Well, I have had a little bit of time between a busy schedule to finally sit down with my business partner and check out the two TRI18 and the RGB-3C controller.
Keeping in mind that my intended use is for a stage wash for live bands, we tried to conduct a test that would put the lights thru that type of exercise. We sat the lights on the floor (tripods were not readily available where we were set up...) and spread them about 15-16 feet apart and about 14-15 feet from the wall (painted flat white).
We crossfired the fixtures, stage right fixture aimed at stage left back wall and vice versa for the other fixture.
The light was very rich and easily washed the entire area from about 6 or 8 feet in front of the wall...so it took approximately 6 or 8 feet for the light to spread. The light easily covered at least 8 feet above the floor, and had they been pole mounted they would have easily covered from a height of approximately 10 feet.
The RGB-3C controller was simple once we figured out the different features. Not a big deal, just took us a couple of minutes to work our way thru the various controls. Using the same three faders for RGB control or for Program, Speed and Flash took just a couple of minutes to comprehend the operation. It probably took a total of 15 minutes from opening the boxes of the TRI18 and RGB-3C to having a nice stage wash on the wall.
We toyed with several of the internal programs, sound active, manual use of the preset color selections and the use of the faders...we were very pleased with the system's ease of operation.
One comment from another person in my earlier post suggested that the RGB-3C needed a master fader. While that might be a nice addition, I did not find I required that feature. I simply switched from using the preset colors and started using the RGB faders to create my own colors...and thus I could also adjust the intensity of the fixture as well. Granted, it would be simpler if there was a master fader since you could leave the intensity of the Master at a selected level and then push a button to change colors.
How "bright" was the light? Well, it was a strong enough light from just one fixture that it was uncomfortable to look directly at the light...both lights on at 100% made it difficult to see anything behind the lights (audience side).
The "intensity" of the colors was outstanding. Full, rich, deep colors at 100% and still plenty of color depth even at 50% fader.
Even the "white" was a very useable color and would be far more than adequate to illuminate activities such as public speaking (wedding, conference, awards ceremony, you name it)...and, for that matter, it would be pretty handy to pack your gear using the white for illumination.
Keep in mind, I wanted a simple STAGE WASH system. However, I can assure you that if you are a mobile or club DJ/KJ, these lights would work well to pump up the dance floor...the multiple auto cycles and strobe programs and other features would combine to make this a very nice rig for DJ/KJ application...throw in a few effects lights and you have a nice, simple set up.
About 3 years ago, I had an opportunity to watch some 1 Watt LEDs from a different manufacturer...the model of the lights was the same name as the "Rocky Mountain State"...to be honest, from my limited experience, the TRI18 was every bit as impressive and retailed at about half the cost of the "other" product. At the time we were watching the "other" product, I commented to my crew that I felt that my 10mm LEDs in six P64 LED fixtures were nearly as bright as the "other" product with three banks of 36 1 Watt LEDs per fixture (two fixtures). At the time, my two crew members told me that if I purchased just two more P64 LED, that we would produce more light than the "other" manufacturer's products.
There is NO QUESTION in my mind that the TRI18 goes beyond either of those systems. My two TRI18 together cost less than half what the market price is for that "other" company's product. If I were to spend an equal amount as that "other" product costs, I would have four TRI18. I would not hesitate to provide lighting for a "small town" outdoor street festival with four TRI18 flown above the front line of the stage. And if the opportunity to bid such a job comes up this summer, I intend to go after that contract.
In conclusion, these two TRI18 out perform the six old technology (first production models) P64 LED fixtures I had previously used. Brighter, richer color, easier to use, simple to control with the RGB-3C. I realize that in 3 or 4 years, there will be a newer technology and newer products that will out perform these lights...so what? In 3 years I will be 65 yrs old...I will be in the audience, not on stage or behind the mixer. I will be happy that I don't drool on myself...or worse.
My business partner told me that he thought I made a very good investment. I thought so myself. He did ask if I would consider allowing him to use the lights at his "real job" (theater tech at the local city government auditorium and conference center)...I told him anytime he needed them.
I want to thank everyone who provide opinions and input when I was asking for advice. I especially want to thank Jingles for his input...yeah, I know he is a company man...but everything he told me proved to be correct.
Photos or video? I am a techno phobe...I have enough trouble answering my cell phone. If you want to see some video, go to YouTube or to the ADJ home page. OR...come by Stillwater OK and give me a call and you can come play with mine.
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