Winner of Competition

Congratulations to Phil Hart for winning a ticket to one of the seminars at the Adelaide CX Summer Road show. I hope you enjoy your session in Stage Safety, it sure will be an interesting session. Don’t forget to check out the exhibitors that are supporting this event. For those that did not win there is still plenty of free seminars and great displays. Get to know the companies in person and network.

So what is Martin up to?

Well it seems that there is more gear coming out of the Martin factories to give lighting people a wet dream.  Martin are about to unleash on the world some new lighting consoles. The MartinM2GO and M2PC were released at the PLASA Focus in Austin. I have also included their youtube video of the consoles. These look an exciting product which I hope we see in Australia very soon.

The Martin M2GO console.

This is a new compact console that is certainly not a lightweight in terms of functionality. The console is equipped with a fast, dual-core processor, answering the demand for a more powerful lighting console in a smaller form. It offers a professional level of features in a portable package and has been developed with cost, ergonomics, feature set, size and weight in mind. The Martin M2GO again sets a new standard as the most powerful and affordable full-featured lighting console on the market. This console comes equipped with many useful features, such as external screens, connection to an external PC and to be able to use that external PC processing power.

To control fixture parameters, the M2GO offers different options: 4 encoders, a 3.5” touchscreen and direct value entry via the keypad. This allows the most laborious programming task to be done accurately, quickly and efficiently, even for the most detailed devices like media servers and LED fixtures. The Martin M2GO console can be remotely controlled via various tools that are available at no extra cost. First, there is the iPhone MaxRemote, a native iPhone/iPad application that allows quick access to most programming functions of the system. The iPhone remote is a true application and not a remote view of the console screen. With its custom-compressed network protocol, it is highly optimized for access without delay on a wireless network, even in a crowded spectrum.

It comes with an extensive fixture library, has DMX and is RDM compatible. You can also edit show offline with their free software for PC.

• Built-in Industrial Dual Core CPU, 32GB SSD, 4GB RAM, HDMI, VGA, Dual Gigabit Artnet and Maxnet
• 3.5” touchscreen for fast and direct parameter access
• 4 digital encoders for parameters
• 8 customizable function keys
• 4 DMX ports standard; additional external DMX ports can be added as options
• Controls up to 4096 parameters
• Standard license for 4 Universes; up to 8 Universes with optional expansion license pack
• Customizable Graphical User Interface with context sensitive toolbars and integrated Help menu
• Powerful effects engine
• 1000 cuelists with fader control
• 1000 cuelists with playback control buttons
• Parallel execution of multiple cuelists
• Submaster, Groupmaster and Override functionality
• Parameter and Time-fanning functionality
• Auto update for presets and cues
• On-the-fly global timing adjustments
• Up to 4x DMX Universes direct from the console; up to 8 Universes with optional license
• Mx Manager Software for programming and triggering via time and calendar schedules
• Multiple wing attachment (MaxModules)
• 3.8 kg (8.4 lb) / 54 x 30 x 9.3 cm (21.2 x 11.8 x 3.7 in)

Martin M2PC

M2PC is the complementary control surface to Martin’s M-PC controller software. Featuring the same layout and portable size as the M2GO, the M2PC delivers a professional level of features directly from any PC. Following the philosophy and simplicity of their current controller platform, such as the Martin M1, the Martin M2PC is one of the most powerful and affordable PC-based lighting controllers on the market.

The M2PC control surface is designed to feel right from the first time it is used. The keypad section is exactly the same as previous Martin consoles in order to facilitate the migration from one console to another. To control fixture parameters, the M2PC offers different options: 4 encoders, a built-in 3.5” touchscreen and direct value entry via the keypad. This allows the most laborious programming task to be done accurately, quickly and efficiently, even for the most detailed devices like media servers and LED fixtures.

The M2PC Playback section offers 10 fader playbacks equipped with 4 buttons. Each of the buttons can be assigned to a long list of functionalities such as Go, Flash+Go, Pause, Release, etc. . The M2PC offers 100 banks of 10 playbacks. In addition, the M2PC offers 100 pages of 100 cuelist with on-screen access. Additional MaxModules can be added for more direct access to playback and other functions.

• USB 2.0 Connection to Windows PC
• 3.5” touchscreen for fast and direct parameter access
• 4 digital encoders for parameters
• 8 customizable function keys
• 2 DMX ports standard; 2 additional internal DMX ports can be added as options
• Standard license for 4 Universes – up to 64 Universes with optional expansion license pack
• Controls up to 32768 parameters
• Customizable Graphical User Interface with context sensitive toolbars and integrated Help menu
• Powerful effects engine
• 1000 cuelists with fader control
• 1000 cuelists with playback control buttons
• Parallel execution of multiple cuelists
• Submaster, Groupmaster and Override functionality
• Parameter and Time-fanning functionality
• Auto update for presets and cues
• On-the-fly global timing adjustments
• Mx Manager Software for programming and triggering via time and calendar schedules
• Multiple wing attachment (MaxModules)
• 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) / 54 x 30 x 9.3 cm (21.2 x 11.8 x 3.7 in)

WIN!!! WIN!! with the CX Summer Roadshow

Due to the kindness of Julius I am able to offer as a prize 1 ticket to the seminar of your choice here in the lovely city of Adelaide. The CX Summer Roadshow is one of the hottest events happening around Australia

All you have to do is answer 3 simple questions and write in 50 words or less which seminar you want to see and why.

Seems pretty simple. Clues may be found at CX Summer Roadshow 🙂

Well you have to be in it to win it!!

Question 1: Who is hosting the seminar “DIGITAL LIGHTING: The Revolution”

Question 2: Who is hosting the LOUDness Seminar?

Question 3: Who is presenting the “Wireless Microphone Spectrum Update: A Post Digital Dividend Survival Guide”?

Then write in 50 words or less which seminar you would like to attend and why. Originality will be looked upon favourably.

Put you answers in the below contact form

Name(required)

Email(required)

Website

Question 1(required)

Question2

50 words or less

Submit

Δ

Entries close 12 noon on Monday 27th Feb 2012.

Winners will be announced and you will be contacted by me and your name will be forwarded.

Remember this is for South Australian entrants or people who will be in Adelaide for the CX Summer Roadshow.

JANDS releases new console

Well JANDS have done it again. They have just release the new Vista L5 console running Vista V2 software. This is the flagship of the Vista consoles. It has a great look that is very intuitive for those that are familiar with Vista software.This is THe console to get from JANDS.

The new console has a 21″ HD screen TFT screen, the L5 gives you all the space you need to work the way you want. With 1920 x 1080 resolution, the L5’s screen has plenty of room to add and re-arrange windows, so you can do more with less scrolling. It has a backlit keyboard, very handy for those dark venue corners. The L5 has an Intel Quad-Core i7-2600 (3.4GHz) processor and 8GB of dynamic random-access memory (DRAM).

With sleek end pieces to improve handling and a hinged armrest that contains storage compartments, two USB connections and the console power On/Off button, the L5 is quite simply a superb piece of industrial design.

If you want to see more watch this video at JANDS and you can even enter a competition to win a MACBook Pro. Only for people in other terroritories than Australia.

 

Specifications

Control panel (Pen Tablet)

• Wacom 21″ Pen-Tablet LCD (1920 x 1080)
• 12 user configurable function buttons
• Backlit Keyboard and Track pad (extra pointing device)
• 2 sets Blue, Green, Yellow, Red modifier buttons (Left & Right hand)
• 2 Pen modifier buttons (Left & Right hand)
• Power and Help buttons
• 4 Wacom tablet control / configuration buttons
• Grand Master (rotary) fader and DBO button

Playback Controls

• 25 Playbacks, 20 with faders and flash buttons, 5 without
• Playbacks feature; Blue / White LCD, Select and Go buttons
• Split mode allows control of up to 70 Cuelists
• Playbacks can be configured for control of Groups, Presets and more
• Page Up / Down buttons

Super Playback Controls

• Playback with dual faders and buttons
• Go, Pause, Back, Skip Forward, Skip Reverse, Skip to Start, Skip to End buttons
• Utilises LCD and Encoder wheels for display and real time control of playback and other advanced functions.

Programming Controls

• 3 Encoder Wheels with associated Blue / White LCD
• Next / Previous buttons
• 12 context sensitive function buttons

DMX Output

8192 Channels (16 Universes)

Input and Output Connections

• 4 DMX outputs
• 2 Ethernet / Network ports (compatible with Art-Net and Pathport)
• 6 USB connectors
• Linear Timecode input †
• MIDI in/thru/out †
• RS232 COM port †
• 2 Desk lamp outlets
• Trigger input / output †
• 1 DVI/VGA and 1 DVI/HDMI Monitor Outputs (with support for Wacom pen-displays and selected ELO touchscreens)

Chinese rips off damaging the industry

As we tightens our belts where it comes to purchasing new equipment, we come across a whole bunch of chinese companies making copies of well know equipment. The prices are so cheap that we are all tempted to purchase. But is this a good idea? These exact copies are potentially poison for the industry. Many well-known manufacturers like Martin, Robe etc spend a small fortune in time and money developing new products. Then along comes a chinese company that buys one and reverse engineers the equipment and then manufactures them. They then sell to the world market at very cheap prices. It seems that intellectual property rights mean nothing to certain companies.So all those designers, engineers etc end up making a profit for another company. does not seem fair to me. If you were to put a chinese copy nest to the original you sometimes cannot tell the difference except by the logo. What is even more annoying is that there are re-sellers of this equipment within Australia. People are getting caught up in buying these because of the price, then when it breaks spares are hard to come by at times.

Now I have no beef with these companies making moving lights etc but why copy exactly, the exterior and software at least. In most cases the internally are usually not as good a quality. If they were to design and make their own fittings that is fine, but to steal someone elses hard work is criminal.

If you look closely at some of these cheap chinese copies you will notice a lot of things not quite right. The manufacturing tolerances are not as good, quality control really means nothing, as long as it turns on and lighting comes out or noise if it is audio. I have seen their copies of source 4’s etc and the fit and finish is pretty bad.

So what we should do? Try avoid buying them, I know they are cheap and will work for a while but you are really taking money away from the real companies that developed these pieces of equipment in the first place. Don’t support local compaines that are supplying the knock off copies. Always for the genuine article. We all know about the SM58 copies that are around.

You think it is? But it ain't

 

Risk Assesments

Have you ever sat down and thought about how many injuries we have and what the most common are? Our industry can be quite dangerous. We are sometimes tired from long hours, or we may be carrying other injuries. These can lead to even more injuries. We could become distract whilst performing certain tasks. What we always need to do is be vigilant and always on the lookout. Common injuries are falls, crushing injuries and electrocution. We need to have safe systems of work in place to minimize the chance of injury. We need to think about each task and make a risk assessment. A risk assessment is where we identify that hazard and who may be harmed by that hazard. You then evaluate the risk and decide on a course of action. The law requires you to do everything ‘reasonably practicable’ to protect people from harm. The is a hierarchy of control that you should follow. It starts with:

1. Can you eliminate the hazard?
2. Is there a less risky option?
3. Prevent access/ re-design the hazard
4. Administration by policies etc
5. PPE – personnel protective control

This is also the order that you should look at the problem. In fact the above diagram  shows which is more important and the order. Going straight to the PPE is not the solution; you have to work though the other steps first. Using PPE only should be a last resort. You also do this in consultation with your staff.

You then record your finding and implement them. From this you generate your work method statement it will detail how specific risks in the workplace will be managed. You will then always have a document to refer to when undertaking hazardous tasks. It is also a good idea to frequently review this document at regular intervals.

Self audits

When was the last time you wandered around your venue and actually looked closely at everything. I suggest that you do, it is amazing what little things that you might find that could become major problems in the future. I recently walked around a venue that I sometimes work at and it was amazing at the little faults. Some of which were likely to be a major occupational health and safety issue. Sometimes we seem to notice only the big items, but we need to get into the habit of looking at the small things in our work places. So start looking, look down at the floor, look at the ceiling, look behind that cupboard.  Check things such as the power sockets are they still tightly fastened.  Is the dust cleaned out of the amp fans or dimmer fans. Cables are still fastened tightly, no bits of carpet etc causing any trip hazards?

The above light bulb in a dressing room is a prime example of a potential hazard, it is just waiting for someone to touch the contacts. The more you look the safer your venue you become.

Stored in the wrong place?

But it is just not safety issues you should be looking for. How about how clean and tidy does your venue look. Are the cleaners doing a great job. Are staff putting gear back where it belongs. It all of these things that can make a clients time at your venue pleasurable. There is nothing worse than going into a venue and the duty tech does not know where the equipment is because it has been put back in the right place. Have you checked that the lighting is fully back to standard, or the audio patch is back to standard. Has the lighting desk had its memory cleared of old shows? Is you digital audio cleared and return to what is a good starting point in regards to EQ etc.

So take the time to wander your venue and see what things can be done to improve things. It will make everbody happy.

Theatrical Safety

by Stephen Dean (c) 2011

 This is a document that wrote a while ago for an community theatre group as a bit of a guide to OHS. Feel free to read and comment.

Theatre may seem a glamorous and magical place to work, but it is probably one of the most dangerous places to work. Working in theatre is a potentially dangerous thing; it tends to involve areas like electricity, heights, explosives and other items, which are dangerous enough on their own without being combined into one event.

Everybody’s health and safety in theatrical productions is to be regarded as the primary concern for all people involved in the production. Safety is the responsibility all people; you all have to look out for each other.

It is everybody’s responsibility to be on the look out for un-safe work practises and conditions.

If you notice something that is unsafe you should immediately report it..

The golden rule for safety is “if in doubt, don’t do it”. Never guess with backstage work. It can prove to be fatal. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of people around you.

If you are unsure of something ask someone that knows. We are all help to help each other.

Do not be afraid to ask for help.

So let us look at some safety aspects that you have to be aware of.

 Cables

The lighting and sound department are notorious for trailing cables all over the place. Now these are a safety hazard, people have a tendency to trip over them, even if they know they are there. So all cables need to be taped down firmly, especially if they are across doorways or gangways. Where possible run cables over the top of doorways or use heavy-duty cable covers. (In the near future the law will require cable covers). All electrical cables should always be un-coiled, running current through a coiled cable generates heat and then possibly fire.  Always use a Residual Current Device when plugging tools, hairdryers etc into a normal power point. Always check the cable before you use it, making sure it is safe.

 Ladders

Ladders should always be used in the correct manner.

It is the responsibility of all people that use ladders in productions to ensure that they are in good condition and are at all times used safely.

Only non-conductive ladders made from wood or fibreglass should be used when there is a potential for electrical hazard.

Never leave tools or other object on the top or any steps.

Ladder Usage Tips

Always be careful where ladders are placed, particularly near doorways etc. Either re-position the ladder or set up barricades before using the ladder.

Always ensure that ladders are used on stable ground, with a firm backing for straight ladders. A general rule for straight ladders is to have the base ¼ of the length of the ladder away from the wall.

It is advisable to have someone holding the base of a ladder.

Ladders are never to be used in a horizontal fashion for any purpose.

Never extend the height of a ladder by placing it on cases or boxes.

Never use a stepladder as a straight ladder.

You should never work on the top step of a ladder.

Never lean out from a ladder, move the ladder closer to the work.

When using a stepladder make sure it is fully extended.

Do not leave tools at the top of a ladder.

Only one person on a ladder at a time.

Always get someone to help you move the ladder.

Never climb a ladder with tools in your pocket, invest in a tool belt.

Electrical Safety

All electrical equipment and cables need to be kept in a safe working condition. All equipment must conform to Australian standards. All equipment has to have a current safety tag on it.

Always check equipment before you use it, and report any damages. Before you use a cable or a piece of electrical equipment perform a visual check of it. Make sure that the cable is not frayed, correctly attached, loose wires or breaks in the insulation. Never overload a power point with electrical devices. The total load is 10amps. Never use double adaptors, always use a power board.

All portable electrical equipment must have an earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) or a residual current device (RCD) located at the power source and at all times be functioning. So always use the Safety Switch power board when using power tools, hairdryers etc., on a normal power point. Never use an extension cable between a safety switch device and a power point.

Never operate electrical equipment that you believe is intermittent or faulty. Remove such items from use and have them tagged and examined by a certified electrician. Before any work is to be done on any electrical equipment make sure is not connected to a power source.

Where portable lighting is used this must be secured in place and be in safe working condition.

Where electrical leads, mains, flexible cords or cords are to be placed across roadways, work areas or work access ways, they must be suitably protected from damage and also secured.

 

Safe Work Practices

• Always wear appropriate clothing
• Always wear footwear that covers your feet.
• Never lift anything to large or heavy by yourself, ask for help.
• Mark edges of steps and rostra etc., with white tape or paint.
• Never run backstage.
• Know where the First Aid Kit is.
• Know where the exits are.
• Know where the fire extinguishers and other fire fighting equipment are and how to operate it.
• Make yourself familiar with the evacuation plan for the venue.
• When using power tools check that they are ok e.g. power cable is intact.
• Do not obscure fire exits and access points and fire fighting equipment.
• Keep stage area and wing areas, tidy and free of anything not related to the show.
• When handling theatre lights be aware that the can get very hot.
• Always make sure the light is secured to the lighting bar.
• Always use safety chains on lights.
• Make sure all lighting accessories are securely fastened to the lights.
• Make sure all cables are taped to the floor.
• When using lights on stands and/or the ground make sure all cast and crew are aware of them.
• When using ladders there needs to be two people.
• When working overhead the stage area needs to be clear.

Even more NAMM 2012

Here we have even more good stuff.

CHAUVET® DJ LAUNCHES INFECTIOUS PRODUCTS AT NAMM 2012

Chauvet have been around for a while and are producing some nice, interesting gear. It is at affordable prices and is a much better than many of those nasty chinese online LED fixtures.

There are new additions to the Intimidator™ family of scanners and moving heads as well as the Scorpion™ family of high-powered lasers. Headliners such as battery operated Freedom™ Par  and Freedom™ Strip Mini , Nimbus™  dry ice machine, LFS-5  LED framing spot, SlimPAR™ Tri 7 IRC and SlimPAR™ 12 IRC wash lights and Impulse™ 648
strobe light will be on display.

The Freedom™ series is comprised of two fixtures designed to liberate mobile entertainers from the hassle of tangled power cords.
Freedom™ Par  is a PAR can-style wash light with a manually adjustable LED array that houses 198 5mm RGB LEDs while Freedom™ Strip Minil is a linear wash light powered by 192 5mm RGB LEDs. Both include a lightweight and rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to eight hours of power and D-Fi™2.4GHz  that acts as a transmitter or receiver to run wireless DMX at any event. Control is also available using the optional IRC remote for easy, point-and-shoot operation.

LFS-5  is a portable, framing spotlight that comes with four popular gobos to complement a variety of events, or create customized looks by designing and printing gobos on transparency film. Powered by a 23-watt white LED, this compact and lightweight fixture includes an adjustable zoom to allow for variations in projection size, a separate focus adjustment to create a soft or hard edge and a single gobo slot to project crisp patterns. Internalframing shutters precisely size and mask light off unwanted surfaces and a removable gel frame allows nearly any color to be projected.

SlimPAR™ Tri 7 IRC and SlimPAR™ Tri 12 IRC  are low profile, high-power LED wash lights ideal for wash light applications. Tricolored LEDs make this the perfect front light by eliminating multicolored shadows and providing a smooth, even output. The optional infrared remote control (IRC) allows simple operation and eliminates the hassle of programming. With a 100 percent convection cooling system, there is no fan noise to distract the audience.