Tech Topics
Power to Spare
Posted on Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
A few years ago I bought a book called Standard Handbook For Electrical Engineers, but I never read it. It just sat on the shelf taunting me, making fun of me behind my back, sticking its $150 tongue out at me.
It’s a big, mean book. It’s literally two inches thick and it weighs five pounds. It has a lot of ugly formulas and information about electricity, power systems, motors, power electronics and a lot more. It’s the kind of book that will jump you from behind and force you into wearing pocket protectors and tape on your eye glasses.
Recently, a reader e-mailed me about an article I wrote entitled “That’s a Load of Watts” (PLSN, May 2010, page 40).The gist of the article is that generators are capable of delivering a limited number of amps at a given voltage, which means that the kVA rating is much more useful than the rated load in kilowatts, which can change depending on the power factor of the load.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6001&Itemid=40
Pre-Flight Checklist
Posted on Monday, July 19th, 2010
Written by Brad Schiller
The responsibilities of an automated lighting programmer are similar to that of an airplane pilot in several ways. We have to control expensive equipment, ensure a successful production (flight), and we must be masters of our crafts.
Before beginning a flight, an airplane pilot always checks the airplane from top to bottom, inside and out. In the same manner, it is important for a lighting programmer to confirm “all systems are GO” prior to starting a programming session. With any size lighting rig, there are certain procedures and tests that should be performed before a single cue is written. Failure to accurately test the rig can result in long delays or inaccurate values being recorded.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6002&Itemid=40
The Art of the K.I.S.S.
Posted on Thursday, July 1st, 2010
Written by Brad Schiller
Early in my career, I was working at a theatre as one of the house guys. We had a tour come in and use our space for pre-production. It was the first time I really got to watch a touring show prepare for the road. I remember sitting with the LD (I don’t remember his name) and watching him program the conventional lights. He also had about six moving mirror fixtures with a dedicated controller. He explained an important principle that he tries to remember as often as possible.
“The K.I.S.S. Rule helps me to keep everything in perspective and on track with limited time schedules,” he said. “It all pulls me back in to the big picture of the production.”
I asked him what this K.I.S.S. rule was, and he told me that it stands for “Keep It Simple, Stupid.”
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5868&Itemid=40
Staying Grounded
Posted on Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
Written by Richard Cadena
Once upon a time, early in my career, I was at the top of my game. At the time, my game was a 16-foot ladder, and I working on a light that was rigged on a truss. As I was holding on to the truss for stability, I reached out and grabbed a second truss and that’s when I got a shocking lesson in grounding and the potential differences between two metal structures.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5867&Itemid=40
No Media Server Required!
Posted on Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
Written by Vickie Claiborne
By now, you’ve probably heard the term “pixel map,” and you’re likely aware that a common way to apply an image to an LED display is by using a media server to optimally position the image on the display. However, using a media server is not the only way to accomplish that. The MagicQ Pro from ChamSys offers a step forward in the area of pixel mapping control: an onboard pixel mapping engine.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5750&Itemid=40
Metamorphosis
Posted on Thursday, May 20th, 2010
Written by Brad Schiller
The caterpillar lives a simple life crawling around tree branches and munching on leaves. When ready, the caterpillar enters a cocoon and then transforms into a beautiful butterfly. The natural wonder of metamorphosis completely changes the creature from one form to another.
Automated lighting programmers are often challenged with equipment changes, and we too must learn to adapt and transform with our surroundings. Although we do not have a cocoon in which to make these changes, we do have specialized software on our consoles to assist with transformations.
Read the full aricle at http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5749&Itemid=40
The Future Of Dimming
Posted on Thursday, April 29th, 2010
(Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The LED)
I walked away from LDI2009 scratching my head. Something bugged me that I just couldn’t put a finger on, and it all centered on the conference room that held Robert Juliat’s new LED profile, recently named AledIN. This was the first LED ellipsoidal that I’d seen. In fact, I’m fairly certain it’s the first one anybody at LDI had seen except perhaps for a privileged few. Very rarely do I remember getting goose bumps thinking about the possibilities of a fixture. Looking at this LED profile was one of those times.
Read article at: http://livedesignonline.com
The Art of the Schmooze
Posted on Thursday, April 22nd, 2010
Written by Nook Schoenfeld
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that talent isn’t always enough to get you by in life. You might be a gifted designer, but if you can’t talk a good game, sometimes a gig may pass you by. To keep working steadily in this wacky business of ours, you have to have an edge, something that makes you stand out, something that makes people remember you long after they’ve witnessed your talents on a production or shared a meal with you. You’ve got to have your schmooze down.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5576&Itemid=40
Green Lighting for Concert Touring
Posted on Wednesday, April 14th, 2010
Over the last decade, stage lighting has taken some extreme curves and turns. What started as a weak source of light in questionable fixtures has emerged as a most viable source of light with new fixtures emerging at a rapid pace. LED lighting has become quite the buzzword with touring productions, bands and management, and is strongly associated with green lighting or environmentally friendly lighting.
Recently we asked a select few from our industry to give us their opinions on the current state of green lighting for the touring sector, including Ethan Weber, an industry veteran and lighting director for U2’s 360 tour, Steven Douglas, lighting designer/director for the Killers, and Chris Ewington, manufacturer and designer of i-Pix LED fixtures.
Read more at http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5587&Itemid=40
Tool Time for the Electrician
Posted on Thursday, April 8th, 2010
By Richard Cadena
Yesterday I went to a meeting carrying a Fluke 43B power quality analyzer.
I had just bought the instrument and it was the first time I had the opportunity to use it. I was asked to evaluate the wiring of a portable power distribution system, and I brought it along because I wanted to be prepared for anything. It turns out I wasn’t prepared at all for the greeting I received.
Read the full article at: http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5460&Itemid=40
HD And Beyond: A Look At Where Media Servers Are Going
Posted on Wednesday, April 7th, 2010
The best server for the project is the one for which the user understands the capabilities and limitations.
All servers are not created equal. Each media server embodies technical contributions that have made all media servers better, and the best server for the project is the one for which the user understands the capabilities and limitations. Fortunately, the world of media servers is very open-source. For example, Nigel Sadler from Green Hippo has welcomed every insane idea with, “Why yes, I’d love to help you win first place at the mad science fair!” The same can be said for Kevin P. Morris of coolux (Pandoras Box), Matt Corke from PRG (Mbox EXtreme), Ash Nehru of United Visual Artists (d3), Curtis Cox of Martin Professional (Maxedia), and Jorge Moritz from e:cue.
Read more at: Live Design Online
Get Your Group On
Posted on Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
Written by Brad Schiller
Automated lighting consoles are filled with unique features to assist in the programming and organization of a show. Some consoles have exclusive features unavailable in other desks, but all consoles share many of the same principles and features as well. One feature that is commonly found on automated lighting consoles is called “groups.”
This relatively simple concept is proving more and more valuable as shows use more and more fixtures.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5461&Itemid=40
Keep Cool with Fanning
Posted on Monday, February 22nd, 2010
Written by Brad Schiller
Automated lighting consoles have several innovative functions to help the programmer, many of which have become commonplace. One of these is called “fan” or “align.” In the simplest terms, this is a tool that mathematically spreads parameter values in even proportions.
From a visual standpoint, fanning provides the ability to quickly create symmetrical (or even asymmetrical) looks on stage. This feature can be found on the majority of professional automated lighting consoles, and it’s important to understand the uses and procedures associated with fanning or aligning.
Read the full article at http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5294&Itemid=40
What’s in Your Console?
Posted on Monday, February 1st, 2010
Written by Nook Schoenfeld
In the last 20 years we have seen more lighting consoles come on the market than I can remember. They all strive to achieve the same thing; talk to lighting fixtures, dimmers and media servers. They all get the job done eventually, but I’ve come to conclude that certain consoles execute some tasks well and others, not so much.
Read the full story at: http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5135&Itemid=40
The Three Ps: Preparation + Practice = Perfection
Posted on Monday, January 4th, 2010
Written by Nook Schoenfeld
When I run a show, I like to do everything I can to insure a flawless performance. Whether it’s a rock show, a comedy shoot or a full-on theatrical performance, there are cues that have to be hit on time, every time, or I get upset.
I beat myself up mentally when I miss a cue. And I let others know by my glare after the show if they dropped the ball. That’s why I swear by the Three Ps: Preparation + Practice = Perfection.
Read the full story at: http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5035&Itemid=40
The Code of the Mode
Posted on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
Written by Brad Schiller
Automated lighting fixtures are very complex little robots that dutifully follow the commands given to them by savvy automated lighting programmers. Some people refer them as “intelligent lights,” however the fixtures contain little intelligence and usually rely on the programmer to send them instructions. Without us they would just sit there and do nothing!
Even though these automated creatures wait patiently for our commands, they have their own ways of exerting control over us. Most every fixture type has a selection of modes that determine functions, protocols, and output. It is essential that automated lighting programmers are familiar with these modes.
Read the full article at: http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5037&Itemid=40
The Impact of Lighting Technology (or “How I Learned to Climb Truss”)
Posted on Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
Written by Jim Hutchison
When I think about how fast the entertainment lighting industry has grown over the last 10 years alone, it makes my head spin an infinite number of pan rotations.
I mean, wasn’t it just a few minutes ago that some company developed limitless rotation in a moving head, no one had any idea about using RF frequencies to fire up a Tic-tac-sized light source to a ridiculously high CRI, and RDM was something that was surely going to be implemented “sooner or later” in everything?
Read the full story at: http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4899&Itemid=40
Now Presenting ……..
Posted on Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
Written by Brad Schiller
Sometimes automated lighting programmers are asked to do more than just program lights. Many productions involve video elements, special effects, audio triggers or other unique components that are triggered from a lighting console. Recently I have been involved with several productions that utilized methods of combining presentation software (PowerPoint or Keynote) and lighting to save money, reduce staffing, or simply to be creative.
There are many methods to combine technologies and with today’s economy, producers are always looking to cut back and save cash. Sometimes these procedures work very well and other times they can create a large amount of additional work. Either way, it is important for automated lighting programmers to be aware of the options for combining their console and presentation materials.
Read the full story at http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4639&Itemid=40
Moving Yoke LED Fixtures
Posted on Monday, September 21st, 2009
Written by Vickie Claiborne
Innovations in LED technology have resulted in some very interesting lighting fixtures for the entertainment industry. Some of the advantages of LEDs include: Long lamp life — 25,000 to 50,000 hours or more (We don’t really know yet since most of the new generation fixtures haven’t been around long enough to tell); Economic benefits — Because there are no lamps to replace, this also means there are no associated labor costs involved; Time Savings — Lower maintenance because of the fixture’s limited moving parts reduces labor and the total cost of ownership as compared to conventional lighting fixtures; Low Energy Consumption — Higher efficiency means it uses less energy to produce the same amount of light.
Read the full story at http://www.plsn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4642&Itemid=40