Call Vl. we had an issue with a batch of new in box lights from them in early 2012. the LD made a lowlight look for focusing with the lights at around 10%-15% and it burned holes in the wheels in a few hours. We were able to get the parts replaced under warranty. I wasn't on the lighting crew for that show so I can't be more helpful. I just got the statues updates from the techs venting about having to
drop so many fixtures from the rig.
It is defiantly worth making the
call! The worst they could say is no. More likely, depending on the age of the units, they may
send out replacements.
I would also look over the
cue stack for cues that leave them at a dim setting.
Regarding the beam, there is very little drop-off in the beam
level as it goes through the optics. Not exactly a
laser by any means, but it is a tight focused beam of light and heat.
One other thought: If there are long unavoidable periods where the
unit is dimmed to 15% (for example), you might want to put in some sub cues that vary them from 10 to 20%, (hopefully in some subtle way) so the wheel doesn't always sit in the same position. It may not solve the problem, but it would extend the wheel life. Of course, it has been mentioned that it may just be a defective batch that is prone to heat damage. (Again, back to the
call!)