Blackout or switch off?

[OllieJames]

Hello!

I was hoping to start pre-wiring my rig this weekend, however my ultimax isn't here yet and i'm not sure it'll be here next week either, so i'm still debating a couple of things.

I'm still going to make a cable loom of power & dmx for my lighting, but need your opinions on something. I plan to use 2x 4-way IEC extension blocks for my lighting, however they're not switched. I was thinking of just using the blackout button on the CA-8 to turn the lights on and off, although the fans will still be running.

What do you think is a better idea? Turning the lights off completely when not needed or just using the blackout buttons on the CA-8 so that the bulbs are off but the fans are still running? I'll be using 4 dynamos, 2 magic gobos and a nebula laser for most gigs, but for smaller gigs possibly 2 less dynamos or just the magic gobos and nebula.

Thanks for your help,
Ollie

[Excalibur]

Blackout initially, to cool any filament lamps slowly. Why not feed the IEC blocks from a switched socket? Get a 4way with individual switches to feed it.

[Paul The Party Dj]

I think blackout too. My big frustration using a switch is that many lights don't come straight back on when you want them to, so DMX or a CA-8 has to be the best option ... unless someone knows differently which is very possible!

Cheers

Paul The Party DJ

[OllieJames]

Blackout initially, to cool any filament lamps slowly. Why not feed the IEC blocks from a switched socket? Get a 4way with individual switches to feed it.


I think blackout too. My big frustration using a switch is that many lights don't come straight back on when you want them to, so DMX or a CA-8 has to be the best option ... unless someone knows differently which is very possible!

Cheers

Paul The Party DJ

Thanks for the replies chaps!

I thought that the blackout option would be best, as the fans would keep the light cool. I wasn't sure whether keeping the fan running all night would be a good idea e.g. constant power consumption/wear the fan motor out...

I agree with Paul about the lights not coming on when you want, all my scanners and goboflowers take a while to 'boot' up.

[ScottThompson]

In my opinon I would use blackouts It would save you unglugging lights or unplugging kettle leads. Also when you use blackout the light will turn back on instantly, where as unplugging your lights would take time for the lights to come back on so it won't be as "instant."

[Jiggles]

I wasn't sure whether keeping the fan running all night would be a good idea e.g. constant power consumption/wear the fan motor out...


I thought it would do the opposite. :confused:

[OllieJames]

I thought it would do the opposite. :confused:

Well, no because the more the motor runs, the quicker/easiest it'll wear out.

[Tom]

I would say use blackout as some lights, if not all lights have a small start up time.

[OllieJames]

I would say use blackout as some lights, if not all lights have a small start up time.

Okay, cheers Tom :)

[Jiggles]

Well, no because the more the motor runs, the quicker/easiest it'll wear out.

Start it up and turning it off all the time will wear on components more. IMO. Turning something on and off is worse than leaving it on.

[Adam_F]

Hello!

I was hoping to start pre-wiring my rig this weekend, however my ultimax isn't here yet and i'm not sure it'll be here next week either


It should be soon, just waiting on the delivery.

[OllieJames]

It should be soon, just waiting on the delivery.

Awesome :)