Control/Dimming ETC Sensor Rolling Racks
- Thread starternmccoart5
- Start date
I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the LD as a fool. If the end result looked good as an LD he did his job right. It has been discussed here before about who is responsible for the shop order and so forth but the higher up you go the less the LD will be specing. Hell it could have been a typo. Not that am excusing ignorance or carelessness but mistakes happen.
This is kind of a PSA to all aspiring techs, know dimmers and power distribution. There are alot of different types of moving lights and gadgets on the market right now but when it comes down to dimmers with more than 12 channels I have only seen one name. ETC. It might not be the most glamorous job in the world but ounce you understand the small and large touring racks you will be able to be useful on any tour or any job site. Understanding how they patch and what options are available will also help with an ME making paperwork.
This is kind of a PSA to all aspiring techs, know dimmers and power distribution. There are alot of different types of moving lights and gadgets on the market right now but when it comes down to dimmers with more than 12 channels I have only seen one name. ETC. It might not be the most glamorous job in the world but ounce you understand the small and large touring racks you will be able to be useful on any tour or any job site. Understanding how they patch and what options are available will also help with an ME making paperwork.
As Soundman says, people make mistakes. A simple slip up on the paperwork doesn't undermine the validity of the design.
I've seen the graphic standard for a S4 10º, labeled as a 13º, and it turned out to be a 14º.
No biggie, a quick e-mail to a designer will clear up most mistakes in a matter of seconds.
I've seen the graphic standard for a S4 10º, labeled as a 13º, and it turned out to be a 14º.
No biggie, a quick e-mail to a designer will clear up most mistakes in a matter of seconds.
thenelsontwins
Member
Wow, that thread got a little ridiculous.
Yes, that is totally normal for the dimmers and the brain to slide out ever so slightly in transit.
Yes, everybody does it...once.
e
Yes, that is totally normal for the dimmers and the brain to slide out ever so slightly in transit.
Yes, everybody does it...once.
e
"I didn't get a harrumph outta that man." -Mel Brooks
"Give the Governor an harrumph!" -Harvey Korman
'Scuse me Captain Homonym, that should be whether. *ducks and runs*
That comeback would be out of my mouth so fast.... (of course, If I didn't say it people would think I asn't feeling well)
What am I, an Entertainment Technician or an English teacher?
Yes!
When I worked at Colortran customers would specify if they wanted "in the rack" spares. For example, someone might order a D192 Dimmer Rack with 96 dimmers and eight spares. The rack would ship with 104 dimmer modules, but the control module would be programmed to only recognize and control 96.
This was back in the late 1980s. I don't know if it is still done today.
My brain slides out in transit all the time.
When I worked at Colortran customers would specify if they wanted "in the rack" spares. For example, someone might order a D192 Dimmer Rack with 96 dimmers and eight spares. The rack would ship with 104 dimmer modules, but the control module would be programmed to only recognize and control 96.
This reads odd. The CM can only ever be programmed for 96 modules, as that's what the rack holds. The CM cannot control more then 96.
The 8 spare dimmers might be 4 modules ?, and unlike the portable Sensor 24 and 48 module racks, no Colortran or ETC permanent rack had built in space to store spare dimmers - if every slot and dimmer connection is used for circuits. If you have spare slots not connected, you can either use an Air Flow Module, or pop a spare into that slot.
Spares are stored somewhere external of the rack. Usually in the original shipping box on the floor next to the rack(s), never used and collecting dust, as these things seemingly never fail.
FWIW, and for those who've never seen or used a Colortran D192 dimming rack, they are a bit wider and taller then a Sensor 48 module rack, yet hold 96 modules - or 192x2.4kw dimmers, thus the "D192" designation. A very nice, durable design that Colortran should have stayed with.
Steve B.
meatpopsicle
Active Member
At the risk of angering the syntax police...
One of the things that I have to remember about the Sensors is resetting the CEM after powering up as was mentioned by a previous post. The sensor CEM wants to see all three phases of power at once or an error is generated in the CEM. We frequently use generators on movie sets and the phase power is plugged in one at a time. Generally, in the rush to get to first shot, this error rears its ugly head as the Gaffer is calling for his first light to focus. My fellow electricians on other sets use the main breaker to power up the rack in the morning but I, having been schooled in rental shops, can still hear my former boss saying "That is a breaker, not a f$%g switch!". And, locking mechanism or not, every sensor gets it module seating checked on delivery and setup.
One of the things that I have to remember about the Sensors is resetting the CEM after powering up as was mentioned by a previous post. The sensor CEM wants to see all three phases of power at once or an error is generated in the CEM. We frequently use generators on movie sets and the phase power is plugged in one at a time. Generally, in the rush to get to first shot, this error rears its ugly head as the Gaffer is calling for his first light to focus. My fellow electricians on other sets use the main breaker to power up the rack in the morning but I, having been schooled in rental shops, can still hear my former boss saying "That is a breaker, not a f$%g switch!". And, locking mechanism or not, every sensor gets it module seating checked on delivery and setup.
STEVETERRY
Well-Known Member
Clarification please. Is it being said that a Touring Rack's Main Breaker should NEVER be operated manually, and should only move or be moved in an overcurrent situation? (Because if that's the case, ALL owners and users of these systems need some serious re-training.) Isn't it a good idea to "exercise" all circuit breakers at some interval? Or are we talking about making/breaking while under load?
meatpopsicle, are you saying it's your practice to plug live Camloks with the rack's Main Breaker in the ON position? (Proper procedure, of course, would require an appropriately-sized, fused local [accesible] disconnect in front of any portable lighting distribution equipment. Absolutely required if more than one device is being fed from the same power source, either via pass-thru's or Y's/Tees/W's/Splitters/Spiders.)
meatpopsicle, are you saying it's your practice to plug live Camloks with the rack's Main Breaker in the ON position? (Proper procedure, of course, would require an appropriately-sized, fused local [accesible] disconnect in front of any portable lighting distribution equipment. Absolutely required if more than one device is being fed from the same power source, either via pass-thru's or Y's/Tees/W's/Splitters/Spiders.)
meatpopsicle
Active Member
Live camloks into the racks? No no. Build the system first, terminating all cam lines with appropriate distro boxes or other equipment (dimmers, motor distros ect. ect.,) then send the system hot by plugging into the generator. Its usually idleing when we plug it, but if the generator has been hotted to get the equipment trucks gates going or power to craft service then the lines are hotted with the plant running. Overcurrent protection is maintained by the main breaker on the generator and branch breakers at the distro.
In a live venue situation an appropriate disconnect should be placed for the appropriate safety reasons and so that the mains on the dimmer rack are not used as a switch. As to excercising the breaker...I think Steve is more qualified to comment on that. Colorfully, I might add.
In a live venue situation an appropriate disconnect should be placed for the appropriate safety reasons and so that the mains on the dimmer rack are not used as a switch. As to excercising the breaker...I think Steve is more qualified to comment on that. Colorfully, I might add.
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meatpopsicle
Active Member
Good to know! Thanks for the research.
Sorry, my bad (hey, I worked there from 1987 to 1989. It's been a while
).You're right. The rack didn't have space for spares, and what I should have said was that someone would order a half-rack, or 96 dimmers (48 dimmer modules) and 4 or 6 spare dimmer modules. Usually, they would sit next to the rack, but on a few rare occasions, we would install the copper output connectors in the back so the spare dimmer modules would "stick" when plugged into the rack, but we woudn't install the copper buss bar for input power, and the CM would be programmed for 48 modules.
One of my favorite things about that rack was the air-flow switch in the exhaust vent on top. There was a little paddle that stuck out into the air flow coming out of the top of the rack. It was attached to a micro switch. As long as there was enough air flow coming out of the rack to hold the paddle up, everything was fine. Lose the air flow, the paddle would drop, and the CMs would shut the rack down. At all the school installs I checked out I had to warn them, and still, at some point a student would come in and throw their books or jacket on top of the rack, block the air flow, and the rack would shut down.
The D192 was a very nice, robust rack, and I agree that Colortran should have stuck with it.
Ahh, for the good old days..... (sigh)
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midgetgreen11
Active Member
I worked with a a college professor LD who swears by 35 degree S4's. We call him on it every time but his instrument schedule and all of his paperwork say 35 degrees.
Sony
Active Member
midgetgreen11
Active Member
Well he doesn't look at the fixtures, that's the ME and technicians job .
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