Hi all, I am deciding on whether to upgrade, or keep a
CD80 rack in service for say, another 5 years. It seems to work OK, although I've not checked all of the channels, so it may or may not have a few bad ones. It was installed in 1999. I'm not too familiar with this brand and
dimmer rack, so opinions on typical longevity, parts availability, and / or typical problems would be welcome.
Laryn
Laryn;
The
Strand CD80 racks were/are built like very reliable tanks.
I shouldn't assume but I'm assuming you're speaking of a full size rack; 48 slots, likely loaded with 48 dual 20 Amp 2.4 Kw modules / 96 dimmers. In my area there are
CD80 racks with 30 years on them still reliably running 24/7/365.
The original
CD80 racks were controlled via the AMX-192 analogue multiplex
protocol.
The
dimmer modules hold up extremely well.
The fans and control electronics are the first things to go but usually only after about a decade, or longer.
One of the racks in my area was installed in 1983. When
Strand introduced the upgraded AE electronics it was an early adopter. Approximately two months ago, the AE control electronics were replaced with one of Shaun Johnson's 3000 series upgrade electronics, Google Johnson Systems for more info, which of course gained them brand new fans as well.
A couple of thoughts for you;
When you replace a
console; you unpack it,
plug in a few cables,
power up the
console and you're on your way. Eventually you read the
manual and become more proficient / efficient.
Changing out a
dimmer rack consumes far more money and appreciable down time.
Often
power supply feeders are no longer long enough to reach the new rack's mains lugs and then there are all of those load lines to be dealt with.
The Johnson Systems upgrade electronics couldn't be simpler / quicker to install; a screwdriver, a few plugs and you're back up and running. One other thing to mention, Shaun Johnson's upgrade electronics operate with the
DMX512 protocol.
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard