Color Scroller question

[lighttech11]

So, I've tried searching for an answer in existing threads, but I have come up with nothing. So forgive me if I am repeating a question.

I just bought some color scrollers for use in our S4's. They're Chroma-Q Broadways. I have the power supply, cabling, and everything, I just have a question about putting the actual color scrolls in the units. I assumed there would be instructions in the user's manual, but their wasn't anything. I've never worked with Color Scrollers before, so I'm not familiar with the processes.
Is it a simple process to insert the scroll? Is it self-evident?
Are there any tips about putting the scroll in? Is it okay to physically turn the motors to get the scroll in, for example?
Any help or tips would be great.

Also, another question. For the Chroma Q's, is it absolutely necessary to return the cabling back to the power supply from the last scroller, or can you just put a terminator on the last scroller?

Thanks!
=)

[willbb123]

I don't have the same scrollers as you but I can't imagine they are much different, I have forerunners.
The gel strings are basically taped onto the spools. You can probably find a manual online and probably find a video.
Don't manually turn the spools when plugged in.

[SteveB]

Originally Posted by lighttech11

So, I've tried searching for an answer in existing threads, but I have come up with nothing. So forgive me if I am repeating a question.

I just bought some color scrollers for use in our S4's. They're Chroma-Q Broadways. I have the power supply, cabling, and everything, I just have a question about putting the actual color scrolls in the units. I assumed there would be instructions in the user's manual, but their wasn't anything. I've never worked with Color Scrollers before, so I'm not familiar with the processes.
Is it a simple process to insert the scroll? Is it self-evident?
Are there any tips about putting the scroll in? Is it okay to physically turn the motors to get the scroll in, for example?
Any help or tips would be great.

Also, another question. For the Chroma Q's, is it absolutely necessary to return the cabling back to the power supply from the last scroller, or can you just put a terminator on the last scroller?

Thanks!
=)

Presumably you ordered the units with, or they came with an M3 mounting plate, which adapts the scroll head to the S4 ellipsoidal (6-1/4" frame sized )fixture. There are assorted plates for different fixtures - PAR64's, S4 Pars, etc..

And no, you do not always have to loop back (manufacturer dependent). It's generally required if the distance from power supply to the first scroller is long AND you have a lot of scrollers on the PS AND it's a smaller PS. If it's a higher power head not maxed out at medium distances, loop back can sometimes be skipped.

Steve B.

[seanandkate]

Perhaps you'll find this helpful:

http://www.pslx.co.uk/Datafiles/Chro...roma-q_gel.pdf

[icewolf08]

I own the chroma-Q Mk.IIs. If the Broadways are similar then loading the gel strings is a royal PITA. Do your gel strings have little metal tabs on each end? If so then I can tell you how to load them, if not, I am sure that we can, but finding the manual can't hurt.

As for looping the data run, again, if the Broadway model is similar to the MkII the you MUST loop the scroller cable back to the PSU or the scrollers won't function. This is true even if there is only one unit on a PSU.

[Esoteric]

I always spec Chroma-Q units. I have sold hundreds upon hundreds of them. A couple of things.

I don't know off the top of my head how it went, but the last set I installed it took me 20 minutes to put the strings in 8 units. I remember it was super easy and simple. Call the company that sold them to you, tell them you did not get directions, and they should take care of you (at least I would if you were my client). All mine have always come with instructions (and they are really easy).

I have never looped back a scroller in my life (Chroma-Q or otherwise) and they worked just fine.

Mike

[derekleffew]

Questions for icewolf08, (and other resident regional theatre MEs):
1. Do you build your own scrolls or buy them?
2. Do your designers spec a specific string order, or just accept what you have?
3. Do you give the designers a choice of your in-stock strings?
4. Wouldn't you rather have two-string, color mixing units? (CXi or MXR, or ideally, ColorFaders.)

[icewolf08]

Originally Posted by Esoteric

I always spec Chroma-Q units. I have sold hundreds upon hundreds of them. A couple of things.

I don't know off the top of my head how it went, but the last set I installed it took me 20 minutes to put the strings in 8 units. I remember it was super easy and simple. Call the company that sold them to you, tell them you did not get directions, and they should take care of you (at least I would if you were my client). All mine have always come with instructions (and they are really easy).

I have never looped back a scroller in my life (Chroma-Q or otherwise) and they worked just fine.

I am glad that you have had such good experiences with Chroma-Q scrollers, but IMHO they aren't worth half what they cost. For the same price, the Apollo SmartColor is a far superior unit. From the universal mounting plate, built in gel shield, how you load the strings, to the overall construction. My Chroma-Q Mk. IIs won't function at all without a return loop from the last unit to the PSU, but the Apollo's will.

Originally Posted by derekleffew

Questions for icewolf08, (and other resident regional theatre MEs):
1. Do you build your own scrolls or buy them?
2. Do your designers spec a specific string order, or just accept what you have?
3. Do you give the designers a choice of your in-stock strings?
4. Wouldn't you rather have two-string, color mixing units? (CXi or MXR, or ideally, ColorFaders.)

1) I buy scrolls. I have thought about making a jig to make my own, but it is tedious and you have to be very exacting if you want the scrollers to index correctly. Also, in the long run it probably would cost the same in man hours as it does to just order strings.

3) I send every designer a list of our stock strings with our inventory.

2) I only offer the LDs of musicals the option to build gel strings as those are the shows with the budget for it, but as of this point in my time here I have not had to buy any strings other than what we stock for all our units.

4) If I was going to do a color mixing device I would go with SeaChangers. IMHO scrollers are one of the worst best inventions, why compound the issue with two strings?

[lighttech11]

The scrolls have little metal tabs on the end.

Thanks for that pdf. It seems to be the exact thing I'm looking for.

[seanandkate]

Originally Posted by lighttech11

Thanks for that pdf. It seems to be the exact thing I'm looking for.

Very welcome. I seem to remember it saved me the first time I had to change one too . . .