Electro Controls Fresnel

[cw4u]

I know this might be a stupid question, but how do I get the lamp out of this thing? I've got about 24 that are laying on stage because they haven't had a lamp for 4 years.

If somebody could help me out, I'd appreciate it.

 

[derekleffew]

Not a stupid question. I'm guessing it's the medium prefocus socket that is causing the issues.

Medium Prefocus Lamp Socket

Two important points:
1. The "Button" in the bottom center of the socket is spring-loaded, and
2. The two "fins" on the lamp base are two different sizes.

[Edit: With the unit unplugged...] To remove a lamp, push straight down toward the socket while simultaneously turning the lamp 90° counter-clockwise until the fins clear the slots, then lift straight up. Much easier said than done, in the confines of a 6" Fresnel. It's slightly easier if you move the socket/reflector sled toward the lens (full flood focus) first.

See also this thread if your sockets need replacing: http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/lighting/11026-altman-6-fresnel-lamp-base-problems.html.

 

[dramatech]

Sometimes even when the fins of the lamp line up with the holes they go into and come out of, they will be bent and seem impossible to remove. Using a small jewelers screwdriver, push the socket edges down a bit so that the lamp can make it's way out. Even at that, it is a royal pain in the XXX. Once you have the lamp out you might want to look and reshaping the edges of the socket (power OFF PLEASE).
If you replace the socket, be aware that the shiny porcelin sockets have a different mounting hole configuration than the dull or matted finish sockets. The Electro Contols require the matted finish while the Altmans use the shiny ones. You can always redrill holes to make a socket, not meant for the instrument, fit. It all has to do with the alignment of the filament in the lamp. Check that position, before installing a new socket to make sure that the new socket will align the filament correctly. The EC Fresnels are old, but if properly maintained are one of the most serviceable Fresnels in the theatre.

 

[cw4u]

Thanks so much.

What type of bulb should I order for these lights? I saw on a site that they have different lamps for different lengths. How do I determine which length I need (3", 6", or 8"??)

 

[Footer]

Measure the lens of the fixture. If you have a 6" fresnel, It is recommended (from here at least) to go with a BTH lamp.

 

[derekleffew]

...What type of bulb should I order for these lights? I saw on a site that they have different lamps for different lengths. How do I determine which length I need (3", 6", or 8"??)

(We call them lamps, not bulbs, see also http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/glossary/10203-bulb.html.) It's not length--Fresnels are categorized by their lens diameter (and to a lesser extent, socket-type). If your fixture is indeed an Electro Controls #3466:

You have the following choices:

...So let me get this straight. It's brighter than a
BTL; 500W; 500 hour; 3000K; 11,000 lumens, LPW=22.0,
BTH; 575W; 300 hour; 3250K; 15,500 lumens, LPW=27.0,
but not as bright as a
BTN; 750W; 500 hour; 3000K; 17,000 lumens, LPW=22.7,
and no where close to a
BTR; 1000W; 250 hour; 3200K; 28,500 lumens, LPW=28.5,
???
...

Note that the 1000W-BTR is not an option for you, as this particular fixture was never listed for any wattage greater than 750W.

 

[cw4u]

Thanks for the bulb/lamp thing. I know they're called lamps, I just interchange the word to frequently.

I'll get the 500w lamps to put in them. That's what they originally had in them, so I'll just use that.

 

[IEGPR]

We use the 500 watt BTL in our fixtures

 

[misterm]

We have an entire Electro Controls set-up in our auditorium. Unfortunately. You can look in any theatrical supply catalogue (I prefer BMI) and check find the right lamp. I found them easily and replaced them not so easily. They are an absolute pain.
Now if only we could get that stupid board and dimmers to work...

 

[midgetgreen11]

We have an entire Electro Controls set-up in our auditorium. Unfortunately.

Sorry to hijack here---- I just worked in a high school with Electro Controls dimmers---- during our Saturday night performance the Demux convertor died. Not fun to work around. Let's just say we ran the show off dimmer breakers.

 

[misterm]

our board doesnt work at all. or there's something wrong in the wiring, which we can't get to. either way, the whole system is worthless and needs to be replaced, but in a school system that's laying off teachers, i'm thankful for a job!

 

[Kelite]

a school system that's laying teachers, i'm thankful for a job!

Uh, you mean laying off?

 

[misterm]

Uh, you mean laying off?

yes! thanks for catching that! although there are a few who need to get laid....

 

[Kelite]

I'm sorry Mister M, I just couldn't pass up a slow, low one over the plate....



Thanks for your humorous side!