USITT Stage Expo 2011
Session: Wireless Dimming, DMX, and Motion in Practice
Wednesday March 9, 2011
5:45pm – 7:00pm
Subject: Wireless Dimming, DMX, and Motion
What it is.
How it works.
Tips and Tricks.
Pitfalls and safety concerns.
Presented by:
- James David Smith, Product Designer, RC4 Wireless
- Ian Phillips, Head of Automation, Stratford Shakespeare Festival
Understanding batteries is an important step to getting the most out of any wireless system.
Wireless dimming – battery-powered, dmx-controlled, completely untethered lighting in props, sets, and costumes – has made its way into hundreds of productions in recent years. Similarly, wireless DMX has pushed moving lights and other fixtures into unusual positions in the house; touring shows are setting up faster than ever; and portable churches have never been so portable.
A new and exciting extension of these technologies is wireless motion – battery powered motorized set pieces – controlled either from your automation system, or by handheld remote control. In some respects, many of the same issues apply: communication of control messages with the same reliability, speed, and resolution we are accustomed to with tethered devices; proper selection and maintenance of batteries; and safety issues related to low voltages at high currents.
Motion also introduces a world of new safety concerns, which will be discussed in depth in this seminar. What happens if an rf control signal is somehow interfered with? What if a component failure occurs somewhere in the control system?
James David Smith of RC4 Wireless, and Ian Phillips formerly of Shaw Festival and now Head of Automation at Stratford Festival, battle out wireless theory vs. practice as they discuss and illustrate:
Test vehicles at RC4 Wireless: Differential drive, drive/steer, and mecanum systems are all useful for wireless motion of theatrical pieces.
- digital radio-frequency technology (frequencies, bandwidth, interference)
- primary and rechargeable battery technology (NiCD, NiMH, SLA, and more)
- lamps, LEDs, motors, and other loads suitable for low-voltage systems
- safety considerations, particularly in wireless motion-control
- comparison of wireless motion for theatre with wireless motion for industry, including remote control full-size locomotives and cranes (yes — they are remote-controlled all the time!)
With a lot of ground to cover in only 75 minutes, this is a fast-paced session. Questions are openly invited throughout – we are happy to steer our content towards the needs and interests of attendees.
If you are considering the application of wireless technology in a future production, or are interested in new ways to use the wireless technology you already own, this is a valuable session for you.
For more information about USITT Stage Expo 2011, please visit:
http://www.usitt.org/Conference.aspx
For more information about RC4 Wireless, please visit:
https://rc4wireless.com/