Red Dot Scope for Followspots

[Charc]

Hey guys. I wondered if you had any opinions on mounting red dot scopes for use on followspots. The idea never occurred to me, until I stumbled across two on the internet. The telrad, seems to be popular, and the Spot Dot. I know you can buy cheap cheap cheapo red dot scopes for 9.99. Is there any advantage to getting the telrad or spot dot over the cheapo ones? Is there any advantage to these at all? I'm spurred to get these after seeing the performance of our followspot ops during the last performance. They looked like, and I quote: "spastic bumblebees". I hope that a scope might make them a little more proficient with their instrument. Thought anyone?

Thanks, Charlie

[DHSLXOP]

Originally Posted by charcoaldabs

Hey guys. I wondered if you had any opinions on mounting red dot scopes for use on followspots. The idea never occurred to me, until I stumbled across two on the internet. The telrad, seems to be popular, and the Spot Dot. I know you can buy cheap cheap cheapo red dot scopes for 9.99. Is there any advantage to getting the telrad or spot dot over the cheapo ones? Is there any advantage to these at all? I'm spurred to get these after seeing the performance of our followspot ops during the last performance. They looked like, and I quote: "spastic bumblebees". I hope that a scope might make them a little more proficient with their instrument. Thought anyone?
Thanks, Charlie

I couldn't help you on the brands (but as always, the more you pay, the better they'll be), but I'm 100% positive that they do wonders (especially if you're spots are high up) I work at 3 different theaters (2 of them are cheap, community theater theaters, and the other one is more professional), and the 2 community theater ones don't have spot dots. When I did a show at the community theater, my spot operator was having a lot of trouble finding the performer, and staying on them the entire time. But when we do shows at the professional theater, the spot ops are right on since they can tell what they are hitting, before they light the person. (instead of just aiming and running the risk of hitting a set piece instead of the performer) Since you said that your spots are "spastic bumblebees" i would definitely go with spot dots to ease this problem (please know though, they do take a little bit of time to get used to) Hope this helps!

[DarSax]

Semi hijack, I still don't know how in the f--- a spot dot works. Is it just a lit crosshair for a spot? I don't get the point of a lit LED that "doesn't project light beyond the spot."

[DHSLXOP]

Originally Posted by DarSax

Semi hijack, I still don't know how in the f--- a spot dot works. Is it just a lit crosshair for a spot? I don't get the point of a lit LED that "doesn't project light beyond the spot."

I don't know if this is what you're looking for, but basically its a little tube that the spot light operator looks into. In that tube, is a little LED light. If you need to light the soloist stage left, for example, you look through the spot dot to find the soloist. When you find him/her, you aim the follow spot so that the dot is in the center of their body. When you open up the shutter (i believe thats what its called) of the spot, the spot is on that person. As long as you keep the dot in their center, the spot will always be on them. I hope this makes sense and is what you wanted to know.

[Charc]

I'll try and add a little DHSLXOP's post to clear up any ambiguity.

These types of scopes are referred to as "Red Dots". A red dot scope is most commonly found on sub-machine guns and assault rifles. Typically, these scopes will have attach to a weaver rail. These red dots cost hundreds of dollars. Basically, as aforementioned, it's a small tube with an led projecting onto a piece of plastic. Often selectable intensities and color selection are included. It is common for these red dots to have a slight magnification, on the order of 1.5x. This makes spotting targets slightly easier. Unlike iron sights, a red dot only gives you one point of reference. This means it is important that the calibrate and use the sight with the same eye angle/position. You can calibrate the sight with small screws, that will move the dot up/down and left/right. These types of sights, when used with followspots are gaffed on, or have magnetic bases. calibrate your sight to the center of the light. Calibrate it with the light onstage. To use the red dot, identify who you need to light. Place the red dot where you want the center of the light to be, take off the douser. Tada, the light is now more or less on the mark. Now you can fine tune your position, ignoring the dot completely.

[SteveRader]

I've used the spotdot for sometime. It does make a difference, especially when working in community or high school theaters with less experienced operators. Bit pricey for a scope, but does work wonders.

[Foxinabox10]

Here's a possible cheaper alternative:

http://www.telescopes.com/products/t...ase-37744.html

[Charc]

Originally Posted by Foxinabox10

Here's a possible cheaper alternative:
http://www.telescopes.com/products/t...ase-37744.html

Yep. That would be the telrad. It seems to be like the spot dot is a better choice though.

[Dillon]

I've got a pair of Telrads on my spots. They work wonders and make even the novice spot operator look like a pro. They project a nice little red target onto an angled piece of tinted glass. They mount quite nicely onto our spots -- a couple self-tapping screws into each mounting plate into the spot bodies. They also have three little thumscrews to configure the target's aim. Never used a spot-dot, but same principle.

[Charc]

Thanks for all the input so far. I'm torn between which sights to throw my money at. I think these are worthwhile enough, and cheap enough, to spend my own money on 'em. I'm still not sure which to get though. I really don't care about the money, just which are gonna be better to use.

Edit:

Here is something I didn't even consider. From your experience, where is the best position to mount these? If it makes a difference, I'll be mounting these on two Lycian Model 1206 Midget followspots.