what is the wieght differnce.i have the 100w version and they are good.if i were you rob , try to see both in action,i agree with charlie in the fact you should get the best you can afford but make sure you get something extra for the money.the one thing we all agree on though is ,stay away from the led ones (for now anyway)

Starlight

12-03-2009, 10:09 PM

stay away from the led ones (for now anyway)

Why :confused:

Neil.

rob1963

12-03-2009, 10:47 PM

has anyone seen the 250 and the 100w versions side by side and done a comparison. how much brighter are the 250's are the patterns as good,what is the wieght difference.

I'd also be interested to know this.

Charlie Brown

12-03-2009, 10:50 PM

I'd also be interested to know this.

Yeah I think thats a good idea Rob. Try and do this before you buy....and let us know how you get on:)

rob1963

12-03-2009, 10:54 PM

Yeah I think thats a good idea Rob. Try and do this before you buy....and let us know how you get on:)

I was hoping I wouldn't have to, Charlie!

They seem to be very popular lights, so I'm hoping someone on the forum has already done this & can post to let me know.

Charlie Brown

12-03-2009, 11:24 PM

]

They seem to be very popular lights, so I'm hoping someone on the forum has already done this & can post to let me know.

Even better:approve: Come on then folks....let's help Rob out:)

Excalibur

13-03-2009, 06:22 AM

Even better:approve: Come on then folks....let's help Rob out:)

Aw, do we have to? :( :( Moan grumble mutter.

Tom

13-03-2009, 08:48 AM

I would say as a guess, using the 250w over the 100w will give out a lighter colour.

Just as an example, I have changed the bulbs in my car for leds, but the natural bulb style ones. Because they are brighter, the reds on the speedo display are now a pinky red, and that's just from fitting a brighter bulb to it.

I don't know if its going to be any different.

Also, if you do a lot of larger gigs in for over 150 people then maby look at the 250w version.

I still think the 100w dynamos will be ok though. :)