powering light rig

[chrispeacock]

at the moment i run my lights from 4 plug multi plug extension leads but would like something so i can switch the lights on and off at the touch of a button. i dont wanna go down the dmx route as that scares me setting it up. i and looking what i would need like some kind of on/off switch board for the lights and if there is also a way of powering them of the same socket. im happy with the sound to light on the lights i got.

[funkymook]

at the moment i run my lights from 4 plug multi plug extension leads but would like something so i can switch the lights on and off at the touch of a button. i dont wanna go down the dmx route as that scares me setting it up. i and looking what i would need like some kind of on/off switch board for the lights and if there is also a way of powering them of the same socket. im happy with the sound to light on the lights i got.

First question is what lights do you have?

[chrispeacock]

equinox quadzilla, acme falcon, acme firebird, acme littled, wildtech fascination, small prosound laser, laser sphere mood light

[Excalibur]

This isn't the cheapest, but it's the canine's dangly bits.
http://www.djkit.com/product.php?id=3573&cat=454

I use it, I love it.

[DazzyD]

Fit your lights with IEC connectors and get yourself one of these:

http://www.disco-world.co.uk/lighting-control/njd-euro-8s-switch-panel/prod_1098.html

It will let you switch on and off 8 units independantly as you choose.

Simples! ;)

EDIT:

Just seen Peter's post above. Forgot about this one. Peter's suggestion is the best one!!

[chrispeacock]

i like the look of both to be honest.

the second one im assuming you use the iec connectors from the light to the controller and then the controller is plugged into the wall using one socket. or am i barking up the wrong tree. i assume the first one does this aswel

[Corabar Steve]

the second one im assuming you use the iec connectors from the light to the controller and then the controller is plugged into the wall using one socket. Yes

[Excalibur]

i like the look of both to be honest.

the second one im assuming you use the iec connectors from the light to the controller and then the controller is plugged into the wall using one socket. or am i barking up the wrong tree. i assume the first one does this aswel

There is a not so subtle difference. With the NJD, you have up to eight cables running across the crossbar, down the uprights, and into the controller. Spaghetti junction. I reckon this unit is meant to be hard wired into an install, for which it would be superb.

The one I linked to has a tiny signal cable running from switch unit up to the power board. There is also a mains cable running up to the power board. Two cables, one of which is very small. The cables for the lights do not run down, but can simply be hidden on/behind the crossbar, if you have a good sized crossbar.

That's why I recommend it so highly.

[Corabar Steve]

You've just got a bloody great junction box up there instead. :sj:

If you are just using lights that need switching on & off, it's rasy enough to run (& hide) 4 leads up each upright without too much bother.

[chrispeacock]

how much do the iec cabels go for and do they come in various lengths

[Excalibur]

You've just got a bloody great junction box up there instead. :sj:

If you are just using lights that need switching on & off, it's rasy enough to run (& hide) 4 leads up each upright without too much bother.

Voltaire. :p :D :D

[chrispeacock]

what do you guys think of this

http://www.thomann.de/gb/showtec_dj_switch_10f.htm

the connections at the rear bother me. weird fittings.

im wondering if the flash button only flashes when you hold it down or whether it flashes to a set tempo

[Corabar Steve]

Are they european sockets maybe?

& yes flash does just that, flash when you press it & only when you press it

[Jiggles]

Are they european sockets maybe?

Shuko to IEC jumper. ;)

[Digital Jack]

how much do the iec cables go for and do they come in various lengths

Make tour own , it's easy enough.
You just need 1.5mm 3 core flex (preferably black) and IEC connectors , one male and one female , to make up a lead.
You can buy them pre-made but there's no fun in that is there ?
You could opt for 2.5mm cable , but how much lighting are you going to be running ?
BTW , there's 2 types of IEC connector .
You can get 6amp or 10 amp , if in doubt what you need just ask.

[chrispeacock]

i can wire house plug but thats about it really. electricity scares me as you cant see it. more of a mechanical man here

[Digital Jack]

This seller has loads >>>>>>>>>> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/10m-IEC-Mains-Power-PSU-Hot-Cold-EXTENSION-Lead-Cable-/350281274737?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item518e641571

[Excalibur]

Make tour own , it's easy enough.
You just need 1.5mm 3 core flex (preferably black) and IEC connectors , one male and one female , to make up a lead.
You can buy them pre-made but there's no fun in that is there ? You could opt for 2.5mm cable , but how much lighting are you going to be running ?
BTW , there's 2 types of IEC connector .
You can get 6amp or 10 amp , if in doubt what you need just ask.

CPC. They really are cheap as chips. I got a load, it's so much easier than making them.

[DJDC]

Several Options - a Bulgin (Male) Spider with 4 x IEC (female) tails these are plugged into the lights.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Bulgin-M-Spider-Lighting-Splitter-Lead-Par-Can-4-IEC-DJ-/380004809934?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item587a0d3cce

One bulgin (male to Female) lead down towards a switch panel such as the NJD, then a spider from Bulgin (female) back to IEC (Male).

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Bulgin-F-Spider-Lighting-splitter-Lead-Par-Can-4-IEC-DJ-/380168650958?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item5883d140ce

Alternatively you can put 13a plug tops on the controller end and use a 4 way multi.

You could aslo do this with the IEC stand mates.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RHINO-STANDMATE-10-METRE-BULGIN-4-X-IEC-SPLITTER-/130471293250?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item1e60b1f142

or the 1 x Bulgin -4 x IEC boxes.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pro-Light-Bulgin-Male-4-x-IEC-Lighting-Distro-Cable-/200559806183?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item2eb24bc6e7.

It certainly helps keeps things tidy as from the T bar or goal post stand / truss you only have 1 cable coming off the bar. If you use the stand mate / 4 way IEC boxes you would need IEC - IEC leads, using the spider option, it reduces the number of cables.

I have upto 8 effects on the overhead, and use 2 stand mates (beacause I had 2 spare) which means only 2 cables come down off the bar. I have it all prewired, with the DMX cables and power so I just hook up what I want and plug in!

[Get Me A DJ]

Several Options - a Bulgin (Male) Spider with 4 x IEC (female) tails these are plugged into the lights.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Bulgin-M-Spider-Lighting-Splitter-Lead-Par-Can-4-IEC-DJ-/380004809934?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item587a0d3cce

One bulgin (male to Female) lead down towards a switch panel such as the NJD, then a spider from Bulgin (female) back to IEC (Male).

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Bulgin-F-Spider-Lighting-splitter-Lead-Par-Can-4-IEC-DJ-/380168650958?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item5883d140ce

Alternatively you can put 13a plug tops on the controller end and use a 4 way multi.

You could aslo do this with the IEC stand mates.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RHINO-STANDMATE-10-METRE-BULGIN-4-X-IEC-SPLITTER-/130471293250?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item1e60b1f142

or the 1 x Bulgin -4 x IEC boxes.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pro-Light-Bulgin-Male-4-x-IEC-Lighting-Distro-Cable-/200559806183?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item2eb24bc6e7.

It certainly helps keeps things tidy as from the T bar or goal post stand / truss you only have 1 cable coming off the bar. If you use the stand mate / 4 way IEC boxes you would need IEC - IEC leads, using the spider option, it reduces the number of cables.



Damned, just what I was thinking :D
A single cable running up to the effects would be easier, just watch what sort of load your putting on the cable though.

[TONYTIGER]

Damned, just what I was thinking :D
A single cable running up to the effects would be easier, just watch what sort of load your putting on the cable though.

I agree i think i posted about a year ago that the neatest method was to use a bulgin system 1 lead for 4 lights if you get my drift.Does anybody use the search on this forum as there,s a wealth of information in the archives.

[Corabar Steve]

Does anybody use the search on this forum
What, when it's so much easier to post a new thread & wait for somebody to answer the question for you? Nah! :sj: