In need of a Hazer

[soundlight]

I am currently looking for a hazer (in the sub-1000 dollar range) to put in to the long-term improvements proposal that I'm working on right now for an on-campus venue. The only trick is that there's a particulate detector, that cannot be turned off, above the stage (10' ceiling). We set the alarm off with a Le Maitre G150 (we own two) yesterday afternoon when testing, but we did not set it off when the room was pretty much filled with haze from a Le Maitre Neutron hazer (which the visiting LD brought in), but most of the haze stayed below the detector (lucky for us). We now know that the G150s are useless in the venue, even though they were a part of the original install! I'm looking at the Le Maitre Radiance hazer, and I want to know what experiences people have had with the Radiance and particulate detection fire alarm systems. If I run it at low output, just enough to keep the beams from my scanners visible, will it set off the system?

The rest of the upgrade package includes 4 Vision Scan 250s, 20 Chauvet LEDsplash 2s, an NSI 7500 series board (either 24 or 32) to complement the MLC16D that's already there, and an opto-iso and cabling for the upgrade. Also, two new pieces of uni-strut to hang the new lights on.

[sound_nerd]

We've been using the Radiance on tour for months now, and it's fantastic. I'm doing a club tour, so dealing with all sorts of ceiling heights and fire detection systems. So far we have had zero issues, and I run it a bit hard. Approx. about 40% output all night in an 800 capacity venue.
We also run a 1700w fogger on the same show, just for bursts, and we've had no issues with that either. (it's a Chauvet Hurricane 1700)

Either we've had really good luck with venues, or the fluid type used in the Radiance is easy on fire detection systems.

[BillESC]

The Radiance is the new improved replacement for the Neutron. It's haze will act the same. As long as you don't over do it you should be fine.

[sound_nerd]

Yes, I forgot to mention but Bill got it, the Radiance uses the same fluid as the Neutron. Only real difference is that the Neutron is an awful piece of machinery, and the Radiance has better output and breaks far less.

[Daveslights]

I have a Radiance, it's fantastic. I'm totally in love with it! I use it in lots of small clubs and outdoor stages too.

I've only had one fire alarm issue, and it was a bar/restaurant kind of deal. Never had a problem in a club.

You might have to turn it off occasionally in smaller rooms though.

[soundlight]

No ability to turn the alarm off. I really want to get the funds for a DF-50, because I know that those are really good with particulate alarms, but we might not have the cash.

[len]

Radiance = excellent for the $$.

Radiance tour package = excellent if you plan on touring (although a little tippy). But still excellent.

Neutron not so much. Glad it's gone.

[sound_nerd]

You'll find that the oil based fluid in the DF50 will gunk up everything with a nice thin film. The output is nice though, and that style of hazer (who's name is on the tip of my tongue) has a very even distribution and fills a room nicely.
Should also note they're fairly loud, and while not a problem for concerts, running during a theatre show might sound like a two stroke Honda.

[Grog12]

Addressing soundlights real problem which is the particulate dector:

Sir I hate to tell you that you're S.O.L. Here's the deal you'll be hit or miss with whatever you by. If you brought a Neutron back in today you might set it off. It depends on the air patterns in the room, how many people are there...how long you run it ect. That's a lot of variables. Every time you set off the fire alarms cost your department money...alot of it.

Have your Department TD talk to the fire department and other campus officials about why you actually want the dector shut down, and for how long every night. The university I work at has to shut them off every time we want to use Haze.

[Charc]

What about piping clean air around the detector?