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9 replies

New Guy inherits light gear and wonders...

FM Former Member
Hi all,

I know I should probably spend hours researching the postings to understand what I have-- I do intend to do this. But in the interest of utilizing what I am sure is an excellent group of savvy users up front to see where I might start I wanted to start my discovery with a little help from those with the time to hold my hand-- thank you in advance: and now...a quick background and purpose for ending up here:

I have done live sound and studio music production for years, but have avoided any outdoor venues where I need, stage, truss and lighting UNLESS if was provided which it has been in many cases where I just come out, throw up my PA and let someone else manage lights. Recently, I have upgraded my PA to a level where it would be VERY usable in an outdoor venue. I am looking at stages/truss/power and of course...lighting.

When I purchased the top end of my PA (Four used but recent model Community SLS960s), I got a flightcase FULL of light cans (missing bulbs of course) and several pieces of American DJ gear:

1) Light Copilot (LC-100). It is a single space, 8 channel strip (2" deep) with a foot control 1/4 out, serial out and an RCA audio in)

2) Light Copilot (LC8SP). 2 rack space, 110volt, 8 channel plug bank (2 plugs for each channel). Nothing but serial in/out and a breaker.

3) non-rackable 8"x 8"x4" "Four channel Chase Controller with 16 auto chase patterns." (CC-2016) Footswitch 1/4 out and a sensitivity potentiometer.

Can anyone here tell me basically what I would need to ADD to this gear in order to use it in an automatic type mode for basic outdoor stage canes and maybe an extra effects light or two? I also have a long light with a rotating mirror on one end. Its called some fancy name like "Sapphire". Would like advice on getting the right parts and if you have time, any tips on setting it up.

Thanks!
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FM Former Member
mmmk, from what I take from your post...you have 2 co-pilots and how many of the chasers? How many Par Can's did you get in the "package"? What size are these can's? What size truss are you going to be using? Do you have an estimated budget? Sorry for the questions but we need a better understanding of what you intend on doing. I am full of suggestions as are all of the members here but I need a little (just a wee bit) more info from you.
FM Former Member
Hey bad,

Truss will be full stage size. We are deciding now if I will rent stage, truss and tent on a larger venue basis or buy it. In either case, probably 18-20 ft square-- enough for a full 5 piece band to play under. I have several flight cases (very large) for storing up to 32 cans (the cans are about 12" diameter/16 deep and I was told-- very standard). I also have racks for future PA/lighting gear.

I probably will not be using some of this lighting gear as I want something completely controllable from a laptop (or automatic controller of some kind). I am too busy running sound during shows to handle manual lighting too, so I want something that kind of runs itself. BUT I am not looking for anything super expensive, just enough to get through a live show with a few spots on the leads up front; 12-16 cans with gels and maybe some side stage effects and a few spots. I would term it a small outdoor LIVE music stage set-up.

If this gear can not be controlled automatically, then I will dump it and buy stuff that can be. But I have to think the standard cans would be controllable in some form or fashion-- I just don't know a thing about the gear I do have. What I would like is someone to tell me to "dump this", and "get this" in order to use what I can. If I got a controller that I had to flip a switch or two between songs the change up the lights some, but keep the spots on-- that would be good enough. I don't need strobes, fog or anything other than some color and enough light to get things done for an outdoor live gig.
FM Former Member
You can control everything you have from a dmx lighting board, such as the dmx operator pro or show designer models, all you would need to do is purchase dmx dimmer packs for the par cans that you now own And a dmx relay pack to control the sapphire light. If you do this you can then also purchase "intelligent" lighting, such as moving heads and scanners. All of which can then be controlled from your new dmx console. This would allow you to do very nice light setups with custom programs to suite any need.
I know you mentioned that you only need to color wash and enough light to light up and outdoor venue however once you get to this point your going to want other lights to achieve more effects, and after investing the money to do the other stuff that you want now to go the extra step really isn't all that bad.
FM Former Member
MadMikey is right. But, if you don't wanna go that route, you can always just hook the par's up to the dimmer packs (that you already have) and set them to sound active mode. Sort of a set and forget thing. As far as the sapphire goes, you can dump it or hook it up to one of the co-pilots. This set-up I explained is a very "Hands-Off" approach and should only be used if you do not intend to expand your show with more "intelligent" lighting.

To put this in perspective, your can's will dim and get brighter according to the music that hit's the internal mic of the dimmer pack. Which means, you couldn't have all blue on for a song then all red for another. They would mix and match on their own. Plus, you will have to read up on DMX if you plan on getting that board MadMikey is talking about however, it does have some pre-programmed shows I beleive.
FM Former Member
I know this topic is from a while back but I have a suggestion that you may want to invest in. My suggestion is to buy Leprecon Equipment. They have great controllers and DMX Ones that are extremely easy to operate. They have chases Pre-programmed or you can program your own. They also have stack where you can set a certain setting for the on-stage look, set it to the desired number and just set the Master fader where ever you wish and then you've got your stage look set, then you can set the chase you want and get the concert or event rocking in no time! Here is one place that I would suggest that you buy their equipment from: http://www.prolightingsupplies.com/leprecon.php?PHPSESS...2e68239af9ebd0c1ef6a They have good prices on it. IF you come across questions you can go to leprecons site and contact them. They are always willing to help out! Here's a link to their site: http://www.leprecon.com/ . The link i gave you has equipment on sale till the end of march 5%-15% off there already low price until March 31st, If you have the budget id highly suggest their equipment.
FM Former Member
OK guys, Back after SXSW and follow-up week. All info is appreciated BUT if someone could tell me what I HAVE and HOW it works-- this would be super cool.

I understand the progressive movement toward programable controllers, but I don't know light dimmers from ****. I am willing to invest, but first...please take a look at my original post and tell me what I need and how I could best USE WHAT I GOT, and most importantly: what I need to use (and what is for sale on Ebay next week). I need a starting point and someone reading my original posting could best understand my request-- thanks again guys!!!
FM Former Member
OK guys, Back after SXSW and follow-up week. All info is appreciated BUT if someone could tell me what I HAVE and HOW it works-- this would be super cool.

I understand the progressive movement toward programable controllers, but I don't know light dimmers from ****. I am willing to invest, but first...please take a look at my original post and tell me what I need and how I could best USE WHAT I GOT, and most importantly: what I need to use (and what is for sale on Ebay next week). I need a starting point and someone reading my original posting could best understand my request-- thanks again guys!!!
FM Former Member
http://www.americandj.com/product.asp?ProductIDNumber=4...Control_DISCONTINUED
---- check out the manuel

since u got 2 different controlers each controler should control a certain part of the stage. You said you are investing in another one.... You cant Dim the lights with the controlers you have now, and you cant hook those controlers up to a dimmer, i suggest you just sell everything (ebay)
and invest in all new equipment------- DMX, dimmer packs ect.

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