Idiot-proof low fog machine

[Stuart91]

It's coming up to that time of year again, so we have a few requests in for low fog machines. Previously we have used the Antari ICE-101 but we have consistent problems with them breaking, usually depressingly quickly. Most of the problems are jammed pumps which can be replaced, but it's irritating to have to do so on every second outing.

 

Of course, since the machines are being dry-hired to DJs and amdrams, there's not much we can do to ensure that they're shut down properly etc. However, Unique hazers have run happily for years on end without any problems, despite similar abuse.

 

I'd happily pay a little more for something that will work consistently. The actual quality and volume of output from the Antari machines has been satisfactory for the purposes so far, and we have to stick with ice-cooled machines because CO2 (either pellets or cylinders for cooling) isn't going to be feasible for these kinds of jobs.

 

I've had a bit of a dig around, and whilst there are lots of rebadged versions of the Antari machine, and assorted variations on the "Mister Cool" design, I'm struggling to see anything else. Has anyone come across something worth trying out?

[ImagineerTom]

Ice cooled fog fundamentally doesn't work in the real world - it's a bodge of a bodge of a bodge; in optimum conditions with an experienced user there's a series of tricks you can use to push the idea to the limit but even then you'll still end up with something that is at best "so-so"

 

The high-end all in on units (glaciator etc) are good but seem to require a lot of maintenance and are famous for being temperamental.

 

We have a couple of Antari DNG-100's that we use as it seems to be the best all-rounder and relatively idiot-proof, but again silly operator mistakes will kill the effect dead; the unit needs a good 20min warm-up time before you should even think of throwing smoke in to it. You absolutely need to supply them paired with a very high power regular smoke machine loaded up with heavy-fog fluid, a low power machine or the wrong fluid just doesn't work - you need to produce huge volumes of fast dissipating smoke that the DNG can chill so that by the time it warms up enough to rise it has naturally dissipated & you need to plan your ducting routes carefully so that the smoke enters into relatively "still" air and not straight in to a draught.

[Stuart91]

Ice cooled fog fundamentally doesn't work in the real world - it's a bodge of a bodge of a bodge; in optimum conditions with an experienced user there's a series of tricks you can use to push the idea to the limit but even then you'll still end up with something that is at best "so-so"

 

Thanks, Tom. I agree with you - the effect from these machines isn't great and never has been, but a whole variety of customers have been happy with it and have hired repeatedly. If they don't get them from me, they'll get them from somewhere else (and potentially take the rest of the job too) so it's one of these items that I have to stock, even though I'd prefer not to.

 

The DNG-100 looks good but would take a long time to make its money back at the sort of rental rate that customers will cope with at this end of the market.

 

A more robust version of the Antari form factor for a bit more money would be ideal, but I'm beginning to think that such a thing does not exist...

[ImagineerTom]

It does not exist because with the Antari unit you're already pushing the concept to its very limits.

 

Second hand DNG'a pop up on auction sites fairly often as non theatre people don't really understand what they are and so flog them off cheap- you'll pick one up for a grand without too much difficulty