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 26839685; Fri, 20 Jan 2006 03:01:56 -0800 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 #660 Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2006 03:00:46 -0800 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Content-Disposition: inline X-Spam-Status: No, score=-5.7 required=5.0 tests=ALL_TRUSTED,AWL,BAYES_00 autolearn=unavailable version=3.0.4 X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 3.0.4 (2005-06-05) on prxy.net X-Spam-Level: X-TFF-CGPSA-Version: 1.4f2 X-prxy-Spam-Filter: Scanned For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Stagecraft Digest, Issue #660 1. Re: A great Little Prodcut by "LES LIND" 2. Re: Repairing Wenger Decks by "Dan Culhane" 3. Re: Wire Rope Tricks by Ford Sellers 4. Re: Strand SL by "Davis, Thomas J" 5. Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables by "G. D. George" 6. Re: Strand SL by "Tony Deeming" 7. Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables by Stephen Litterst 8. used Lightronics dimmers for sale by Nathan Kahn 9. Re: Wire Rope Tricks by Delbert Hall 10. Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables by "G. D. George" 11. Re: Tour loadouts by CB 12. Re: modern instructions by CB 13. Re: Tour loadouts by Andrew Vance 14. Re: Tour loadouts by Mark O'Brien 15. Re: Rope Light Cutting by CB 16. Re: modern instructions by Mark O'Brien 17. Re: Scenery and Flame Retardant by CB 18. Re: modern instructions by Andrew Vance 19. Re: modern instructions by Mark O'Brien 20. Re: Tour loadouts by 21. Re: Scenery and Flame Retardant by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 22. Re: modern instructions by 23. Re: Wire Rope Tricks by Jared Fortney 24. Re: modern instructions by Jim Hyslop 25. Barrymore's closing by John McKernon 26. Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables by "Occy" 27. Virtual Scenic Studio by Delbert Hall 28. Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 29. Re: Publication topics by JT 30. Re: Publication topics by Mark O'Brien 31. Re: Publication topics by "Jon Ares" 32. Re: Publication topics by Bruce Purdy 33. Marantz Urgent!!!! by Pgl87 [at] aol.com 34. Re: Publication topics by Jim Hyslop 35. Re: Publication topics by Scott Parker 36. Re: Publication topics by "Occy" *** 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: Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 07:28:58 -0500 From: "LES LIND" Subject: Re: A great Little Prodcut Johnson Systems, Inc. retro fitted our old ElectroControls dimmer system at the high school. Upgraded from the old Electrocontrols language, cmux?, to DMX. They sent us the parts and our Director of Physical Plant, who is an electrical engineer, installed it. It's working flawlessly. Les Lind NHS Dramatics Northeastern High School Manchester, PA ------------------------------ From: "Dan Culhane" Subject: Re: Repairing Wenger Decks Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 07:48:55 -0600 Organization: SECOA, Inc. Message-ID: <001601c61cff$1a330fb0$b60101c0 [at] SECOA81> Charles, Try filling the gouges with truck bed liner material. It is thick, black, flexible and will stick to anything. Sand off any overfill. You did not hear this from me. ;-) Dan Culhane d.culhane [at] secoa.com SECOA, Inc. The Stage Equipment Company 8650 109th Avenue North Champlin, MN 55316 Phone: 763-506-8800 Fax: 763-506-8844 www.secoa.com >From: "Charles J Korecki" >Subject: Repairing Wenger Decks >Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 20:30:03 -0500 > >Our school owns 9 Wenger Versalite Series Stage Decks. We use them for >everything and the surface of these decks has begun to show it. I contacted >Wenger to see if they sold a product for filling in the areas that have been >gouged, scraped, and chipped. No luck. > >So now I turn to the wisdom of this list. Can anyone recommend any product >that I can use to "patch" the surface of these decks? Paint is an option, >but it won't fill the cracks or gouges. Bondo is hard enough, but not all >that flexible. I am sure there must be some type of (preferably black) >epoxy out there that I can use which will bond with the original surface and >fill in the pits. Any suggestions? > >Thanks so much for your help! > >Charles >Cuyahoga Falls High School ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.2.1.2.2.20060119091116.03983eb0 [at] postoffice8.mail.cornell.edu> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 09:13:01 -0500 From: Ford Sellers Subject: Re: Wire Rope Tricks In-Reply-To: References: Try checking with Scott at Fischer Technical Services. He does much of the custom Rigging and engineering (No, he doesn't drive the train...silly) for Cirque. At 03:29 AM 1/19/2006, you wrote: >I just saw a dress rehearsal of Cirque's Quidam. There are 5 truss/track >units that arc above the entire venue for moving people and scenery. Two >carriages are on each track driven by their own aircraft cable run. The >slick part is a wire rope retainer mechanism that keeps the drive cables in >the arc (or very close to) of the track while letting the carriages pass. I >could not see exactly what this mechanism was but I imagine it to be similar >in form and function to a ski lift when it passes over a support pole. Also >of interest is the cable attachment method to the carriages. Is there anyone >who is privy to these bits of information or could at least point me in the >right direction? > >Thank you, > >Brian Busch >Asst. Technical Director >La Jolla Playhouse > ************************ Ford H Sellers Master Electrician Cornell University Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts 430 College Avenue Ithaca NY, 14850 (607) 254-2736 office (607) 254-2733 fax ------------------------------ Subject: RE: Strand SL Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 09:31:22 -0500 Message-ID: <3CF87682970858499CA56707FB1F092BCBEE2C [at] wscc-s-003000.westshore.edu> From: "Davis, Thomas J" And make sure you use a brand of GLA that is approved for use with the instrument- or so they told me when I bought a few SLs (from what I was told, some off-brand lamps overheat and burn out very quickly- check with a dealer). =20 Another question on SLs- The lamp housing (burner, I think they call it) is loose in the several instruments we have- the lamp tends to shake when moving or focusing the instrument. And I assume the handle is back there for the purpose of making it easier to aim and focus. Am I missing something? Is there an adjustment I need to make that I can't find? Everything appears to fit where it is supposed to fit. Thanks, Tom D.=20 -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of John Gibilisco Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2006 12:25 AM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: Strand SL For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- In addition to the other tips do be sure that you use a GLA or GLC 575 watt lamp in the SL fixture. John G ------------------------------ From: "G. D. George" Subject: RE: Laptop Lock-down Cables Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 09:34:07 -0500 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Hmmm. I had wondered about this when our dept. chair came in one day and announced that she was going to have the new light console bolted down. Rather than make it really difficult to move (I like to work with it out in the house sometimes) I used glue pads, cable with one of those cable locks (this one from Computer Security Products). I use a similar setup for the with the security slot on my laptop. My theory is that it will keep honest people honest, but that if someone really wants the item, it's a goner. If the equipment is in the theatre, it's locked down and is either behind a locked door, or manned for the most part. If it's in the booth, it's two locks and two (or three, depending upon route) separate keys to get in. Yes, people can still get in by breaking in, but quite honestly, if someone's going to go to that much effort to get to something, a simple lock is not going to stop them in the first place. Is it? Jerry G. D. George Assistant Professor and Technical Director Capital University Theatre Department of Communications 1 College and Main Columbus, OH 43209 (614) 236-6498 ggeorge [at] capital.edu -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Mat Goebel Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2006 1:46 AM To: Stagecraft Cc: stuart [at] thedevilyouknow.ca Subject: Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Sounds kind of like this?: www.laplocker.com On 18/01/06, Stuart Baulch wrote: > For my laptop, if it has to sit out exposed, i have a cradle made by a metal > worker that fits around the laptop's hinge point (with cut-outs for the > important connectors). Awkward, ugly but mostly secure. -- Mat Goebel www.matgoebel.com Mobile: 510.693.1448 ------------------------------ From: "Tony Deeming" Subject: RE: Strand SL Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 14:53:50 -0000 Message-ID: In-Reply-To: > -----Original Message----- > From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net]On Behalf Of Davis, > Thomas J And I assume the handle is back > there for the purpose of making it easier to aim and focus. Am I missing > something? Is there an adjustment I need to make that I can't find? > Everything appears to fit where it is supposed to fit. > > Thanks, > Tom D. > Yup - the handle is ONLY there for focussing, NOT for carrying the lantern with, as I have to keep telling a couple of my younger 'apprenti'. We have at least one that's broken because someone tried to carry a couple up from the stores. TD ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 10:17:57 -0500 From: Stephen Litterst Subject: Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables In-reply-to: Message-id: <43CFADA5.7010200 [at] ithaca.edu> Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts References: G. D. George wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Hmmm. I had wondered about this when our dept. chair came in one day and > announced that she was going to have the new light console bolted down. > Rather than make it really difficult to move (I like to work with it out in > the house sometimes) I used glue pads, cable with one of those cable locks > (this one from Computer Security Products). Or you could just get an Obsession II. It takes two people to lift the facepanel, And that's useless without the 6' tall rack of equipment next to it. Never had a problem with mine walking off. Steve L. -- Stephen C. Litterst Technical Supervisor Ithaca College Dept. of Theatre Arts 607/274-3947 slitterst [at] ithaca.edu ------------------------------ Message-ID: <77fad3270601190817q3dbe555ap4d3c4f26cc57e77f [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 11:17:33 -0500 From: Nathan Kahn Subject: used Lightronics dimmers for sale Hello All, Just a note that I have several used Lighronics controllers and rig-mount dimmer packs on ebay. Do a search for Lightronics - the listings from Greencastle Online Auctions are mine. These were personally owned and used by me - if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. Thanks, Nathan Kahn ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 11:19:14 -0500 From: Delbert Hall Subject: Re: Wire Rope Tricks In-Reply-To: References: Brian, I got a backstage tour at Quidam about three years ago. The track system is pretty neat. David d'Anjou, who is on this list, works for Cirque and should be able to answer all your questions. If he does not, I will try to find the name and email address of the technican who gave me the tour. Or, I know the head of automation on DRALION and a couple of Cirque riggers who might be able to help you. -Delbert On 1/19/06, Brian Busch wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > I just saw a dress rehearsal of Cirque's Quidam. There are 5 truss/track > units that arc above the entire venue for moving people and scenery. Two > carriages are on each track driven by their own aircraft cable run. The > slick part is a wire rope retainer mechanism that keeps the drive cables = in > the arc (or very close to) of the track while letting the carriages pass.= I > could not see exactly what this mechanism was but I imagine it to be simi= lar > in form and function to a ski lift when it passes over a support pole. Al= so > of interest is the cable attachment method to the carriages. Is there any= one > who is privy to these bits of information or could at least point me in t= he > right direction? > > Thank you, > > Brian Busch > Asst. Technical Director > La Jolla Playhouse > > > > -- Delbert L. Hall ZFX Flying Director Phone: 714-585-7070 ------------------------------ From: "G. D. George" Subject: RE: Laptop Lock-down Cables Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 12:11:42 -0500 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: But I *just* got this one. Imagine my surprise when the PTB gave me all the money I asked for... Now to build a costume shop. Cheers, Jerry G. D. George Assistant Professor and Technical Director Capital University Theatre Department of Communications 1 College and Main Columbus, OH 43209 (614) 236-6498 ggeorge [at] capital.edu -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Stephen Litterst Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2006 10:18 AM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- G. D. George wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Hmmm. I had wondered about this when our dept. chair came in one day and > announced that she was going to have the new light console bolted down. > Rather than make it really difficult to move (I like to work with it out in > the house sometimes) I used glue pads, cable with one of those cable locks > (this one from Computer Security Products). Or you could just get an Obsession II. It takes two people to lift the facepanel, And that's useless without the 6' tall rack of equipment next to it. Never had a problem with mine walking off. Steve L. -- Stephen C. Litterst Technical Supervisor Ithaca College Dept. of Theatre Arts 607/274-3947 slitterst [at] ithaca.edu ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060119114210.00d19fd8 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 11:42:10 From: CB Subject: Re: Tour loadouts >A fast load-out can be bad news if your show isn't loaded right, because >then you have a longer load-in at the next stop as you have to sort out >the mess of the load-out. A timely load-in is much more important >because of the deadline of the rising curtain. "Take it out and do it again! You can do it my way or you can do it twice!" If you've ever heard that, you were probably near one of my trucks that was getting loaded 'in too much of a hurry'. The first time they have to re-do something for rushing, they get that 'right' is far more important than 'fast'. And a good out facilitates a fast in. I also agree that making friends and influencing people will halp you on the road. I can't tell you how many list lurkers have worked with and for me in the last few years, and how much better my life has been because of it. Repeat folk have always been happy to see me, as well, so I must be doing someting right! 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: <3.0.6.32.20060119115818.00d19fd8 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 11:58:18 From: CB Subject: Re: modern instructions > I have a brillant Ph.D >friend, who will remain nameless A doctorate only says you know quite a bit about one subject. It doesn't ay that you know how to cross a street. The local university here in Tucson is the place where you'll see more people crossing the street without looking, wor walking in front of a moving van (Hey! I'm in a crosswalk, I'm invincible!) expecting them to stop in time. Institutes of higher learning shouod start with 'Walking in Traffic 101'. 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... ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: From: Andrew Vance Subject: Re: Tour loadouts Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 13:01:51 -0600 On 19 Jan, 2006, at 11:42 , CB wrote: > Repeat folk have > always been happy to see me, as well, so I must be doing someting > right! My uncle still mentions how nice and pleasant you were when he met you a few years ago, so I'd just keep doing what you're doing and I think you'll be fine. -- Sincerely, Andrew Vance Lighting Designer atvanceld [at] gmail.com ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: <4405BEC5-2155-4C1F-8268-2D9AA4C25BEF [at] email.arizona.edu> Cc: marko [at] email.arizona.edu (Mark O'Brien) From: Mark O'Brien Subject: Re: Tour loadouts Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 12:07:55 -0700 On Jan 19, 2006, at 11:42 AM, CB wrote: > > "Take it out and do it again! You can do it my way or you can do > it twice!" > If you've ever heard that, you were probably near one of my trucks > that was > getting loaded 'in too much of a hurry'. The first time they have > to re-do > something for rushing, they get that 'right' is far more important > than > 'fast'. Or... You can do it my way, or you can do it my when I am pissed off. I had an uncooperative crew in Phoenix once. Third stop in a 3 city tour. Truck driver an I _knew_ how it fit. They did not listen, and wound up with 56 ft of scenery for a 53' truck. They tried jacking it every which way. Bitching and moaning the whole time. With the support of the TD and the Job Stewart, I made them unload and the reload. Now for the fun part. This was 5 hours into an 8 hour minimum. When the truck was loaded, and the crew was packing up their tools, It was called "lunch, one hour" After lunch, the crew helped the hotel crew clean the ballroom, and the service hallways. Like I said. "My way, or you can do it my when I am pissed off." Mark-O ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060119120955.00d19fd8 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 12:09:55 From: CB Subject: Re: Rope Light Cutting >All the normal consumer rope-lights I've seen just have two wires >running the length with 120V lamps soldered between them. Ehm, *ALL* of the consumer ropelights that I've had the pleasure of messing about with have had two rails and ten 12V lamps strung between them or twelve 10V lamps, ________________________________________________________________ ( ( [at] --- [at] --- [at] --- [at] --- [at] --- [at] --- [at] --- [at] --- [at] [at] --- [at] --- [at] --- [at] ___________________________________________)______________________ with a clearly marked 'Cut Here' to demarkate the end of one of the series of small lamps. I think htat the couplers worked far better than any other method I could have come up with, but if you're not going to be working them around at all (as in they aren't going to be struck every week) you could use clear shrink tubing. 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... ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: <4802EF9A-E6EB-4B93-86F9-4087EB4AEE48 [at] email.arizona.edu> Cc: marko [at] email.arizona.edu (Mark O'Brien) From: Mark O'Brien Subject: Re: modern instructions Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 12:11:32 -0700 On Jan 19, 2006, at 11:58 AM, CB wrote: > > A doctorate only says you know quite a bit about one subject. It > doesn't > ay that you know how to cross a street. The local university here in > Tucson is the place where you'll see more people crossing the street > without looking, wor walking in front of a moving van (Hey! I'm in a > crosswalk, I'm invincible!) expecting them to stop in time. > Institutes of > higher learning shouod start with 'Walking in Traffic 101'. > And while you are at it, smash the cellphones and I-pods. One afternoon, I counted 30 out of 50 folks walking with white cords hanging out of their ears. The good thing is that the U of A cops like to park in my service pass spot and nail the bikies running the four way stop. I think it is about a 75 USD hit! ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060119121430.00d19fd8 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 12:14:30 From: CB Subject: Re: Scenery and Flame Retardant >So, Chris. How do you really feel about stupid people? I guess I shouldn't psot right after driving across Tucson in Tourist/Student Season. (If its Snowbird Season, why won't Fish & Game sell me a tag!?!) 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... ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References:

Message-Id: <2BF5E179-9ED3-4259-863E-10697124D15B [at] gmail.com> From: Andrew Vance Subject: Re: modern instructions Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 13:20:21 -0600 On 19 Jan, 2006, at 13:11 , Mark O'Brien wrote: > And while you are at it, smash the cellphones and I-pods. One > afternoon, I counted 30 out of 50 folks walking with white cords > hanging out of their ears. Hey now. I walk to work every morning and I rather enjoy my iPod. While only two of the streets I cross can be labeled anything close to busy [this is Omaha after all], I still wait for the green light/ walk signal and [as Mom taught me] look both ways- even on the one- way streets out of habit. The only time I come close to being in a vehicle's way is when I'm crossing with the light and an inattentive driver begins to turn into my path. -- Sincerely, Andrew Vance Lighting Designer atvanceld [at] gmail.com ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References:

Message-Id: Cc: marko [at] email.arizona.edu (Mark O'Brien) From: Mark O'Brien Subject: Re: modern instructions Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 12:22:10 -0700 On Jan 19, 2006, at 12:20 PM, Andrew Vance wrote: > > On 19 Jan, 2006, at 13:11 , Mark O'Brien wrote: >> And while you are at it, smash the cellphones and I-pods. One >> afternoon, I counted 30 out of 50 folks walking with white cords >> hanging out of their ears. > > Hey now. I walk to work every morning and I rather enjoy my iPod. > While only two of the streets I cross can be labeled anything close > to busy [this is Omaha after all], I still wait for the green light/ > walk signal and [as Mom taught me] look both ways- even on the one- > way streets out of habit. The only time I come close to being in a > vehicle's way is when I'm crossing with the light and an > inattentive driver begins to turn into my path. If you are going to pay attention, then you can't be a pedestrian in Tucson. ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 14:30:39 -0500 From: Subject: Re: Tour loadouts Reply-to: In-Reply-To: References: On 11:42:10 am 01/19/06 CB wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see /> > --------------------------------------------------- > > > A fast load-out can be bad news if your show isn't loaded right, > > because then you have a longer load-in at the next stop as you have > > to sort out the mess of the load-out. A timely load-in is much more > > important because of the deadline of the rising curtain. > > "Take it out and do it again! You can do it my way or you can do it > twice!" If you've ever heard that, you were probably near one of my > trucks that was getting loaded 'in too much of a hurry'. The first > time they have to re-do something for rushing, they get that 'right' > is far more important than 'fast'. And a good out facilitates a fast > in. I also agree that making friends and influencing people will > halp you on the road. I can't tell you how many list lurkers have > worked with and for me in the last few years, and how much better my > life has been because of it. Repeat folk have always been happy to > see me, as well, so I must be doing someting right! > Chris "Chris" Babbie Location Sound > MON AZ > I've been on some pretty fast loadouts, and some really abusive ones. Much of what I do is corporate gigs, and the trucks usually arrive loaded semi-randomly from the warehouse, and since they are going right back to a warehouse. So it doesn't really matter how they are loaded, other than being able to stand up to the trip. Actual tours, I've seen some really amazingly tight packs, and if something goes out of place, the truck doors won't close. Not all tours are that well organized though. --Dale ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <64.64332c0a.310145d6 [at] aol.com> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 14:43:18 EST Subject: Re: Scenery and Flame Retardant In a message dated 19/01/06 19:14:29 GMT Standard Time, psyd [at] cox.net writes: > >So, Chris. How do you really feel about stupid people? I think Chris may agree. Stupidity is a contra-survival mutation. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Message-ID: <66258894884750f31b2e38891a2a2717 [at] cybercom.net> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 14:39:07 -0500 From: Subject: Re: modern instructions Reply-to: In-Reply-To: References: On 11:58:18 am 01/19/06 CB wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see /> > --------------------------------------------------- > > > I have a brillant Ph.D > > friend, who will remain nameless > > A doctorate only says you know quite a bit about one subject. It > doesn't ay that you know how to cross a street. The local university > here in Tucson is the place where you'll see more people crossing the > street without looking, wor walking in front of a moving van (Hey! > I'm in a crosswalk, I'm invincible!) expecting them to stop in time. > Institutes of higher learning shouod start with 'Walking in Traffic > 101'. Chris "Chris" Babbie > One of the most spectacular electrical incidents I ever personally witnessed was instigated by a fellow who held a masters in electrical engineering. He had forgotten to pack the 48 vold DC power supply needed for his particular widget, and figured that the 48 volt battery bank in the big UPS would be just the thing. He shut it down, opened it up, attached his wires and put it back together again and back into the rack. He turned it on. zzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZAP! BANG! Sparks flew, smoke poured out, and he gained the instant and undivided attention of everybody in the room. Fortunatley APC equipment was up to the challenge, and the fuses in the battery packs opened up in time to prevent fires. --Dale ------------------------------ Message-ID: <45c56d340601191252w1d5dc77ev7914546e4e258333 [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 12:52:13 -0800 From: Jared Fortney Subject: Re: Wire Rope Tricks In-Reply-To: References: Hi Brian, I can't speak directly for Quidam, but on Corteo our giant arch is called the Patience (it makes sense once you set it up) and the tractor cable support is much simpler than a ski lift style system. each of our four tracks has a stacked set of pulleys periodically throughout the arch. There is enough room between the pulleys to allow the attachment bracket of the dolly to pass without touching.=20 Unlike a shi lift, the suport of the dolly comes from standard style beam trolley wheels. The upper pulleys keep the cable from falling down onto the dolly and the lower pulleys keep the cable from falling below the track. As far as the attachment method, it's just a pair of swaged eyes that attach to a bracket on the dolly with a pair of bolts. The really interesting part of our system is the method of cable tensioning. The entire motor/drive pulley assembly is on a set of rails and is pulled back to a predetermined tension with chain come-alongs. FWIW, the unit was built by Show Canada and automated by Microtrol. Let me know if you have any more questions, I'll try to find answers. If anyone's coming to see Corteo in San Jose, say hi. -Jared Fortney Rigger CdS, Corteo ------------------------------ Message-ID: <43D009B8.9050905 [at] dreampossible.ca> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 16:50:48 -0500 From: Jim Hyslop Organization: Dreampossible Inc. Subject: Re: modern instructions References:

In-Reply-To: Andrew Vance wrote: > and [as Mom taught me] look both ways- even on the one- way > streets out of habit. You never know when some dough-head (or drunk) is going to decide to go the wrong way.... -- Jim Hyslop ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 17:30:29 -0500 Subject: Barrymore's closing From: John McKernon Message-ID: I just heard that January 29th is Barrymore's last day before they close permanently (same story as McHale's). I don't know when demolition is actually beginning. I expect the other restaurants & delis on that block will be closing around the same time. - John ------------------------------ Message-ID: From: "Occy" References:

Subject: Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 14:31:59 -0800 I never seen a laptop locking "system" that my lineman's pliers couldn't cut including my own. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Hyslop" > > An interesting response from one consultant, in that article: "What do > you expect for $35?" Uhhh, well, let's see - reasonably good, and > extremely-difficult-to-pick, padlocks run, what, $5? Maybe 10? So, for > $35 I expect something that will significantly slow someone down. > > -- > Jim Hyslop > > ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 17:55:25 -0500 From: Delbert Hall Subject: Virtual Scenic Studio Some of you might remember that I created a "virtual flat" program some years ago. This program asked the user to construct a virtual flat from pre-cut parts. Well, I have been playing with it and (hopefully) improving it. I would like a few folks on the list to try it out and give me feedback as to how it can be improved. You can try it online at http://delberthall.tripod.com/VSS/VSS-Beta1a.htm As you will see, this is version Beta 1.1a, so it is barely a good start. The are links on the main page for eight flats of different sizes and construction types, but only one is currently active. Once I resolve some of issues on the current flat, it will be pretty easy to add in the seven additional flats. I might even add a door and a window flat in the future. Anyway, give it a try and send me your comments (privately). Enjoy. -Delbert -- Delbert L. Hall ZFX Flying Director Phone: 714-585-7070 ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <82.36aa8af9.310177df [at] aol.com> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 18:16:47 EST Subject: Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables In a message dated 19/01/06 22:32:36 GMT Standard Time, OneOccy [at] hotmail.com writes: > I never seen a laptop locking "system" that my lineman's pliers couldn't cut > including my own. Certainly possible. My large snips are alleged to cut 2.5mm piano wire. I do have smaller ones for more delicate work. If someone is determined, and has the right tools to hand, few locking systems are really secure. Both the doors to my house are reasonably secure, but a gorilla with a wrecking bar could take either of them out with little trouble. There is no real defence against professionals, apart from giving them the idea that you are not worth doing. I sometimes think that alarm systems are counterproductive, especially as they are often ignored. All they do is to suggest that you might have valuable property. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Message-ID: <43D04217.9060102 [at] Verizon.net> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 20:51:19 -0500 From: JT Subject: Re: Publication topics Hi, all >>B. Hain wrote: "..all flash and nothing useful to my small college >>theater..." Just like a lot of you are saying. >>So it's not just me? Dear God, no. But like you, I thought it was just me. Other listers have voiced their rising displeasure at where certain mags are going and it's refreshing to see how many of us agree. Some mags have become virtually "content free", appearing to exist solely for the ad revenue instead of enlightening the readership. Like many others, I read the mags to learn,to see new equipment in the ads, and to see how the "other half" lives. The learning part seems to have fallen aside in favor of easy-to-get pieces on Famous Rocker's latest tour. Overpaid, over-lit and over here? How many of us do shows with 50 moving lights and a full-width LED screen? Each of us has our preferences, but I'd sure like to see somebody get back to writing about "true tech" instead of publishing gear lists and interviewing truck drivers. Maybe this list has supplanted conventional magazines as a resource. Posters generally write well, and details are usually clearly explained. And it's a daily. Hmmmm...I know this printing company.... As an aside, my day job IS editing a trade magazine (in a non-theatrical field) and I can tell you "professionally" that some truly great articles could emerge from posts to this list. I wish many of my contributors could handle words as well as Bill Sapsis, Frank Wood and many, many others. Of course, some posts could make the comics page, too. I'd also be interested to hear others' opinions on the newest iteration of our once well-loved Theater Crafts. I believe one or more authors and contributors pass through here occasionally... Regards, and keep reading! Jim Taylor Acoustic Light ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20060119191234.v6ml48wo40o4sc48 [at] www.email.arizona.edu> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 19:12:34 -0700 From: Mark O'Brien Subject: Re: Publication topics References: In-Reply-To: Quoting JT : > > Dear God, no. But like you, I thought it was just me. Other listers have > voiced their rising displeasure at where certain mags are going and it's > refreshing to see how many of us agree. Some mags have become virtually > "content free", appearing to exist solely for the ad revenue instead of > enlightening the readership. > Even worse is the Entertainment Technology magazine that comes in PDF form. It usually just gets deleted. If I received a paper magazine it would get read. Furthermore, with a magazine like that, the ads are part of the fun & usefulness of the rag. Mark-O Mark O'Brien Opera Technical Director University of Arizona, School of Music 520-621-7025 520-591-1803 Mobile ------------------------------ Message-ID: <000901c61d6d$76ee7e60$0600000a [at] BRUTUS> From: "Jon Ares" References:

Subject: Re: Publication topics Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 18:59:00 -0800 > Even worse is the Entertainment Technology magazine that comes in PDF > form. It > usually just gets deleted. If I received a paper magazine it would get > read. I personally have resisted receiving the 'industry urgent' daily newsletters and e-mags - I don't want to be staring at a computer screen to read a magazine. Most often, the only time I can catch up on my magazine reading is early Saturday and Sunday mornings - lying in bed with a cup of coffee and my trade rags. Just this last weekend I cuddled with the last print issue of Film & Video magazine. That came as a total shock to me, as I hadn't noticed any shift in content or quality, but there it was. They gushed over and over through all the pages about how moving to an all-online format was the best thing to happen to readers since the invention of the Arriflex and the Plumbicon. I for one am done with them - another one bites the dust. - Jon Ares www.hevanet.com/acreative ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 22:49:36 -0500 Subject: Re: Publication topics From: Bruce Purdy Message-ID: In-Reply-To: > Maybe this list has supplanted conventional magazines as a resource. Funny, I was just thinking the same thing! I was also thinking about this: As I recall, this thread started with someone (Sorry I forgot who) suggesting an on-line repository for "How to" projects complete with illustrations as a supplement to this list. This would be in the spirit of the best part of our long lost "Theatre crafts" magazine. I think this would be a great idea, but I was also thinking that the modern equivalents that have come along to fill that void are: Yale Technical briefs USITT Tech expo catalogues Our own Scott Parker's http://www.hstech.org/ All of which I learned about through this list! Thanks guys! Yes, I sorely miss Theatre Crafts, but truth be told - I don't know if I'd have the time to read it anymore thanks to all the time I spend reading the posts on this list! (and chasing down Web links referenced etc.) ;-) Bruce -- Bruce Purdy Technical Director Smith Opera House ------------------------------ From: Pgl87 [at] aol.com Message-ID: Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 23:00:37 EST Subject: Marantz Urgent!!!! I am need of a remote control for a Marantz PMD-350 Combination deck, wired or wireless. You must be absolutely certain it works! While I think of it, an XLR connection kit would also be desirable. All donations are fully tax deductible as we are a Not For Profit, tax exempt organization. Will pay if necessary. Philip LaDue EPAC Audio Engineer RFL ------------------------------ Message-ID: <43D0628D.2080507 [at] dreampossible.ca> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 23:09:49 -0500 From: Jim Hyslop Organization: Dreampossible Inc. Subject: Re: Publication topics References: In-Reply-To: JT wrote: > Maybe this list has supplanted conventional magazines as a resource. > Posters generally write well, and details are usually clearly explained. > And it's a daily. Hmmmm...I know this printing company.... Nah, not necessary - if we could just get the archives working ;=) -- Jim Hyslop ------------------------------ Message-ID: <90d9c9980601192045r6f4e979bwc0f9127f0dd658cf [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 23:45:23 -0500 From: Scott Parker Subject: Re: Publication topics In-Reply-To: References:

Hey, that's me! Thanks for the kind words Bruce. I have some plans for my site that should be up in the next couple of months. I am planning on making some changes that should allow more people to contribute to the pages. If anyone is good at PhP, please let me know. I could use a hand. Take care all, Scott www.hstech.org On 1/19/06, Bruce Purdy wrote: > Yale Technical briefs > USITT Tech expo catalogues > Our own Scott Parker's http://www.hstech.org/ > > Bruce Purdy > Technical Director > Smith Opera House > > > -- Take care, Scott =09Scott C. Parker =09Professor/Technical Director =09Dept. of Performing Arts =09Dyson College of Arts and Sciences [at] Pace University =09Office/shipping: 41 Park Row, 1205F =09Mailing: 1 Pace Plaza =09New York, NY 10038 =09212-346-1423 Fax: 914-989-8425 ------------------------------ Message-ID: From: "Occy" References: Subject: Re: Publication topics Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 23:10:42 -0800 I do at least 20-30 shows a year with full width LED "screen". 50 wiggles is a small show, these days. If I ever decide to design a rock again it would be full LED screen in the back and and full "screens" on the sides with a front truss with 30 wiggles on it just incase the vidiots did some thing wrong. There wouldn't be any Imag or "video" on those screens either as for they are for the show lighting. The biggest problem is the weight of LED screens it wouldn't work in most venues. ----- Original Message ----- From: "JT" > > Hi, all > > >> > Like many others, I read the mags to learn,to see new equipment in the > ads, and to see how the "other half" lives. The learning part seems to > have fallen aside in favor of easy-to-get pieces on Famous Rocker's > latest tour. Overpaid, over-lit and over here? How many of us do shows > with 50 moving lights and a full-width LED screen? > > Regards, and keep reading! > > Jim Taylor > Acoustic Light > > > > > > > > ------------------------------ End of Stagecraft Digest #660 *****************************