Your view on Strobes?

[Goodfellows Discos]

Don't get me wrong - I would never use a hench strobe at a wedding or diamond anniversary or anything like that, but many clients have asked me if a strobe light would cost them extra. I currently have a Martin Atomic 3000 watt strobe light and on my booking form, have it listed as an optional extra (but free of charge as I tend to take it along with me to most functions anyway). It is stated in my T&C's and on the booking form that the use of a strobe light was determined by the client when booking, and that it is the client's responsibility to notify all attendees of the party that strobe lighting will be used (if of course they choose to add it as an extra).

My questions though, what is your view on strobe lights? I think they can add a great effect for fresher's parties or other ones where you are hired for more of a nightclub role. If you do use them, what precautions do you take to a) inform both the client and the guests of the party strobe light's hazard, and b) minimise the chance of any seizures occuring? (As a rule of thumb, I will only use a strobe for less than 20 seconds per 10 minute interval). Also, what events do you use them for?

Would be appreciated!

Cheers

[Shaun]

My questions though, what is your view on strobe lights? I think they can add a great effect for fresher's parties or other ones where you are hired for more of a nightclub role. If you do use them, what precautions do you take to a) inform both the client and the guests of the party strobe light's hazard, and b) minimise the chance of any seizures occuring? (As a rule of thumb, I will only use a strobe for less than 20 seconds per 10 minute interval). Also, what events do you use them for?

Would be appreciated!

Cheers

I no longer use strobes, but when I did I use to make some signs and place them at the entrance of the hall.

Click To View (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/ShaunF/caution.jpg)

[rob1963]

My view on strobes is that they're more trouble that they're worth, due to the health issues with people suffering from certain medical conditions, the stricter than ever health & safety rules & the "Lets sue whoever we can to try & get some cash" society we now seem to live in.

I used them many years ago, and remember them being very effective at creating that flickering effect associated with the silent movies, but that was way back in the eighties, and times have changed.

[Goodfellows Discos]

Very interesting lads... I think it's time to do a little research into nightclubs - they use strobes all the time and i've never seen any warnings or what not.

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

I used Strobes a few years back but got rid due to H&S. to many issue regarding where you can point them, how long you can use them, how fast they can flash it just didn't seem worth it.

But i did see a a lot of intense strobes last week in a scare maze that got me thinking about this. They were so bright they dazzled you and fast enough for you to lose your surroundings so how they got around the H&S side of things i don't know. And there were actors working in this environment:eek:

[Goodfellows Discos]

I used Strobes a few years back but got rid due to H&S. to many issue regarding where you can point them, how long you can use them, how fast they can flash it just didn't seem worth it.

But i did see a a lot of intense strobes last week in a scare maze that got me thinking about this. They were so bright they dazzled you and fast enough for you to lose your surroundings so how they got around the H&S side of things i don't know. And there were actors working in this environment:eek:

That's shocking... I know that they have them in some of the Thorpe Park mazes which they only open on the Fright night's (the week running up to Haloween (the park opens until 10pm)) - Do you have any idea where this H&S information is? I've been looking everywhere :o

[DJWilson]

Very interesting lads... I think it's time to do a little research into nightclubs - they use strobes all the time and i've never seen any warnings or what not.

Its usually in there terms and conditions when buying a ticket.

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

That's shocking... I know that they have them in some of the Thorpe Park mazes which they only open on the Fright night's (the week running up to Haloween (the park opens until 10pm)) - Do you have any idea where this H&S information is? I've been looking everywhere :o

The maze i experienced was at Alton Towers (can't get to Thorpe again this year:() called "Terror Of The Towers". There's lots of strobe lighting used.

It took me ages to track down the H&S information regarding strobes and lasers and have never been able to find it again. It was on an official government guidelines website if that helps at all but details on this are very hard to find.

Sorry i can't be of any more help

[Adam_F]

My view on strobes is that they're more trouble that they're worth, due to the health issues with people suffering from certain medical conditions, the stricter than ever health & safety rules & the "Lets sue whoever we can to try & get some cash" society we now seem to live in.


Agreed.

Mines been out once within the last 2 years. As most DMX effects have a stobe mode, they're not generally needed on their own.

[DJ James Lake]

Agreed.

Mines been out once within the last 2 years. As most DMX effects have a stobe mode, they're not generally needed on their own.

They are no way near the same effect though

[DeckstarDeluxe]

i used a firecracker at a dnb event for a 16th birthday and it did make the difference. When I used it they just went mental!

YouTube - 16th birthday Dnb theme 27/6/09 in Chipping Camden

[Tony Scott]

Yeah I use a 500watt strobe for youth events, proms, 16ths etc.....can't have bounce or DnB without a bit of strobe!! :D

[Goodfellows Discos]

i used a firecracker at a dnb event for a 16th birthday and it did make the difference. When I used it they just went mental!

YouTube - 16th birthday Dnb theme 27/6/09 in Chipping Camden (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy4bGMPysBQ&feature=related)

Is that the Starcluster 3D I spy? And yeah, looking great - Never really found the right crowd to introduce some DnB too, but can't wait judging by their reactions in that vid!

[DJMaxG]

They are a good idea, if you're prepared to take the neccersary precautions and ensure awareness is met whilst in use.

I wouldn't turn it on, and walk off to the toilet.


They are no way near the same effect though

Funny you should mention it, another person was saying to me earlier that the 'strobe' functions within led/halogen lights is good enough, but it's nowhere near the same, unfortunately.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

its the prolight laser sigma or something like that I think. its the kam cluster rival. Not the right laser for that type of gig though. Only had one dnb event in two years but hoping for more in the future

[amplified]

yes i use a storobe obviously on the right occasion's and i think the effect it has can be worth all the procautios and health and safety stuff as seen in video it just seems to make the crowd go crazy. i have a acme 750w which i find has plenty of power and cudnt imagine having a 1500w or even 3000w.

Anyway about the use of strobes i have been to a couple of temporary fairgrounds and that and they use strobes on certain rides makes you wonder because i havnt seen warnings on the rides except a couple of ghost trains. are they exempt?

[Chris1984]

Right off i go!

I have several Martin Atomic 3ks (bizarrely just ordered another today!) i also have sever anytronics megastars and deathstars and a firecraker at the back of the store!

There arnt any rules and regs as such on the use of strobe lighting.

There is however H&S guidelines which state in a nutshell that it polite to inform people that strobe lighting will be used.

You may have it flashing as fast as you like for as long as you like!
I use my strobes for all sort of events and functions and depending on what you do with them and use them sensibly you cant go wrong!

Like lasers the people who think they no about them are the ones who cause issues!