Return-Path: X-Processed-By: Virex 7 on prxy.net X-Real-To: stagecraftlist [at] theatrical.net X-ListServer: CommuniGate Pro LIST 4.1.8 List-Unsubscribe: List-ID: Message-ID: From: "Stagecraft" Sender: "Stagecraft" To: "Stagecraft" Precedence: list Subject: Stagecraft Digest #43 Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 03:01:31 -0700 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Content-Disposition: inline For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Stagecraft Digest, Issue #43 1. Frank in London by Bsapsis [at] aol.com 2. Motorized Turntable by "Eccleston, Mark" 3. Atlantic Theatre Festival (was Canadian telephone) by Scott Spidell 4. Re: Spur or torque washers by Loren Schreiber 5. Re: Recycling Screws... by thetd222 [at] email.unc.edu 6. Recall of Lutron controller power supply by Eddie Kramer 7. Re: Peanuts, etc.... by Jerry Durand 8. Re: Carriage Bolts by "Paul Guncheon" 9. Re: Screw up? by "Paul Guncheon" 10. Re: Screw up? by Rigger 11. Re: Motorized Turntable by Bsapsis [at] aol.com 12. Re: Peanuts, etc.... by 13. Re: Peanuts, etc.... by Rigger 14. Re: Peanuts, etc.... by Rigger 15. Re: Motorized Turntable by usctd [at] columbia.sc 16. Re: Peanuts, etc.... by Shawn Palmer 17. Re: Motorized Turntable by Bsapsis [at] aol.com 18. Success has many fathers by Marty_Petlock [at] sarasotagov.com 19. Re: Motorized Turntable by "Delbert Hall" 20. Re: wisdom of crowds by Marty_Petlock [at] sarasotagov.com 21. Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all by "Alf Sauve" 22. Re: Frank in London by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 23. Re: Carriage Bolts by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 24. Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all by Pat Kight 25. Re: Atlantic Theatre Festival (was Canadian telephone) by "John Gibilisco" 26. Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all by James Kosmatka 27. Re: Peanuts, etc.... by "Kacey Fisher" 28. Re: Homemade RP screen by beth heermann 29. Re: Welding by beth heermann 30. Re: Recall of Lutron controller power supply by Richard Niederberg 31. S4 Issues by "Chad Croteau" 32. Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all by "Alf Sauve" 33. Re: Success has many fathers by IAEG [at] aol.com 34. Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 35. Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all by Pat Kight 36. Re: Success has many fathers by "Delbert Hall" 37. Help! LCD Projector-- Speaker Stand Pole Mount? by CB 38. Re: Screws by CB 39. Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all by MissWisc [at] aol.com 40. Re: Success has many fathers - But failure only one by "Alf Sauve" 41. Re: Success has many fathers by "Jason" 42. Weird Dimmer Problem -- help! Dummy Loads? by mat goebel 43. Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all by "Tony Deeming" 44. Re: Weird Dimmer Problem -- help! Dummy Loads? by "Tony Deeming" *** Please update the subject line of your reply to use the subject *** line of the message you are replying to! Please only reply to *** one message subject in each reply. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bsapsis [at] aol.com Message-ID: Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 06:35:06 EDT Subject: Frank in London Off to London for ABTT. Any last minute requests for Frank? Frank. I'll be at the show on Thursday. I'll be the one with the sleepy eyed kid in tow. See you on the show floor? I hear they have 3 halls this year. Later Bill S. Sapsis Rigging, Inc. www.sapsis-rigging.com 800.727.7471 800.292.3851 fax 267.278.4561 mobile We stand behind, our work. and under, ------------------------------ Message-ID: From: "Eccleston, Mark" Subject: Motorized Turntable Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 07:02:56 -0500 I'm in the process of designing and building a motorized turntable for "James and The Giant Peach." Unfortunately I don't have much to go by. I've tried to look over the list archives, but they must still be down. I have an idea on how to do it, but I'm having trouble coming up with the details. I want to drive the turntable using a wheel on the outer edge, and would like to have some control over speed and stopping of the rotation. I envision the turntable being 8 to 10 feet in diameter. So, can anyone tell me what type of motor to use? More specifically, a model number or part number from Grainger or McMaster or some other vendor. What about the controls for it? Is there something I can buy or will I have to make a control? Does anyone have a plan for a motor mechanism? Something actually put down on paper? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Mark S. Eccleston Technical Director Fantasy Playhouse Children's Theatre Huntsville, Alabama email: Mark35816 [at] aol.com phone: 256-895-8575 ------------------------------ Message-Id: <5.1.0.14.0.20040616092737.01c92008 [at] watarts.uwaterloo.ca> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 10:04:09 -0400 From: Scott Spidell Subject: Atlantic Theatre Festival (was Canadian telephone) In-Reply-To: At 06:00 AM 6/16/2004, John Gibilisco wrote: > > They all claim him as their own ;-) > > The Canadians think of him as Canadian because he grew up there IIRC... > >Bell also finished his life in Canada. Cape Breton Island, Baddeck Nova >Scotia. Visiting the area his estate/museum was located is one of my >favorite spots to vacation. NS/PEI is positively the most scenic area I've >visited. Been there 3 times. Looking forward to going back. Maybe the North >Atlantic Theater Festival in Wolfville. > >John Gibilisco The Atlantic Theatre Festival closed it's doors at the end of April this year, sorry John. Cape Breton Island is one of the most beautiful places on earth though - I think Bell ended up there because it so resembles Scotland. He also flew the Silver Dart in Baddeck in 1904 (Canada's first airplane). Canadian inventions - the zipper! Scott ------------------------------ Message-Id: <5.2.0.9.2.20040616071855.02646ab0 [at] mail.sdsu.edu> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 07:27:45 -0700 From: Loren Schreiber Subject: Re: Spur or torque washers In-Reply-To: Yeah, I remember, as a young carpenter in the LSU scene shop putting 2x4 legs on to 2x4 framed platforms with carriage bolts and torque washers. The problem was to fit two platforms together, one had to countersink for the washer and the carriage bolt head. Of course, this was during a time when I was still putting corner blocks and real keystones on flats with clout nails. (And disco was king!) I don't have much use for carriage bolts these days. I prefer flathead machine screws. Installing the nut with an impact wrench doesn't even require a screwdriver (screwturner) on the other end. I don't often use 2x for framing these days either. Loren Schreiber Director of Technology and Production School of Theatre, Television and Film San Diego State University ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 10:36:24 -0400 From: thetd222 [at] email.unc.edu Subject: Re: Recycling Screws... Message-ID: <2252640.1087382184 [at] allynm.asntdomain1.cas.unc.edu> In-Reply-To: References: I TDed at a High School that recycled screws. Man, talk about a pain in the tokus. Almost every head was stripped out & a 5 gal. bucket only yielded about 1/2 lbs of good screws. After that experience, I ALWAYS throw away used screws at strike. The only things I save are bolts, washers, and nuts. Everything else goes into the trash. It's cheaper in the long run just to buy new screws when the stock gets low. (They're not that expensive. However, I know that when I become a TD for a theater in the Caribbean, that I will probably start recycling everything.) - Will Leonard Assistant Technical Director PlayMakers Repertory Company UNC- Chapel Hill http://WillTheTD.tripod.com ------------------------------ Message-Id: Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 10:59:14 -0400 From: Eddie Kramer Subject: Recall of Lutron controller power supply Press Relese from The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ##################### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 15, 2004 Release # 04-161 Lutron Recall Hotline: (800) 523-9466 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 CPSC, Basler Electric Co. and Lutron Electronics Announce Recall of Power Supply Units WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of product: DC power supply units Units: 3,000 Manufacturer: Basler Electric Co., of Highland, Ill. Hazard: The power supply, if overloaded, can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: Basler has received two reports of the power supply case overheating and melting; though, no injuries have been reported. Description: These recalled 12-volt DC power supply units were sold as an accessory power supply device for some of Lutron Electronic's wall stations and control interfaces, including some Grafik Eye 3000 lighting control systems. These systems were professionally installed in indoor commercial and residential settings for lighting and dimmer control applications. The power supplies are black plastic with "Basler Electric" and the model number "BE29736001" imprinted on the plug side. On the opposite side is a blue and white Lutron label with the number "GRX-12VDC." Lutron's Grafik Eye 3000 lighting system is not part of the recall. Sold at: Lutron sold these power supply devices to electrical distributors and contractors for use with lighting systems from January 1999 through March 2004. Manufactured in: Mexico Remedy: Consumers should contact Lutron Electronics to receive a free replacement power supply unit. Consumer Contact: Contact Lutron at (800) 523-9466 anytime, or send an e-mail to grx12vdc [at] lutron.com To view this press release online, use the following link: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04161.html -- -------------------- Eddie Kramer IATSE #1 Member NEC Panel 15 ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.1.1.1.0.20040616074828.029d24c8 [at] localhost> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 08:08:20 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: Peanuts, etc.... In-Reply-To: References: At 11:09 PM 6/15/2004, you wrote: >No, I expect everyone who 'produces food' to know exactly what's in it, >"on the basis" that THEY MADE IT!!!! To keep on topic, for Bill, if you >make a drop, and the fire marshall says, "is that fire-proofed >fabric?", would you think it OK to respond "I just made it. How should >I know???" There is a problem, what if you were asked for what chemicals were in the fabric you made it out of? I'll bet the fabric vendor will only give you a general idea of the main components, but not the acids used to polymerize it or otherwise treat it. As someone else mentioned, if you buy baked goods, the belt they were baked on is covered with flour (wheat, corn, crumbs from yesterday, or whatever else is cheap that day) to keep them from sticking. That's not on the label. If the restaurant buys ready made baked goods, they wouldn't have a clue what was on that belt (and no way to find out). I see lots of labels that say "spices, natural flavorings, natural color"...not a clue if there are peanuts, real nuts, or (in my case, ginger) in there. How about the "food grade" oil used to lube the machines, is today's oil made from nuts, tomorrow's from something else? There was a problem a while back where the machines making cans for Kosher food were lubed with lard-based oil...oops (milling machine coolant is traditionally a mix of lard and detergent). I have some diet soda here (zero calories per serving) and the third ingredient on the label is sugar! Obviously it's a low enough amount to not increase the calorie count, but if you were looking for sugar free, this isn't it. Here in California there's a law that says we have to warn people if our facility uses or contains "any detectable quantity of any substance known to cause cancer". Well, since the air, water, land, and even humans ALL contain carcinogens (not to mention cosmic rays passing through), we all wind up with a sign that just says "This facility contains substances known to the state of California to cause cancer." Not very helpful, is it? It's a tough problem with no simple answer. More people are getting sensitized to more substances just as we're using a wider variety in our products. Short of a portable test kit, I don't know how anyone can tell you what's in a product. ---------- Jerry Durand Durand Interstellar, Inc. 219 Oak Wood Way Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886 fax: +1 408 356-4659 web: www.interstellar.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: <011801c453b5$8ac10cb0$0202a8c0 [at] MyLastPC> From: "Paul Guncheon" References: Subject: Re: Carriage Bolts Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 05:21:04 -1000 > The jackpot answer is to insert a metal dowel, perpendicular to the bolt, > witha suitably tapped hole made across it into which an ordinary hex bolt > screws. > It's more trouble, but it's stronger, and easy to unfasten. From Shell: <> I know what he's talking about but I'm not sure it has much to do with the problem of spinning carriage bolt heads as the technique is not necessarily a replacement for the carriage bolt. Essentially you take piece of metal rod, large enough in diameter to drill and tap (Perpendicular to its length) for the preferred size bolt. drill a hole in the wood for the rod, and a hole perpendicular to it for your bolt. You basically get a similar result as using a threaded insert. It seems like a lot of work and to be honest, I have never done this. A lot of "Sauder" ("The Heft of Quality") furniture use devices like this for assembly of their bookcase and other carcasses. The technique is vaguely similar to drilling a hole and inserting a wood dowel perpendicular to the grain near the end of a board that is going to receive screws in its end grain. The screws hit the dowels and have something to "bite" into. Laters, Paul "I cut off the bottoms of my levis so they wouldn't drag in the mud," said Tom hygienically. ------------------------------ Message-ID: <011901c453b5$bf85cee0$0202a8c0 [at] MyLastPC> From: "Paul Guncheon" References: Subject: Re: Screw up? Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 05:22:33 -1000 Is it me or at the beginning of the article on the "Phillips" screw: http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blscrewdriver.htm isn't that a picture of a lag bolt? Laters, Paul "Thanks for shredding the cheese," Tom said gratefully. ------------------------------ Message-Id: In-Reply-To: References: Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 11:36:49 -0400 From: Rigger Subject: Re: Screw up? At 5:22 AM -1000 6/16/04, Paul Guncheon wrote: >Is it me or at the beginning of the article on the "Phillips" screw: >http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blscrewdriver.htm >isn't that a picture of a lag bolt? Why yes; yes, it is. (or, more properly, a lag screw, but your point is well made nonetheless) -- Dave Vick, IATSE #274 Head Electrician, The Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University Carpe Per Diem ------------------------------ From: Bsapsis [at] aol.com Message-ID: <112.33e4b810.2e01c35e [at] aol.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 11:38:06 EDT Subject: Re: Motorized Turntable In a message dated 6/16/04 8:03:42 AM, MEccleston [at] DRS-TEM.com writes: << So, can anyone tell me what type of motor to use? More specifically, a model number or part number from Grainger or McMaster or some other vendor. What about the controls for it? Is there something I can buy or will I have to make a control? Does anyone have a plan for a motor mechanism? Something actually put down on paper? >> You really can't get a "turntable motor" from those guys. They will sell you components but not the final unit. You will need a gear box, variable speed motor and a controller. Not that I'm looking for more work or anything, but I think you would be better off...timewise and financially...if you bough a unit from a theatrical type rigging dealer type.......like Me! Yes, it will cost you more, but if you go the do it yourself route you are going to spend a hell of a lot of time sourcing the gear, returning gear that's wrong, waiting for back orders, etc, etc., ad nauseum. Meanwhile, a rigging type company, like mine, can put the whole thing together for you in short order. Bill S. Sapsis Rigging, Inc. www.sapsis-rigging.com 800.727.7471 800.292.3851 fax 267.278.4561 mobile We stand behind, our work. and under, ------------------------------ From: Subject: Re: Peanuts, etc.... Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 11:40:58 -0400 Message-Id: <20040616154058.KNWS1534.de-fe01.dejazzd.com [at] de-fe01> > label. If the restaurant buys ready made baked goods, they wouldn't have a > clue what was on that belt (and no way to find out). With the 17 year Cicadas that just went through here there were a plethora of article in the paper on them. A couple on the gathering, storage, cooking, and eating of them. I found a startling fact that the average american eats 2 pounds of insects a year due to a variety of factors including the acceptable limits included in food prepertion. I have yet to see any form of insect included on an ingredient label. Someone posed the question on how this topic first got posted? I think I missed the inital post. All I saw was the start of Dave Vick's post: >Sandy wrote: > >> > >OK, enough... Reality lives somewhere south of your post >and north >of the post you're responding to. Dave, I still can't find Sandy's post. Greg Bierly Hempfield HS ------------------------------ Message-Id: In-Reply-To: References: Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 11:45:02 -0400 From: Rigger Subject: Re: Peanuts, etc.... At 11:40 AM -0400 6/16/04, wrote: > Dave, I still can't find Sandy's post. Ayup. Probably because I had a force-ten brain fart and responded here to a post over in the RATS newsgroup... Ooops. It sucks, getting old. -- Dave Vick, IATSE #274 Head Electrician, The Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University Carpe Per Diem ------------------------------ Message-Id: In-Reply-To: References: Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 11:45:02 -0400 From: Rigger Subject: Re: Peanuts, etc.... At 11:40 AM -0400 6/16/04, wrote: > Dave, I still can't find Sandy's post. Ayup. Probably because I had a force-ten brain fart and responded here to a post over in the RATS newsgroup... Ooops. It sucks, getting old. -- Dave Vick, IATSE #274 Head Electrician, The Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University Carpe Per Diem ------------------------------ Message-ID: <1920.129.252.241.105.1087404310.squirrel [at] webmail.columbia.sc> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 12:45:10 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Motorized Turntable From: usctd [at] columbia.sc Does it need variable speed? Are hydraulics an option at your theatre? -- Eric Rouse TD-University of SC, Columbia Freelance Foyboy > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > I'm in the process of designing and building a motorized turntable for > "James and The Giant Peach." Unfortunately I don't have much to go by. > I've > tried to look over the list archives, but they must still be down. I have > an > idea on how to do it, but I'm having trouble coming up with the details. I > want to drive the turntable using a wheel on the outer edge, and would > like > to have some control over speed and stopping of the rotation. I envision > the > turntable being 8 to 10 feet in diameter. > > So, can anyone tell me what type of motor to use? More specifically, a > model > number or part number from Grainger or McMaster or some other vendor. What > about the controls for it? Is there something I can buy or will I have to > make a control? Does anyone have a plan for a motor mechanism? Something > actually put down on paper? > > Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks! > > Mark S. Eccleston > Technical Director > Fantasy Playhouse Children's Theatre > Huntsville, Alabama > email: Mark35816 [at] aol.com > phone: 256-895-8575 > ------------------------------ Message-ID: <40D0715F.1060909 [at] northnet.net> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 11:12:15 -0500 From: Shawn Palmer Subject: Re: Peanuts, etc.... References: In-Reply-To: gbierly [at] dejazzd.com wrote: >With the 17 year Cicadas that just went through here there were a >plethora of article in the paper on them. A couple on the gathering, >storage, cooking, and eating of them. I found a startling fact that >the average american eats 2 pounds of insects a year due to a variety >of factors including the acceptable limits included in food prepertion. >I have yet to see any form of insect included on an ingredient label. As a means of perpetuating this new tangent :-) When I was a child I read an article in Consumer Reports or something similar. The article was about peanut butter. It seems (at least at the time of the article) that Skippy peanut butter has (had) the fewest crickets and other insects in it. Freaked me right out. Fortunately we were already eating Skippy :-) I know insects are high in protein and many parts of the world eat them as a regular part of their diet. IT still didn't sit too well when I was about eight years old. It was really cool to pick the skazillions of split Cicada skins off our apricot tree. Never willingly ate them, though. My sister-in-law is in charge of the Midwest Region for the FDA. So at least I know where not to eat as far as nasty violations go (and those restaurants that just BARELY pass.) Shawn P. Neenah WI USA ------------------------------ From: Bsapsis [at] aol.com Message-ID: <78.59a6ed96.2e01d39c [at] aol.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 12:47:24 EDT Subject: Re: Motorized Turntable In a message dated 6/16/04 12:03:51 PM, usctd [at] columbia.sc writes: << Does it need variable speed? Are hydraulics an option at your theatre? >> Don't even think about doing this without a variable speed motor. If you use a single speed motor, the speed will be OK for the director only at the first production meeting. It will be wrong for the rest of the time. If you use a single speed AC motor, you will need some way to put an acceleration ramp and a deceleration ramp into it. Unless, of course, you like the image of the actors getting thrown off the thing. Bill S. Sapsis Rigging, Inc. www.sapsis-rigging.com 800.727.7471 800.292.3851 fax 267.278.4561 mobile We stand behind, our work. and under, ------------------------------ Subject: Success has many fathers Message-ID: From: Marty_Petlock [at] sarasotagov.com Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 13:00:33 -0400 Charley wrote: Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004 17:20:35 +0100 (BST) From: Charlie Richmond Subject: Re: Canadian telephone In-Reply-To: Message-ID: References: On Tue, 15 Jun 2004, Simon Shuker wrote: > Am I missing something here I always thought Bell was Scottish? "A pioneer in the field of telecommunications, Alexander Graham Bell was born in 1847 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He moved to Ontario, and then to the United States, settling in Boston, before beginning his career as an inventor." They all claim him as their own ;-) The Canadians think of him as Canadian because he grew up there IIRC... Charlie Not surprising that so many want to claim a genius as one of their own. I'd sure like to find the guy who will admit to being responsible for my orchestra shell. Marty Petlock Technical Facilities Manager Van Wezel P.A.H. Sarasota, FL. ------------------------------ From: "Delbert Hall" Subject: Re: Motorized Turntable Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 13:13:53 -0400 Organization: ETSU Message-ID: <000101c453c5$4d1d8720$6400a8c0 [at] delbert> In-Reply-To: We have built a number of variable speed performer flying systems lately, so we have experience addressing all of the problems associated with motors, controllers, drives, acceleration/deceleration, gear reducers, programming, etc. Contact me privately to discuss what we can do for you. -Delbert Hall Hall Associates, Inc. -----Original Message----- I'm in the process of designing and building a motorized turntable for "James and The Giant Peach." Unfortunately I don't have much to go by. (Snip) ------------------------------ Subject: Re: wisdom of crowds Message-ID: From: Marty_Petlock [at] sarasotagov.com Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 13:23:40 -0400 "The usefulness of a meeting is in inverse proportion to the attendance" Lane Kirkland respectfully, Marty Petlock Technical Facilities Manager Van Wezel P.A.H. Sarasota, FL. ------------------------------ Message-ID: <03a101c453c7$ff33f910$0600a8c0 [at] alf> From: "Alf Sauve" References: Subject: Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 13:30:42 -0400 Let's do some math folks. At 0.01 cent apiece if you recover 10 screws a minute then you're saving $6/hour. How much is your time worth? How much to do you pay the person who is sorting? Or couldn't they be doing something more profitable? I value my time at considerably more than $6/hour. That's why I don't bother. Alf ----- Original Message ----- From: To: "Stagecraft" Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2004 10:36 AM Subject: Re: Recycling Screws... > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > I TDed at a High School that recycled screws. Man, talk about a pain in > the tokus. Almost every head was stripped out & a 5 gal. bucket only > yielded about 1/2 lbs of good screws. After that experience, I ALWAYS > throw away used screws at strike. The only things I save are bolts, > washers, and nuts. Everything else goes into the trash. It's cheaper in > the long run just to buy new screws when the stock gets low. (They're not > that expensive. However, I know that when I become a TD for a theater in > the Caribbean, that I will probably start recycling everything.) > > - Will Leonard > Assistant Technical Director > PlayMakers Repertory Company > UNC- Chapel Hill > http://WillTheTD.tripod.com > ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <1e8.2309069d.2e01e0ca [at] aol.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 13:43:38 EDT Subject: Re: Frank in London In a message dated 16/06/04 11:35:50 GMT Daylight Time, Bsapsis [at] aol.com writes: > Off to London for ABTT. Any last minute requests for Frank? > > Frank. I'll be at the show on Thursday. I'll be the one with the sleepy > eyed kid in tow. > See you on the show floor? I hear they have 3 halls this year. That's true. I dropped in today, really to see what was there. There's a downstairs hall in the back building, which I nearly missed. One or two interesting things, such as a Source Four follow-spot, with a ball bearing yoke and a good pivot. Also, a profile with the shutters and lenses adjustable by rings towards the rear of the lantern. A motorised version is planned. I'll be there tomorrow, as well. Frank Wood ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <141.2c2f36fc.2e01e326 [at] aol.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 13:53:42 EDT Subject: Re: Carriage Bolts In a message dated 16/06/04 16:21:36 GMT Daylight Time, paul.guncheon [at] verizon.net writes: > I know what he's talking about but I'm not sure it has much to do with the > problem of spinning carriage bolt heads as the technique is not necessarily > a replacement for the carriage bolt. > > Essentially you take piece of metal rod, large enough in diameter to drill > and tap (Perpendicular to its length) for the preferred size bolt. drill a > hole in the wood for the rod, and a hole perpendicular to it for your bolt. > You basically get a similar result as using a threaded insert. It seems > like a lot of work and to be honest, I have never done this. A lot of > "Sauder" ("The Heft of Quality") furniture use devices like this for > assembly of their bookcase and other carcasses. And many other flatpack manufacturers. I learned of the method from a book about restoring cars, old enough to have wood framed bodies. The door hinges were often fitted with coach bolts. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Message-ID: <40D08EA6.9060203 [at] peak.org> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 11:17:10 -0700 From: Pat Kight Subject: Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all References: In-Reply-To: Alf Sauve wrote: >Let's do some math folks. At 0.01 cent apiece if you recover 10 screws a >minute then you're saving $6/hour. How much is your time worth? How much >to do you pay the person who is sorting? Or couldn't they be doing >something more profitable? > Well, let's see. The person sorting the screws at our set strikes doesn't get paid a dime. Neither do I. Nor do the other 300-plus workers at our all-volunteer community theater. However, we do produce 9-10 shows a year on an annual operating budget (including building mortgage) that's less than many of you spend on a single set. So, yeah, sorting screws is a pain, but for some of us, the economics not only pencil out, they're part of a re-use/recycle/make do philosophy that keeps us in the black. Not to mention something to do with the, um, tool-challenged folks who stand around at set strike asking "what do you want me to do now?" (Just a gentle reminder that not everyone who reads or contributes to the stagecraft list is actually getting paid to do this stuff ...) -- Pat Kight Albany (Ore.) Civic Theater kightp [at] peak.org ------------------------------ Message-ID: <004101c453d0$e3889aa0$0200a8c0 [at] om.cox.net> From: "John Gibilisco" References: Subject: Re: Atlantic Theatre Festival (was Canadian telephone) Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 13:36:50 -0500 From: "Scott Spidell" Subject: Atlantic Theatre Festival (was Canadian telephone) > The Atlantic Theatre Festival closed it's doors at the end of April this > year, sorry John. Cape Breton Island is one of the most beautiful places on > earth though - I think Bell ended up there because it so resembles > Scotland. Well, that is very sad news. So much for the "Busman's Holiday"! ;-) Do you happen to know if the venue has a tenet? As I recall it was a very nice space for the community. Maybe the college utilizes it? Acadia College? John Gibilisco Omaha Playhouse ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20040616185954.55425.qmail [at] web50508.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 11:59:54 -0700 (PDT) From: James Kosmatka Subject: Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all In-Reply-To: --- Alf Sauve wrote: > Let's do some math folks. At 0.01 cent apiece if > you recover 10 screws a > minute then you're saving $6/hour. How much is your > time worth? How much > to do you pay the person who is sorting? Or > couldn't they be doing > something more profitable? *tongue-in-cheek* As a student employee and a summerstock carpenter, my time came out to be in the neighborhood of $2/hour. When I was a stagecraft lab student, my time was about -$10/hour. So as far as Ashland University was concerned, they were in the black between four and sixteen dollars per hour when they were having me sort screws. Though that was very rare. */tongue-in-cheek* It's possible to strike a nice balance between conservation and making good use of your time. Got a wall of flats held together more or less exclusively by one type of screw? Drop your 1-1/4" in one general pile, toss the occasional 1-5/8" or what have you into the sweeping area for trash. There is more than one way to skin a cat, and to save money. Mind you, this is from some whose experience has only been in the penny-pinching/dollar-stretching world of being a student. -james ------------------------------ From: "Kacey Fisher" Subject: Re: Peanuts, etc.... Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 15:03:47 -0400 Message-ID: In-Reply-To: > At 11:09 PM 6/15/2004, you wrote: > >No, I expect everyone who 'produces food' to know exactly what's in it, > >"on the basis" that THEY MADE IT!!!! To keep on topic, for Bill, if you > >make a drop, and the fire marshall says, "is that fire-proofed > >fabric?", would you think it OK to respond "I just made it. How should > >I know???" > > There is a problem, what if you were asked for what chemicals were in the > fabric you made it out of? I'll bet the fabric vendor will only > give you a > general idea of the main components, but not the acids used to polymerize > it or otherwise treat it. > But I think what Steve was asking for is reasonable. The person who baked the brownies doesn't need to know that they used something specifically with gluten, but he does expect that if they baked them to say, well it contains eggs, white flour, and butter. Or, I used Pillsbury mix and added whatever. That's not the same as aksing what chemicals were in the fabric-it's knowing that it's 20oz velour bought from Rosebrand. And the person who has an issue can know they happen to be allergic to the 20oz velour that Rosebrand sells. And to try to tie THIS thread back into Stagecraft-it's the same as us notifying the audience that there are fog effects, strobes, or cigarrettes being smoked in a show so someone who has asthma or is prone to seizures can take proper precautions. ~Kacey ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20040616195144.62334.qmail [at] web20328.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 12:51:44 -0700 (PDT) From: beth heermann Subject: Re: Homemade RP screen In-Reply-To: Loren- Was the visqeen treated in some way so that it would not be as flammable? Other list folk- For those who don't know, visqueen not only carries a flame, but also drops flaming balls of molten plastic which can set other things on fire. I should mention that I have not flame tested the shower curtain liner. So, if you choose to use it you may want to test it first. Beth Verda Beth Heermann Assistant Technical Director (Dance) Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Assistant Professor of Theatre University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign --- Loren Schreiber wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > > --------------------------------------------------- > > Hey y'all, > > I've been away ropin' cattle on a ranch in New > Mexico, so I'm just now > catching up to the list. > > I think someone asked about a cheap alternative to > commercially available > rear projection screens. Oddly enough, that is one > of my entries in the > next Tech Expo in Toronto. Simply cover your screen > frame with a sheet of > visqueen--regular old "clear" visqueen--and then > medium weight muslin. The > visqueen knocks the point source of the projector > down pretty well and the > muslin provides the projection surface. You can't > beat it for the price. > This works especially well when the projection > surface also needs to be > painted or dyed. > > And speaking of the Tech Expo: how about all you > brilliant problem-solvers > on this list share a little of your brilliance with > the rest of us at the > upcoming 10th Biennial Tech Expo? It's part of the > USITT Stage Expo and > convention in Toronto next March. I've seen some > wonderful solutions to > myriad problems discussed on this list--why not > write up a little something > about your idea and send it in with an official > entry form available from > the USITT website? Need more information? Drop me a > line. > > Loren Schreiber > Chair, USITT Tech Expo Committee > > __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - 100MB free storage! http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20040616200733.67101.qmail [at] web20327.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 13:07:33 -0700 (PDT) From: beth heermann Subject: Re: Welding In-Reply-To: If you are just looking for a refresher, then consider contacting your local welding supply. Many of these companies have certified welding instructors (the guys who certify certified welders). You can often hire instructors for individual sessions in your shop with your equipment. They can show you the ins and outs of your particular machines. Many can also bring equipment out of their rental stock if necessary. We have held workshops for the shop staff and building operations department - maybe 6-8 people per session. Each session was $300-400 (for 4 hours), but that was for 6-8 people. If that doesn't seem economical, or you are the only one needing the refresher in your shop, you may want to contact them anyway as these guys often teach the classes at local colleges and could point you in the right direction. Good luck. Beth Verda Beth Heermann Assistant Technical Director (Dance) Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Assistant Professor of Theatre University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign --- Rob Carovillano wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > > --------------------------------------------------- > > I am looking to take a refresher course in welding > and I am having > difficulty finding a place that offers individual > courses and not whole > programs. The one place I had found cancelled its > continuing education > program. Anyone know where I can take a welding > course in the Philadelphia > area? > > Rob Carovillano > Technical Director > Bluett Theatre > Saint Joseph's University > rcarovil [at] sju.edu > > __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone. http://mobile.yahoo.com/maildemo ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 13:30:07 -0700 Subject: Re: Recall of Lutron controller power supply Message-ID: <20040616.134806.2400.1.ladesigners [at] juno.com> From: Richard Niederberg Thank You, Eddie! /s/ Richard > Press Relese from The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission > Eddie Kramer Member NEC Panel 15 ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the Internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the Web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! ------------------------------ Message-ID: <007701c453eb$69c2a380$6501a8c0 [at] cz1lbfinkbrlun> From: "Chad Croteau" Subject: S4 Issues Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 17:46:41 -0400 Hey everyone. I've got a question concerning some new source four ellipsoidals recently purchased by the university I attend. We're having two major issues with several instruments in the order. The first issues is that on some instruments, you can never really fuzz out the focus. You'll always have a fairly sharp edge to the beam of light. This is usually accompanied by a distinct shadow being cast by each of the clips that support the lenses in place in the barrel. Any ideas on what would cause this? We've checked the lense placement within the barrel, as well as the lense shape themselves and their orientation (flat vs. convex face facing what direction). Also bench focused the instruments in question extensively, but to no avail. The second problem is with beam spread. We've had a situation that's come up with a few of the 50º barrels where one 50 will look like it has the appropriate spread, and the second will have a spread somewhere between a 26 and a 36. Again, we've checked the lenses, their placement, orientation, etc. but found nothing to suggest that something's wrong. Any ideas? Thanks in advance for any suggestions you guys might be able to give! Chad ------------------------------ Message-ID: <03f301c453ec$5c7b2ca0$0600a8c0 [at] alf> From: "Alf Sauve" References: Subject: Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 17:48:34 -0400 Looking at things backwards. You have people, whom if you paid minimum wage, would cost you, including payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, etc, around $16/hour. You are using that capital to profit you $6/hour. A poor economic argument. True that's $6/hour more than you had, but you're wasting $10/hr (or more) in opportunity. The time would be better spent doing other things. Alf ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pat Kight" To: "Stagecraft" Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2004 14:17 PM Subject: Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Alf Sauve wrote: > > >Let's do some math folks. At 0.01 cent apiece if you recover 10 screws a > >minute then you're saving $6/hour. How much is your time worth? How much > >to do you pay the person who is sorting? Or couldn't they be doing > >something more profitable? > > > Well, let's see. The person sorting the screws at our set strikes > doesn't get paid a dime. Neither do I. Nor do the other 300-plus workers > at our all-volunteer community theater. > > However, we do produce 9-10 shows a year on an annual operating budget > (including building mortgage) that's less than many of you spend on a > single set. > > So, yeah, sorting screws is a pain, but for some of us, the economics > not only pencil out, they're part of a re-use/recycle/make do philosophy > that keeps us in the black. Not to mention something to do with the, > um, tool-challenged folks who stand around at set strike asking "what do > you want me to do now?" > > (Just a gentle reminder that not everyone who reads or contributes to > the stagecraft list is actually getting paid to do this stuff ...) > > -- > Pat Kight > Albany (Ore.) Civic Theater > kightp [at] peak.org > > > > ------------------------------ From: IAEG [at] aol.com Message-ID: <1a4.252a5421.2e021e54 [at] aol.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 18:06:12 EDT Subject: Re: Success has many fathers In a message dated 6/16/04 9:59:01 AM, Marty_Petlock [at] sarasotagov.com writes: << Not surprising that so many want to claim a genius as one of their own. I'd sure like to find the guy who will admit to being responsible for my orchestra shell. Marty Petlock Technical Facilities Manager Van Wezel P.A.H. Sarasota, FL. >> he's doing 5 - 7 years isn't he ? very best, Keith Arsenault IAEG - International Arts & Entertainment Group Tampa, Florida ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <1db.242363ca.2e022301 [at] aol.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 18:26:09 EDT Subject: Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all In a message dated 16/06/04 21:03:24 GMT Daylight Time, kightp [at] peak.org=20 writes: > (Just a gentle reminder that not everyone who reads or contributes to=20 > the stagecraft list is actually getting paid to do this stuff ...) All too true. When I worked for outside companies, I got anything from =A350= a=20 week to a bottle of Scotch. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Message-ID: <40D0CC44.90708 [at] peak.org> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 15:40:04 -0700 From: Pat Kight Subject: Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all References: In-Reply-To: Alf Sauve wrote: >Looking at things backwards. You have people, whom if you paid minimum >wage, would cost you, including payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, etc, >around $16/hour. You are using that capital to profit you $6/hour. A >poor economic argument. True that's $6/hour more than you had, but you're >wasting $10/hr (or more) in opportunity. > >The time would be better spent doing other things. > > When there are more bodies at a set strike than jobs for them to do, sorting screws can be a pretty cost-effective way to spend some of that human capital, Alf, especially when it comes in the form of 13-year-olds who'd rather chat with each other than work. Give 'em a bucket of screws and send them out on the loading dock and they can both gossip *and* work ... and they won't be in the way of the folks who are actually doing those other things you mention. -- Pat Kight kightp [at] peak.org ------------------------------ From: "Delbert Hall" Subject: Re: Success has many fathers Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 20:41:47 -0400 Organization: ETSU Message-ID: <001001c45403$ef12d380$6400a8c0 [at] delbert> In-Reply-To: In a message dated 6/16/04 9:59:01 AM, Marty_Petlock [at] sarasotagov.com writes: I'd sure like to find the guy who will admit to being responsible for my orchestra shell. Marty Petlock Technical Facilities Manager Van Wezel P.A.H. Sarasota, FL. >> Keith A. responded: he's doing 5 - 7 years isn't he ? Delbert responds: I've seen this shell, and I think he deserved at least that. ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20040616175908.01841a00 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 17:59:08 From: CB Subject: Help! LCD Projector-- Speaker Stand Pole Mount? >does anyone >have a different solution? This is for a portable outdoor cinema rig, the >projector needs to sit about 6' high, and I'm just about out of space in the >truck. I usually stack cases and drape 'em. Two three foot long cases on end usually do the trick. Anyhoo, if anyone knows what he's talking about, send it to the list, as I may be interested as well. Chris "Chris" Babbie Location Sound MON AZ Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment. Rates negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment... ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20040616180722.01841a00 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 18:07:22 From: CB Subject: Re: Screws >I am still trying to have a bit more maneuverability >between budgets :-) "For the next show we need a bunch of speakers. It cost HOW much to build them?!? Well, we'll just have to get them pre-made, then, from EAW or somebody." Creative budget, eight years working within the constraints of a 501.c3 corp funded by the city and the local cable company. Great training in creative writing. Chris "Chris" Babbie Location Sound MON AZ Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment. Rates negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment... ------------------------------ From: MissWisc [at] aol.com Message-ID: <1d6.240a7db6.2e0253d5 [at] aol.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 21:54:29 EDT Subject: Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all Cc: kightp [at] peak.org I agree with Pat - as an educational tool "What kind of hardware is this and how long is it?" can be a good thing for school kids and community volunteers to do. If anything we know from this list, what works for me may be exactly wrong for you. Kristi ------------------------------ Message-ID: <047c01c4540f$f22fd480$0600a8c0 [at] alf> From: "Alf Sauve" References: Subject: Re: Success has many fathers - But failure only one Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 21:49:55 -0400 Wasn't this the same guy who made the counterweight bucket too small on the Longboat Key bridge? And the same one that designed the initial paving on I-75 which lasted all of 6 months? Speaking of government agencies, is Ricky Nations still in politics down there? Alf RHS '66 > > In a message dated 6/16/04 9:59:01 AM, Marty_Petlock [at] sarasotagov.com > writes: > > I'd > sure like to find the guy who will admit to being responsible for my > orchestra shell. > > Marty Petlock > Technical Facilities Manager > Van Wezel P.A.H. > Sarasota, FL. >> > ------------------------------ From: "Jason" References: Subject: Re: Success has many fathers Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 19:20:34 -0700 Message-ID: ----- Original Message ----- You and me both! Left the theater that used the one I dealt with 2 years ago the very last I worked I put the thing together explained all the color codes the easy way of putting it together. And guess what showed up at another theater for 2 shows that same piece of crap and had to show them how to put it together again. Goes to show you that you can't run or hide anymore. From: > > Not surprising that so many want to claim a genius as one of their own. I'd > sure like to find the guy who will admit to being responsible for my > orchestra shell. > > > Marty Petlock > Technical Facilities Manager > Van Wezel P.A.H. > Sarasota, FL. > > > ------------------------------ Message-ID: <40D136C9.6050505 [at] comcast.net> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 23:14:33 -0700 From: mat goebel Subject: Weird Dimmer Problem -- help! Dummy Loads? Here is a problem Ive run into at work, and for the life of me I can figure it out. In a leprechon touring rack, we have socapex running into the house, breaks out, goes to a bubble machine. Hardpatch the multi to any dimmer in the rack. Depressing "fixture test" on the rack for that dimmer brings the bubble machine on. So far, so good. Dimmer check on the lighting board, dimmer 97 at full, enter. yields nothing. Hard patching another multi that has a load on it (ie a 6-by) brings on the light (duh) AND the bubble machine. Unpatching the load (light) turn off the light (duh) AND the bubble machine (wtf?). Keep in mind, the strange behaviour occurs only when controlling the dimmer from the console, the fixture test buttons on the rack works fine WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?! and further, how can I create a decent dummy load so that this damned thing will work before we open to the public on saturday? -- Mat G. Entertainment Technical Services Paramount's Great America "Remember kids, an *actor* shot Abe Lincoln." ------------------------------ Message-ID: <003401c4543d$9e388920$0a01a8c0 [at] Tony> From: "Tony Deeming" References: Subject: Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 08:35:09 +0100 Alf - I think you missed (or ignored) the bit about many people being unpaid, so this math doesn't actually have any relevance! 8-))) Ynot ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alf Sauve" To: "Stagecraft" Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2004 10:48 PM Subject: Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Looking at things backwards. You have people, whom if you paid minimum > wage, would cost you, including payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, etc, > around $16/hour. You are using that capital to profit you $6/hour. A > poor economic argument. True that's $6/hour more than you had, but you're > wasting $10/hr (or more) in opportunity. > > The time would be better spent doing other things. > > Alf > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Pat Kight" > To: "Stagecraft" > Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2004 14:17 PM > Subject: Re: Recycling Screws...the economics of it all > > > > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > > --------------------------------------------------- > > > > Alf Sauve wrote: > > > > >Let's do some math folks. At 0.01 cent apiece if you recover 10 screws a > > >minute then you're saving $6/hour. How much is your time worth? How > much > > >to do you pay the person who is sorting? Or couldn't they be doing > > >something more profitable? > > > > > Well, let's see. The person sorting the screws at our set strikes > > doesn't get paid a dime. Neither do I. Nor do the other 300-plus workers > > at our all-volunteer community theater. > > > > However, we do produce 9-10 shows a year on an annual operating budget > > (including building mortgage) that's less than many of you spend on a > > single set. > > > > So, yeah, sorting screws is a pain, but for some of us, the economics > > not only pencil out, they're part of a re-use/recycle/make do philosophy > > that keeps us in the black. Not to mention something to do with the, > > um, tool-challenged folks who stand around at set strike asking "what do > > you want me to do now?" > > > > (Just a gentle reminder that not everyone who reads or contributes to > > the stagecraft list is actually getting paid to do this stuff ...) > > > > -- > > Pat Kight > > Albany (Ore.) Civic Theater > > kightp [at] peak.org > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------ Message-ID: <004c01c45442$2089e820$0a01a8c0 [at] Tony> From: "Tony Deeming" References: Subject: Re: Weird Dimmer Problem -- help! Dummy Loads? Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 09:07:25 +0100 ----- Original Message ----- From: "mat goebel" > > In a leprechon touring rack, we have socapex running into the house, > breaks out, goes to a bubble machine. Hardpatch the multi to any dimmer > in the rack. Depressing "fixture test" on the rack for that dimmer > brings the bubble machine on. So far, so good. > > Dimmer check on the lighting board, dimmer 97 at full, enter. yields > nothing. Hard patching another multi that has a load on it (ie a 6-by) > brings on the light (duh) AND the bubble machine. Unpatching the load > (light) turn off the light (duh) AND the bubble machine (wtf?). > > Keep in mind, the strange behaviour occurs only when controlling the > dimmer from the console, the fixture test buttons on the rack works fine > > WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?! > > and further, how can I create a decent dummy load so that this damned > thing will work before we open to the public on saturday? > > -- > Mat G. First things first, you've sort of answered your own question in a way. To clarify the situation: Many dimmers (partic the older or cheaper ones) don't like low powered items, and as such will need a ballast, or dummy load, as you quite rightly say. However, the bubble machine is NOT an item I would sanction running off a dimmed outlet - at best you'll have the sort of problems you're recounting, at worst, you risk damaging either the machine or the dimmer channel. Simply hitting the 'test' button on your rack is not surprisingly bringing the machine on, as you're sending a hard-switched full waveform mains signal to it. BUT by using the dimmer, you may find that the mains power even at full 'throttle' is still not a perfect sine wave - there still may be some 'clipping' of the waveform, which could well be enough to stop the machine from working. It would appear that putting a dummy load on the same channel helps that - it may even smooth out some part of the wave, hence enable the machine to work, but this is FAR from acceptable. Question - do your Leprecon racks have a switch, of software option to allow any channels to be turned into switched live circuits controlled by the desk? (Our ETC's do, and it's invaluable). If so, there's your answer. If they don't, I would have to recommend that you either look at a quick hire of a DMX switch pack, or have the machine powered locally from a wall socket outlet. I have to say I would not recommend you continue trying to run this on a dimmer channel. Hope this helps. Ynot ------------------------------ End of Stagecraft Digest #43 ****************************