Return-Path: X-Processed-By: Virex 7 on prxy.net X-Real-To: stagecraftlist [at] theatrical.net Received: by prxy.net (CommuniGate Pro PIPE 4.2.6) with PIPE id 5266930; Tue, 23 Nov 2004 03:00:14 -0800 X-ListServer: CommuniGate Pro LIST 4.2.6 List-Unsubscribe: List-ID: Message-ID: From: "Stagecraft" Sender: "Stagecraft" To: "Stagecraft" Precedence: list Subject: Stagecraft Digest #204 Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 03:00:04 -0800 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Content-Disposition: inline X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 3.0.1 (2004-10-22) on prxy.net X-Spam-Status: No, score=-5.1 required=5.0 tests=ALL_TRUSTED,AWL,BAYES_00 autolearn=ham version=3.0.1 X-Spam-Level: X-TFF-CGPSA-Version: 1.4f2 X-prxy-Spam-Filter: Scanned For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Stagecraft Digest, Issue #204 1. Re: 12v by "Paul Guncheon" 2. Re: 12v by "Michael J. Banvard" 3. Re: Surtitles,,, again by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 4. Re: Surtitles,,, again by Boyd Ostroff 5. AutoCAD question by Michael Heinicke 6. Re: Dimmer and transformer question by Ron Cargile 7. Re: Dimmer and transformer question by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 8. Re: Surtitles,,, again by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 9. FW: References by Luis Ramirez 10. Re: FW: References by David Marks 11. Re: Surtitles,,, again by John McKernon 12. Re: References by Herrick Goldman 13. Help! ETC soft patch question by patrick_kevin [at] colstate.edu 14. Re: Help! ETC soft patch question by John McKernon 15. Re: Help! ETC soft patch question by Greg Persinger 16. Re: FW: References by "Sean Culligan" 17. Re: Help! ETC soft patch question by "John Vink" 18. Re: USITT Workshop: Let's Get the Show on the Road by William McLachlan 19. Re: USITT Workshop: Let's Get the Show on the Road by Wood Chip-P26398 20. Re: FW: References by Stephen Litterst 21. Re: Surtitles,,, again by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 22. Wanted - S4 26 degree lenses. by "Tony" 23. Electric Cooler Suitable for Touring by "Andy Leviss" 24. Re: Electric Cooler Suitable for Touring by "Jonathan S. Deull" 25. Re: Electric Cooler Suitable for Touring by "Andy Leviss" 26. Theater selling equpment. Including the walls. by Scott Parker 27. Re: Dimmer and transformer question by Stuart Wheaton 28. Re: Electric Cooler Suitable for Touring by Greg Bierly 29. Re: 45-pct Proportional Patch - CAUTION by DanSLDME [at] aol.com 30. Re: 45-pct Proportional Patch - CAUTION by David Duffy 31. Re: 45-pct Proportional Patch - CAUTION by DanSLDME [at] aol.com *** 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message-ID: <006101c4d09e$a04b8310$0202a8c0 [at] MyLastPC> From: "Paul Guncheon" References: Subject: Re: 12v Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 04:21:56 -1000 I sent this in a few days ago but I've not seen it posted... but then I didn't receive #201... < Subject: RE: 12v Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 08:38:40 -0600 In-Reply-To: Message-Id: Well, on the Rep/Makita's behalf, it is very hard to determine the max load on an impact drill, because the resistance of that being driven factors very highly. The more the drill just spins, the less draw on the battery. If the impact has to kick in to get things moving, then the draw has to increase. Note that an impact wrench never runs "full out." The impacts are for split seconds, with a small interval between them. Under full load I would GUESS that full draw is achieved no more than 40% of the time, and that number is likely lower still. Consider that reaching full load on an impact drill would mean that the thing being driven would not move under force, and your wrist would likely get torqued all to hell. Since this is the point to stop using the tool suggests that you will never run the tool under full load for more than a second, unless you are indeed stronger than the drill. So, since Makita can't come up with a rating, ask for a usage time after a full battery charge. I'll guarantee that it is longer than 6 minutes, but if you could hold an impact drill under load for 6 minutes, you'll probably be ready for a break almost as long as the charge time. Hope this helps, - Michael Michael J. Banvard SRI Midwest Saint Louis, Missouri (866) 773-1174 (314) 629-3644 (314) 773-1174 fax http://www.sapsis-rigging.com ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <158.44696425.2ed37f52 [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 12:43:46 EST Subject: Re: Surtitles,,, again In a message dated 22/11/04 02:33:02 GMT Standard Time, slitterst [at] ithaca.edu writes: > I've had just about enough this time, Frank. The technique he "proposed" > is not nonsense. It is a real, working solution that many of us on the > list have used in real-world applications. Perhaps I should have said "at best, unsatisfactory". This would have been more diplomatic. > > You have acknowledged that you have never done surtitle projection, so > it's about time you accepted the results of those of us who have done it > repeatedly. We've all been quite patient and accepting of the RP > technique your propose. I believe the worst any of us have said is that > it takes more work than the technique that we use. You've answered us > with arrogance, disdain and a distinct lack of respect for our accumulated > PROFESSIONAL experience. You do what you have to do, as a professional, with the gear available. A professional opera house uses its surtitle facility all the time: every night that there is an opera. They can't afford the time to rig and focus a front projection rig. Certainly, I have never seen one, and you know as well as I do that the beams from distant FOH fixtures, are always visible if you look for them, be they follow spots or projectors. It takes work to build the device I proposed, yes. Once. After that, you fly it in and forget it. For a one-off, I should do it your way. Not that I can, with a 270 degree audience wrap. Bend your agile mind to solving that problem. > > I know this concept doesn't exist in your world, but please try, just this > once, to acknowledge there are more things on heaven and earth than are > dreamt of in your philosophy. I seem to remember a proverb about a pot and a kettle. Just because you have found a partial solution to a problem does not mean that you should stop looking for a better one. > > Just had to get that off my chest. Now to go get some 18 yr old Scotch > into my gullet. Send me some. What I have in my glass is only five years old! BTW, I saw a recipe for a fruit punch made with Lagavulin. Criminal! Frank Wood ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 13:02:14 -0500 (EST) From: Boyd Ostroff Subject: Re: Surtitles,,, again In-Reply-To: Message-ID: References: Frank, I am not going to waste the time to argue with you since you're just too stubborn and (sorry) clueless. Front projection is used by all the companies I'm aware of in the US. It works just fine. It is extremely simple to setup, focus and maintain. The equipment is usually in a projection booth which provides very easy access. Opera America runs a mailing list for opera production people where you could affirm this, but personally I'd be embarrased to even pose the question. In the meantime, I wish you continued success as a projection system designer, along with all your other innovative ideas which have provided a constant source of amusement for the rest of us on the stagecraft list. | Boyd Ostroff | Director of Design and Technology | Opera Company of Philadelphia | http://tech.operaphilly.com | ostroff [at] operaphilly.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20041122180039.70508.qmail [at] web81705.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 10:00:39 -0800 (PST) From: Michael Heinicke Subject: AutoCAD question Ok, I have an AutoCAD question (probably only the first of several over the next month or so). Is there any way to easily print out the layer information chart? I know I can do a screen capture through Windows and print that, but I didn't know if there might be a more elegant way to print out the information I would like. BTW, I'm working with 2004, full version. TIA, Mike H ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.0.0.22.2.20041122101551.01b7e438 [at] pop.uci.edu> Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 10:17:16 -0800 From: Ron Cargile Subject: Re: Dimmer and transformer question The ghost loads were lekos, so pure resistance. ....Ron >> So I put 575 watt >> ghost loads on the dimmers and had no more transformer problem. >> >Is this ghost load a pure resistance? Or is is inductive like the dimmers. >It could be that the R/I has changed so much as to make the inrush to the >transformers much smaller. >Just a thought > >Daryl Redmon >Resounding Light ---- Ron Cargile ME, Univ of CA, Irvine ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <126.50ac5261.2ed38a37 [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 13:30:15 EST Subject: Re: Dimmer and transformer question In a message dated 22/11/04 05:43:09 GMT Standard Time, jonathand01 [at] sbcglobal.net writes: > Is this ghost load a pure resistance? Or is is inductive like the dimmers. > It could be that the R/I has changed so much as to make the inrush to the > transformers much smaller. If it's a lantern, it's pretty well a pure resistance. SCRs need a certain minimum current to hold themselves in conduction. An inductive load may not provide this when it is needed. Hence, the ghost load. Frank Wood ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <1e6.2f04bb74.2ed38f3e [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 13:51:42 EST Subject: Re: Surtitles,,, again In a message dated 22/11/04 18:01:11 GMT Standard Time, ostroff [at] operaphilly.com writes: Front projection is used by all > the companies I'm aware of in the US. It works just fine. It is extremely > simple to setup, focus and maintain. The equipment is usually in a > projection booth which provides very easy access. If you say so. All I can say is that I have seen no evidence of front projection in Europe. It always shows. Opera America runs a > mailing list for opera production people where you could affirm this, but > personally I'd be embarrased to even pose the question. Please tell me where to find them. > > In the meantime, I wish you continued success as a projection system > designer, along with all your other innovative ideas which have provided a > constant source of amusement for the rest of us on the stagecraft list. Thank you. I am delighted to serve as the court jester. At the same time, has anyone tried to implement any of my ideas, and found it to work? Sorry for the double negative, but none if them will NOT wiork. There may be better ways to do it, that's all. And these are not neccessarily the entrenched methods. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 14:01:44 -0600 From: Luis Ramirez Subject: FW: References Message-id: <001801c4d0ce$1723d080$50d06090 [at] sfasu.edu> We teach a portfolio preparation class in our BFA design/tech program, = and a divergence of opinion has come up re: letters of recommendation and references for our students. Some of us think recommendation letters = should be included in the portfolio, and contact info for references should be included on the one-page resume. Other opinions are that letters should = not be in the portfolio, and that references should be on a separate sheet, = with a note on the resume that they are available. What is your primary observation in current professional practice?=20 =A0 Luis Ramirez Scenic and Lighting Designer=20 Associate Professor of Theatre Stephen F. Austin State University P.O. Box 9090, SFA Station Nacogdoches, TX 75962-9090 Phone: 936-468-1112 Email: lramirez [at] sfasu.edu =A0 ------------------------------ Message-ID: <41A248F2.9090107 [at] davidmarks.cc> Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 15:15:46 -0500 From: David Marks Subject: Re: FW: References References: Luis Ramirez wrote: >Some of us think recommendation letters should >be included in the portfolio, and contact info for references should be included on the one-page resume. Other opinions are that letters should not be in the portfolio, and that references should be on a separate sheet, with a note on the resume that they are available. > I am in the middle of a job search, after 25 years running my own business. My "feeling" is that "references are available upon request". Now my resume says a lot with 25 years on it but I don't want every tire kicker talking to my best clients, bugging them with phone calls that don't help me. The job leads that turn serious get the references and the contact info. That's my thinking. Dave Marks Sound guy currently in Pennsylvania ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 15:26:00 -0500 Subject: Re: Surtitles,,, again From: John McKernon Message-ID: In-Reply-To: > If you say so. All I can say is that I have seen no evidence of front > projection in Europe. It always shows. Ah, you're right, Covent Garden isn't in Europe! And neither are any of the other opera houses in countries east of the English Channel where Stan Pressner reported last week that surtitles are commonly front projected. I can also report that in Japan I've seen them use LED sign towers on either side of the stage for "sidetitles". It's an excellent solution, particularly given the low proscenium heights over there. "Basta", as it were. Can the List Mom terminate this thread? I suspect many of us think it's outlived its usefulness. - John ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 15:28:17 -0500 Subject: Re: References From: Herrick Goldman Message-ID: In-Reply-To: My resume says "References available upon request" Similarly it has the name of well known directors listed with the show as well as the theater or producers so if the potential employer knows these folks well enough they can just call. Also my work and photos tend to speak for themselves so the website portfolio works very well in that sense. _H -- Herrick Goldman Lighting Designer, NYC www.HGLightingDesign.com "To the scores of silent alchemists who wreak their joy in darkness and in light bringing magic to life, we bow most humbly. "-CDS ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 15:30:06 -0500 From: patrick_kevin [at] colstate.edu Subject: Help! ETC soft patch question Message-id: <27631426fde7.26fde7276314 [at] colstate.edu> I have a problem that needs to be fixed through software today. Getting to the instruments by 5pm today is not possible! Hope someone can help. I have an ETC Express 24/48, and I'm using NSI and ETA dimmer packs (4x1200watt). One of the channels is going to strip lights with too much wattage. I can run the dimmer up to 45% or so before the fuse breaks. Can't I reprogram the dimmer to define 'full' at 45% so it can't go higher? Tomorrow, I can fix the problem the right way. Today, I need to fix it with software. Thanks for your help. \< Kevin Patrick Assistant Professor of Theatre Columbus State University 706.568.0248 patrick_kevin [at] colstate.edu theatre.colstate.edu Kevin Patrick Assistant Professor of Theatre Columbus State University 706.568.0248 patrick_kevin [at] colstate.edu theatre.colstate.edu ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 15:36:25 -0500 Subject: Re: Help! ETC soft patch question From: John McKernon Message-ID: In-Reply-To: > I have a problem that needs to be fixed through software today. Getting = to > the instruments by 5pm today is not possible! Hope someone can help. >=20 > I have an ETC Express 24/48, and I'm using NSI and ETA dimmer packs > (4x1200watt). One of the channels is going to strip lights with too much > wattage. I can run the dimmer up to 45% or so before the fuse breaks. C= an't > I reprogram the dimmer to define 'full' at 45% so it can't go higher? I downloaded the ETC Express manual from the ETC web site, and on page 38 i= t tells how: Normally, dimmers output with a linear profile at 100 percent unless you scale them to a lower level. The console allows you to proportionally scal= e the output of an individual dimmer in the Patch display. For example, if you enter a dimmer proportional level of 60 in Patch and set that channel to full in a cue or submaster, the dimmer will output at 60 percent. =20 Follow these steps to assign a proportional dimmer output level: 1. Press [Patch]. Selects Patch display 2. If the [Dim] LED is unlit, press [Dim] to indicate that the next number entered will be a dimmer. (Prompt reads: Select dimmer numbers, then press ENTER to assign to a channel, or press AT to assign a proportion, or press PROFILE to assign a profile) 3. Use the keypad to enter the desired dimmer number(s). Use [And], [Thru] or [Except] for multiple selections. 4. Press [At] Prompt reads: Select dimmer proportion 5. Use the keypad to enter the desired maximum output level for the dimmer(s). Full is displayed until a new level is entered. Enter a zero before single digit levels (i.e., 08). Dimmer=B9s proportional level is set. Note: If a dimmer is doubled (see Setting dimmers to Dimmer Doubling, page 48, fo= r an explanation) Use [S2], A, and [S3], B, along with the numeric keypad, to enter dimmer numbers as you create your patch. If you select a doubled dimmer without specifying A or B, the system defaults to A. - John ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 14:41:25 -0600 Subject: Re: Help! ETC soft patch question From: Greg Persinger Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Kevin, Go to patch mode and select the dimmer that you want to "limit" and Ohhhhhhhh! John beat me to the answer so do what he said. :-) Greg Persinger Vivid Illumination Greg [at] Vividillumination.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: <027a01c4d0d4$76b47a80$5cf78482 [at] culliganf4gxvn> From: "Sean Culligan" References: Subject: Re: FW: References Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 15:47:20 -0500 ----- Original Message ----- > > I am in the middle of a job search, after 25 years running my own > business. > My "feeling" is that "references are available upon request". Now > my resume says a lot with 25 years on it but I don't want every tire > kicker > talking to my best clients, bugging them with phone calls that don't help > me. > The job leads that turn serious get the references and the contact info. > That's my thinking. > > Dave Marks > Sound guy > currently in Pennsylvania > > This is true for someone who has a lot of experience. But for someone just coming out of school (as would likely be the case this thread was started on), they are most likely looking for lower level positions. Comments on the list in the past have mentioned that when managers/supervisors are looking for that level of skill, they are going through a rather large stack of resumes. Are they going to want to take that extra step, or is said resume going to be too much of a hassle? IMO, if one does not have a lot of experience out of school and/or is going for a lower level position, then include the references on the resume. If one is like Dave w/ a lot of experience, then one can afford to be more selective and can make references available upon request. There, the resume speaks for itself for how much experience one has. Sean Culligan ------------------------------ From: "John Vink" Subject: RE: Help! ETC soft patch question Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 13:50:44 -0700 Message-ID: <001801c4d0d4$ef690d60$6501a8c0 [at] canadiansales> In-Reply-To: You can do this in the patch screen on the Express console. Press "PATCH" to get to that display. Now Enter "DIMMER" dimmer number "AT" "45". That should do it. It is under the proportional patching section of the manual. John Vink > -----Original Message----- > From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net]On Behalf Of > patrick_kevin [at] colstate.edu > Sent: November 22, 2004 1:30 PM > To: Stagecraft > Subject: Help! ETC soft patch question > > > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > > --------------------------------------------------- > > I have a problem that needs to be fixed through > software today. Getting to the instruments by 5pm > today is not possible! Hope someone can help. > > I have an ETC Express 24/48, and I'm using NSI and ETA > dimmer packs (4x1200watt). One of the channels is > going to strip lights with too much wattage. I can > run the dimmer up to 45% or so before the fuse breaks. > Can't I reprogram the dimmer to define 'full' at 45% > so it can't go higher? > > Tomorrow, I can fix the problem the right way. Today, > I need to fix it with software. > > Thanks for your help. > \< > > > Kevin Patrick > Assistant Professor of Theatre > Columbus State University > 706.568.0248 > patrick_kevin [at] colstate.edu > theatre.colstate.edu > > > > Kevin Patrick > Assistant Professor of Theatre > Columbus State University > 706.568.0248 > patrick_kevin [at] colstate.edu > theatre.colstate.edu > > ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: <8F8643C5-3CCA-11D9-B701-000393B61EC2 [at] wmld.com> From: William McLachlan Subject: Re: USITT Workshop: Let's Get the Show on the Road Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 13:07:47 -0800 I remember this truck and truck driver story from a tour I was on way back in 1990... The first truck due in the morning (we were in Cleveland that day) was about an hour late. Of course that meant the road crew and local crew were all milling about casually on and around the dock. The #1 truck comes up, hastily wheels in and backs into place, and the driver jumps out to open the doors cursing and nearly spitting blood...weaving a tapestry of invective the likes of which even stagehands haven't seen. Oddly enough, his hands and forearms are greasy. He finds the rigger and the crew chief and says "come here you -blankety blankety blank- little -blanks- who don't listen to a -blank'in- thing I -blank'in- told you...I need your help...and grab a -blank'in- loader, too". A minute or two later, back come the driver, the rigger, the electrician, and a loader each CARRYING a 1 ton motor and dragging it's requisite 60' of chain, amongst many silent mouth-agape gazes. As we tip the first few boxes, we find 2 empty motor cases and are just plain confused. Did we FORGET 4 motors??? How would we have missed the fact that the boxes didn't weigh anything when they were tipped and locked in with the final load bar! It was kind of surreal (we were all tired ... it was after all day 5 of a five-in-a-row) until we learn later that about 4 or 4:30am the driver encountered a weigh station somewhere on the way into Ohio with a scale attendant that INSISTED he needed to reduce the tail axle load by about 300 pounds or something like that. Apparently as much as the driver protested, the guy stood firm and wouldn't release him until he did it. The driver was forced to tip down the last two motor boxes (thank god they weren't stacked...), remove 4 motors, and put them in his cab. There were apparently only two guys working the weigh station that morning, and as a small line of trucks formed while the driver begged his case, the attendants wouldn't help him either. He was NOT happy. The pack was reworked and 8 motors found a new home on the dance floor. Cheers, Willy On Nov 21, 2004, at 6:44 AM, Barney Simon wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > > --------------------------------------------------- > > Back in the old days, Production arts always loaded the instruments > first.... they were on the first floor. The cable and dimmers were on > the tail. Everytime I went, I had to make them load the heavy stuff up > front to balance the load. And still once or twice I was caught at a > weigh station and fined for not having the axles properly weighted. > > Barney Simon > JC Hansen Co, Inc. > Drapes, Drops, and Dance Floors > > > > > > -- William McLachlan willy [at] wmld.com, http://www.wmld.com "a) faster b) cheaper c) better. Choose any two." -- ------------------------------ Message-ID: From: Wood Chip-P26398 Subject: RE: USITT Workshop: Let's Get the Show on the Road Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 14:28:42 -0700 Is that possible? On Behalf Of William McLachlan ...weaving a tapestry of invective the likes of which even stagehands haven't seen. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 17:15:42 -0500 (EST) From: Stephen Litterst Subject: Re: FW: References In-reply-to: Message-id: <2799.172.209.103.63.1101161742.squirrel [at] 172.209.103.63> References: > --------------------------------------------------- > > > We teach a portfolio preparation class in our BFA design/tech program, and > a > divergence of opinion has come up re: letters of recommendation and > references for our students. Some of us think recommendation letters > should > be included in the portfolio, and contact info for references should be > included on the one-page resume. Other opinions are that letters should > not > be in the portfolio, and that references should be on a separate sheet, > with > a note on the resume that they are available. What is your primary > observation in current professional practice? We instruct our students to include their references on their resume, but we don't have them include actual letters in their portfolio. Personally, I still list references on my resume. I can't conceive of a situation where someone would be willing to hire me without checking references, so I save them that step. It costs me four lines of text, but I think it's worth it. Steve Litterst ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <144.396258c2.2ed3cf36 [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 18:24:38 EST Subject: Re: Surtitles,,, again In a message dated 22/11/04 20:27:29 GMT Standard Time, stagecraft2004 [at] mckernon.com writes: > Ah, you're right, Covent Garden isn't in Europe! And neither are any of the > other opera houses in countries east of the English Channel where Stan > Pressner reported last week that surtitles are commonly front projected. > > I can also report that in Japan I've seen them use LED sign towers on either > side of the stage for "sidetitles". It's an excellent solution, particularly > given the low proscenium heights over there. I must have missed Stan Pressner's post. My mail server had a hiccup, last week. I'll look for it. But do bear in mind the enormous depth of classic opera houses. Perhaps 200' from a possible site for a projector to the pros line. With a low pros height, and a Japanese character set, this sounds like a good idea. I think that Japanese reads from top to bottom, so it would be logical. Chinese certainly does. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Message-ID: <001501c4d0fa$4a8cf650$0800000a [at] Tony> From: "Tony" Cc: jason [at] tollefsondesigns.com References: Subject: Wanted - S4 26 degree lenses. Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 01:18:05 -0000 Wanted - 3 or 4 26 degree lens barrels for S4 profiles. Anyone got any they don't want/need? UK located, please as I don't fancy the overseas shipping costs! Cheers Ynot ------------------------------ From: "Andy Leviss" Subject: Electric Cooler Suitable for Touring Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 19:51:57 -0500 Organization: Duck's Echo Sound Message-ID: <007601c4d0f6$a2fe8d20$a19afea9 [at] AndyLeviss> Hey gang, So, I bought myself a cheap little $30 electric cooler/warmer at a Walgreens to keep drinks and snacks (some three-show days I've sustained myself primarily on "pudding in a tube"!) cool out at FOH while I'm on tour. After a month or so, the power supply has up and died (it's definitely not built for anywhere near the amount of use I put on it--it warms up pretty fast, and finally burnt through one of the components on the circuit board; then again, running 24-7 for four days out of the week (five on split-weeks) will do that to an el-cheepo AC-DC adapter). I'm debating whether to get a beefier power supply for it, or to search for a new cooler/mini-fridge built to work harder than this one was. Or to find a Walgreens and just replace the whole thing, since that'll cost less than a power supply. So, does anybody have any recommendations for an electric cooler/mini-fridge that will hold up to such use (not to mention being packed into a road box and travelled on a 53-footer)? The key here is, of course, size. It doesn't have to be big. Just big enough to hold a few bottles of Fruit2O or iced tea (Honest Tea Peach Oo-la-long is some good stuff, even if it does have a slightly silly name!), and a few squeeze tubes or cups of pudding/jello. I've got space that I could fit a slightly larger one (typical cooler size, say) in one of my other crates if I had to (although I'm slightly afraid of shipping costs at the end of the tour, LOL). Any pointers would be appreciated! --Andy Leviss Sound engineer, Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Coloring Book This week: Dubuque, IA and Milwaukee, WI Next week: I honestly can't remember! Check back later... --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.786 / Virus Database: 532 - Release Date: 10/29/2004 ------------------------------ From: "Jonathan S. Deull" Subject: RE: Electric Cooler Suitable for Touring Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 21:03:58 -0500 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Andy: Try stopping at a truck stop. They have units designed to run 24/7 which might do the trick. Jonathan -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Andy Leviss Sent: Monday, November 22, 2004 7:52 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: Electric Cooler Suitable for Touring For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Hey gang, So, I bought myself a cheap little $30 electric cooler/warmer at a Walgreens to keep drinks and snacks (some three-show days I've sustained myself primarily on "pudding in a tube"!) cool out at FOH while I'm on tour. After a month or so, the power supply has up and died (it's definitely not built for anywhere near the amount of use I put on it--it warms up pretty fast, and finally burnt through one of the components on the circuit board; then again, running 24-7 for four days out of the week (five on split-weeks) will do that to an el-cheepo AC-DC adapter). I'm debating whether to get a beefier power supply for it, or to search for a new cooler/mini-fridge built to work harder than this one was. Or to find a Walgreens and just replace the whole thing, since that'll cost less than a power supply. So, does anybody have any recommendations for an electric cooler/mini-fridge that will hold up to such use (not to mention being packed into a road box and travelled on a 53-footer)? The key here is, of course, size. It doesn't have to be big. Just big enough to hold a few bottles of Fruit2O or iced tea (Honest Tea Peach Oo-la-long is some good stuff, even if it does have a slightly silly name!), and a few squeeze tubes or cups of pudding/jello. I've got space that I could fit a slightly larger one (typical cooler size, say) in one of my other crates if I had to (although I'm slightly afraid of shipping costs at the end of the tour, LOL). Any pointers would be appreciated! --Andy Leviss Sound engineer, Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Coloring Book This week: Dubuque, IA and Milwaukee, WI Next week: I honestly can't remember! Check back later... --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.786 / Virus Database: 532 - Release Date: 10/29/2004 ------------------------------ From: "Andy Leviss" Subject: RE: Electric Cooler Suitable for Touring Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 20:17:37 -0500 Organization: Duck's Echo Sound Message-ID: <007701c4d0fa$38a86d20$a19afea9 [at] AndyLeviss> In-Reply-To: Jonathan Deull wrote: > Try stopping at a truck stop. They have units designed to > run 24/7 which might do the trick. Hmm, will have to check that out (or ask [tip?] one of our truck drivers to do it for me :o) The question is, though, whether or not the AC adapter is designed to run that long--it was actually the power adapter on this cooler, not the cooler itself, that died (although at $30 for cooler and adapter, I question how much longer the cooler would last). --A --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.786 / Virus Database: 532 - Release Date: 10/29/2004 ------------------------------ Message-ID: <90d9c998041122182318e56ec2 [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 21:23:37 -0500 From: Scott Parker Reply-To: Scott Parker Subject: Theater selling equpment. Including the walls. I got a note from a theater that they are forced out. Landlord sold the building.... Here's a list of the stuff: http://www.hstech.org/WAXfinalsalerev.htm I'm not connected in any way. Please don't ask me about this stuff..... -- Take care, Scott Scott C. Parker ------------------------------ Message-ID: <41A2A8D0.4090303 [at] fuse.net> Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 22:04:48 -0500 From: Stuart Wheaton Subject: Re: Dimmer and transformer question References: In-Reply-To: Ron Cargile wrote: > My question is this: What is it about small dimmer loads that would > cause the transformers to poop out? Seems to me that that the waveform > would be the same regardless of load. There is no other circuitry in > the transformers that gave up other than input wires, the transformer, > and output wires. I found out later that the transformers are not > supposed to be dimmable, yet they worked just fine with the ghost load. I wire a lot of 24 volt loads for dimmers. Use the big heavy duty Buck/Boost transformers, and make sure they are rated for the load. Try to keep your transformers in free air. Disable any filament warming, or dimmer trim so that the dimmer always goes to off when not actually in use. That will solve almost any troubles. Stuart ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: From: Greg Bierly Subject: Re: Electric Cooler Suitable for Touring Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 23:05:30 -0500 I have not used one but just saw the thingy (technical term) that does the heating and cooling for $37 in All Electronics (minus the power supply and cooler) so $30 is pretty good in my opinion. for anyone interested allelectronics.com :thermoelectric cooler/heater, peltier effect I almost bought one to play around with... then I remembered I don't have time to play around. Greg Bierly Technical Director Hempfield HS ------------------------------ From: DanSLDME [at] aol.com Message-ID: <1ac.2c217bce.2ed438ab [at] aol.com> Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 01:54:35 EST Subject: Re: 45-pct Proportional Patch - CAUTION Hi all This is a bit late, but here's a caution note: The original poster (sorry, don't recall the name) had a problem of a breaker tripping out because too many lamps were on one dimmer, so he wanted to limit the dimmer to 45% at the board. The proportional patch instructions given accomplished that. However, the worst-case loading condition for a dimmer is when running at 50% dutycyle timing, which is someplace in the midrange. I don't know exactly where because I don't know what curve is built into the dimmer (I think the board is linear); my first guess is that 50% timing cutoff is a little below 50% apparent power setting. At this operating point the dimmer is switching right at the peak of the sinewave; the lamp resistance is significantly lower than nominal because the lamp temperature is low; and in this case you have too many lamps on the dimmer. You won't trip the mains breaker because it (and the wiring which it is there to protect) sees the same integrated heating effect that the lamp sees, but the dimmer is getting way more heating during the switching transition than it should. This transition heating is mostly all in the dimmer, not in the lamp and not in the breaker. The instantaneous peak current is much higher than it would be if the lamps were running hotter. A cold lamp has only 10% of the resistance of a lamp running at its rated power. I would not be surprised to have the dimmer fail under this condition, or shut down due to overheating if so equipped. Also, if you run at a point just shy of quickly tripping the breaker, you'll probably trip it after a short while. Breakers come with different load-vs-trip time curves; a spec might read something like carry rated load for at least one hour, trip within ten minutes at 200% of rated load, in between loads will give in between times (numbers are made up, but this is how they work; they're thermal (at least this part is). Bottom line is, you can seriously overload the dimmer without overloading the circuit breaker. ................ Been off list for a while, but finally got re subscribed (hope it sticks). Glad to be back. ... Dan S. ------------------------------ Message-ID: <41A2E10B.4050605 [at] audiovisualdevices.com.au> Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 17:04:43 +1000 From: David Duffy Subject: Re: 45-pct Proportional Patch - CAUTION References: In-Reply-To: DanSLDME [at] aol.com wrote: >This is a bit late, but here's a caution note: > >The original poster (sorry, don't recall the name) >had a problem of a breaker tripping out because >too many lamps were on one dimmer, so >he wanted to limit the dimmer to 45% at the board. > >The proportional patch instructions given accomplished that. > >However, the worst-case loading condition for a dimmer >is when running at 50% dutycyle timing, which is someplace in the midrange. >I don't know exactly where because I don't know what curve is >built into the dimmer (I think the board is linear); my first guess is that >50% timing cutoff is a little below 50% apparent power setting. > >At this operating point the dimmer is switching right at the peak of the >sinewave; the lamp resistance is significantly lower than nominal >because the lamp temperature is low; and in this case you have too many lamps >on the dimmer. You won't trip the mains breaker because it >(and the wiring which it is there to protect) >sees the same integrated heating effect that the lamp sees, >but the dimmer is getting way more heating >during the switching transition than it should. >This transition heating is mostly all in the dimmer, >not in the lamp and not in the breaker. > >The instantaneous peak current is much higher than it would be if the lamps >were running hotter. A cold lamp has only 10% of the resistance of a lamp >running at its rated power. > > I wouldn't imagine that the filament resistance varies much over the 10% - 100% rage of supply voltage. The cold figures you speak about are for when it's very low in level, like just visible. The lamp resistance is not at all linear with the applied voltage. >I would not be surprised to have the dimmer fail under this condition, >or shut down due to overheating if so equipped. > >Also, if you run at a point just shy of quickly tripping the breaker, >you'll probably trip it after a short while. Breakers come with different >load-vs-trip time curves; a spec might read something like >carry rated load for at least one hour, trip within ten minutes at 200% of >rated load, >in between loads will give in between times (numbers are made up, >but this is how they work; they're thermal (at least this part is). > >Bottom line is, you can seriously overload the dimmer >without overloading the circuit breaker. > Aren't dimmer packs designed to handle the worst case dissipation? I can't believe people don't run their fixtures near 50% for at least some of the time. David... ------------------------------ From: DanSLDME [at] aol.com Message-ID: Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 02:24:25 EST Subject: Re: 45-pct Proportional Patch - CAUTION Thanks, David Duffy, for the additional info. You're right, the variation of filament resistance isn't linear. Someplace I have curves provided to me by a lamp manufacturer which shed more light (oops?) on this question. Re " Aren't dimmer packs designed to handle the worst case dissipation? I can't believe people don't run their fixtures near 50% for at least some of the time. " Yes they are designed to run rated lamp load at 50% level, but the original problem in this application was one of too many lamps, ie well over the rated load. The dimmer will run hotter at 50% cutoff than near either end. You can easily demo this with a little $5 600W hardware store dimmer (you may have some in your house); with even a modest load, it will become warm to the touch at mid setting, remain fairly cool at very low or very high. Our 20A theatre dimmers do the same, but they're harder to touch to sense their (internal) temperature. ... Dan S. ------------------------------ End of Stagecraft Digest #204 *****************************