Automated Fixtures - Tee Slot Moving Light Hangers

[derekleffew]

Does anyone use/has anyone used, these? A few of our sub-rented lights today came with them. First time I'd seen them in person. Terrific idea. Imagine a tour leaving the clamps on the truss, ensuring that every moving light will be hung in the exact same place every time. Plus, one person can hang/unhang a 90 lb. MAC2000 all by oneself (but still not recommended, unless swapping a light in the air on a truss with a rope and sheave). If only the blasted things weren't so darn expensive. (And still didn't stop someone from hanging a light backwards.) Thoughts, anyone?

[zac850]

Never used them, but I do like the idea.

Of course, i think that in a touring situation, swing wing truss will be faster, easier, and when you have to purchase them for the entire rig, not much more expensive.

[SteveB]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

Does anyone use/has anyone used, these? A few of our sub-rented lights today came with them. First time I'd seen them in person. Terrific idea. Imagine a tour leaving the clamps on the truss, ensuring that every moving light will be hung in the exact same place every time. Plus, one person can hang/unhang a 90 lb. MAC2000 all by oneself (but still not recommended, unless swapping a light in the air on a truss with a rope and sheave). If only the blasted things weren't so darn expensive. (And still didn't stop someone from hanging a light backwards.) Thoughts, anyone?

Used them once and they have all of the positive attributes you mention, BUT (as memory serves) it can be tough for even two people to get the alignment of the slots exactly correct while handling a heavy ML, especially if the slot is below eye level. It's fast, but IMO I actually prefer a Mega-Claw.

Steve B.

Steve

[derekleffew]

Good comments, and I agree with both of you above. Zac, have you seen Upstaging's new HUD truss? [Living tribute to John Huddleston?] Looking forward to working with that, also. I wonder, if I ever ME a rock tour, if I could get HUD truss AND PRG's S400 system?

[Grog12]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

Good comments, and I agree with both of you above. Zac, have you seen Upstaging's new HUD truss? [Living tribute to John Huddleston?] Looking forward to working with that, also. I wonder, if I ever ME a rock tour, if I could get HUD truss AND PRG's S400 system?

Wasn't there a truss like this at LDI a few years ago where you didn't have to remove the wheels they just stayed on?

[Jezza]

Derek -- I like the thought, however it would mean that truss won't slide easily into a truck -- ie truss stacking would sort of be a big pain in the butt.

Until they can come up with a flush-mount system, I'd opt for no. I agree with Steve, Megaclaws will do for me -- that and some good Etape labels on the truss.

However, I am a big proponent of the HUD system -- any pre-rigged ML truss is OK with me as long as the lights aren't mine! Those things seem to beat up fixtures.

[JD]

Nice idea, but $$$ for what it is. I'm still waiting for someone to come up with a mini battery powered wench! You know, something you would plop on the top of the truss that has a short cable that you would attach to the mover, hit the button, it pulls it up out of the case and up to a position where you can attach the clamps, then move on to the next position. I don't know about you all, but my back really doesn't like movers Age is catching up with me.

(sorry about the run-ons, but yesterday was 18 hours and my brain hasn't recovered.)

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by JD

...a mini battery powered wench! ...

!
The winch pulled the wench ashore, and the pirates rejoiced.

Also, I'm sure you know that you meant hoist.

Everyone (mini Question of the Day): What's the difference between a winch and a hoist?

[tomed101]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

Everyone (mini Question of the Day): What's the difference between a winch and a hoist?

Just a guess:

A hoist is designed to lift and hold the load and a winch is purely for lifting and the load must then be secured once in place??

[MNicolai]

A hoist lifts and a winch pulls.

Take that for what it's worth.