Return-Path: X-Scanned-By: RAE MPP/Clamd http://raeinternet.com/mpp X-Scanned-By: This message was scanned by MPP Lite Edition (www.messagepartners.com)! X-Real-To: stagecraftlist [at] theatrical.net Received: by prxy.net (CommuniGate Pro PIPE 4.2.10) with PIPE id 24033295; Thu, 04 Aug 2005 03:01:59 -0700 X-ListServer: CommuniGate Pro LIST 4.2.10 List-Unsubscribe: List-ID: Message-ID: From: "Stagecraft" Sender: "Stagecraft" To: "Stagecraft" Precedence: list Subject: Stagecraft Digest #478 Date: Thu, 04 Aug 2005 03:01:43 -0700 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Content-Disposition: inline X-Spam-Level: X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 3.0.4 (2005-06-05) on prxy.net X-Spam-Status: No, score=-5.7 required=5.0 tests=ALL_TRUSTED,AWL,BAYES_00 autolearn=ham version=3.0.4 X-TFF-CGPSA-Version: 1.4f2 X-prxy-Spam-Filter: Scanned For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Stagecraft Digest, Issue #478 1. Re: Follow spot repeat... by Cosmo Catalano 2. Re: Follow spot repeat... by "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" 3. Looking for small rope blocks by Michael Heinicke 4. Re: Looking for small rope blocks by Bill Sapsis 5. Re: Recommendations on Assistive Listening by Tom Grabowski 6. Re: Looking for small rope blocks by "Peter Scheu" 7. Re: Follow spot repeat... by "Laura McMeley" 8. Re: Looking for small rope blocks by Michael Heinicke 9. Re: followspots by Steven Hood 10. Re: Looking for small rope blocks by usctd [at] columbia.sc 11. Re: Looking for small rope blocks by Delbert Hall 12. Re: Dimming 12 volt by "C. Dopher" 13. Re: Dimming 12 volt by "Jim at TheatreWireless.com" 14. Re: Dimming 12 volt by "Jim at TheatreWireless.com" 15. Re: Dimming 12 volt by Jerry Durand 16. Re: Dimming 12 volt by Jerry Durand 17. Re: followspots by "Steve B." 18. Re: Dimming 12 volt by Jerry Durand 19. Re: Dimming 12 volt by "Nigel Worsley" 20. Re: Vacuform - Thanks by "Michael Wade" 21. Re: Looking for small rope blocks by Mike Brubaker 22. Re: Looking for small rope blocks by Nathaniel.G.H.Wells.00 [at] Alum.Dartmouth.ORG (Nathaniel G. H. Wells 00) *** 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 03 Aug 2005 07:57:16 -0400 From: Cosmo Catalano Subject: Re: Follow spot repeat... In-reply-to: Message-id: <4fd39d56196a23b234a9f940514393d7 [at] williams.edu> References: There is an HMI (or some other short arc source) retrofit for S4 units. That should give plenty of punch and color temp. Of course with this and all the other accessories, you have probably spent enough to buy a cheap followspot. Cosmo ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" Subject: RE: Follow spot repeat... Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2005 08:11:01 -0400 Message-ID: <000501c59824$6d52e180$6801a8c0 [at] Dell> In-Reply-To: > There is an HMI (or some other short arc source) retrofit for > S4 units. > That should give plenty of punch and color temp. Of course > with this > and all the other accessories, you have probably spent enough > to buy a > cheap followspot. In small theaters with short throws, the advantage of using an incandescent S4 with all the custom accessories is that when doing shows that don't require spollow fots, there's an extra S4 available. ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20050803145618.96279.qmail [at] web81910.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2005 07:56:18 -0700 (PDT) From: Michael Heinicke Subject: Looking for small rope blocks I am looking for some blocks to use with small diameter line, specifically trick/tie line. I would like to buy something that is a step up from the typical hardware store "squeaky pulley" to avoid that dreaded squeak. Most of what I am finding is intended for 1/2" or larger rope, which might create a problem with the 1/8" line. Can anyone recommend a supplier for these smaller diameter blocks? Thanks, Mike H ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 03 Aug 2005 11:17:33 -0400 Subject: Re: Looking for small rope blocks From: Bill Sapsis Message-ID: In-Reply-To: When we make up smaller blocks like this we typically use a nylon pulley made by Savon, or similar, and build our own side plates and base angles. But, because it's all custom work, it's a bit expensive. If you need a lot of them we can probably make them for you inexpensively, but for just a handful you'd be better off making them yourself. Zat help? Bill S. www.sapsis-rigging.com 800.727.7471 800.292.3851 fax 267.278.4561 mobile On 8/3/05 10:56 AM, "Michael Heinicke" wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > I am looking for some blocks to use with small > diameter line, specifically trick/tie line. I would > like to buy something that is a step up from the > typical hardware store "squeaky pulley" to avoid that > dreaded squeak. Most of what I am finding is intended > for 1/2" or larger rope, which might create a problem > with the 1/8" line. Can anyone recommend a supplier > for these smaller diameter blocks? > > Thanks, > Mike H ------------------------------ From: Tom Grabowski Reply-To: tomgrab [at] utpa.edu Subject: RE:Re: Recommendations on Assistive Listening Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2005 10:05:41 -0500 Organization: UTPA In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <20050803100541569.00000002156 [at] TGRABOWSKI> = > Date: Tue, 02 Aug 2005 08:36:32 -0400 > From: Cosmo Catalano > Subject: Re: Recommendations on Assistive Listening > = > Our recent experiences here with a Listen Technologies UHF = > system. This has been an excellent system, very clear sound, = > easy to set up. However... > > . 3. Levels need to be = > set at ear-splitting volumes. A compressor in the audio = > circuit would be useful to bring the low and high volume = > moments closer to each other. People have trouble hearing = > relatively soft dialogue (normal volume to most folks), = > especially when actors are not facing downstage. Louder = > passages, multiple actors speaking, applause/laughter, etc = > will slam the signal into unrecognizable distortion. 3.5. We = > are using a shotgun mic on the balcony rail. A direct feed = > from wireless talent mics might be clearer--but we do not use = > these for drama, typically. = > = > Cosmo > = When we installed our assistive listening system , I added a 422 STEREO AG= C-LEVELER is a stereo automatic gain controller #422 from SYMETRIX. http://www.symetrixaudio.com/index.php?Show=3D14&Show1=3D&Show2=3D260 It has really helped with the too loud/too soft problem. The feed I use is= from a single hanging choir mic hung over our thrust stage. I also provid= es the booth and dressing room sound. Their 421 unit may also do the trick= .= http://www.symetrixaudio.com/index.php?Show=3D14&Show1=3D&Show2=3D259 = -- = Tom Grabowski University of Texas-Pan American Designer/Technical Director Communication Department Tomgrab [at] UTPA.edu Edinburg, Texas 78541 956/381-3588 FAX 956/318-2187 ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "Peter Scheu" Subject: RE: Looking for small rope blocks Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2005 11:54:33 -0400 Organization: Scheu Consulting Services, Inc. Message-ID: <001301c59843$a4c01650$c9fea8c0 [at] ROXY> In-Reply-To: Michael Heinicke wrote: >Can anyone recommend a supplier >for these smaller diameter blocks? H&H, SECOA, and JR Clancy all carry small (3" dia or so) "side pulley" blocks with ball bearings that are grooved for 1/8" or 3/8" dia rope and/or cable. Though mostly intended for fire curtain release lines ("firelines"), they could be of use to you. You didn't mention how you intend to use them, so their mounting options may or may not work for you. They also carry RWL (Recommended Working Load) ratings, it that's a concern for you. You can contact them all directly, or through dealers. Hope this helps. Peter Scheu Scheu Consulting Services, Inc. Syracuse, NY www.scheuconsulting.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: From: "Laura McMeley" Subject: Re: Follow spot repeat... Date: Wed, 03 Aug 2005 10:54:46 -0500 We use 5 deg Source Fours with a custom built yoke for all of the opera productions. They are usually lamped at 575w, although we occasionally have designers who request the 750w. The throw is approx. 70ft. Most designers seem to be perfectly happy with them. One difference is that in opera lighting followspots are usually used in a more subtle way, you don't want them to punch through the rest of the static lights, you just want them to punch the singer up a little and allow you to use less front light on the rest of the picture. I have also used Source 4 19deg in musicals at another space where the throw is more like 25ft. In this case we use standard S4 yokes with some homemade handles. I usually lamp these up to 750w and have been mostly happy with the results. Considering that the theatre doesn't own any other Follow spots and there is also no place to put a larger unit (the S4's hang on a front of house cat and the operator sits on the catwalk.) , it's a good solution. Laura McMeley Resident Lighting Supervisor The Dallas Opera www.geocities.com/lmcmeley/ ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20050803160803.87902.qmail [at] web81902.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2005 09:08:03 -0700 (PDT) From: Michael Heinicke Subject: Re: Looking for small rope blocks Cc: peter [at] scheuconsulting.com In-Reply-To: --- Peter Scheu wrote: > You didn't mention how > you intend to use them, > so their mounting options may or may not work for > you. I am looking for them to keep on hand for small spot rigging applications. Such as for release lines or lifting very small objects. Thanks for the suggestions so far. I'll be looking into them. Mike H ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20050803192528.85874.qmail [at] web34204.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2005 12:25:28 -0700 (PDT) From: Steven Hood Subject: RE: followspots In-Reply-To: Maybe a couple of you folks who LIKE the Lycians would care to share some of your joy with us down here? What is it that I'm missing about these things that you guys like so much? I'm curious now... Steven TD, Regent Uni in general, a big fan of what works well... __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: <2020.69.162.0.57.1123097230.squirrel [at] webmail.columbia.sc> In-Reply-To: References:

Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2005 15:27:10 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Looking for small rope blocks From: usctd [at] columbia.sc You could try sailing blocks like Lewmar or Harken. I find them to be very usefull for small apps. They have a decent rating in that small size, and the bearings are nice but they don't come cheap. $20-$30 per in the size range you are looking for. -- Eric Rouse TD-Penn State University, State College, PA Freelance Foyboy > I am looking for them to keep on hand for small spot > rigging applications. Such as for release lines or > lifting very small objects. > Thanks for the suggestions so far. I'll be looking > into them. > > Mike H > ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2005 15:43:58 -0400 From: Delbert Hall Reply-To: Delbert Hall Subject: Re: Looking for small rope blocks In-Reply-To: References:

Hey Eric - I did not know that you moved to Penn State. Great place. -Delbert > -- > Eric Rouse > TD-Penn State University, State College, PA > Freelance Foyboy ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 03 Aug 2005 14:19:36 -0400 Subject: Re: Dimming 12 volt From: "C. Dopher" Message-ID: In-Reply-To: <2A12FF6D-47A9-4B52-ABDC-23631E3D7263 [at] interstellar.com> On 8/2/05 11:18 AM, "Jerry Durand" wrote: > On Aug 2, 2005, at 4:39 AM, C. Dopher wrote: > >> I've got some 12 volt display lights on the floor as footlights for a >> performance at The Bank Street Theater. Anybody know the concerns of >> dimming these on a regular dimmer? Obviously, they have the >> transformer >> wall-wort in-line. Worked great last night, but I'm wondering if >> I'd be >> bettery off building a part cue to bring these up in a zero count >> at the end >> fo the crossfade? > > Many transformers don't like to be dimmed, especially if they put out > DC (have internal diodes). There ARE transformers specifically made > for use on dimmers, you need to make sure you have one of these or > use a DC dimmer. > > Several of us on this list make DC dimmers specifically for this use, > both wired and wireless. An update on this. The 12volt display lights appear to be dimming well. They haven't given me any trouble, at least. I am running them at full during the cues, so I don't know how they'd behave if held at 50 for a long time. They're just the right amount of light for a small theatre and closeup footlights. Cris Dopher, LD ------------------------------ From: "Jim at TheatreWireless.com" Subject: RE: Dimming 12 volt Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2005 17:32:18 -0400 In-Reply-To: Message-Id: <20050803213226.DDBH27245.tomts25-srv.bellnexxia.net [at] p3m866> > The 12volt display lights appear to be dimming well. They > haven't given me any trouble, at least. I am running them at > full during the cues, so I don't know how they'd behave if > held at 50 for a long time. They're just the right amount of > light for a small theatre and closeup footlights. > > Cris Dopher, LD Excellent! As long as they don't overheat (and they're not humming too loudly for the show) you'll be completely fine. Jim Theatrewireless.com ------------------------------ From: "Jim at TheatreWireless.com" Subject: RE: Dimming 12 volt Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2005 17:33:45 -0400 In-Reply-To: Message-Id: <20050803213353.DYAE26128.tomts5-srv.bellnexxia.net [at] p3m866> > As long as they don't overheat (and they're not humming too > loudly for the > show) The transformers, I mean... ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.2.3.4.0.20050803150653.029ed008 [at] 192.168.0.13> Date: Wed, 03 Aug 2005 15:07:03 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: Dimming 12 volt At 02:09 PM 8/3/2005, you wrote: >In a message dated 8/2/05 10:56:32 PM W. Europe Daylight Time, >jdurand [at] interstellar.com writes: > > >>A typical four-diode circuit draws [square root of 2] times the >>current from the transformer than the DC output it is >>supplying. This is for a sine wave, anything else, all bets are off. >> >>This is not true. Two diodes with a centre-tapped transformer, or a >>four diode bridge draw the current that >the load demands. I said a FOUR diode circuit (FWB). >If, as is usual, the first thing that it sees is a reservoir >capacitor, this will depend on how far this has been discharged in >the down-time of the rectifier. In turn, this will depend on the >ripple tolerance of the power regulator, and on the skill of the >designer. Assuming adequate design, the capacitor will charge to >1.414 times the rms AC voltage (the peak value), and drop from there >according to the load. And all the charging happens during the rise time. Fast rise time = HIGH current which probably wasn't accounted for by the designer. >As you rightly say, this only works for sine waves, which is what we >usually have to deal with. Except with dimmers. >Switch-mode power supplies are very different. Reading the >manufacturers' handbooks and application notes is a good idea, as is >understanding transformer design. I once fell over my own feet when >designing a switch-mode supply that didn't care whether it was fed >with 230V or 120V. At the lower voltage, the transformer couldn't >cut the mustard, and I had to double the VA rating. I've also used 230V transformers on 120V for very inefficient universal supplies. >If you think that this post would be of value, please forward it to >the list. The version of AOL I use in France posts unacceptable >messages, hence the copy to you personally. > Copy sent. -- Jerry Durand Durand Interstellar, Inc. 219 Oak Wood Way Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 web: www.interstellar.com ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.2.3.4.0.20050803151124.029d9b28 [at] 192.168.0.13> Date: Wed, 03 Aug 2005 15:11:39 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: Dimming 12 volt In-Reply-To: References: At 03:07 PM 8/3/2005, you wrote: >At 02:09 PM 8/3/2005, you wrote: >>In a message dated 8/2/05 10:56:32 PM W. Europe Daylight Time, >>jdurand [at] interstellar.com writes: Oops, that was from Frank Wood. -- Jerry Durand Durand Interstellar, Inc. 219 Oak Wood Way Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 web: www.interstellar.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 03 Aug 2005 18:15:10 -0400 From: "Steve B." Subject: Re: followspots Message-id: <002001c59878$d0860a30$6401a8c0 [at] SBFF> References: ----- Original Message ----- From: "Steven Hood" > Maybe a couple of you folks who LIKE the Lycians would > care to share some of your joy with us down here? What > is it that I'm missing about these things that you > guys like so much? > I'm curious now... > Steven This is generic enough about Lycian that I'll chime in I have 2 model 1293, 3kw xenons. Had since '02 or so, they work everytime, all the time (knock, knock) - Great light output, much brighter then the carbon Supers they replaced. - They are not particularly noisy, no more then the carbons - The balance counterweight on the bottom is a nice feature - The additional accessory slot is very useful for things like neutral density, frost, etc...without losing a gel on the boomerang - The power supply and cable system is well though out. - The crew like them a lot. - They're smaller then the 2kw or 3kw Strongs, which was crucial in our very tight booth. The Strong xenons are much longer then the older carbons, mostly due to the color changer hanging out front - a terrible idea IMO. - I did some research prior to purchase, found out the Met Opera had something like 7, liked them a lot, only issue they had was iris's burning out - mostly as they run every pickup at tight head shot, every time, all the time, or so it seems. - Lycian service is terrific. I had a problem within 200 hrs on a machine, thought it was a power supply. Took it up to Sugerloaf (2 hrs. from my theater in Brooklyn), where they tested as OK. Hmmm... turned out the shop left in and shipped with a test lamp inside, which is something the tech from Westsun (the dealer) should have caught, but he was an idiot, so we figured that the test lamp was shot. No problem as I had ordered spares. - 3 years later the units still work when we need them, with good light coming out (I'm repeating myself). - In truth, I use to feel that Strong products were better built and engineered. I changed that opinion when I saw the thought that went into the 1200 series xenons. Steve Bailey Brooklyn College ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.2.3.4.0.20050803153151.029e39f0 [at] 192.168.0.13> Date: Wed, 03 Aug 2005 15:34:19 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: Dimming 12 volt In-Reply-To: <29.787ab91a.30229eed [at] aol.com> References: <29.787ab91a.30229eed [at] aol.com> At 03:27 PM 8/3/2005, Frank Wood wrote: >A full wave bridge, and a centre-tapped transformer driving two >diodes are electrically identical. Both deliver the same signals to the load. Same signals to the load, but the loading on the transformer windings is different. With a FWB the entire winding drives current on both halves of the sine wave. With a center tapped winding, each half only drives current half the time. >>>If, as is usual, the first thing that it sees is a reservoir >>>capacitor, this will depend on how far this has been discharged in >>>the down-time of the rectifier. In turn, this will depend on the >>>ripple tolerance of the power regulator, and on the skill of the >>>designer. Assuming adequate design, the capacitor will charge to >>>1.414 times the rms AC voltage (the peak value), and drop from >>>there according to the load. >> >>And all the charging happens during the rise time. Fast rise time >>= HIGH current which probably wasn't accounted for by the designer. > > >The rise time is determined by the mains frequency and waveform, >which is usually sinusoidal. EXCEPT WITH DIMMERS. Chopped sine wave. >>>As you rightly say, this only works for sine waves, which is what >>>we usually have to deal with. > > >>Except with dimmers. > > >Dimmers usually have to drive resistive loads, such as incandescent >lamps. This is what they are designed to do. Driving inductive loads >may well cause problems. Personally, I have found that adding a >suitable resistance load will overcome most of the trouble. Except the rise time is still fast. -- Jerry Durand Durand Interstellar, Inc. 219 Oak Wood Way Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 web: www.interstellar.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: <002001c59892$550a4230$0e00a8c0 [at] Nogle> From: "Nigel Worsley" References:

Subject: Re: Dimming 12 volt Date: Thu, 4 Aug 2005 02:15:54 +0100 "Jerry Durand" wrote: > Oops, that was from Frank Wood. I worked that out long before the end of the message. I can't be bothered to go through all the ways in which it is wrong, so I will stick to the main issue: low voltage lighting is NEVER a resistive load. It is either a conventional transformer ( very inductive, the current is fairly close to a sine wave but out of phase to the voltage so a ghost load will usually be required ) or an 'electronic transformer', which will rectify the AC before chopping it up again at a much higher frequency and cause all of the issues that Jerry pointed out. When designing stuff for the consumer market, there isn't the budget to do things the best way, you either cut corners or find another job. The trick is knowing which corners you can get away with cutting. Nigel Worsley ------------------------------ From: "Michael Wade" Cc: tomgrab [at] utpa.edu Subject: RE: Vacuform - Thanks Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2005 21:35:34 -0400 Message-ID: <001901c59894$d22cf2b0$6602a8c0 [at] MikesLaptop> In-Reply-To: Thanks for the help. The one I was looking for was the Tobins Lake page - Thanks Tom. Mike > > Tobins Lake. http://www.tobinslake.com/ > ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.2.3.4.0.20050803211210.01d5b948 [at] mail.insightbb.com> Date: Wed, 03 Aug 2005 21:18:20 -0500 From: Mike Brubaker Subject: Re: Looking for small rope blocks In-Reply-To: References:

...and Schaeffer and Ronstan, and a few others. Many blocks for sailing applications are high capacity at smaller rope diameters. Take a look at: West Marine (www.westmarine.com) Rigging Only (www.riggingonly.com) Sailnet (www.sailnet.com) Defender Industries (www.defender.com) Coastal Marine (www.coastalmarineonline.com) Mike At 02:27 PM 8/3/2005, usctd [at] columbia.sc wrote: >You could try sailing blocks like Lewmar or Harken. I find them to be > > > rigging applications. Such as for release lines or > > lifting very small objects. ------------------------------ Message-id: <52407382 [at] newsneezy.Dartmouth.ORG> Date: 04 Aug 2005 01:40:01 EDT From: Nathaniel.G.H.Wells.00 [at] Alum.Dartmouth.ORG (Nathaniel G. H. Wells 00) Subject: Re: Looking for small rope blocks Also take a look at AMC fabricators out in vegas. I use them quite often. www.AMCfx.com I know most if not all of their standard stuff carries a P.E. stamp, which means it is a little pricey, but also high quality and safe. Nathan ------------------------------ End of Stagecraft Digest #478 *****************************