Lifesavers...

[Steve the DJ]

...you know what I mean, those little things that you just happen to have that save the day. :D

One of my favourites is a Mini DVI to VGA Monitor Adapter (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mini-DVI-VGA-Monitor-adapter-cable-MacBook-/180565164592?pt=UK_Computing_Apple_Mac_Accessories&hash=item2a0a85c230) I keep in my "random box" that sits in the trailer.

I have lost count of the amount of times someone has been at a Wedding and tried to set up a MacBook and a projector for a slideshow then realised they can't connect the two together as the MacBook doesn't have a VGA out.

Really scores some brownie points having this simple adaptor there to save the day. ;)

So what lifesavers do you have?

[Charlie Brown]

My Dad.

Sometimes, getting to and from a gig would be impossible.

Last night, he couldn't take me and a taxi was going to cost £120 return. In the end - he changed his plans to go to London and left work early so he could take me.

Respect. :approve:

[ianforest]

I agree with the mini dvi to VGA, used that a few times myself.

I also find both brown and blue asthma inhalers to be invaluable sometimes. I know it can be a bit dodgy with handing out health-related items but the one time I needed them they were there and the client for eternally grateful. Actually from that gig I promised I would go and do a first-aiders course but never got around to doing it.

I try and keep an odds and sods cable bag containing some real whacky items. One other lifesaver is a speakon to speakon connector so you can extend speaker leads...i've used that a few times.

[wensleydale]

+1 for the speakon connector.
Plus other assorted adaptors- xlr to jack etc etc

[Steve the DJ]

Yes I have two of the speakon adapters as well, very handy.

[Twinspin]

I did a wedding at a rugby stadium before and during the night there was a leak in the mens toilets.

So the manager on during the night was going to call a plumber to sort the problem out. He was going to turn the water off and he couldnt because it was really stiff.

So he said its a long shot but do you have a spanner or anything. Not knowing my toolset included a spanner i said ill look. There was a spanner in there. So it was enough for him to be able to turn the water off.

Looking at the problem in hand.... he was able to tighten the joint on the pipe and fix it as well and turn the water back on.

So sometimes even things that you think might not be that useful may serve a purpose at some point even if its to help someone else out.

[simonp]

...you know what I mean, those little things that you just happen to have that save the day. :D

One of my favourites is a Mini DVI to VGA Monitor Adapter (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mini-DVI-VGA-Monitor-adapter-cable-MacBook-/180565164592?pt=UK_Computing_Apple_Mac_Accessories&hash=item2a0a85c230) I keep in my "random box" that sits in the trailer.

I have lost count of the amount of times someone has been at a Wedding and tried to set up a MacBook and a projector for a slideshow then realised they can't connect the two together as the MacBook doesn't have a VGA out.

Really scores some brownie points having this simple adaptor there to save the day. ;)

So what lifesavers do you have?

Very handy - just bought one :beer1: :D

[Corabar Entertainment]

I also find both brown and blue asthma inhalers to be invaluable sometimes. I know it can be a bit dodgy with handing out health-related items ..... Actually from that gig I promised I would go and do a first-aiders course but never got around to doing it. :eek: First aiders aren't allowed to hand out any medicines at all - not even a headache tablet. Many places don't even allow plasters. All because of liability (people can have allergic reactions and you get left holding the baby, so to speak)

[sleah]

I have lost count of the amount of times someone has been at a Wedding and tried to set up a MacBook and a projector for a slideshow then realised they can't connect the two together as the MacBook doesn't have a VGA out.

Whereas I prefer to sit and laugh at them for buying something they probably don't fully understand, then when they need to do more than just read an email, have to spend more money on an overpriced adaptor that will probably get lost and they will need to buy another.....:D :D :D :D :D

[spin mobile disco]

Swiss army knife (real one as well) lost count the amount of times its heped out both me ,venues, and clients. Screwdriver and scissors most used on it.

[CRAZY K]

Swiss army knife (real one as well) lost count the amount of times its heped out both me ,venues, and clients. Screwdriver and scissors most used on it.

I carry screwdriver and scissors in my back up bag:D

This also contains--spare batteries for radio mike--spare mike and cable in case the radio mike dies--short xlr lead and medium length jack lead--spare velcro ties, spare keyboard for cortex--ipod and mini jack lead in case play out dies or some joker produces their own ipod for me to play--gaffa tape--
spare mains pack for Cortex--

However as Saturday proved--the best of all my big reel of mains cable around 35 metres long which I needed every inch of on Saturday as playing
in a monster sized Farm Building half way down the side.:eek:

Lucky old Rodeo Bull was at one end next to the power source:mad:

[Jason]

For me, my cheapo socket tester and velcro...
Test the socket before setting up. Had a few with no-power, and it was better to re-position the rig, than run extension cables.

Velcro... lurverly stuff!

I have a fairly well stocked tool-box with most things I'd need. I won't be repairing my PA, but should be able to re-make connectors, or basically be able to help with any basic jobs. I'm not going to offer to do some DIY when a bride is awaiting her 1st dance, but if there is time and another supplier or the venue needs a hand, I'm happy to help.

I had a bunch of multi-way blocks, and have been asked to borrow them by photographers/others. Luckily not too often...

Old Scout here.. Be Prepared :-)

[yourdj]

Diarrhea tablets :BS:

Gig survival pack.
Headache pills, food, water, warm jacket (even in summer), deodrant, shoe polish etc.

Leatherman always close at hand too.

[simonp]

Diarrhea tablets :BS:


:lol: is that what posh people use Toby - the rest of us probably use Diarrhoea tablets

[Larry B Entertainment]

I carry a full electrical toolkit, mains testers and soldering iron just in case I have to do any repairs in the field. I also have a bag with loads of spare connectors, plugs, assorted cables and adaptors, chargers and so on. Also an ipod incase the absolute :Censored: hits the fan. A small first aid kit is also carried.

[Jiggles]

Gerber, LX Tape and a roll gaffa! Also some gender changers too.

[Kernow]

Also some gender changers too.

Isn't that covered by the scissors & screwdriver ? :eek: :D :D :D

And yes I do know what gender changers are.... ;)

[Chris1984]

for the small price they cost gender changers are well worth it and always come in handy!

I also carry the usual tapes and tools along with a podger and quad spanner and a copper hammer